In The Shadows

The book "In the Shadows" is a football autobiography from the perspective of David Stocks, who played in an era before professionalism and fry-ups were a pre-match meal. It chronicles his story from his early days to his career at Gillingham, Bournemouth, and Torquay, and includes details and anecdotes that evoke nostalgia and remind readers of how the game has transformed. All profits from sales will be donated to Alzheimers UK.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 176 pages
Publication date: 28 June 2023
Publisher: Troubador Publishing

Few fans today would recognize the era of football that David Stocks played in, a time when World War Two was still a recent memory, players were not necessarily professionals, and fry-ups were a perfectly acceptable pre-match meal. Numerous football autobiographies recount the achievements of renowned stars who have excelled for their club and country. Few are from the perspective of individuals like David, content to either play alongside them or ply their trade separated by the occasional division and the slightest strokes of fortune.

The Shadows chronicles David's footballing journey, from his early days as a London schoolboy representative and his subsequent signing by Charlton Athletic to moving out of the capital to embark on a career that would see him write his name into folklore at Gillingham, Bournemouth, and Torquay. Packed full of details and anecdotes that are sure to evoke nostalgia and induce protestations of 'That sort of thing wouldn't happen today in equal measure,' In The Shadows stands out as a fond recollection of how the game has both transformed beyond recognition while simultaneously remaining the same in essence.

All profits from sales of this book will be donated to Alzheimers UK.

Weight: 226g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 16 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803137278