Book review: Basingstoke Town FC, by Liam Harding

Basingstoke Town FC – The team for me!, by Liam Harding; price: £25

Liam Harding’s passion and enthusiasm for football is clear to see in his recently published book.

Although it’s called Basingstoke Town FC – The team for me!, it’s actually about much more than his beloved local Non-League side.

Football diary

Harding is the great-grandson of legendary former Arsenal striker and Chelsea manager Ted Drake.

With the family connection, it’s no great surprise that he’s also an Arsenal fan. He moreover follows a Hampshire Football League club in Southampton.

In the book, he covers the games he’s been to and his personal experiences from grass-roots to Premier League – and all in between.

It’s done in a season-by-season format and is pretty much a diary of his football life.

There are plenty of amusing tales, not least from when he was matchday announcer for Basingstoke.

Having acquired a sports journalism degree, this book has been another learning curve for Harding, who is still in his early 20s.

It could have been a bit shorter and sharper, but it’s difficult to argue when it’s a labour of love.

John Lyons

Rating: 7/10

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