In a time when football headlines are dominated by billion-dollar takeovers and Super League schemes, Jonathan Allsopp's "This Thing of Ours" serves as a refreshing reminder of the potential of the beautiful game when it is in the hands of its most passionate supporters: the fans.
The timing of this book couldn't be more perfect. Released in May 2025, it chronicles a remarkable year in FC United of Manchester's history, including their stunning victory in the 2024 Fenix Trophy, making them the only English side to win European silverware that year. But this isn't just a story about trophy cabinets and match results—it's about something far more profound.
Allsopp, who has spent eight years as a volunteer board reporter documenting over 80 board meetings, brings an insider's perspective that few could match. His position as both chronicler and co-owner gives him unique insight into the daily workings of England's largest wholly fan-owned football club. Through his eyes, we see how a radical idea born from protest in 2005 has blossomed into a viable alternative to modern football's excesses.
The book's greatest strength lies in its detailed exploration of how FC United navigates the challenging waters of modern football while staying true to its founding principles. Allsopp doesn't shy away from the difficulties of running a fan-owned club in turbulent economic times. Instead, he shows how collective ownership can work when supported by genuine community engagement and unwavering principles.
Particularly fascinating is his examination of FC United's "club night in the afternoon" culture, which offers an alternative to the sanitized, corporate matchday experience that has become commonplace in modern football. These pre-match gatherings emerge as microcosms of what makes FC United special—a place where community trumps commerce, and where football serves as a catalyst for genuine human connection.
The author's accounting background lends valuable perspective to the financial sections, making complex budget discussions accessible without losing their importance. His writing style strikes a perfect balance between passionate fan and objective observer, allowing readers to understand both the emotional and practical aspects of fan ownership.
What elevates "This Thing of Ours" above a simple sports book is its broader implications for football's future. Through FC United's story, Allsopp presents a compelling case for fan ownership as more than just a protest movement—it's a viable model for sustainable football clubs that serve their communities while remaining competitive on the pitch.
Twenty years after its founding, FC United has proven the sceptics wrong. Those who said it would be "all over by Christmas" back in 2005 have been forced to reconsider their stance. The club's 2024 European success perfectly punctuates this chapter of their story, proving that principled resistance to football's commercialisation doesn't have to sacrifice sporting achievement.
This book isn't just for FC United supporters or Manchester United refugees—it's essential reading for anyone concerned about football's future. Allsopp has crafted a thoughtful, engaging chronicle that serves as both a historical document and a blueprint for hope. In an age where football seems increasingly disconnected from its roots, "This Thing of Ours" reminds us that there is another way—one built on democracy, community, and the simple joy of the game itself.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 Delivered to You Last Week, May 2025
Some publishers release new titles early, so our ETA above could change.Published: May 12, 2025Price: £18.99 Hardcover: 288 pagesISBN-10: 1836801378ISBN-13: 978-1836801375Dimensions: 222 x 144 (mm)
