Forgotten Football Clubs: Fifty Teams Across the World, Gone but Never Forgotten

by Philip O’Rourke

Football brings joy to people across the world, and it evokes memories and nostalgia about past glories and events. When a football club folds, these memories and nostalgic moments are often all that is left. Forgotten Football Clubs uncovers the stories of clubs that have vanished, revealing their history, their successes and their ultimate failures. Some of the clubs were founded in the 19th century and lived for more than 100 years, while others only lasted a few years, but each one has an interesting backstory. Author Philip O'Rourke interviewed fans and experts from the teams' respective countries to find out why they disappeared and how it happened. Along the way, he analyses their results, what honours they won and casts a spotlight on their key players, managers and any controversies. The book unearths a diverse range of tales, transporting us from Asia to South America and from Europe to Africa. With such an eclectic mix, these are stories for football fans young and old.

Genres: Sports, Football

256 pages, Hardcover

First published February 6, 2023

Reviews

[Paul Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and informative read about some of the many football clubs that have unfortunately fallen by the wayside. Some I was aware of, others I had never heard of, but Philip goes into detail about the club's history and the events that caused the club's demise, and there are a few different circumstances surrounding the various clubs.

Altogether a very good read and well researched by the author.

[Charlotte Patterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating read which delves into the plethora of wonderful, tragic, interesting and inspiring stories of football clubs across the world who have left their mark in some way. A good eclectic mix of teams from various leagues, origins and time in history. I found myself having to read up about each club after each chapter to learn more (if possible). I love to learn and uncover new teams and stories of clubs, so this book was right up my alley. You can tell that O’Rourke has done his due diligence in terms of researching, finding, describing, analysing and trying to get the input of those who know the clubs well, in order to truly convey these teams in the correct way.

Can’t recommend enough and also check out the Forgotten Clubs podcast too!

[Mac · Rating 2 out of 5]

Clearly a passion project but I just could not maintain interest. Mostly a procession of league results. Interviews sometimes added a bit but not as much as you'd hope.