Round the Turnstiles
Football Travels: 119 Grounds in 45 years
by Mick Escott.
With illustrations by Alex Bunn
ISBN 978-1-84289-013-4
£14.95

When Mick Escott went to his first game at the Goldstone Ground, Hove, on Boxing Day 1963, little did he realize that 45 years later he would have visited all 92 grounds in the English League, and more. This is a mammoth journey, written with verve, wit and passion.           

Round the Turnstiles is a celebration of English football, painting a portrait of the beautiful game that is unprecedented in its scope – essential for all football enthusiasts. Its understanding of football and accounts of matches, from Fourth Division encounters in small towns to major internationals, is incomparable. Vivid descriptions of the grounds and a huge range and variety of teams make for an engaging read for many, some of whose contact with football doesn’t venture beyond the routine reading of Saturday’s results. Featured is Mick’s lifelong attachment to Aston Villa and Exeter City, together with special attention to Bristol and the Potteries. The book includes a comprehensive index and appendices tracing the history of a vast array of clubs over the course of almost a century.

Mick Escott
When he is not travelling to the furthermost reaches of England, battling with turnstiles, Mick Escott is a freelance arts administrator. Born in Devon, he started his career at the Victoria Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent. From his base in Bristol he is able to pursue a range of interests, which include pints, performances, purple prose and, of course, penalties.

Click for extract from Round the Turnstiles