Salford
City Reds - A Willows Century
by Graham Morris
Officially endorsed by the Salford City Reds
Vertical Editions UK
This
book tells the history of the Salford Reds and their ground, The Willows.
Few sporting clubs in the football world can boast a century long association
with one ground.
To
write or talk about Salford, inevitably means discussing The Willows.
To stand at any point on The Willows, on or off the field, gives rise
to discussion - Gus Risman scored a try there, Jim Lomas kicked a goal
from here or Lance Todd and Harry Sunderland watched a game together
from there.
To
be able to hold conversations like that requires a club to be both steeped
in history and to have held continuity with its home ground and local
community. Salford can do that, increasingly other clubs can no longer
- although even the Reds are considering a move to more modern surrounds
for financial reasons.
Whether
the Reds move from The Willows or not, this book provides a lasting
testimony to a century long connection between a 'rugby' club and its
community. The first Salford match was 21 December 1901.
Get
yourself to The Willows (if you can!) to watch the Reds play and reflect
on the rugby league history that surrounds you - the players, the games,
the great moments, the controversies.
In
Sydney you can't do it in the NRL - the closest would be Brookvale,
Kogarah and Leichhardt Ovals - though not anywhere near the 'century'
clocked up at The Willows! A visit to North Sydney Oval, Henson Park
or Redfern Oval for a NSWRL match is a worthy use of a winter afternoon.
Back
to the Salford book!
It
is generously illustrated with approximately 200 black and white photographs
and images - famous players, teams, programmes and more. The story of
Salford before their move to The Willows is told and it sets the background
to the long history of this famous club.
Reviews
of great matches and individual records are littered throughout the
book, making for an easy five or ten minute session just flicking between
pages. Of course, you will want to go back and read the rich content
in detail later as it delves into the past.
The
ground itself has even produced its own pieces of history, away from
rugby league. In 1941 Salford, like a number of clubs, made the decision
to close for the duration of WW2. The Willows was soon requisitioned
by the Civil Defence for war needs.
After
Salford's final home game (just days before Christmas 1940) the evening
brought a German bombing raid that took many lives in the surrounding
area. The Willows itself was hit and shrapnel damage could still be
seen in the Main Stand for many years after.
A
nice touch is the list of subscribers at the end of the book - there
you can read the names and messages from those who placed an advanced
order for the book, helping to ensure its being published. Many have
been dedicated to the memory of Salford fans who have passed away.
This final page in the book speaks volumes for what a club with a long
history means to its supporters - 'A Willows Century' is a book that
provides a fitting tribute to the Salford club.
Buy
this book and use it as your personal tour guide to The Willows!
Salford
City Reds - A Willows Century
by Graham Morris
Published
by Vertical Editions : ISBN 1-904091-02-4
Available
from:
UK bookshops, Salford City Reds club shop & Amazon.co.uk
UK
customers can order direct from the publisher.
Send a cheque for £18.99 to : Vertical Editions, 18-20 Blackwood
Hall Lane, Luddendenfoot, Halifax, HX2 6HD
