A recent DC Thomson publication has received glowing praise from a regular BwB reader and contributor.
Canada resident Rob Boag said: “When I received a package from DC Thomson, I knew what it was.
“However, I was surprised at the weight of the package, as books generally don’t have that substance.
“It is said you can’t tell a book by its cover but you most definitely can tell from the cover of Lifted Over The Turnstiles by Steve Finan.
“This book, which was recommended to me by BwB, is one to relish and enjoy.
“The black and white photographs of Scottish football grounds have the mysterious numinous glow that John Banville describes as the mark of true pastness.
“If you have a hankering for time travel, pick up Steve Finan’s book and, with a wee bit of imagination, you are back to another place and another time.”
Rob turned his attention to our local grounds, and continued: “There is a photograph taken outside Dens Park.
“Everyone has vacated the tram car, and it can’t move because the crowds surrounding it are all heading toward the Dens turnstiles.
“There is no order, it’s organised chaos.
“I remember it as if it was yesterday, the anticipation of moving with a crowd, squeezing through the turnstile, then finding a good viewing spot on the terracing.
“And if it was raining? You were soaked, right down to sodden shoes.
“There are great action photos of games at Dens Park and Tannadice, and also photographs of the their evolution as football grounds.
“With each football ground, all 44 of them, Steve provides historical background information and interesting anecdotes.”
Rob, a resident of Lochee, Dundee, back in the day, went on: “It was one of the Hampden photos that drew me back. It’s 1954, and I was 17 years of age and we travelled through to Glasgow on a bus rented from Napper Thompson, on our way to see Scotland play England.
“I think at that time it took at least three hours to arrive at Hampden.
“My memory tells me on these bus trips there was a mandatory stop at Auchterarder for refreshments, and on the way back from Glasgow there was a small town* (I can’t remember the name) where we poured off the bus and queued for a fish supper at a village chippie.
“I still recall the wonderment of that first pilgrimage to this hallowed ground.
“Hampden – the Colosseum of football stadiums – and I would be part of the fabled Hampden roar.
“The weather was cold and the day was dreich and England won, but a part of Hampden’s wonderment is still with me.”
Rob concluded: “This is one of those books where you will find yourself reaching for every now and again for a nostalgia trip, or for a bit of research to settle a debate at your local.”
*Could that “small town” have been Blackford? That was a favourite stop for many football buses on the way back from the west coast.
Click here to order Lifted Over the Turnstiles by Steve Finan
This article originally appeared on the Evening Telegraph website. For more information, read about our new combined website.