The World s First Football Superstar: The Life of Stephen Smith

Stephen Smith, a footballing world champion from the Victorian and Edwardian eras, has as many league title-winning medals as John Terry and Wayne Rooney. This book tells the story of a footballer born at the end of the Industrial Revolution who became a miner and a professional footballer to rise to the top of the footballing world. He won trophy after trophy in the best and only professional league anywhere in the world and scored the goal that made England World Champions in 1895. He later joined the newly formed Southern League to secure his family's future and end his reliance on his part-time earnings from mining.

Format: Hardback
Length: 296 pages
Publication date: 18 July 2022
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

In the quaint churchyard of Benson, Oxfordshire, lies the unmarked grave of a footballing legend from a bygone era, his name etched in the annals of time. Stephen Smith, a footballer of the Victorian and Edwardian eras, stands tall among the greats, boasting an impressive collection of league title-winning medals that rivals the likes of John Terry, Wayne Rooney, Eric Cantona, Frank Lampard, Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry, and Alan Shearer. Born into humble beginnings as the son of agricultural laborers, Smith's journey was a testament to resilience and determination. He transitioned from the fields to the mines, working tirelessly underground while also pursuing his passion for football. His unwavering commitment and talent propelled him to the pinnacle of the footballing world, earning him countless trophies and accolades in the best and only professional league of his time.

One of Smith's most remarkable achievements was his pivotal role in securing England's World Championship title in 1895. His goal, a moment of sheer brilliance, etched itself into the annals of football history. However, Smith's story extends beyond his on-field accomplishments. In a move reminiscent of the Premier League breakaway in 1992 and the recent ill-fated European Super League, he joined the newly formed Southern League at a time when the Football League began capping player wages. This decision was driven by his unwavering commitment to his family's future and his desire to break free from the reliance on his part-time earnings from mining.

The world of football has undergone minimal changes in the past 130 years, a testament to the enduring spirit of the sport. This is the tale of Stephen Smith and his unwavering quest to seek the recognition and support needed to commemorate one of the most decorated yet underappreciated footballers in the annals of the game. His legacy deserves to be honored, and his story serves as a reminder of the indomitable human spirit and the power of perseverance in achieving greatness.

Weight: 646g
Dimension: 165 x 241 x 32 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399083485