People's History of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club: How Spurs Fans Shaped the Identity of One of the World's Most Famous Clubs

As a lifelong Spurs fans I’ve seen Spurs change over the years (I started going at the age of five, and at the time of the famous “Double”); Directors’ coming and going, crowds filling the ground to capacity, and low crowds. I’ve seen Glory’s, European nights and even lows. Wealth and greed changing the dynamics of the club, angry protests, budding writers voicing their thoughts through fanzines, and later through the worldwide web: and the list goes on. I’ve even been a part of some of the struggles. So, when a book comes along – one of many – about our great club I sit up, take notice, purchase and start reading. One such book that tickled by nether regions, and beyond, was by Spurs historian Martin Cloake. Martin Cloake has written may books on Tottenham Hotspur; such as ‘The Boys from White Hart Lane: Spurs in the 80s The Players' stories,’ ‘We are Tottenham: Voices from White Hart Lane,’ ‘Taking Our Ball Back: English Football’s culture wars,’ etc. His latest book is called, ‘A People's history of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club: How Spurs fans shaped the identity of one of the world's most famous clubs’ (co-written with Alan Fisher). This book looks at how Spurs fans played an important part in creating an identity of our world-renowned club. They track the club's expansion from being a club “of the suburbs and the rising south, through the glory years and the arrival of mass, popular culture, and into the modern era of the game.” It looks at how the club was formed, and established by its fans. Those poor, but loyal fans, have been given shoddy service over the years, seeing rising ticket prices, ignored, pushed from pillar to pillar, walked all over, but they/ we still keep coming back, because that is what we do. We support our team through thick and thin. Travel from miles around, in all sorts of weather; find ways when trains are on strike, just to get to see our beloved team. But our dedication and loyalty is never reported, until now. Now our joys and sufferings have been recognised. This book puts us on the map. Shows the supporters dedication, teAars and fights for rights.The book is well written and filled with many facts. Martin Cloake and Alan Fisher starts with the formation of our club (“A crowd walked across the muddy fields to watch the Hotspur play”), taking us, the fans, through our part in its history, through world wars, and beyond. He then ends with “More than Customers”. If you are a Spurs fans, or any long-suffering fan of a football club, then this book is a must for its supporters… because this book is about us and our travels to see what is close to our heart. We are the spur that spurs on Tottenham Hotspur FC. But this is only the beginning, as Tottenham Hotspur FC is looking at the next phase of its history; building a new and glorious stadium that will, hopefully, have the fans in mind when they come to N17 to see the world famous home of the Spurs. And people like Martin Cloake will be there writing it all down for posterity.

Very interesting and quite different perspective as it's centered around the supporters of the club rather than the team.As a 25 yr season ticket holder many of the tales told brought back memories and others challenged my own perception of the recent history of this club.An honesty and very balanced view that doesn't present spurs fans to be saints. It's just about the passion, doggedness and loyalty that makes it worth all the heartache to be a spurs fan.Occasionally the book does meander into repetition I suspect partly due to having two authors and could have done with a slightly more proactive edit to circumvent this.This small glitch aside I thoroughly commend to spurs fans new and old. You will learn something new about your club and those in whose footsteps you tread when walking down the high road on the way to WHL.

Absolutely brilliant book. In a world of silly, repetitive and uninformative footballer autobiographies and club histories, this is quite different and a wonderful read Being a Tottenham fan is not easy and this book captures it all. The highs and the lows. Fans are put first for once, and their contribution valued. Tottenham Hotspur have a wonderful history and this book captures something that other books on the club do not. Two very talented authors, who should collaborate again in the future. They have tapped into something special here.Buy it for Christmas for any Tottenham fan. It will put a huge smile on their face.

Nice book for a Tottenham fan

Great read - written from a fan's perspective (well, lots of fans) over the years. Easy to read as a 'dip in' book or from start to finish. Spurs fan or not, a good football book about one of the most iconic names in English football, seen from the eyes of its supporters. With the Club approaching the end of its time at the White Hart Lane stadium, the reminiscences of fans about the atmosphere and experience of being in that stadium will be a poignant record as Spurs prepare to move into a fabulous new stadium fit for the 21st Century.

Highly recommended for any Tottenham Hotspur supporter, the authors record how fans have contributed to the rich history of our club. Whilst there are many other books which cover the playing side, this takes a look at how the club has been formed and developed through the actions of the supporters. I've been going to matches since 1969 so the book has triggered many personal memories of glory and despair. I have ordered another copy for my Spurs supporting nephew, so that he can learn all about the history of our club from a different perspective.

I bought this for my son, who has always been an avid Spurs fan, he said it was the best one he had read, as you saw it from the stands and not the press. He could not put it down.Also said it would be good for any supporter, of any club, as it was relevant to them all.Thank you

It's very simple, if you're a Spurs fan you have to read this. It's about you and the thousands who share your passion and have shared it over the years. Well written and researched it might even help you understand how you came to be Spurs and why it matters so much.

Even if you think you know everything about Spurs you will learn new things. I throughly enjoyed it.

Looks great. I'm sure my son will love it

An incredible book. From the point of view of the life blood of the club, the fans. Come on you Spurs!

Great Read for any Hotspur supporter. Really enjoyed reading about the history of the club's supporters from all walks of life.