Out of Our League: Defunct and ex-Football League Teams - Second Edition

Author: Dave Moore
Format: Hardback - A4 Size
Price: £25
Publication date: December 2023
ISBN: 978-1-987860-53-5
Pages: 440
International Orders: Please email for delivery costs

"Out of Our League: Defunct and ex-Football League Teams - Second Edition" is the ultimate guide for football supporters and soccer historians as it contains information about every football team that has ever graced the Football League but no longer does so. It explains why the teams left the League and gives details of their League, FA Cup and League Cup records. Notable players and managers are mentioned along with club records and individual player statistics.

Each team has a history section which covers their progress from being founded to their eventual demise at the loss of their Football League status. New teams included in the Second Edition are: Bury, Chesterfield Town, Chesterfield, Hartlepool United, Oldham Athletic, Rochdale, Scunthorpe United, Southend United, Yeovil Town and York City.

The rise of subsequent Phoenix Teams are mentioned and their progress is followed. The author has toured England and Wales to record what is left of these clubs and has scoured the country for photographs of the teams, their grounds and mementos.

The publication is littered with photos and most clubs have a hand-drawn map of their former and/or current grounds to indicate where they were situated. This gives aficionados an opportunity to visit the sites and to experience a journey back in time. Many followers of the game still think that football was better when it was still a working man's game and this book allows such memories to flood back. The publication is currently updated to the 2023/24 season. This really is the 'Bible' of ex-Football League teams.

Reviews:
“This is a great read with plenty of historical facts and great photos to reminisce over. It will entertain all football fans, not just those with an interest in the teams contained within.” Tony Waiters (ex- Blackpool, Burnley and England goalkeeper and former manager of Plymouth Argyle, Vancouver Whitecaps and the Canadian international team).

“It is clear that Dave Moore is an Oldham Athletic supporter. In fact it is this fanaticism that has helped to create this wonderful book on football clubs we have lost but not forgotten. Because of his dedication, research and enthusiasm, to say least of his vast knowledge of the game that these clubs will always be remembered. He has travelled the length and breadth of the British Isles following his beloved Oldham to many of these grounds and has also undertaken journeys just to visit far-flung places - a true football fan. Some clubs will rise from the ashes whilst others are gone forever but thanks to this book, with its images, they will always be there! I have visited many of these myself and love the diversity that was the individual football ground which, sadly, is not the same today. It is a must for all genuine football fans who love the game for its unique self. I enjoyed reading it and so will any follower of the beautiful game!” Rick Holden (former Burnley, Halifax, Watford, Oldham, Manchester City and Blackpool player; former manager of Peel AFC and the Isle of Man international team).

“A searching look at the development and history of our forgotten communities, the football clubs that brought a working class together on match days. It's too easy to forget the past with the development of modern stadiums and new leagues but this book again provides the reader with fascinating facts and history of our game.” Andy Barlow (PFA Regional Coach, Yorkshire and former Oldham Athletic, Blackpool and Rochdale player).

“An excellent reference as well as an interesting read. This book fills a void by providing an important record of the history of football.” Neil Redfearn (Former player and ex-manager of Halifax Town, Scarborough, Northwich Victoria, York City, Leeds United and Rotherham United).