{"product_id":"the-legends-of-stoke-city-1863-2008-illustrated-club-tribute","title":"The Legends of Stoke City 1863 - 2008 - Illustrated Club Tribute","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn this review of The Legends of Stoke City 1863 - 2008, the bottom line is clear: this book is for supporters and football historians who want a carefully researched, fan-informed celebration of Stoke Citys standout players. Tony Matthews has compiled 100 profiles that span the clubs early heroes to the modern era, and the single biggest reason to buy is the combination of meticulous research and a selection shaped by consultation with supporters, which gives the book both authority and warmth as a club history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eKey Features\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eCurated selection:\u003c\/strong\u003e One hundred players are chosen after consultation with fans, giving readers a balanced mix of recent favourites and classic stars.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAuthor expertise:\u003c\/strong\u003e Tony Matthews brings years of knowledge of West Midlands football to offer informed, contextual biographies of each legend.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eHistorical range:\u003c\/strong\u003e Coverage from the clubs origins through 2008 provides a long view of Stoke Citys development and memorable eras.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eIllustrated content:\u003c\/strong\u003e The book is illustrated throughout, helping to bring players and moments to life for fans and newcomers alike.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAccessible writing:\u003c\/strong\u003e The entries are written for a general football audience, making it easy to read one profile at a time or follow chapters sequentially.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eWho It's For\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFans of Stoke City who want a compact, readable reference to the clubs most celebrated players will find this book rewarding; it works equally well as a gift or as a keepsake for long-time supporters. Football historians and collectors who appreciate author-driven selections will value Tony Matthews expertise and the fan-informed approach.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eReaders seeking exhaustive statistical compendiums or season-by-season analysis should look elsewhere, as the books focus is on player profiles and narrative tribute rather than full statistical breakdowns or match-level detail.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003ePros \u0026amp; Cons\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePros\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWell-researched player profiles that reflect the author's deep knowledge of West Midlands football.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe selection of 100 players blends modern favourites with historic figures, giving broad coverage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIllustrations throughout add visual interest and help identify players and eras.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCons\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe book is a tribute-style compilation rather than a statistical reference, so readers wanting detailed stats may be disappointed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecifications\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTitle\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThe Legends of Stoke City 1863 - 2008\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAuthor\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTony Matthews\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eContent focus\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100 standout Stoke City players selected with fan consultation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCoverage period\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1863 to 2008\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIllustrations\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIllustrated throughout\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGenre\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eClub history \/ Player profiles\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eOur Verdict\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor Stoke City supporters and general football readers who value narrative history and author expertise, The Legends of Stoke City 1863 - 2008 is a heartfelt, well-researched tribute that delivers good value as a readable keepsake. Its fan-shaped selection and illustrations make it a pleasing addition to any supporters bookshelf, while those seeking exhaustive statistics should consider supplementary references.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDoes this book cover modern and early players?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe book spans the clubs history from 1863 through 2008 and includes both early-era figures and recent favourites.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eIs the book illustrated?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eYes, the authors text is accompanied by illustrations throughout to complement the player profiles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWho compiled the player list?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAuthor Tony Matthews selected the 100 players after deliberation and consultation with Stoke City fans to balance era representation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tony Matthews","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48607828574427,"sku":"1780911394","price":19.08,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0724\/1043\/1707\/files\/41QG8J7-vuL.jpg?v=1778420924","url":"https:\/\/gearmusthave.com\/products\/the-legends-of-stoke-city-1863-2008-illustrated-club-tribute","provider":"GearMustHave","version":"1.0","type":"link"}