In the landscape of football literature, where Premier League glamour often overshadows the beautiful game's grassroots, Stephen Poxon's "Poolies at Heart" emerges as a refreshing chronicle of one of English football's most characterful clubs. This deeply researched love letter to Hartlepool United arrives at a fascinating time for the club as they navigate the challenging waters of the National League.
Poxon, fresh from his success with "Ernie!" his" tribute to Chesterfield legend Ernie Moss brings an outsider's curiosity paired with an insider's warmth to this comprehensive celebration of the Pools. His position as both a Manchester City supporter and a Hartlepool enthusiast gives him a unique perspective that enriches the narrative.
The book's greatest strength lies in its oral history approach, weaving together voices from different eras of the club's existence. The inclusion of Brian Clough's Hartlepool story is particularly compelling, offering fresh insights into the early days of one of football's most iconic managers. The account of the FA Cup clash against Matt Busby's Manchester United captures the David-versus-Goliath spirit that makes cup football so magical.
What makes this book special is how it captures the essence of lower-league football through personal stories. Kevin Phillips's candid interview, conducted just before his dismissal, offers a raw glimpse into the precarious nature of football management. The inclusion of Peter Taylor's daughter Wendy Dickinson's perspectives adds an intimate family dimension to the football narrative.
Some of the book's most fascinating segments explore lesser-known aspects of the club's history, such as the Egyptian international who played for Pools in the 1920s. These unexpected threads in the club's tapestry remind us that even clubs outside the spotlight have rich, diverse histories worth preserving.
Poxon's writing style strikes an effective balance between journalistic clarity and emotional resonance. He understands that for a club founded in 1908, the story isn't just about match results and statistics; it's about community, identity, and survival. The book particularly shines when exploring the club's resilience, including their recent history of bouncing back to the Football League in 2020-21 after a challenging period.
The author's decision to include substantial fan contributions gives the book an authentic voice. These supporters' stories spanning decades of loyalty - provide the emotional backbone of the narrative. Their accounts of triumph and tribulation remind us that football clubs are more than just sporting institutions; they're repositories of communal memory and shared experience.
If there's any criticism to be made, it might be that some readers might want more analysis of the club's current situation and future prospects. However, this is a minor quibble in what is primarily intended as a celebration of the club's history and culture.
"Poolies at Heart" succeeds as both a historical document and a passionate tribute. "Poolies at Heart" serves as a poignant reminder that despite the advent of Super Leagues and state ownership, the essence of football endures in communities such as Hartlepool, where the game continues to play a significant role in daily life.
For football historians, club supporters, and anyone interested in the social history of the English game, this book offers a valuable perspective on how a football club can remain vital to its community despite never reaching the sport's highest tiers. Poxon has created not just a football book but a testament to the enduring spirit of lower-league football and the communities that sustain it.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 Delivered to You First Week, August 2025
Some publishers release new titles early, so our ETA above could change.Published: July 28, 2025Price: £18.99 Hardcover: 224 pagesISBN-10: 1836801610ISBN-13: 978-1836801610Dimensions: 222 x 144 (mm)
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