New book to reveal stories of the Lost Football Grounds & Terraces of the United Kingdom
Heritage Unlocked‘s Tosh Warwick is embarking on a journey charting the story of the lost football grounds of the United Kingdom culminating in the publication of The Lost Football Grounds and Terraces of the United Kingdom.
Ayresome Park (Greenmon Collection)
Working in partnership with the incredibly popular Facebook page ‘Lost Football Grounds and Terraces of the United Kingdom’, the new book will be amongst the first to focus exclusively on the famous grounds and iconic stands of yesteryear that are no more. From world-famous top-flight stadiums of yesteryear to quirky, smaller lost grounds once the epicentre of the local community, The Lost Football Grounds book will showcase the stadiums and stories at the heart of ‘The Beautiful Game’ from the Victorian period until the twenty-first century.
Highbury Stadium features in the forthcoming book (Boaden Collection)
Author and historian Dr Tosh Warwick said: “Ever since I was a young lad growing up going to Ayresome Park, I have had a fascination with old football grounds. Over the years I have visited many now lost grounds and revisited these sites more recently. I am keen to save and share the stories of the stadiums and terraces that were once the beating heart of communities on a Saturday afternoon. Working with many with a common interest, including the phenomenal ‘Lost Football Grounds and Terraces of the United Kingdom’ Facebook group, I hope that the book will help provide a permanent celebration of this important part of the Britain’s social and sporting history.”
Wembley Stadium is amongst the famous lost grounds that will feature in the book (Colin Smith)
Neil Richardson, founder of the ‘Lost Football Grounds and Terraces of the United Kingdom’ Facebook Group said “Ever since my dad took me to the Den for the first time I was hooked on football. I remember the floodlights in the distance that drew closer with every footstep we took, the smell of the burgers and the click of the turnstiles. Every ground had its own unique build and surroundings and were the focal points of their communities, and sadly now we’re seeing the destruction of our culture in the name of progress. Stadiums of today wiith all their mod cons lack the rawness and the feel of stadiums of old. I hope this book can help provide a constant reminder of the days that once were.”
Those interested in sharing their stories, memories and photographs for use in the new book can contact Tosh Warwick by email at info@heritageunlocked.com or on 07591093136.