Newport County 1912-1989

Readers of Newport County’s match programme have in the last few seasons’ enjoyed Andrew Taylor’s interviews with former County personalities from the end of the War to the closure of the old club in 1989. These have focussed on the memories of the players and former managers and revealed a lot of insights about their time at the club – some humorous and a few a little more controversial!

Andrew has been looking to bring out a book with fuller versions of these interviews, but frustratingly the response of publishers has generally been ‘we really like the book, but the Club fan base is now too small for us to take it on.’ More recently a publisher has shown a strong interest and whilst having the same reservations may be persuaded. This is where you may be able to help, as Andrew explains,

"We are provisionally talking about around 80,000 words (plus photographs) for a nice quality hardback book of around 180 -200 pages. I have written twice this much so it will mean some editing and leaving some players out, which will be a wrench!

 The publisher says he is in a 'real quandary' about this and so I need to convince him when we next speak at the end of August, that we can shift enough copies to make it viable. One suggestion was a subscribers’ page, where you have your name in the book. This would be for the normal retail price (around £16.99) but it gives the comfort of knowing advance sales and helping with print runs etc.

 This is how you could help. I am not asking you to commit to buying at this stage, but the more interest I can show can make all the difference in persuading them to publish. I am not looking to make any personal profit (in fact I am happy to make a financial contribution for the privilege of getting it out) although of course the club would make money through the club shop.

 Obviously I am passionate about the book but I feel this one will complete the literature on the old club finishing off nicely the excellent factual contributions by Tony Ambrosen and the pictorial record by preserving the memories of the players themselves."

 Please email back on andrew.taylor470@btinternet.com or write to Grange Cottage, Grange Lane, Heighington , Lincoln, LN4 1QN, if you would like to register your interest in purchasing a copy.

 Andrew seen here on the right with his wife Angela presenting John Aldridge with

his 25th Anniversary Badges of Countys ECWC run to the Quarter Finals.