Fanzine display shows 'heart and soul' of football

Some of the world's oldest football fanzines have gone on display in an exhibition at Leeds Central Library.

In December, staff urged people with unwanted fanzines to donate them so they could be added to the collection.

Now, an exhibition called Voice of the Fans - curated in partnership with the British Library - has opened featuring some of Leeds United's most enduring magazines.

Librarian Antony Ramm said the publications had played "an important role in holding clubs to account and driving change in the game".

He said: "The longevity and sheer variety of some of these remarkable publications really demonstrates how much fan culture has been at the heart and soul of football, playing such a huge role in making the game so beloved the world over.

"The ways fans express themselves may have changed through the years, but what's remained the same is that passion and desire, which has driven supporters to find a way to make their voices heard."

The exhibition follows the promotions of Leeds United and Bradford City football clubs.

It includes editions of The City Gent, a Bradford City publication that is the longest-running print football magazine in the country.

Editions of The Square Ball, featuring Elland Road idols Gordon Strachan and Lucas Radebe, and Marching Altogether, founded by Leeds United fans to campaign against racism and fascism in football, are among the items on display.

The exhibition also includes a copy of Foul, which is widely regarded as the original magazine created by football supporters, according to Leeds Central Library.

Foul was first produced by students at Cambridge University in October 1972, with 34 issues published between 1972 and 1976.

Other mementos of fan culture on display include badges, banners, scarfs and recordings of terrace chants from the British Library Sound Archive.

British Library curator Laurence Byrne said he hoped the publications would be an inspiration to researchers and fans.

He said: "As historical documents fanzines are invaluable, reflecting contemporary politics and changing social values while representing the incredible creativity and ingenuity of fans."

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