Five Questions for Cultured Football: Daniel Gray, Writer & People’s Historian
Daniel Gray is a unique kind of football writer, one for whom the game itself forms only part of the narrative. His love of the game is clear from the desire to see as much football as possible irrespective of the level. He is interested in the wider story, talking of the impact that football has on communities.
His latest book, Saturday, 3pm: 50 Eternal Delights of Football, is a collection of fifty short essays of prose poetry dedicated to what is good in the game. As his replies highlight, he is also a Middlesbrough fan.
Which is your favourite stadium?
A toss-up between Cappielow (Greenock Morton) and Somerset Park (Ayr United). What can I say: I love creaking turnstiles, terraces, proper floodlights, corrugated iron walls…
Is there a football player or manager (past or present) who you’d love to spend a couple of hours with?
Obvious, but Middlesbrough’s own Brian Clough.
What is your favourite football book (or books) and why?
The Far Corner by Harry Pearson will always be my favourite: wonderfully written, funny, wistful, great social history. Michael Walker’s recent Up There is cracking. A note too for Ron Ferguson’s Black Diamonds and the Blue Brazil.
Is there a football kit you’d happily wear around all day?
1970s Jack Charlton’s Middesbrough — the white band, and a good excuse for lamb chop sideburns.
What is your over-all favourite football memory?
Seeing Boro finally, finally win a trophy, in 2004. That day in Cardiff was like a million Christmases to me.
