The Magic of the FA Cup!, by Bob Bond, published by Pitch Publishing, Price: £19.99
IF YOU’RE a fan of the FA Cup, then chances are you’re going to love this book by Bob Bond.
Anyone who has seen Bob’s cartoons in Late Tackle over the years will know how skilled he is as an artist. His latest book purports to cover ‘more than 150 years of the world’s greatest cup competition in cartoons and caricatures’ – and does exactly what it says on the tin.
This is a beautiful hardback book that covers FA Cup history in a fun way. The front cover with the likes of the old
Wembley, John Motson (in sheepskin coat, of course), Jurgen Klopp, Danny Blanchflower and Bobby Gould sets the tone.
This is a weighty tome, but packs plenty in, as you’d expect with over a century and a half of material to call upon. It’s colourful, chock-full of cartoons from games down the years and with some words to go alongside.
For those of an older age, it will bring back plenty of memories, while youngsters can enjoy learning more about the famous old competition in an entertaining way.
Bob’s sense of humour shines through in the pages – and his introduction shapes the way ahead.
“This book is NOT a comprehensive history of that famous competition,” he writes. “So if you want to know when Fulham won the cup, look somewhere else. If you find out, come and tell me.”
Rating out of 10: 9
