Forgotten Football Clubs of Great Britain and Ireland: Gone But Never Forgotten

There's something deeply poignant about lost football clubs. They're more than just defunct businesses or abandoned stadiums—they're vanished communities, scattered memories, and stories that deserve to be told. In his new book "Forgotten Football Clubs of Great Britain and Ireland: Gone But Never Forgotten," Philip O'Rourke takes on the role of sporting archaeologist, carefully unearthing the remains of fifty clubs that time nearly forgot.
O'Rourke's second book is a masterwork of sports archaeology. Each chapter feels like opening a time capsule, with the author skilfully weaving together match reports, old photographs, and firsthand accounts to resurrect these lost institutions. The result is both a vital historical document and a compelling narrative that will captivate anyone interested in football's rich tapestry.
The book's greatest strength lies in its human touch. O'Rourke doesn't just recite dates and statistics, though these are meticulously researched but brings to life the people who made these clubs special. The story of George Best's unlikely spell at a League of Ireland side reads like a film script, while the tale of Wanderers FC's FA Cup triumph transports us to football's Victorian origins.
Some of the most fascinating sections deal with clubs whose influence extended far beyond their eventual fate. The chapter on Corinthians, for instance, reveals how an amateur club from England left an indelible mark on global football, their ethos and style inspiring teams across continents. Similarly, the account of Renton FC, once self-proclaimed world champions, serves as a reminder that football greatness can be fleeting.
O'Rourke's research is impressive, drawing from archives, contemporary newspapers, and interviews with former players, supporters, and local historians. The book benefits greatly from these firsthand accounts, which add colour and authenticity to the historical narrative. Particularly moving are the interviews with elderly fans who still speak of "their" club in the present tense, decades after its dissolution.
Yet this isn't just a nostalgic journey. O'Rourke uses these historical examples to raise pertinent questions about modern football. As we read about the demise of Drumcondra AFC—a team that once competed in Europe but now exists only at amateur level – it's impossible not to think about current clubs facing financial difficulties. The book serves as both a celebration of these lost institutions and a warning about the fragility of football clubs, even those with proud histories. 
The writing style is accessible yet authoritative, striking a perfect balance between scholarly rigour and narrative engagement. O'Rourke is gifted in finding the telling detail or illuminating anecdote that brings each story to life. His description of Druids FC's Welsh Cup final appearance, for instance, captures both the historical significance and the human drama of the occasion.
If there's one minor criticism, it's that some readers might wish for more detailed analysis of the economic and social factors that led to these clubs' demise. However, this is more than compensated for by the depth of historical detail and the quality of the storytelling.
"Forgotten Football Clubs" is an essential addition to any serious football library. It's a reminder that behind every lost club lies a community's story, and that these stories deserve to be remembered. O'Rourke has done these forgotten institutions—and the sport itself—a great service by preserving their memories in such engaging detail. 
The hardcover edition, released in July 2025, is beautifully produced, with high-quality photographs and illustrations that complement the text perfectly. It's a fitting tribute to the clubs whose stories it preserves, and a must-read for anyone interested in football history. Rating: ★★★★½ out of ★★★★★
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 Delivered to You First Week, August 2025 
Some publishers release new titles early, so our ETA above could change.
Published: July 28, 2025
Price: £19.99
Hardcover: 320 pages
ISBN-10: 1801509638
ISBN-13: 978-1801509633
Dimensions: 222 x 144 (mm)