Guest Reviewer : Craig Chisnall
FOR
something that started as a personal note of an event that he, and every other
Blackpool fan, never ever dreamed would happen The Best Trip hits the spot for
those looking to see if footballing fairytales do still
happen.
OK the
Seasiders were relegated on the final day of their season, at champions
Manchester United, despite daring to take the lead in the second-half against the
big boys, but they didn’t half do themselves and other clubs with meagre
resources proud. It was a fairytale in itself to get into the top division
without spending anywhere near astronomical money - a plan they stuck
to rigorously.
In
the days of £200,000-a-week wages being splashed out, more than the
entire Blackpool squad earned put together, it’s a refreshing tale of well-run
clubs overcoming the odds to scare the hell out of the nation’s
elite.
Ian
Chisnall, a BBC Radio Lancashire commentator, and a Blackpool fan was able to
live out a dream himself by covering the majority of the
campaign.
From
covering the club for more than two decades he’s as recognisable at Bloomfield
Road as their famous Tangerine kit.
Well
respected within the dressing room and with fans alike, he’s able to convey how the
players, many of them journeymen from the lower leagues, as well as those on the
terraces, felt throughout the season.
And
his close relationship with boss Ian Holloway – the Bristolian who loves a
soundbite in the days of boring clichés – comes across from the first page. His
post-match rant at referee Phil Dowd after a heart-breaking home defeat to
mega-bucks Manchester City had to be seen to be believed by all accounts!
Having
covered Blackpool in the dark days of the basement division Chisnall’s sense of
enjoyment is felt throughout.
From
topping the table at 1645 on the opening day to a thumping at Arsenal a week
later the season becomes as up and down as one of the town’s famous
rollercoasters.
There’s
even a chance meeting with a future king, in the area on a stag do – you
couldn’t make that up could you? – with a goal from Luke Varney that was later
rightly given Royal approval.
Even
star man Charlie Adam gives him the inside track on a tortuous January transfer
deadline day that saw the Scot see a move to Liverpool fall through before
Tottenham also came calling.
He
gives his own take on where Blackpool went right, and wrong, and you can’t help
feel as gutted as he was as the inevitable ending finally ticks
by.
Yes
he’s my old man, and a fellow Seasider, but a lot of friends and colleagues have
read the book and even those with Tangerine tinted glasses feel the
same.
I’ve
encouraged, edited and read the book over and over – and the final chapter puts
a lump in my throat every time.
For
those old cynics who don’t think players care about anything other than their
pay cheques – this is one for you.
Craig Chisnall
Footnote from Stortbooks : Yes, we know that Craig is author Ian's son, but we also knew that Craig would be professional and that he would be the last person to give his father Ian's book a rave review unless it merited it. We too have read this book and we thoroughly enjoyed it. A very easy read.
This is the Best Trip : Chasing the Tangerine Dream is a "feel good" book and will appeal to all sports fans, not just to Blackpool supporters. Craig Chisnall is a journalist and Deputy Editor of The Football League Paper.
This is The Best Trip ; Chasing the Tangerine Dream is published by Scratching Shed Publishing Ltd and and is available directly from the publisher priced £12.99. Click Here To Buy
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