Taking Back the Game
A Review of Our Game, Our Clubs
This review is part of our ongoing series of in-house reviews, showcasing how passionate we are about the books we publish.
In Our Game, Our Clubs: The Fans’ Guide to Community Ownership, Paul Goodwin explores a timely and vital question in modern football: who should truly control the clubs we love? As football becomes ever more commercialised, Goodwin makes a compelling case for community ownership, showing how fans can take an active role in shaping the future of their clubs.
Drawing on a mix of Scottish experience and international examples, from South America to Scandinavia, Goodwin demonstrates both the potential and the challenges of fan-led governance. His insider perspective as co-founder of the Scottish Football Supporters Association lends authority to the discussion, revealing the hurdles fans face when attempting to wrest control from entrenched powers.
What makes this book particularly engaging is its accessibility. Goodwin writes for fans rather than economists, blending vivid storytelling with practical insights. While it doesn’t shy away from the difficulties of community ownership (financial pressures, governance issues, and sustaining competitiveness), the book maintains a hopeful, inspiring tone.
Our Game, Our Clubs is essential reading for any supporter curious about the possibilities of fan power, activists interested in community ownership, or simply anyone who wants to understand a different, more participatory vision for football. It is both a practical guide and a passionate call to action.
