Podcast: Groundhopping Every Round of the FA Cup

My guest is Ruben Clark (RM Clark), whose new book Winner Stays On covers his travels around England following clubs through every round of the FA Cup, trailing the winner of matches into the next round all the way up to the final. Ruben’s journey through the FA Cup rounds offers an intimate glimpse into the heart of English football, capturing the essence of the game beyond the glamour of the Premier League. It’s a fascinating insight into the English regions and the football pyramid.

Here’s a summary of what we discuss:

Introduction to Ruben Clark: Ruben Clark, a first-time author, discusses his new book, Winner Stays On, which documents his travels following the FA Cup from the earliest rounds to the final, offering a blend of travelogue, sports narrative, and amateur sociology across England’s football landscape.

The Concept: Clark’s journey starts from the very beginning of the FA Cup, following the winner of each match he attends, thereby capturing the essence of the tournament across its 14 rounds. His narrative aims to give an empathetic view of the lesser-known or negatively-perceived places in England, like Grimsby and Burton-on-Trent.

Early Rounds: Ruben’s journey begins in rural Gloucestershire, highlighting grassroots football’s charm and community spirit, emphasising the financial modesty and local passion of clubs at this level.

Travel and Anecdotes: Through his travels, Ruben encounters unique characters and experiences, such as a one-man supporter band, illustrating the deep personal connections and eccentricities found in lower league football.

Focus on Local Communities: Clark discusses visiting towns and cities that have lost their industries, aiming to portray them with curiosity and empathy, showing how football clubs play a significant role in these communities.

Sociological Insights: Ruben’s book delves into the social and economic fabric of the places visited, using football as a lens to explore broader issues like industry decline and community identity.

Humorous and Human Stories: Ruben shares amusing incidents, such as players getting locked in toilets, highlighting the human side of football away from the polish of the game at senior level.

Impact of Football on Towns: The author explores how football clubs are intertwined with their towns’ identities and fortunes, providing a source of pride and community cohesion even in hard times.

Reflection on the FA Cup’s Significance: Ruben reflects on the FA Cup’s unique ability to level the playing field and bring together communities, albeit acknowledging the tournament’s changing significance in the modern football landscape.

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The podcast is sponsored by Pibe de Barrio, the on-the-ground football experts in Buenos Aires, helping you live the Argentine matchday experience.