Product Description

The Southern League team of Weymouth FC were in dire straits: nearly half a million in the red, dogged by boardroom squabbles, a decrepit ground, falling turnouts and an end of season performance that saw them lose 5-1 to arch enemies, Yeovil Town. Join Ridley on his rollercoaster journey as he shows just what can be done with a dose of obsessive commitment and unstinting optimism. It's a story of political backstabbing and petty rivalry; of euphoric highs and personal pain; of a man that thought that it should be simpler. Who thought that football - that Weymouth - deserved better. Brilliantly observed, infused with Ridley's trademark wit and peppered with fascinating insights into the machinations of boardroom football, FLOODLIT DREAMS is a compelling journey into the hinterland of the beautiful game.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #307286 in Books
• Published on: 2006-08-21
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 352 pages

Customer Reviews

Good, not great
An intriguing insight into running a club in towards the bottom end of the league pyramid, with terrific detail and a wonderfully personal perspective. Ridley undoubtedly loves his club, and, it would appear, cares much more for the future of the club than a number of the other characters involved. However, towards the end, in an effort to put this point across, the book becomes something of a way of justifying his actions against those of his "enemies". It seems that when writing this book, rather than telling the story of running a lower league football club, Ridley is using this book to tell his side of the story to the fans of Weymouth. Still a fantastic read though, I'd love to read a similar book by Martyn Harrison!

From Weymouth to Wembley
This is a wonderful book for anyone who takes in interest in non-league football. The author inherited his passion for the game from his father in the unlikely setting of Weymouth. To transform his local club from the depths of the southern league to the paradise of the football league was his ultimate dream. It is in these areas of the game - the lower leagues - that characters are formed, with clubs being run by genuine fans and boards of Directors more often than not being businessmen from the town. The problems start when developers target their local grounds normally in the town centre with the sweetener of a brand new out of town stadium to entice the sale. Things then move to a different level, the fun aspect vanishes and a different type of director comes on board.

The pride of the author shines through, he is not afraid to point out how finances dictate the fortune of many clubs at this level, with loyalty being a thing of the past. Board meetings, the hiring and firing of managers, the influence of the press, and are seen through his eyes. There is little glamour at this level, raising money to fund such things as overnight stays and the mundane replacement of items such as floodlight pylon bulbs are all included.

I strongly recommend this read to anyone who has an interest in the working of a football club - not at top level where everything is organised but at grass roots where dedication and loyalty are rewarded.
Review by Frank

An unique perspective?
I agree completely with Bigg Dogg's words- however, I'd give this five stars as the book is unique among the football books I've read in that it gives a lot of frank detail about goings-on at boardroom level and seems not to hold back, even if it is clear that Ridley eventually found himself involved in a dispute between factions. Reading a couple of online opinions from the other faction helps to balance the picture, but even so, one can't doubt Ridley's motivations or his love for Weymouth FC and desire to see them succeed. A fascinating read.