There's something deeply nostalgic about flipping through the pages of football history, especially when it chronicles the European nights that made stadiums buzz with electricity and hope. Paul Joannou's "The Grand Tour" does exactly that for Newcastle United, capturing the magic of those floodlit evenings when the Magpies took flight across the continent.
As the club's official historian, Joannou brings an insider's perspective to this lavishly illustrated chronicle of Newcastle's first 100 European matches. But the work isn't just a dry collection of match reports and statistics. Instead, it's a vivid journey through time, from the club's trophy-winning European debut in 1968-69 to the more recent campaigns under the stewardship of Sir Bobby Robson and Graeme Souness.
The book's greatest strength lies in its ability to weave together the grand narrative of Newcastle's European adventures with intimate details that bring each match to life. Joannou's extensive research shines through as he recounts how the Toon Army witnessed their heroes battle against football royalty — the likes of Francesco Totti, Alessandro Del Piero, Rivaldo, and Luis Figo. These encounters are more than just games; they're cultural exchanges, with Newcastle fans travelling to some of Europe's most iconic stadiums and cities.
Particularly compelling is the coverage of the memorable victory in Budapest and the swashbuckling era of Kevin Keegan's "Entertainers." These sections capture not just the football but the spirit of adventure that European competition brought to Tyneside. The author's personal connection to the club – having followed Newcastle for over four decades – adds an authentic voice to the narrative that fans will appreciate.
However, what sets "The Grand Tour" apart from typical sports books is its appreciation of context. Joannou understands that European nights meant more than just football; they represented Newcastle's place on the continental stage— a chance for a proud northern English city to showcase itself to Europe. The book deftly handles this broader cultural significance while never losing sight of the drama on the pitch.
The physical presentation of the book deserves special mention. The illustrated format does justice to the material, with photographs that capture both the grand spectacle of European nights and intimate moments that might otherwise be lost to time. The layout and production values reflect the publisher's commitment to creating something worthy of space on any fan's bookshelf.
If there's any criticism to be made, it might be that casual readers without a connection to Newcastle United find the level of detail overwhelming at times. However, this book serves as a tribute to the Toon Army and their European adventures, not for them.
"The Grand Tour" is more than just a sports book; it's a historical document that preserves a crucial part of Newcastle United's heritage. For supporters of the club, it's an essential addition to their collection. For others interested in football history, it offers a fascinating glimpse into how European competition has shaped English football over the decades.
Whether you're a fervent supporter of Newcastle United or simply appreciate well-researched sports history, Joannou's work serves as a valuable reference and an engaging read. It stands as a testament to those nights when St James' Park echoed with European dreams, and the black and white stripes of Newcastle United flew proudly across the continent.
For those interested in acquiring this piece of Newcastle United history, the original hardback edition from 2006 can be found on various second-hand book sites. Here at Soccerbooks, we have reached out to the publisher regarding the upcoming paperback edition, seeking clarification on potential content updates and cover design changes. We'll keep our readers informed of any developments regarding this new edition.Royal Mail Tracked 48. Publisher: Visit Mainstream Publishing Co Ltd
Published: ????Price: £????Paperback: 320 pagesISBN-10: 1788216830ISBN-13: 978-1845963156
