Nige TassellThe Bottom Corner: Hope, Glory and Non-League Football

I have read many football books but this one has given me the most enjoyment. The author has a very engaging style and has obviously done a lot of research. The chapter on Hackney Marshes and the teams who play there, was particularly good. If, like me, you have become disillusioned with football at the top level and sick of all the hype and a game that is awash with money, this book will give you more enjoyment than anything you will see in the Premiership. These are REAL fans - read their story - you will have done yourself a huge favour. Found it engrossing and hard to put down. Thanks Nige - a great read.

Have enjoyed reading this book that has reminded me of how I started in the game. The descriptions of grounds the people and the hard work that goes on by ordinary folks who don’t ask to be rewarded all the time. Community at its best.

My heart sinks when I see a new football book purporting to be a "season review". I have read, or tried to read far too many so-called jocular accounts of journeys to and from matches, friends travelled with and amounts of alcohol consumed on the way.Worthy though these type of book might be they leave me cold and doubting whether they should have seen the light of day or at best confined to a readership comprising the author's friends and family.Rant over as Nigel Tassell has not fallen into any of these traps and has given us a thoughtful, witty, well written and most importantly well researched overview of the non league scene.He has travelled far and wide, notebook and dictaphone in hand and asked the right questions of players, managers, directors, referees, supporters and volunteers alike. He has provided an in depth insight into what non league football means and the problems it faces to survive in an era that is totally Premier League focused.Was it fortuitous or a clever piece of marketing that saw its publication immediately prior to Non League Day and hopefully it helped jog a few memories and persuaded some fans to visit their local non league team instead.An excellent book that deserves a wide readership.

This book takes you on a journey around the UK following different aspects of the non-league system and much more over the course of one season. It covers pretty much everything from an engaging insiders look at the workings of the hallowed ground at Hackney Marshes to the very top of the Conference and plenty more in between, including following a groundhopper on his travels, an insight into the fantastic work United Glasgow do with asylum seekers through football and an interesting background look at the ins and outs of being a scout. The author talks to many fascinating characters along the way, many of whom I recognise as similar to some of the great and passionate people I’ve met during my on/off relationship with the non-league scene over the past forty or so years.A thoroughly entertaining book and well worth checking out whatever level of football you follow. Definitely recommended.

Lots of detail, without being stodgy. Entertaining and informative. Perhaps dwelling too much on a couple of subjects. Well worth a read for any football enthusiast.

So refreshing to read about people who play for the love of the game as opposed to mercenary, money oriented Premier League players. Some of the clubs in the book only exist because of people who love the game and give their time and effort for no reward. It is truly heartwarming and an antidote to the philosophy of Premier League clubs, their owners and playing staff. I gave up watching the Premier League several years ago preferring to watch non League teams where most of the players are happy to play for the love of the game because for most of them the remuneration means they have to have a second income. It is a welcome relief to escape the prima Donna attitudes and arrogance of the higher leagues. I would never go back. Read the Bottom Corner and find your faith in the beautiful game restored.

Acceptable and in pretty good shape

I would highly recommend this excellently-crafted book to any football fan. The author has produced a highly entertaining, erudite and evocative picture of the ups and downs of non-league football life and his passion for, and knowledge of, the sport burns bright throughout. Nige’s informative and witty writing style displays his extensive knowledge and clear enjoyment of football at all levels as he racks up the miles across a whole season in pursuit of what makes players play for - and supporters and benefactors love and cherish - their local teams, be they ex-Football League clubs scrapping to regain their recently-lost status or outfits at the lower reaches of the football pyramid just trying to survive until the dawn of another season. Having grown up watching non-League football (and also supporting a Football League club who are only two bad seasons away from it!), Nige’s experiences and insights clearly resonate with me - however I think it will also appeal to football fans generally, regardless of the current level of their team. An excellent book!