As the Socceroos look forward to a new era under Ange Postecoglou, the game’s past has been documented in an amazing new book by two of the country’s most respected football historians.
Roy Hay and Bill Murray launched their new book “A History Of Football In Australia: A Game Of Two Halves” in Sydney today, a project in collaboration with SBS and published by Hardie Grant.
The book was launched by Les Murray at FFA HQ along with FFA CEO David Gallop, the authors and special guests Mark Schwarzer and Brett Emerton.
“I read this book on a flight to Europe,” said Murray. “And I was absolutely fascinated by it and I applaud the writers for an incredible effort.”
Hay and Murray, both from Scotland, are long-time and avid football fans and have put together a book that features not only rare photography but fantastic stories from the past.
For instance, do you know about the ‘big split’ in Australian soccer in the post war era? Or the origins of the National Soccer League? This 300 plus page tomb explores these and many other key moments in our history.
Beginning in colonial times and the social roots of the game, the book explores how the various football codes sought national supremacy, the first football internationals in the 1920s to the Depression and the first internationals in Asia.
The women’s game is also explored as is the game’s current boom times in the Frank Lowy era.
The book not only looks at the history of football in this country, but places it in a social and cultural context, which makes it more than just another book on football.
It is an utterly fascinating read for those who are obsessed by where the game came from.
Whether you are a passionate football enthusiast or simply interested in learning more about the game, this book offers something for everyone.
“A History Of Football In Australia: A Game Of Two Halves”, Hardie Grant Books.