How Not to Run a Football Club: Protests, Boycotts, Court Cases - The Inside Story of Blackpool FC

Nathan Fogg's "How Not to Run a Football Club" is more than just another sports book—it's a meticulously researched chronicle of how unchecked power and greed nearly destroyed a beloved community institution. As a lifelong Blackpool fan and insider who served on the legal defence team against the club's owners, Fogg brings unique authority and intimate knowledge to this compelling narrative. 
The story begins with what should have been Blackpool's finest hour: their fairy-tale promotion to the Premier League in May 2010. But as Fogg reveals, while fans were still celebrating in the streets, the Oyston family was already plotting how to exploit this success for personal gain. What follows is a shocking account of how the owners allegedly "illegitimately stripped" the club of £26.77 million, treating it as their "personal cash machine." 
Fogg's narrative strength lies in his ability to weave together complex legal proceedings, passionate fan activism, and human drama into a coherent and gripping story. The book's detailed account of the court battles, including the landmark case that eventually forced the sale of the club, reads like a legal thriller while never losing sight of the human cost to the community.
Particularly powerful is Fogg's portrayal of the fan resistance movement. As both a chronicler and participant, he offers unprecedented insight into how supporters organized protests and boycotts, ultimately playing a crucial role in saving their club. The story culminates in triumph when Simon Sadler was announced as the new owner in June 2019, officially ending the Oystons' 32-year tenure.
The book's greatest achievement is its demonstration of how football clubs are more than just businesses—they're community institutions that can be destroyed by poor stewardship but saved by collective action. Fogg's writing is clear and purposeful, avoiding sensationalism while letting the extraordinary facts speak for themselves.
While the book will certainly appeal to football fans, its themes of corporate responsibility, community activism, and justice make it relevant to a much broader audience. It serves as both a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked ownership and an inspiring example of how determined collective action can overcome seemingly insurmountable odds.
"How Not to Run a Football Club" is essential reading for anyone interested in sports governance, community activism, or simply a compelling story of justice prevailing against the odds. It's a testament to the power of community and a reminder that some things are worth fighting for, no matter the cost.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48
Published: March 24, 2022
Price: £15.00>£16.99
ISBN-10: 1801500037
ISBN-13: 978-1801500036
Illustrated
Hardcover: 256 pages
Dimensions: 139 x 254 (mm)