More Than a Game: Saving Football From Itself

Please Note: This book trailer does not have a publication date at present. As with any pre-announced books, plans can change, with projects sometimes being delayed or even cancelled entirely. 
Publication Note: This trailer refers to Mark Gregory's book, originally published in hardcover on September 2, 2021. The paperback edition's publication date has not yet been announced. We will update this review when the paperback version becomes available with any additional content or revisions. 
In an era where football's commercial success often overshadows its cultural significance, Mark Gregory's "More Than a Game" arrives as a timely and incisive examination of English football's precarious state. As a former chief economist at Ernst & Young and a lifelong Stoke City supporter, Gregory brings a unique perspective that combines rigorous economic analysis with genuine footballing passion.
The book's strength lies in its comprehensive diagnosis of football's ailments. Gregory masterfully traces the Premier League's evolution into a commercial juggernaut while revealing the steep costs of this transformation. His analysis is particularly powerful when dissecting the financial disparities within the game – revealing how payments to agents often exceed the combined income of all 44 clubs in Leagues 1 and 2.
What sets this book apart is Gregory's ability to weave complex economic analysis into a narrative that resonates with both casual fans and industry insiders. He doesn't just identify problems; he proposes solutions. His manifesto for change and vision for returning the game to its roots are both ambitious and practical, addressing everything from financial sustainability to grassroots development.
The timing of the book, published in the wake of the European Super League debacle and during the ongoing impact of COVID-19, adds particular weight to its arguments. Gregory's predictions about football's vulnerabilities proved prescient, as these events exposed the structural weaknesses he identifies in the English game.
Perhaps most compelling is Gregory's treatment of the Premier League paradox – how the competition's unprecedented commercial success has simultaneously undermined the broader football pyramid. He argues convincingly for a more balanced, open, and sustainable pyramid that offers realistic possibilities for club progression while maintaining competitive integrity.
The book's weaknesses are few but notable. Some readers might find the economic analysis occasionally dense, though Gregory generally manages to make complex concepts accessible. Additionally, while his solutions are well-reasoned, some may question their practical implementability given the entrenched interests in modern football.
"More Than a Game" is essential reading for anyone concerned about football's future. It's not just a critique of what's wrong with the beautiful game – it's a blueprint for how to save it. Gregory has produced what might be the most important book about football economics in recent years, one that challenges us to reimagine how the sport can better serve its communities while maintaining its competitive edge.
This meticulously researched and passionately argued book serves as both a warning and a roadmap for football's future. It's required reading for anyone who cares about the long-term sustainability of England's national sport.
Currently available in hardcover (ISBN: 9781787290549). This review will be updated when the paperback edition is released.
Please Note: This book does not have a publication date at present. As with any pre-announced books, plans can change, with projects sometimes being delayed or even cancelled entirely. We'll update this review when more information becomes available about the publication timeline.
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Publisher: Visit Vintage Publishing
Published: Unknown
Price: £ Unknown
Paperback: 304 pages
ISBN-13: 11111111111111111111
Dimensions: 234 x 153 (mm)