Book review: Go To War

Jon Spurling has always been an author I have admired. So when the opportunity arose to review his latest publication, I jumped at the chance. The fact that the book in question tackles football in the 1980s was an added bonus for someone who has been known to wallow in nostalgia.

Go To War is Spurling's sequel to his excellent Get It On book on football in the 1970s. Covering a wide range of topics during a turbulent decade for the sport, Spurling's book brings to life what it was really like to follow football at a time where it was far from fashionable.

1981/82: Tottenham v West Ham

Performing heroics against a local rival is a sure fire way in sport to guarantee a place in the hearts of your team's supporters. In football there are numerous examples of players enjoying a 90 minutes to remember in derby matches: Gary Rowell, Alan Sunderland, Ian Rush, Craig Bryson, Phil Foden and Erling Haaland. An object lesson in how to win friends and influence people. 

Another example of this could be found on the evening of September 2, 1981. Newly promoted West Ham went to White Hart Lane knowing that the clash would be a significant examination of their ability to compete in the top flight. What followed was the stuff of dreams. A memorable night for both the club and their number nine.

1988: The Paul Davis affair

One moment of madness. A split second that would play a huge part in the career of a footballer on the brink of international recognition. On an afternoon of frustration for Arsenal's players and supporters, one man could take no more. Paul Davis was about to inflict pain on both an opponent and his own future.

Trailing 2-0 at Highbury against Chris Nicholl's Southampton, Arsenal looked condemned to another home defeat, having lost two weeks before to Aston Villa. With 79 minutes played there was an air of desperation as George Graham's team looked for a way back into the match. This was not the stuff of title contenders.