Gary James’ Manchester City Women: An Oral History has been described as ‘awe-inspiring’ and ‘the first comprehensive book’ of its type with She Kicks magazine, the Telegraph and the Athletic all giving Gary’s book on the history of the City women’s team great reviews.
The book follows the three-year project Gary performed with City archivist Steph Alder, during which he interviewed the players, coaches and fans of the women’s team from formation in 1988 through to the present day.
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The stories of Debbie Darbyshire, Rowena Foxwell and Kate Themen – all City fans who attended the first training session in October 1988 – are mixed with those of more recent times, such as Jill Scott, Karen Bardsley and Steph Houghton, in this informative and riveting publication.
It is attractively produced and heavily illustrated throughout, focusing on every period in the club’s 31-year history. There’s even a statistical record of every season – again such a rarity for a WSL club of this age.
The book also tells in great detail how the transformation of the club five or so years ago occurred via interviews with senior figures and prominent players.
The focus, quality and material contained within this book provides a welcome development in the way women’s football is documented.
This is a ground-breaking publication and an important record of female experiences. It is a book that should sit proudly on the shelves of every Manchester City fan – regardless of whether they’ve attended a women’s game or not – and it is one that everyone with an interest in women’s football should buy.
Manchester City Women: An Oral History has been written by Dr Gary James and is available from the City Store: Order now.
For more information contact Gary: @garyjameswriter.
