Everton F.C. 1951-1971: Through the pages of Charles Buchan's Football Monthly

This 2021 compilation from Charles Buchan's Football Monthly is more than just a book for any true football enthusiast, especially those who are devoted Everton fans—it's a portal to an era when football was raw, authentic, and gloriously muddy.
Drawing from one of the most influential football publications of its time, this 187-page collection captures two decades of Everton's rich history through contemporary eyes. The timing couldn't be more significant, as the magazine itself launched in September 1951, making this collection a complete chronicle from the publication's very inception.
What makes this book particularly special is its visual feast of full-color photographs, capturing moments that defined an era when football was transforming into the modern game we know today. The images of packed terraces, mud-caked pitches, and players who became legends tell stories that statistics alone never could.
The book's coverage of Dave Hickson is particularly poignant. Known as "The Cannonball Kid," Hickson made his debut for Everton in September 1951, just as the magazine was finding its feet, and his journey from Division Two to becoming a club icon is beautifully documented through both words and images.
The narrative reaches its crescendo with the Alan Ball era, featuring one of Everton's most celebrated players. Ball's contribution to the club's success, particularly as part of the famous "Holy Trinity" midfield that drove Everton to the 1969-70 league title, is captured in vivid detail through both contemporary reporting and stunning photography.
What sets this collection apart is its authenticity. These aren't retrospective accounts written with the benefit of hindsight—they're real-time reports and features that capture the excitement, disappointment, and triumph as they happened. The contemporary nature of the reporting provides an unfiltered window into how these moments were perceived at the time, making it an invaluable historical document.
For modern fans, the book offers a fascinating glimpse into how football journalism itself evolved. Charles Buchan's Football Monthly was launched with the mission "to provide a publication worthy of our national game and the grand sportsmen who play and watch it," and this collection demonstrates how well they achieved that aim.
The only minor drawback might be that younger readers might need additional context to fully appreciate some of the cultural references and historical significance of certain moments. However, this disadvantage is more than compensated for by the rich visual storytelling and the depth of the contemporary reporting.
This book is more than just a nostalgia trip—it's a beautifully curated time capsule that captures the essence of a transformative period in Everton's history. For supporters who experienced this era, it will evoke a flood of memories. For younger fans, it offers an authentic glimpse into their club's rich heritage. Either way, it's an essential addition to any Evertonian's bookshelf.
ROYAL MAIL Tracked: 48 
Published: November 1, 2021
Price: £16.99
Hardcover: 188 pages