
About this episode
Michael Calvin’s new book is called State of Play: Under the Skin of the Modern Game. And In it, he shines a light on the human stories of football. We hear from chairmen, journeymen, female coaches, performance coaches, rights campaigners and those who fight for the soul of the national game in the light of its rampant commercialisation. As always, you’ll get a strong sense of the themes of the book, but we also talk at length about the nature of sports writing and how the eloquent prose of Arthur Hopcraft, inspired the format of the book. Enjoy!
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit backpagepress.substack.com
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit backpagepress.substack.com
Get every episode summarized
Each time The Back Page publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from The Back Page

Manu Petit smokes Marlboro Reds: The importance of details, with Ryan Baldi
The Back Page
Oct 14, 20247:01pending

When Stam says "No" and Wrighty says "Yes"
The Back Page
Oct 11, 202430:22pending

A Big Announcement!
The Back Page
Sep 26, 20240:48pending

A Big Announcement!
The Back Page
Sep 25, 20240:48pending