Punk Football: The Rise of Fan Ownership in English Football

by Jim Keoghan

Punk Football tells the story of how supporters have made the incredible journey from the terraces to the boardroom. Initially intrigued by the rise of AFC Wimbledon, the supporter-owned club set up after Wimbledon FC’s relocation to Milton Keynes, Jim Keoghan was drawn into a world in which ordinary fans have started new clubs, taken a stake in those they once followed, and sometimes saved clubs from disappearing altogether. The fan-ownership movement has touched every echelon of the game, challenging the private model that has dominated soccer for over a century. There have been highs and lows, successes and failures, but through it all the dogged determination of fans to be more than paying customers has shone through. Regarded as a revolutionary force in modern sport, the story of Punk Football is one that will appeal to every fan who has ever thought, “I could run this club better myself.”

Genres: Football, Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published April 23, 2014

Reviews

[Jachin Heckman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perfectly lays out the case for fan ownership in sports. I like that it doesn't couch it in any radical language. It is essentially arguing for the beginning steps of a socialist/Communist sports leagues, but it doesn't use any of that rhetoric. I don't think the author even gets how radical what he is suggesting is. Because these ideas are actually just the most common sense, and when removed from the context of radicalization they are far less controversial.

[Kay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched book into the rise of fan ownership, concentrating on English football but looking at European leagues as well. It doesn't sugarcoat the whole scenario, ensuring that it be known that it is not an easy ride and not without problems.

Ray Smillie

[Jonny Brick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essential literature about the correction direction English football should be travelling in. Very good on the origins of fan ownership in the 1990s.

[Rob · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brilliant summary of the supporters' trust movement told with a lot of charm and wit. I have reviewed it for The Two Unfortunates here .