We’re joined today by Dave Proudlove, author of When the Circus Leaves Town: What Happens When Football Leaves Home. He writes a weekly column for the North Staffordshire daily newspaper The Sentinel, and was also a regular contributor to the former Stoke City fanzine Duck. He’s a contributor to the Forgotten Football Clubs blog, and regularly collaborates with artists and other writers.

Dave’s new book, which comes out next Monday, is a fascinating examination of the roots of some of English football's most famous clubs, and how the relationship between industrial communities and football clubs still survives at a local level throughout the semi-professional and grassroots game. Clubs from all over the country are included, including Cheadle Heath Nomads, one of County’s non-league neighbours. Dave’s kindly provided us with an exclusive extract.

https://thescarfmyfatherwore.substack.com/p/work-and-play-the-industrial-roots