Mike Miles' "Over Land and Sea" arrives as a meticulously researched examination of West Ham United's European journey, offering readers an unprecedented look at the club's continental adventures. Following his well-received biography of Ron Greenwood, Miles demonstrates his deep understanding of the club's history in this comprehensive work.
The book's greatest strength lies in its ability to weave together both the triumphant and lesser-known aspects of West Ham's European story. Miles skillfully chronicles the 58-year span between the club's two major European trophies: the historic 1965 European Cup Winners' Cup victory and their [dramatic 2023 Conference League triumph.
What sets this book apart is Miles' exploration of the lesser-known chapters in West Ham's European story. The author delves into fascinating historical details, such as how [Upton Park's floodlights in the 1950s attracted elite European teams, creating a foundation for the club's continental connections. These early friendlies and exhibitions helped shape the club's European identity long before their competitive success.
The narrative is particularly enlightening when discussing Ron Greenwood's influence on the club's European approach. Miles details how Greenwood's continental philosophy, heavily influenced by the Hungarian national team of the 1950s, transformed West Ham's playing style and European ambitions.
The author's academic background in Sports History from De Montfort University shines through in his methodical approach to research. He masterfully contextualizes West Ham's European journey within the broader evolution of English football's relationship with continental competition. The book benefits from Miles' ability to balance scholarly rigor with engaging storytelling, making it accessible to both casual fans and serious football historians.
Particularly compelling is the author's treatment of the 2023 Conference League campaign, which provides a fitting bookend to the narrative. The dramatic 2-1 victory over Fiorentina, secured by Jarrod Bowen's last-minute goal, is presented not just as a singular triumph but as the culmination of decades of European endeavor.
The book's only minor shortcoming is that some readers might wish for more detailed analysis of the tactical evolution of European football and how West Ham adapted to these changes over the decades. However, this is offset by the wealth of historical detail and human interest stories that Miles brings to light.
Rating: 4.5/5 - An essential addition to any football library, "Over Land and Sea" succeeds both as a celebration of West Ham's European achievements and as a serious historical work. Miles has created a definitive account that will likely remain the authoritative text on West Ham's European adventures for years to come. For fans and historians alike, this book offers a fascinating glimpse into how a London club's European journey reflected and shaped English football's broader relationship with continental competition. Through meticulous research and engaging prose, Miles has produced a work that transcends typical sports literature to become a valuable historical document.
The book's greatest strength lies in its ability to weave together both the triumphant and lesser-known aspects of West Ham's European story. Miles skillfully chronicles the 58-year span between the club's two major European trophies: the historic 1965 European Cup Winners' Cup victory and their [dramatic 2023 Conference League triumph.
What sets this book apart is Miles' exploration of the lesser-known chapters in West Ham's European story. The author delves into fascinating historical details, such as how [Upton Park's floodlights in the 1950s attracted elite European teams, creating a foundation for the club's continental connections. These early friendlies and exhibitions helped shape the club's European identity long before their competitive success.
The narrative is particularly enlightening when discussing Ron Greenwood's influence on the club's European approach. Miles details how Greenwood's continental philosophy, heavily influenced by the Hungarian national team of the 1950s, transformed West Ham's playing style and European ambitions.
The author's academic background in Sports History from De Montfort University shines through in his methodical approach to research. He masterfully contextualizes West Ham's European journey within the broader evolution of English football's relationship with continental competition. The book benefits from Miles' ability to balance scholarly rigor with engaging storytelling, making it accessible to both casual fans and serious football historians.
Particularly compelling is the author's treatment of the 2023 Conference League campaign, which provides a fitting bookend to the narrative. The dramatic 2-1 victory over Fiorentina, secured by Jarrod Bowen's last-minute goal, is presented not just as a singular triumph but as the culmination of decades of European endeavor.
The book's only minor shortcoming is that some readers might wish for more detailed analysis of the tactical evolution of European football and how West Ham adapted to these changes over the decades. However, this is offset by the wealth of historical detail and human interest stories that Miles brings to light.
Rating: 4.5/5 - An essential addition to any football library, "Over Land and Sea" succeeds both as a celebration of West Ham's European achievements and as a serious historical work. Miles has created a definitive account that will likely remain the authoritative text on West Ham's European adventures for years to come. For fans and historians alike, this book offers a fascinating glimpse into how a London club's European journey reflected and shaped English football's broader relationship with continental competition. Through meticulous research and engaging prose, Miles has produced a work that transcends typical sports literature to become a valuable historical document.