Turncoat: How I Stopped Supporting Arsenal and Found a New Team

Matt Coughlan was a dedicated Arsenal fan until he became disillusioned with the modern game and drifted away. He started to watch non-league football and searched for a new team to follow, rediscovering a love for the sport and learning about historic old clubs.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 21 August 2023
Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd

"Turncoat" is a heartwarming tale of a disillusioned Arsenal fan's quest to find a new team while rediscovering the pure delight of watching football. Matt Coughlan, a lifelong Arsenal supporter, had dedicated himself to the club, attending matches, holding a season ticket for 16 years, and immersing himself in the Arsenal community. However, the move to a new ground, constant shuffling of kick-off times, and the influx of billionaires into rival teams altered the club's ambition, leading to the pursuit of a fourth-place finish. Matt's disillusionment with the modern game led him to drift away, but he missed the camaraderie and intellectual stimulation of discussing football with friends. He began exploring non-league football and searching for a new team to support.

On his journey, Matt rekindles his love for the sport, gaining access to club boardrooms, engaging in conversations with officials, learning about community-owned clubs, uncovering the history of historic old clubs, and experiencing a diverse range of football matches. As he navigates this process, he wonders if he will find a new team to call his own.

In conclusion, "Turncoat" is a captivating story that explores the complexities of fandom, the impact of external factors on football clubs, and the search for meaning and connection in a world that often seems fragmented. Matt Coughlan's journey is a testament to the enduring power of football and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of change.

Weight: 322g
Dimension: 215 x 138 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801504645