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Although this publication is about far more than just a single game it is of course the Liverpool-Arsenal title decider played out on the last game of the 1988-89 season around which this book is based. The build up to the game, the profiles of those involved and the match itself will all be a welcome reminder to those who witnessed the event live. Or a welcome introduction to a piece of recent history for younger followers of what Pele referred to as the beautiful game. Especially since this particular story has been so well researched and narrated here, using as it does numerous direct quotes from the principle parties together with by-line pieces about the major participants. And it is quite clearly executed by one of the many fans that cared greatly about the outcome.
This momentous match and stunning climax was one that will be remembered so long as football is played, but to many fans the match itself was an irrelevance when compared to the tragic events that dominated that season and changed the course of English football forever. Heysel and more specifically Hillsborough were perhaps tragedies waiting to happen given the state of both the stadia and mentality of fans during this period. Quite how Hillsborough became the watershed for English football is the other subject that this volume covers in great depth. Giving objective coverage to such an emotive subject is not easy, especially for any whom can relate directly to the event. But here by use of both relevant background information and a real understanding I'd say it is given worthy retrospective coverage here. Although in saying that I appreciate that justice for numerous Liverpudlians hasn't yet been achieved and some quite clearly accountable organisations have yet to admit their portion of guilt.
The background to the two principle topics covered is an autobiographical story, that although centring around a father and son relationship, brings into play a number of generations. And shows how each relates in their different ways to the ever-developing story of English soccer and indirectly society itself. Involving as it does all the good and bad elements of partisanship, class, racism, geographical divides, confrontation, development, pleasure, pain, comradeship and love of a sport that manages to both unite and yet also divide those involved.
This is not a new concept or a new story, nor does it express new emotions but twenty years on it does clearly outline how momentous events can change a spectator sport forever. And how sport can also mirror, for better or worse, the changes within society. Quite apart from yet again gleefully reminding Steve McMahon that just one minute can sometimes last a lifetime.
The Last Game: Love, Death and Football
By Jason Cowley
Published by Simon & Schuster
Available from any half decent bookstore (quote ISBN 978 1 84737 185 0 if they're not aware of the title, or of course your online favourites.