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Surfing for England: Our Lost Socceroos
Drawing inspiration from the history of the game in our country and some older inspirational Australian football books, Surfing for England - Our Lost Socceroos looks at the players who might have or could have played for Australia but who didn't, for one reason or the other.
It starts with Craig Johnston and continues right to the current day with 'righting the wrongs' of those who did want to play for Australia but who had to fight to do so in the landmark FIFA ruling known as the 'Cahill Rule'.
The book includes eight pages of colour images highlighting some of our 'lost Socceros'.
It starts with Craig Johnston and continues right to the current day with 'righting the wrongs' of those who did want to play for Australia but who had to fight to do so in the landmark FIFA ruling known as the 'Cahill Rule'.
The book includes eight pages of colour images highlighting some of our 'lost Socceros'.
85 pages, Paperback
Published January 1, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
October 11, 2019
While a soccer book wouldn't be my first choice, this was refreshingly entertaining. Short chapters tell each story - which collectively give a piece of history not yet documented. Well written, easy read.
January 16, 2021
This rather slim monograph is not as impressive as other Australian football/soccer books I have read, and to be honest I think it is because at heart the content and subject would have been better published as a series of blogs or online articles, or perhaps even in another media format (podcast perhaps, or web-based videos). A flimsy tome that has a few intriguing chapters, I'm not sure if 'Surfing for England: Our Lost Socceroos' is going to find much appeal outside football history and literature completists.
If my critique seems too harsh then it is because I have read some great books written about Oz football and its players, and they have invariably tapped into a deeper cultural and/or historical consciousness. Plus, they have invariably been more demanding intellectually or more rigorous in their research and writing. Goldsmith has done a passably good job of chronicling and discussing the players and events, however I never felt like I was really getting more from his text than a survey of who did what, when, where, and why. The times when he did hit upon a more resonant or interesting subject he invariably left things unsaid when more information, more insights would've been welcome. As a case in point, the chapter on the so-called 'Australian taxpayer funded stars' could've included some articles or other material supporting the enmity held supposedly against Seric, Ergic and Simunic, but none were included. It also seems strange to me that in the chapter on Charlie Perkins, John Moriarty and Gordon Briscoe there are no citations from Perkins' autobiography.
To be fair there are some reasonably good sections in 'Surfing for England'. The opening chapter about the most famous 'non-Socceroo' Craig Johnston is worth a read, and the following one on Tony Dorigo arguably better (because Dorigo in many respects is nowhere near as well-known as he should be). The chapter on Dylan Tomboides is very worthy both in terms of how it approaches the Dylan's story and reflects on what could've been.
In conclusion I felt that 'Surfing For England: Our Lost Socceroos' is too slight a text. Goldsmith writes clearly and has tried his best to produce an engaging history, however the result is not as satisfying as hoped.
If my critique seems too harsh then it is because I have read some great books written about Oz football and its players, and they have invariably tapped into a deeper cultural and/or historical consciousness. Plus, they have invariably been more demanding intellectually or more rigorous in their research and writing. Goldsmith has done a passably good job of chronicling and discussing the players and events, however I never felt like I was really getting more from his text than a survey of who did what, when, where, and why. The times when he did hit upon a more resonant or interesting subject he invariably left things unsaid when more information, more insights would've been welcome. As a case in point, the chapter on the so-called 'Australian taxpayer funded stars' could've included some articles or other material supporting the enmity held supposedly against Seric, Ergic and Simunic, but none were included. It also seems strange to me that in the chapter on Charlie Perkins, John Moriarty and Gordon Briscoe there are no citations from Perkins' autobiography.
To be fair there are some reasonably good sections in 'Surfing for England'. The opening chapter about the most famous 'non-Socceroo' Craig Johnston is worth a read, and the following one on Tony Dorigo arguably better (because Dorigo in many respects is nowhere near as well-known as he should be). The chapter on Dylan Tomboides is very worthy both in terms of how it approaches the Dylan's story and reflects on what could've been.
In conclusion I felt that 'Surfing For England: Our Lost Socceroos' is too slight a text. Goldsmith writes clearly and has tried his best to produce an engaging history, however the result is not as satisfying as hoped.
March 24, 2020
Amazing to read about all the Aussie soçcer stars who, for whatever reason, didn't play for Australia. So many interesting stories. Beautifully written. Highly recommended.
October 11, 2019
What if Joe Šimunić and not poor Lucas Neill, had confronted Fabio Grosso at Kaiserslautern in the 2006 World Cup Round of 16 game against Italy? A wilier, more cunning Joe Šimunić. No pen given – surely we’d have fixed ‘em up the ten men in extra time. Jigger me Italy went on to win the comp!
I’m a sentimental old fool and this wonderful book by Jason Goldsmith allows all sorts of what if daydreams. It presents us with the stories of Australian footballers who never donned the green and gold of the Socceroos. The reasons are many and varied and Jason takes us on a ride of wonderful what ifs; of head scratching why nots. Not just of players who were simply missed by ‘the system’, but others who weren’t missed at all yet, despite being born and raised in Australia, chose to play for the country of their parents’ birth.
It is intriguing to ponder on why, say, Joe Skoko and Mark Viduka pinned their colours to Australia’s mast whilst Joe Šimunić and Anthony Šerić chose Croatia. All born and raised in Australia; all graduates of the Australian Institute of Sport. So how’s about that then?!
And let’s not even talk about Christina Vieri – unarguably one of Italy’s best strikers of all time and fancies himself as a cricketer. Not born in Australia but eminently eligible had the cards played that way. Sorry, I just did talk about him.
You are bound to read this book and find yourself uttering the words, ‘Well, I never knew that.’ This is a testament to both Jason’s enthusiasm for the subject and the assiduousness of his research.
The stories range from the simple, ‘I was never asked,’ of Daniel Georgievski (Champions League at club level and 22 full caps for Macedonia), to the heartbreakingly sad story of Dylan Tombides. The West Australian was looking like a Premier League player in the making at West Ham. He had already played under age internationals, but before he could make the senior grade he was cruelly cut down by testicular cancer. Agonisingly so by a diagnosis that came too late.
It is hard not to draw a connection with the recent squad announcement for the Joeys that will go to Brazil for the Under 17s World Cup this month. With the fact of several Europe based, eligible players overlooked in mind, reading Jason’s book will leave you asking, ‘Have we still not learned our lesson?’
In this regard there is a very telling passage in the book that recounts the story of Joey Didulica. Geelong born and bred and played for Ajax (yes, that’s right one of the great European clubs) in Eredvisie and the UEFA Champions League. See, I told you that you would say, ‘Well, I never knew that.’ Joey represented Australia with the Olyroos (Under 23s), but chose Croatia at full international level. In part Joey’s story is one of his strong allegiance to his Croatian heritage. However, Jason recounts Joey telling him how he was courted by the Croatian national team – how they were ‘… very persuasive. They took you out to dinner, they called you up every game and were really on top of it … That was what you want as a player. Everybody wants to feel like they’re special.’ Object lesson right there, in my opinion, for Australia’s national team set up at all levels.
Given the overall theme and premise of the book the title is a ripper. Maybe it was one those books where you start with a title. Way back when Jason first came across Craig Johnston’s response when asked by George Negus, ‘Why didn’t you play for Australia?’. Answer: ‘That would be like surfing for England.’ Maybe Jason thought, ‘Skippy has put his finger on something there. How many more surfers were there?’
The book is an intriguing, compelling read with all the stories of players who missed or were missed. However, it also informs us that Aussies playing in Europe and never playing for the Socceroos is not new. Many players went there in the 1950s and several Aboriginal players among them too. In the simplest of terms this book makes a valuable contribution to our knowledge of Australian football and its history. For that alone it is a must read for Australian football fans.
I’m a sentimental old fool and this wonderful book by Jason Goldsmith allows all sorts of what if daydreams. It presents us with the stories of Australian footballers who never donned the green and gold of the Socceroos. The reasons are many and varied and Jason takes us on a ride of wonderful what ifs; of head scratching why nots. Not just of players who were simply missed by ‘the system’, but others who weren’t missed at all yet, despite being born and raised in Australia, chose to play for the country of their parents’ birth.
It is intriguing to ponder on why, say, Joe Skoko and Mark Viduka pinned their colours to Australia’s mast whilst Joe Šimunić and Anthony Šerić chose Croatia. All born and raised in Australia; all graduates of the Australian Institute of Sport. So how’s about that then?!
And let’s not even talk about Christina Vieri – unarguably one of Italy’s best strikers of all time and fancies himself as a cricketer. Not born in Australia but eminently eligible had the cards played that way. Sorry, I just did talk about him.
You are bound to read this book and find yourself uttering the words, ‘Well, I never knew that.’ This is a testament to both Jason’s enthusiasm for the subject and the assiduousness of his research.
The stories range from the simple, ‘I was never asked,’ of Daniel Georgievski (Champions League at club level and 22 full caps for Macedonia), to the heartbreakingly sad story of Dylan Tombides. The West Australian was looking like a Premier League player in the making at West Ham. He had already played under age internationals, but before he could make the senior grade he was cruelly cut down by testicular cancer. Agonisingly so by a diagnosis that came too late.
It is hard not to draw a connection with the recent squad announcement for the Joeys that will go to Brazil for the Under 17s World Cup this month. With the fact of several Europe based, eligible players overlooked in mind, reading Jason’s book will leave you asking, ‘Have we still not learned our lesson?’
In this regard there is a very telling passage in the book that recounts the story of Joey Didulica. Geelong born and bred and played for Ajax (yes, that’s right one of the great European clubs) in Eredvisie and the UEFA Champions League. See, I told you that you would say, ‘Well, I never knew that.’ Joey represented Australia with the Olyroos (Under 23s), but chose Croatia at full international level. In part Joey’s story is one of his strong allegiance to his Croatian heritage. However, Jason recounts Joey telling him how he was courted by the Croatian national team – how they were ‘… very persuasive. They took you out to dinner, they called you up every game and were really on top of it … That was what you want as a player. Everybody wants to feel like they’re special.’ Object lesson right there, in my opinion, for Australia’s national team set up at all levels.
Given the overall theme and premise of the book the title is a ripper. Maybe it was one those books where you start with a title. Way back when Jason first came across Craig Johnston’s response when asked by George Negus, ‘Why didn’t you play for Australia?’. Answer: ‘That would be like surfing for England.’ Maybe Jason thought, ‘Skippy has put his finger on something there. How many more surfers were there?’
The book is an intriguing, compelling read with all the stories of players who missed or were missed. However, it also informs us that Aussies playing in Europe and never playing for the Socceroos is not new. Many players went there in the 1950s and several Aboriginal players among them too. In the simplest of terms this book makes a valuable contribution to our knowledge of Australian football and its history. For that alone it is a must read for Australian football fans.
January 8, 2020
A must for any Socceroos fan. If you wept at the MCG after Iran scored their second in 1997, or after Italy's penalty in 2006, you'll probably cry over the spilt milk that this book uncovers. Oh, what could've been.
Each story here is short, accessible, very well researched - you can pick it up for a story or two and come back to it days later. If you're a fan, you'll know a bit about Johnston, Dorigo and Vieri... you'll still find plenty of interest as the book busts some myths on that front. The chapter on Seric, Ergic and Simunic raises some interesting questions about allegiance (or 'portable' loyalty, as Ron Barassi framed it, to borrow from another code). But there are some stories here you might not know; the chapter on our indigenous stars - Charlie Perkins, who knew? - was a highlight and a real eye-opener for me.
What I probably didn't expect to see here was such historical breadth. There are stories from the 1950s here, and they sit comfortably alongside stories from recent history.
In short, it's such a clever premise for a book, and the subject is handled very well.
Each story here is short, accessible, very well researched - you can pick it up for a story or two and come back to it days later. If you're a fan, you'll know a bit about Johnston, Dorigo and Vieri... you'll still find plenty of interest as the book busts some myths on that front. The chapter on Seric, Ergic and Simunic raises some interesting questions about allegiance (or 'portable' loyalty, as Ron Barassi framed it, to borrow from another code). But there are some stories here you might not know; the chapter on our indigenous stars - Charlie Perkins, who knew? - was a highlight and a real eye-opener for me.
What I probably didn't expect to see here was such historical breadth. There are stories from the 1950s here, and they sit comfortably alongside stories from recent history.
In short, it's such a clever premise for a book, and the subject is handled very well.
October 13, 2019
Surfing for England is a clever and thought provoking book. The central storyline highlights the history of players that never quite played for the Socceroos for one reason or another.
There are superstars like Craig Johnstone, whose magnificent career in England never allowed for national team honours. Christian Vieri's glittering Serie A and Italian national team career despite listing Allan Border as his favourite sportsperson. And the story of how Tim Cahill nearly didnt make it on to the Socceroos program due to a visit to his grandmother.
The incredible range of content spans 60-70 years of Australian football history. The hard luck stories of early indigenous stars like Charlie Perkins. Pioneers of playing overseas like Ken Grieves, the tragic story of Dylan Tombides and the incredible amount of Australian born talent that played for other nations.
Surfing for England is a great read. A real page turner. The author's easy writing style and incredible knowledge of the subject matter makes for a compelling book.
There are superstars like Craig Johnstone, whose magnificent career in England never allowed for national team honours. Christian Vieri's glittering Serie A and Italian national team career despite listing Allan Border as his favourite sportsperson. And the story of how Tim Cahill nearly didnt make it on to the Socceroos program due to a visit to his grandmother.
The incredible range of content spans 60-70 years of Australian football history. The hard luck stories of early indigenous stars like Charlie Perkins. Pioneers of playing overseas like Ken Grieves, the tragic story of Dylan Tombides and the incredible amount of Australian born talent that played for other nations.
Surfing for England is a great read. A real page turner. The author's easy writing style and incredible knowledge of the subject matter makes for a compelling book.
May 1, 2020
What a great idea for a book. This delves into uncharted territory, bringing together a series of stories about the players who could and should have played for Australia, but for one reason or another it wasn't to be. Some great writing in a thoroughly researched book. Looking forward to more interesting titles in the future.
October 13, 2019
I found Surfing for England to be a fascinating read.
Having grown up a passionate Socceroos supporter along with my close ties to the English football leagues due to my own family background I actually thought I had some idea regarding the issues and challenges of retaining and attracting talent to our national team.
After reading this book I was amazed at how little I did know. Surfing for England cleverly takes you on a journey spanning many years uncovering a whole range of reasons as to why we lost so many extremely talented individuals elsewhere who ultimately never played the great game for the Socceroos.
From start to finish this book is to the point, easy to read and very informative. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it highly.
Having grown up a passionate Socceroos supporter along with my close ties to the English football leagues due to my own family background I actually thought I had some idea regarding the issues and challenges of retaining and attracting talent to our national team.
After reading this book I was amazed at how little I did know. Surfing for England cleverly takes you on a journey spanning many years uncovering a whole range of reasons as to why we lost so many extremely talented individuals elsewhere who ultimately never played the great game for the Socceroos.
From start to finish this book is to the point, easy to read and very informative. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend it highly.
October 13, 2019
A must read for all Australian football and Socceroo fans. It's bitter sweet at times - the various sliding doors that closed in our faces - but always a fantastic read which really digs deep into the stories behind some of the finest footballers ever to come out of Australia. Craig Johnston, Tony Dorigo, Josip Simunic (to name a few)... All of these guys could have pulled on the Socceroos' jersey (imagine the '06 World Cup team with Simunic in it!) but chose, or felt obliged not to. This book really sets the record straight. Sprinkled throughout are the various head scratching failings of administration within the ASF/FFA. It's a fascinating account of a hitherto untold part of Australia's football history. Well worth the read.
October 24, 2019
I love short stories and this book is a collection of fantastic short stories that together give us an insight into the bigger picture of Australian football (soccer). I thought I knew quite a bit about soccer in Australia but it turns out, I don't. There is so much more for me to learn and this was a great way to do it. Goldsmith has managed to give us a much needed history lesson while also giving us a small window into the life of players, their challenges, their successes and their personalities. Each chapter drew me in, I think I need more!
October 18, 2019
Fun and insightful read.
I can't think of such an in depth exploration on "what might have been" as far as Socceroos that have slipped through the net.
As a local football tragic there were a lot of stories here that I'd never heard previously and it's evident that the current regime have learnt from the administrative ineptitude of the past.
Obviously painstakingly researched it's definitely worth a read for any fan of the world game here in Australia.
October 19, 2019
Interesting insight on Australian soccer from Jason Goldsmith with his take on the "Lost Socceroos". From the ones that couldn't, to the ones that wouldn't, play for their home country - Surfing for England tells the stories of these players in an engaging and informative way. Recommend.
October 14, 2019
While I'm not really one for soccer, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Easy to read and really interesting tales of adversity and achievement in each chapter. A cracker read.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews