Village Voice – The Story of Percy Main Amateurs 2009/2010 Season written by Ian Cusak and published by Ian Cusak Publishing 2010.
What a find, this book was £1 on a book table at Stocksbridge Park Steels and is the best read of the year so far.
Ian Cusak a long time Newcastle United fan and a part time follower of the local Non-League scene finds that his disillusionment with the big time leads him to Percy Main Amateurs. The book tells of Percy Mains season 2009/2010 and his election onto the committee and his involvement in time, energy and emotion. It also gives an insight into how the club survives and the characters who make up the team, management, committee and fans (all of which are known by name). The book was written to chronicle the event and to raise funds for the club. My secondhand purchase won’t help this but it has meant that I will visit them in the future. The club comes across as very friendly and welcoming of ground hoppers.
During the season in question Percy Main attempt to gain promotion from Division 1 of the Northern Alliance a league that is based mainly in the North East but due to historical reasons has teams from as far away as Berwick and Carlisle. I will not give away what the outcome is and spoil it for other readers.
If you see this book buy it and enjoy the pleasure of football at this level and wander why the powers that be do not filter down more money to keep this life blood of the game in better health.
Payonthegate 