Gavin Mortimer chooses inanimate objects that "represented the convoluted, colourful and controversial" side of football over the past 150 years. The book's a bit Anglo-centric but, as the English invented the game, that's fair enough. The coverage is comprehensive, the first object being a school bench, because what developed into organised football began in English public schools; the last is Fifa's Ballon d'Or, awarded annually to the world's best player. In between is a fascinating cornucopia. It's interesting to learn that the "Old Firm" Glasgow derby didn't take on a sectarian side until Irish independence and the setting up of Northern Ireland. Roy Keane's prawn sandwich, which gave rise to the disdainful "prawn-sandwich brigade" to describe corporate supporters, is here. Also featured is a turnip, from the Sun headline (following England's 1992 defeat by Sweden): "Turnips 1 Swedes 2". An old sock that helped Pelé become a world star is another object in this informative and entertaining melange.
