‘The Bottom Corner – A Season with the Dreamers of Non-League Football.’ written by Nige Tassell.
First Published by Yellow Jersey Press in 2016 which is a part of the Penguin Random House Group of Companies,
Nige Tassell writes about a Season from August to May as a true football fan. He explores the teams, characters, venues and stories that make Non-League football fascinating and humbling.
From Bishop Sutton in August to Worthing in May he describes a journey amongst the football teams that hang on and thrive in this world so far away from the mega rich of the Premier League. It makes you think why is a pyramid system that is being administered and dominated by a few leagues the best way to run non-league football when the regional diversity is being ironed out. Why did the Northern League with their historic knowledge of North Eastern Football not be given the running of new League for 2020/21 in their area. Why has the West Midland league been cast aside. Why on FA Cup weekend England kicked off at a time that meant people had to choose between watching them on TV or going to a local game and putting some needed money through the turnstiles. The same weekend the media also concentrated on the first games in the WSL and ensured fantastic attendances at the Premier Clubs as opposed to local teams. The FA needs to really engage with localism, diversity and community football or else the vine will wither away. Sorry for the rant.
How did Nige find some of the characters in this book? His undoubted knowledge picked teams that are making their way or have challenges.
The continual return to Bishop Sutton sees a desperate but determined season end in hope when they are not relegated because of ground grading.
The book is written with such care that it was a joy to read.
Payonthegate 