Samuel Rooke's "Glory, Glory, Gone" is more than just another football history book—it's a compelling narrative about how quickly the mighty can fall, and more importantly, how they can rise again. This meticulously researched account of Tottenham Hotspur's turbulent 1970s reads like a Shakespearean drama, complete with tragic heroes, unexpected villains, and ultimately, redemption.
The book's greatest strength lies in its ability to weave together three distinct acts: the decline under Bill Nicholson, the shock of relegation, and the phoenix-like rebirth under Keith Burkinshaw. Rooke demonstrates remarkable skill in contextualizing Spurs' struggles within the broader social and economic malaise of 1970s Britain, showing how the escalating wage demands and growing hooliganism ultimately ground down the legendary Nicholson.
What makes this book particularly fascinating is its treatment of Keith Burkinshaw, a figure who emerges as both antagonist and eventual savior. While Burkinshaw initially took the club down in 1977, his resilience and vision led to an immediate return to the First Division. The author skillfully portrays how Burkinshaw's shrewd recruitment—particularly the inspired signings of Glenn Hoddle and World Cup winners Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa—laid the groundwork for Tottenham's renaissance.
Rooke's attention to detail is impressive, but what truly sets this book apart is its human element. We experience the weight of expectation bearing down on Bill Nicholson, the frustration leading to his shocking resignation in 1974, and the transformation of the club under new leadership. The author possesses a unique ability to personalise statistical decline, allowing even non-Spurs supporters to comprehend the profound emotional impact of witnessing a renowned institution falter.
The book's structure mirrors the club's journey—from the dizzying heights of being "the team of the century" to the humbling experience of relegation, and finally to renewal. Rooke's prose is engaging throughout, avoiding both the dry academic tone that can plague sports histories and the overwrought sentimentality that often characterises fan accounts.
If there's any criticism to be made, it might be that the book occasionally assumes a level of familiarity with Tottenham's history that casual readers might not possess. However, this is a minor quibble in what is otherwise an exemplary piece of sports literature.
"Glory, Glory, Gone" is essential reading not just for Tottenham supporters but for anyone interested in how institutions navigate periods of profound change. It's a reminder that even in our darkest moments, renaissance is possible—a message that resonates well beyond the confines of football.
The book's conclusion is particularly poignant, showing how the same maligned Burkinshaw who oversaw relegation built an exciting team around young Glenn Hoddle and the World Cup-winning duo of Ardiles and Villa, setting the stage for future triumphs. It's a testament to the cyclical nature of success and failure in football and the resilience required to navigate between the two.
For its thorough research, compelling narrative, and nuanced understanding of both football and social history, "Glory, Glory, Gone" deserves its place among the finest football books of recent years. "Glory, Glory, Gone" serves as a poignant reminder that sometimes you must reach your lowest point before you can genuinely rebuild.
The book's greatest strength lies in its ability to weave together three distinct acts: the decline under Bill Nicholson, the shock of relegation, and the phoenix-like rebirth under Keith Burkinshaw. Rooke demonstrates remarkable skill in contextualizing Spurs' struggles within the broader social and economic malaise of 1970s Britain, showing how the escalating wage demands and growing hooliganism ultimately ground down the legendary Nicholson.
What makes this book particularly fascinating is its treatment of Keith Burkinshaw, a figure who emerges as both antagonist and eventual savior. While Burkinshaw initially took the club down in 1977, his resilience and vision led to an immediate return to the First Division. The author skillfully portrays how Burkinshaw's shrewd recruitment—particularly the inspired signings of Glenn Hoddle and World Cup winners Ossie Ardiles and Ricky Villa—laid the groundwork for Tottenham's renaissance.
Rooke's attention to detail is impressive, but what truly sets this book apart is its human element. We experience the weight of expectation bearing down on Bill Nicholson, the frustration leading to his shocking resignation in 1974, and the transformation of the club under new leadership. The author possesses a unique ability to personalise statistical decline, allowing even non-Spurs supporters to comprehend the profound emotional impact of witnessing a renowned institution falter.
The book's structure mirrors the club's journey—from the dizzying heights of being "the team of the century" to the humbling experience of relegation, and finally to renewal. Rooke's prose is engaging throughout, avoiding both the dry academic tone that can plague sports histories and the overwrought sentimentality that often characterises fan accounts.
If there's any criticism to be made, it might be that the book occasionally assumes a level of familiarity with Tottenham's history that casual readers might not possess. However, this is a minor quibble in what is otherwise an exemplary piece of sports literature.
"Glory, Glory, Gone" is essential reading not just for Tottenham supporters but for anyone interested in how institutions navigate periods of profound change. It's a reminder that even in our darkest moments, renaissance is possible—a message that resonates well beyond the confines of football.
The book's conclusion is particularly poignant, showing how the same maligned Burkinshaw who oversaw relegation built an exciting team around young Glenn Hoddle and the World Cup-winning duo of Ardiles and Villa, setting the stage for future triumphs. It's a testament to the cyclical nature of success and failure in football and the resilience required to navigate between the two.
For its thorough research, compelling narrative, and nuanced understanding of both football and social history, "Glory, Glory, Gone" deserves its place among the finest football books of recent years. "Glory, Glory, Gone" serves as a poignant reminder that sometimes you must reach your lowest point before you can genuinely rebuild.
