Christopher Beesley's meticulously crafted book "Spirit of the Blues" is more than just a sports memoir—it's a love letter to Everton Football Club and the hallowed grounds of Goodison Park. As the Liverpool Echo's dedicated Everton reporter, Beesley brings 25 years of journalistic expertise to an intimate exploration of the club's most cherished moments.
Spanning 133 years of football history, the book arrives at a poignant moment—Goodison Park's final season before the club's move to Bramley-Moore Dock. Beesley doesn't just chronicle matches; he resurrects memories, breathing life into legendary moments that have defined Everton's rich sporting heritage.
For football enthusiasts, the narrative offers a wealth of information. From the electrifying 3-1 victory over Bayern Munich to the thunderous 5-0 demolition of Manchester United in the 1984/85 season, Beesley captures the raw emotion and strategic brilliance that have made Everton a cornerstone of English football.
What sets this book apart is its remarkable depth. Beesley doesn't merely recount scores—he explores the human stories behind them. The section on Dixie Dean, English football's greatest goalscorer, is particularly compelling. Landmark moments like Wayne Rooney's first Premier League goal and the dramatic Merseyside derby victories are rendered with journalistic precision and passionate storytelling.
The book also doesn't shy away from the quirky and unexpected. Readers will be delighted by anecdotes like Sylvester Stallone's Hollywood cameo at Goodison and the extraordinary story of Sam Chedgzoy forcing a change in the corner-kick rule.
With a foreword by Everton's most successful captain, Kevin Ratcliffe, and covering everything from the first floodlit match to the final game in 2025, this book is an essential read for any football fan. It's not just a record of matches—it's a celebration of community, passion, and the enduring spirit of a football club deeply rooted in its history.
Beesley has created more than a book; he's crafted a time capsule that will preserve Goodison Park's legacy for generations to come.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 Delivered to You 1st Week, August 2025
Some publishers release new titles early, so our ETA above could change.
Published: July 28, 2025
Price: £18.99
Hardcover: 320 pages
ISBN-10: 1836801637
ISBN-13: 9781836801634
Dimensions: 240 x 160 (mm)
