Details
Author: Chris Cameron, Marie Rowan
Published: 14 May 2014
Synopsis
The development of the benefit game over the years is also examined. We look at the importance and appeal that testimonial matches have for the supporters. We have interviewed both fans and players past and present to get their views on the changing nature of the benefit game as its original object was simply to come to the aid of players unable to work through injury when playing football. We ask how they feel when it is simply used to swell the bank balance of millionaire players.
We also record the dedicated fans’ memories, both amusing and sometimes poignant, of games they have seen. Many matches, both high profile or contentious, those notable for behaviour both on and off the field, or even just the impossibly skilful, have been chosen to illustrate the appeal of the game for the fans.
*Marie Rowan’s obsession with the early days of Celtic’s history resulted in the best-seller Dan Doyle – The Life and Death of a Wild Rover telling the fascinating, explosive life-story of one of the earliest Celtic greats. She has also co-written with David Potter the mammoth book 125 Years of Competitive Games’ for Celtic FC as the club commemorated its 125th anniversary.
Review
(review by joebloggscity)
When you think about it, this is so obvious a subject for a book on Celtic that it’s surprising that it was never done before. So full credit to the dual authors of this short look back on our club’s history for testimonials. Celtic is the most invited side in the UK for testimonials, and possibly the world. So this topic has some substance to it.
One thing that becomes apparent is that It has to be noted that some things haven’t changed, testimonials still seem to enrage those who revel in mock outrage, and this book clearly shows that. To the delight of the reader, the authors where possible attempt to give the reader an idea of the changing position of the testimonial over the history of our club. From what was once a vaulted part of the calendar that led to some major implications for football, it became a a highly respected set of fixtures but then declined to now a very much devalued and belittled spectacle. Still there are various stories to tell.
The problem is that the book hits a glass ceiling with its aims, as testimonials are little documented compared to the main matches so there can be little to write or expand upon. For a long tract of the book you get quite a dry spell of little more than team line ups and goals which is of little value.
This is resolved very much in the latter part of the book when one of the authors recalls his personal experiences of testimonials he has attended over the years. In these you get more entertatining anecdotes but not necessarily any substantial insight. Maybe it proves that testimonials are just that, nothing substantial and a personal bit of fun.
There are various good stories, but it will likely be of interest only to the more dedicated Celtic history buff. There’s just not enough analysis or opinion in part to give this much weight.
For such a nominal price, it’s fine. As with other ebooks, there are various editing errors (e.g. spelling, grammar and a few facts), but not enough to derail the book.
It’s a fine book, but struggles with the limitations imposed by the subject in hand.
However, Marie Rowan has shown with the Dan Doyle book and this one, that she will tackle old topics and give them a fresh lick of paint and I look forward to the next ones to come. Keep it going.
Product Details
- Format: Kindle Edition
- File Size: 332 KB
- Print Length: 156 pages
- Simultaneous Device Usage: Unlimited
- Publisher: Moira Brown (14 May 2014)
- Sold by:Amazon Media EU S.à r.l.
- Language: English
- ASIN: B00KCWVU9G
Links
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