How One Club Changed the Beautiful Game Forever
In an era where football often seems preoccupied with its future, Matthew Oldroyd's "Trailblazers" takes us on a journey through the past of one of England's most historically significant clubs. As the co-founder of the Forza Garibaldi supporter movement, Oldroyd brings both scholarly rigour and genuine passion to this comprehensive examination of Nottingham Forest's pioneering legacy.
The timing of this book couldn't be more appropriate. Released as Forest continues its modern Premier League journey, "Trailblazers" reminds us that the club's innovative spirit has been present since its inception in 1865. Oldroyd meticulously documents how Forest, winners of two European Cups, have shaped football in ways that extend far beyond their trophy cabinet.
What sets this book apart is its focus on Forest's role as innovators rather than just winners. Through extensive research and exclusive interviews with former players and managers, Oldroyd unveils how the club's progressive approach influenced tactical developments, league structures, and even the transfer system itself. The author's connection to the Forest Preservation Society lends authenticity to his historical deep dives, while his storytelling keeps the narrative engaging rather than merely educational.
The book's structure cleverly weaves together chronological history with thematic exploration across its substantial 384 pages. Particularly compelling are the sections detailing Forest's fundamental role in English football's earliest years and their influence on other clubs' formations. Oldroyd's research reveals how the Garibaldi Reds' impact extended beyond British shores, helping to spread football's popularity internationally.
However, the physical presentation of the book falls short of its content's quality. The dust jacket's design is problematic; the iconic Forest red appears noticeably desaturated (#d34445) compared to the club's traditional colour (#e53233). The cover photos lack clarity and appear poorly edited, while the marble-effect background is marred by what look like dirt marks but are actually part of the design.
The interior imagery also disappoints. The historic 1959 FA Cup victory shot of Jack Burkett being carried by teammates is particularly frustrating among the 15 black and white and monochrome photos, with half of the trophy inexplicably cropped out of frame. For such significant moments in the club's history, the photo selection and editing could have been more carefully curated.
The timing of this book couldn't be more appropriate. Released as Forest continues its modern Premier League journey, "Trailblazers" reminds us that the club's innovative spirit has been present since its inception in 1865. Oldroyd meticulously documents how Forest, winners of two European Cups, have shaped football in ways that extend far beyond their trophy cabinet.
What sets this book apart is its focus on Forest's role as innovators rather than just winners. Through extensive research and exclusive interviews with former players and managers, Oldroyd unveils how the club's progressive approach influenced tactical developments, league structures, and even the transfer system itself. The author's connection to the Forest Preservation Society lends authenticity to his historical deep dives, while his storytelling keeps the narrative engaging rather than merely educational.
The book's structure cleverly weaves together chronological history with thematic exploration across its substantial 384 pages. Particularly compelling are the sections detailing Forest's fundamental role in English football's earliest years and their influence on other clubs' formations. Oldroyd's research reveals how the Garibaldi Reds' impact extended beyond British shores, helping to spread football's popularity internationally.
However, the physical presentation of the book falls short of its content's quality. The dust jacket's design is problematic; the iconic Forest red appears noticeably desaturated (#d34445) compared to the club's traditional colour (#e53233). The cover photos lack clarity and appear poorly edited, while the marble-effect background is marred by what look like dirt marks but are actually part of the design.
The interior imagery also disappoints. The historic 1959 FA Cup victory shot of Jack Burkett being carried by teammates is particularly frustrating among the 15 black and white and monochrome photos, with half of the trophy inexplicably cropped out of frame. For such significant moments in the club's history, the photo selection and editing could have been more carefully curated.
The exclusive interviews with former players and managers provide intimate insights that bring historical events to life. These firsthand accounts add colour and credibility to Oldroyd's broader historical narrative, helping readers understand not just what happened but how it feels to be part of Forest's pioneering moments. An additional criticism could be that the book sometimes assumes too much prior knowledge of Forest's history. Some readers might benefit from more context around certain historical periods.
"Trailblazers" is more than just a club history; it's a testament to how one institution's commitment to innovation can shape an entire sport. For Forest fans, it's important reading that will deepen their appreciation of their club's heritage. For general football enthusiasts, it offers valuable insights into how the modern game evolved through the actions of one of its most progressive institutions.
Priced between £19 and £25 from online retailers, the book represents decent value given its comprehensive content, despite its design shortcomings. While the narrative strength and historical research merit higher praise, the production values significantly impact the overall experience.
