In 2006, Arsenal Football Club will move from the stadium that has been their home for over 90 years, leaving the memories of over 10,000 matches forever etched in the minds that experienced them. In Highbury, Bruce Smith exhaustively chronicles the life and times of Arsenal's legendary stadium in North London, from the site's humble beginnings as a college to its present status as one of the most recognisable pieces of football real estate in the world. In this highly illustrated book, Smith traces the development of the stadium, from its grand opening in 1913, when the club known then as Woolwich Arsenal moved there from across the river, and recalls the many footballing events staged there over the years, as well as the myriad greats who have graced its turf - from Buchan and Brady to Bergkamp. The book highlights how pioneering architects such as Archie Leitch, Claude Waterlow Ferrier and Herbert Chapman played a vital role in shaping Highbury we know it today and documents the important role that the League, Premiership, FA Cup and European competitions have played in the colourful history and overall development of the stadium.
Aside from football, Highbury has played host to many high-profile cricket, hockey and boxing events, including the classic Cooper Clay World Championship fight in 1963. All are remembered here, along with the best and worst of memories at Highbury as recollected by some of the club's many supporters. Highbury is a timely tribute to a stadium that has been part of the fabric of sporting history for almost a century, but one that will be no more as of 2006, when the club move to the custom-built Emirates Stadium in Islington. Featuring many rare and previously unpublished photos, this book is an authoritative, exhaustive document of a legendary stadium and the people and events that have shaped it from beginning to end.
Author Biography
Bruce Smith is an award-winning journalist, stadium consultant and businessman. He has written over 100 books, including statistical histories and sports yearbooks, and has worked for BBC Radio, BBC Television and Channel 4.
