I’ve read two other books by Wall Street Journal reporters Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg: The Club, which was about the English Premier League, and The Formula, about Formula 1. I’m a novice football fan and I don’t follow racing of any kind at all, but in each case, Robinson and Clegg did such a great job elucidating the human stories behind these behemoths of the sports world that my lack of knowledge in both cases and my lack of interest in one couldn’t have […]

A few years ago, when I decided to make a more earnest effort at becoming a soccer fan (or football fan, if you prefer) i read a book called The Club, by Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg, two reporters for the Wall Street Journal. The Club covered the English Premier League from its formation to the present, focusing on how the league grew into the behemoth it is today. The Premier League, with it’s 20 teams, all owned by wildly rich men with immense egos, […]

Like many Americans, I have become increasingly interested in the English Premier League over the last few years. I find myself drawn to the history of the game and the passion of its fans. The concept of relegation and promotion, completely unthinkable in American pro sports, are irresistible and imbue every game with high stakes. There is also the fact that I just like having live sports on TV (or Peacock, grumble grumble) on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Watching the games you get some sense […]