The Football History Boys

Football is more than just a game. Over the last 150 years it has become a source of identity, conflict and debate for all who follow and play it. It has reached the furthest corners of the globe and boasts more players and supporters than any other sport. In this list we will be going right the way through the illustrious, colourful and often tragic history of football and finding out once and for all what the most important moments are in this truly beautiful game.



1. Sheffield FC & the Question of Rules (1857)

The first moment in our list is the creation of football's oldest club - Sheffield FC. The players who set up the club were 'old boys' from the Sheffield Collegiate School after being introduced to the game by their college masters. These students included Nathaniel Creswick and William Prest - the co-founders and instigators of the 'Sheffield Rules'.

It is the 'Sheffield rules' which distinguish
this form of football to that set up 6 years lat…

As we approach our 6th year - we've decided to compile a list of the 50 most important moments in Football History. Since we started the blog and finished our studies at Swansea University in 2014 - we've looked deeper and deeper into the moments and stories which have made the sport into the beautiful game. For many in this technological age dominated by social media - the history of football begins in 1992 with the introduction of the Premier and Champions Leagues. Both undoubtedly important moments, but in this list we will be going right the way through the illustrious, colourful and often tragic history of football.

We will start our list with the game’s origins - public schools, football associations and rules, before moving swiftly through the decades. Much of what makes football the game we know and love today stems from the decisions made in the Victorian era as professionalism took over and tournaments were introduced. By the turn of the century we can see the beginn…

‘Welcome to the Hive’ read the garish black and amber sign set alongside a busy suburban road. To the uninitiated there’s nothing special about Barnet football club in north London. But this was my Golden Fleece, my Emerald City at the end of a long and winding road. Because after a quarter of a century of traipsing across the country I was about to join a select club. The Hive was my final visit. The 92nd ground of the 92 clubs in the top four leagues of English football. From Accrington Stanley’s brilliantly named ‘Wham’ stadium in Lancashire to the post-modern opulence of Arsenal’s ‘Emirates,’ from Meadow Lane to Molineux, Valley Parade to Vicarage Road, I had watched a game of football in them all. We call ourselves ‘groundhoppers’ and those hardy fans who have visited every ground have their own club and website. The ‘92 Club’ has even made up ties and badges for its select self-selecting membership. Roger Titford, a Reading fan, was one of the club’s early members. He describes …

It's coming home...it's coming home...it's coming! The words that no one could escape this summer as every news outlet seemed to join in on England's World Cup achievement. What was also common was articles explaining just why football fans were saying these three words. In 1996 The Lightning Seeds and comedians Frank Skinner and David Baddiel joined together to spur their nation on in Euro '96. Football was returning to its place of birth - Britain. For us at The Football History Boys - what we really want to find out is the relationship between the beautiful game and music. It is clear that it is no modern phenomena and it has its origins at the very start of football's extraordinary history. 



Walk into any football stadium and you'll hear a number of things. Abuse at the match officials, someone scoffing down a half-time pie and of course songs. Songs and chants are a must for any decent atmosphere and bring with them more than just a nice melody. Music …