Floodlit Dreams

There’s Gonna Be a Show: Everton and Me – A Complicated Love Story

admin — Thu, 17 Jul 2025 16:43:49 +0000

JIMMY MULVILLE is one of the most significant figures in British television as owner and managing director of Hat Trick Productions, creators of such hit shows as Drop The Dead Donkey, Outnumbered and Have I Got News For You.

He is also a lifelong devotee of Everton FC, having grown up less than a mile from Goodison Park, and has loved them then left before returning to them over the course of their modern history of 80s success followed by regular Premier League struggles.

In There’s Gonna Be A Show, the Liverpool comprehensive kid who read Classics at Cambridge University tells how Everton have been the backdrop to his father’s suicide and his own drug addiction; how he reconnected with his home city after getting clean and sober and helped Bill Kenwright buy the club.

Taking as starting point the last game at Goodison Park, sponsored by Hat Trick, and ending with the first game at the new Bramley-Moore Dock stadium, this is a beautifully written memoir of football’s emotional potency and poignancy.

There’s Gonna Be a Show: Everton and Me – A Complicated Love Story quantity

Pitch Publishing and Floodlit Dreams kick off with a hat-trick

Seth Burkett — Fri, 11 Nov 2022 22:32:19 +0000

Sports book publishers Pitch and Floodlit Dreams are delighted to announce an exciting partnership to create an innovative new collection of books under the banner Football Shorts.

Pitch and Floodlit Dreams will be publishing three books a year of around 30,000 words each by high quality writers telling personal stories about aspects of football and its characters, and the effect of the game on their own lives. The series will be curated by Floodlit Dreams founder Ian Ridley, who will also write the first book in the series, on the late national footballing treasure Jimmy Armfield, to be published in January 2023.

Said Pitch publisher Jane Camillin: ‘We are really excited by this venture. When Ian approached us with the idea, we could immediately see its potential and are thrilled to be working with him to produce this series of high-quality reads at an affordable price. The paperbacks will retail at just £9.99 each and there will be a chance to subscribe and get all three for £25, all signed by the authors, which we think also makes a great Christmas present.’

Added Ian Ridley: ‘Pitch have created an admirable and hugely successful sports publishing business with a now well-established infrastructure of marketing and distribution that we at FD do not possess as we produce comparatively few books. What we do have, I believe, is a good eye for a story and the ability to attract some very fine, experienced writers. There is consequently a perfect synergy between the two companies that can bring this concept to life.’

The first book, by Ridley, is entitled Pantomime Hero and will tell of his relationship with the legendary late Blackpool and England captain Jimmy Armfield, member of the World Cup-winning squad of 1966 and subsequently a highly respected manager, administrator and broadcaster. At the centre of the book will be the story of how Armfield took over from Brian Clough as manager at Leeds United after the fabled and fateful 44 days in 1974 and lifted the mood of the club.

Says Ridley: ‘Jimmy was a such well-loved figure in the game and beyond and I was proud to call him a friend, and proud to help him finally get a medal for being in the ’66 World Cup back-up squad. I was particularly intrigued by that time in ’74 when he was entrusted with restoring some morale at Leeds following The Damned United era and, amazingly, put on a pantomime starring the players at the City Varieties Theatre and sold it out. I always wanted to write something about Jimmy and with the help and input of his sons Duncan and John and their own memories, I am going to try and do Jimmy justice.’

The second book in the series, to be published in late spring next year, will be written by Jane Purdon, former chief executive of Women in Football, telling of her trailblazing role in the women’s game, the amazing Lionesses summer that saw them win the European Championship, and the effect since on the state of the game as we go into the Women’s World Cup next summer.

Autumn 2023 will see the publication of the third book, by comedian, TV and radio writer and novelist Andy Hamilton, who grew up a few streets from Chelsea FC and will document his boyhood love and support for the club that he came to question as disappointment grew with maturity at events at Stamford Bridge, both on and off the pitch.

‘Jane and Andy are superb writers and I just know these are going to be wonderful books’, said Ian Ridley. ‘The whole emphasis of this project is going to be on the writing, with engaging personal tales and vignettes. The anecdotes and observations that Jane and Andy will share will be poignant, trenchant and entertaining.’

Ridley explains how the books came about. ‘During lockdowns, I read a lot of books and sometimes I just felt like a shorter football read without being able to find many. I can’t believe I’m alone in that. I think there is a widespread desire for great stories succinctly and well told, which is why I went to Pitch for the logistics and expertise needed to attract a wide audience.

‘I am kicking it all off because nobody else seemed to want the job! We quickly found, however, that big writers did want to be a part of it and were willing to contribute for the future. Early next year, we hope to be announcing three more books and writers for 2024 and I think people are going to be mightily impressed by the top trio with whom we already have agreements in principle.’

Jane Camillin sums up: ‘With such good writing, the job of marketing and selling should be much easier than it often is in publishing these days. We know these are tough times for people and books might be seen as luxuries but we all need diversion and dreams and these books represent a great value gift and a low-cost way of escaping into riveting sports stories.’

For more information contact us

Big Week Ahead for Floodlit Dreams

Seth Burkett — Fri, 17 Sep 2021 20:09:03 +0000

The following week promises much excitement for us at Floodlit Dreams, starting on Monday with the Telegraph Sports Book Awards 2021. We’ll be attending the star-studded event at the Oval with our fingers crossed for Ian Ridley’s The Breath of Sadness, which is shortlisted in the Best Sports Writing category. No matter the result, it’s an honour for a Floodlit Dreams title to be shortlisted once more.

Just two days later, on Wednesday, we have the official publication date of Football, She Wrote. It’s been a busy few weeks of supplying books to distributors, contacting media and getting copies out to all those who pre-ordered through our website. We’re anticipating plenty of coverage for the book and plenty more work over the coming weeks. Our 20 contributors have done a fantastic job, along with editor Charlotte Atyeo, curator Ian Ridley and designer Steve Leard.

Watch this space. We’ll be updating next week.

Pre-order your copy of Football, She Wrote here.

Football, She Wrote

Seth Burkett — Thu, 08 Jul 2021 23:10:40 +0000

Floodlit Dreams and Women in Football are delighted to reveal the title and cover for the forthcoming anthology of women’s football writing on which they are collaborating. The book will be called Football, She Wrote and will be published in paperback on Wednesday September 22nd, priced at £14.99.

The book features 20 pieces, 10 by experienced, commissioned writers and 10 by new writers who were chosen from a strong entry list after submitting their pieces to a competition.

The foreword to the book has been written by Gabby Logan MBE and the front cover bears an endorsement by Alex Scott MBE, describing the book as: “A brilliantly entertaining collection showcasing a wealth of women’s voices.”

The back cover blurb for the book reads:

From the doyenne of football writing Julie Welch’s brilliantly illuminating story of the first women’s international match after a 50-year ban to the madcap tale of two black radio rookies in China… From the trials of covering the soap opera that is Newcastle United to the glamour of establishing Real Madrid TV… From the making of the magnificent Emma Hayes to the equally amazing Mums United FC…

FOOTBALL, SHE WROTE is a first: a unique collection of 20 women’s voices on the game they love. Penned by a hugely talented mix of experienced and new writers, and embracing memoirs, profiles, interviews and talking points taking in sexuality, diversity and inclusion, it is an anthology to make you think and feel, laugh and cry.

“I am so proud of this book,” said Floodlit Dreams founder Ian Ridley, who also curated the book, which has been edited by Charlotte Atyeo. “We launched the Vikki Orvice book prize back in 2019 in honour of my late wife, who was a founder and board member of WIF, and there were so many great ideas well beyond the marvellous winner, Susie Petruccelli’s Raised A Warrior, which we published last year. It got me thinking that we should do something more.

“The result is this collection and it is full of remarkable material that shows the depth of talent among women wanting to write about football. They just need platforms, particularly when it comes to books.

“It’s another really strong cover by designer Steve Leard, who did Raised A Warrior. It’s bold and modern and makes a strong statement, I believe. The colours will certainly be recognisable as significant, being a nod to that defining era when women fought so hard to get their voices heard.”

Added WIF chair, Ebru Köksal: “We are delighted to be continuing our partnership with Floodlit Dreams thanks to the ongoing support of the wonderful Ian Ridley. With Ian’s help, through this anthology of eloquent and engaging women’s football writing, we have the opportunity to celebrate some of the amazing and inspirational talent within our Women in Football membership.”

The full list of contributors is (in alphabetical order): Kehinde Adeogun, Isabelle Latifa Barker, Kate Battersby, Alison Bender, Jade Craddock, Hayley Davinson, Molly Hudson, Tracy Light, Renuka Odedra, Fadumo Olow, Katie Mishner, Christina Philippou, Jane Purdon, Ali Rampling, Louise Taylor, Julie Welch, Julia West, Cassie Whittell, Katie Whyatt and Suzanne Wrack.

The book can be puchased here.

Top 10 Named for Women’s Football Writing Anthology

Seth Burkett — Tue, 04 May 2021 16:01:24 +0000

FLOODLIT DREAMS are delighted to announce the successful new writers whose submissions have been selected for the forthcoming anthology of women’s football writing to be published in collaboration with Women in Football.

After a judging session last week, the panel chaired by the book’s editor Charlotte Atyeo, and featuring She Kicks editor Jen O’Neill and Floodlit Dreams founder Ian Ridley, selected 10 pieces by the following writers (in alphabetical order):

Kehinde and Taiwo Adeogun
Jade Craddock
Hayley Davinson
Tracy Light
Katie Mishner
Renuka Odedra
Christina Philippou
Ali Rampling
Julia West
Cassie Whittell

“We had a remarkable set of submissions and it was a really tough job selecting 10,” said Ian Ridley. “The subjects were strikingly diverse and original, from mums in football to friendships forged through the game, from inclusivity in clubs to the entertaining exploits of two rookie radio reporters.

“There are pieces to make you laugh and cry, think and feel. It just goes to show that there are a lot of women of talent out there writing, or wanting to write, about football, both the women’s and the men’s games.

“I just know we have a great book on our hands here, given the list of commissioned writers to go alongside these new writers. It’s going to be really enjoyable putting together what I think is a special and unique project.”

Chair of Women in Football Ebru Köksal said of the collaboration: “We cannot thank Floodlit Dreams enough for partnering with Women in Football on this anthology. With Ian’s help, we have been able to provide our members with what is undoubtedly a dream opportunity to be part of a truly memorable collection of stories around the game we all love.”

The 10 commissioned writers are: Isabelle Barker, Kate Battersby, Alison Bender, Molly Hudson, Fadumo Olow, Jane Purdon, Louise Taylor, Julie Welch, Katie Whyatt and Suzanne Wrack.

The book will now go into the editing and production process under Charlotte Atyeo and will be published in the Autumn.

Tony Adams the latest guest on the Floodlit Dreams podcast

Seth Burkett — Thu, 25 Mar 2021 11:54:46 +0000

The seventh episode of the Floodlit Dreams podcast saw Arsenal and England legend Tony Adams joined by Ian Ridley and host Sybil Ruscoe. In their 45-minute discussion they touched on football, mental health and the two books that Ian wrote with Tony: Addicted and Sober.

First published in 1998, Addicted shone a light on Tony’s battle against alcoholism, of which he talks candidly. He followed that up in 2017 with Sober, which covered the second half of his story, including the foundation of Sporting Chance, which Tony set up with the proceeds from Addicted.

Ian shares his own stories of his time with Tony, including meals with Marco van Basten and floppy discs worth millions.

You can listen to the podcast in all the usual places, or by clicking the link below.

https://anchor.fm/floodlit-dreams/episodes/Floodlit-Dreams-meets—Tony-Adams-eta8qd

Line-up for Women’s Football Anthology Announced

Seth Burkett — Mon, 22 Mar 2021 10:00:45 +0000

THE full line-up of commissioned writers for the Floodlit Dreams anthology of women’s football writing, being published in conjunction with Women In Football, has been finalised.

Following the recent announcement that Julie Welch, the doyenne of female football writers, has agreed to contribute, we are delighted to list the other nine commissioned writers who will join the 10 new writers to be chosen from submissions.

The 10 commissioned writers are:

Julie Welch, formerly of The Observer, now freelance.
Jane Purdon, CEO Women in Football.
Isabelle Barker, The Sun.
Kate Battersby, ex-Daily Telegraph, now freelance.
Alison Bender, ex-ESPN, now freelance.
Molly Hudson, The Times.
Fadumo Olow, The Daily Telegraph.
Louise Taylor, The Guardian.
Katie Whyatt, The Athletic.
Suzanne Wrack, The Guardian.

“We are very proud of the team we have recruited,” said Floodlit Dreams founder Ian Ridley. “This is an incredibly strong list of writers with a real blend of talents that will be matched by fascinating and powerful subject matter.

“We will have interviews and profiles with significant figures in the game, think and comment pieces, on both men’s and women’s football. I am really excited about this book.”

The book will comprise 20 pieces from female writers, 10 from the established names who have been commissioned and the other 10 via invited submissions from new writers. Publication will be in the Autumn of 2021.

“We are still seeking submissions from new writers,” added Ian Ridley. “There has been a good entry list so far but we there is still time to enter for those who would like to see their work published alongside our great line-up of commissioned writers.”

Entrants have until March 30th, 2021 to submit, and submissions should be between 3,000 and 5,000 words.

They can be on any subject, across both women’s and men’s football, and should be emailed to info@floodlitdreams.com or info@womeninfootball.co.uk. Ideally, submissions should be in Times New Roman 12pt type, with 1.5 line spacing.

Those submitting must be members of WiF and if not already, can join at www.womeninfootball.co.uk.

An editorial panel drawn from Floodlit Dreams and WiF will select the 10 successful entries. There will be a fee of £400 for each chosen piece.

Floodlit Dreams to publish Titans of the Teardrop Isle

Seth Burkett — Sat, 13 Mar 2021 11:08:32 +0000

We are delighted to announce our latest book to be published: Titans of the Teardrop Isle by Seth Burkett. It will be released on April 26th and is available for pre-order at the special price of £8.99 through our website.

Seth originally covered his time out in Sri Lanka in a series of blog posts, shared on this website and in a weekly column in the Non-League Paper.

He arrived in Sri Lanka after answering a tweet calling for overseas players to join a professional Sri Lankan football team in a new tournament. He had no idea what awaited him. The team was Trinco Titans, owned by Sri Lankan cricketing legends Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, and were taking part in the North Eastern Premier League. Unfortunately, Seth was in the dark about the quality of football, the standard of pitches, the delicate local political tensions, even the dates of the fixtures… Before long, he was fully immersed in the Titans family, experiencing everything the country had to offer him: new friendships, picture-postcard beaches, a relaxed approach to organisation and time-keeping, thousands of new Facebook followers, and a crash course in the Teardrop Isle’s recent troubled history. There were results to forget but it was a summer to remember.

Seth said “I’m delighted to be publishing this book through Floodlit Dreams. Ian gave me my first chance as a writer by publishing The Boy in Brazil back in 2014 and the whole experience was fantastic. It was amazing to see the response to The Boy in Brazil and I hope people will similarly enjoy Titans of the Teardrop Isle.”

“I set up Floodlit Dreams in the first instance to publish a book I ghost-wrote for Mark Halsey, the Premier League referee,” said Floodlit Dreams founder Ian Ridley. “Then when Seth’s manuscript for The Boy In Brazil came in, I knew I wanted to publish that. Titans of the Teardrop Isle is in the same mould, a charming story of a season in an exotic location but also with an edge, taking in adversity as well as cultural and geo-political tensions. It’s a book that places football in its social context and those for me are the best kind of sports books.”

Titans of the Teardrop Isle was edited by hugely respected publishing figure Charlotte Atyeo, while the eye-catching cover was designed by Steve Leard. Pre-order the book here.

Julie Welch heads list of authors for anthology of women’s football writing

Seth Burkett — Mon, 08 Mar 2021 10:13:12 +0000

FLOODLIT DREAMS are proud to announce that Julie Welch, the doyenne of female football writers, has agreed to contribute to a new anthology of women’s football writing being published in conjunction with Women in Football.

Julie began her football writing career with The Observer in 1973 and also became a noted screen writer – telling of her experiences as a football fan and journalist in Those Glory Glory Days – as well as an author. Her latest book, The Fleet Street Girls, was published last year.

“We are delighted that Julie immediately wanted to be part of this project when I approached her,” said Floodlit Dreams founder Ian Ridley. “No collection of women’s football writing would really be complete without her. She has been a towering figure in the field for so long.”

The book will comprise 20 pieces from female writers, with 10 being commissioned from established names and the other 10 via invited submissions from new writers. Publication will be in the Autumn of 2021.

“The full list of the 10 commissioned writers is just being finalised and will be announced this time next week,” added Ian. “So far we have a great and diverse blend of writers on the team, from youth to experience, and they be will be covering some fascinating people and issues in both the men’s and women’s game.

“We are still looking for submissions from new writers. We have had some excellent ones already but there is still room and time for more who would like to try and be part of this.

“I would urge women to give it a go and now is the time to take action with the deadline in three weeks. We really want to see more female football writers being published and I hope this book is going to be a prestigious production that will make a big impact.”

Submissions are open for United Kingdom-based writers only until March 30^th, 2021 and should be between 3,000 and 5,000 words.

Those submitting must be members of WiF and if not already, can join at www.womeninfootball.co.uk.

An editorial panel drawn from Floodlit Dreams and WiF will select the 10 successful pieces. There will be a fee of £400 for each chosen piece.

Missed Floodlit Dreams and Women in Football’s Webinar on Football Writing? Watch it Back Now

Seth Burkett — Mon, 22 Feb 2021 11:48:22 +0000

Floodlit Dreams partnered with Women in Football to conduct an hour-long webinar for ‘all you need to know about football writing’.

Floodlit Dreams founder Ian Ridley was joined by author of Raised a Warrior author Susie Petruccelli, Floodlit Dreams editor Charlotte Atyeo, The Athletic journalist Amy Lawrence and Women in Football CEO Jane Purdon.

The panel shared their tips with seventy-eight attendees ahead of Floodlit Dreams and Women in Football’s joint competition to find ten new female voices ahead of a collaborative anthology of women’s football writing.

Thanks to Women in Football, that webinar can now be watched back by following this link.

Submissions for our joint anthology remain open for United Kingdom-based writers. They should be between 3,000 and 5,000 words and the deadline is March 31st. Please write in 12pt Times New Roman with 1.5 line spacing.

Those successful will see their entries included in the final anthology and will also receive a £400 fee, along with a share of any royalties. Full details of how to enter can be viewed at https://fd-backup.tsdevsite.co.uk/floodlit-dreams-and-wif-announce-new-book-partnership/.