We have already reported on the launch of the latest offering from Hagiology Publishing, now we take a look at Match Of The New Millennium and give our verdict,
Match Of The New Millennium or MNM as I shall refer to it in short, is of course the latest book from the group of Saints supporters who go under the banner of Hagiology Pulishing and it is David Bull and Barry Webb of this group who have edited what is in effect a different account of 100 matches.
Each account therefore is different from the rest in that each will take the memories of a different Saints supporters, sometimes one of the Hagiology guys and sometimes someone independent and then add memories of those involved in the match in question ie players etc.
That is where it differs from its predecessor the similarly titled Match Of The Millennium published back in 2000, that was just the fans memories this is a lot more detailed and in essence more interesting, especially with the inclusion of a lot more photos many in colour.
But perhaps what makes it an improvement on the original book (no to say that wasn't good) is that whereas the original covered many matches that the average Saints supporters would not have attended given the period of over a century it covered, this one is in effect living history and most of those reading it will have attended many of the games.
That will give it a broader appeal, as a club we have not done history well when it comes to remembering it and without Hagiology it would be far worse, that had lead to a supporter base who are unaccustomed to reading about it, but MNM could change all that.
The format is simple, two pages are dedicated to each game with the writer giving his memories, that is accompanied by at least two pictures and a comment from a player, as you would expect Rickie Lambert and other recent Saints feature heavily in this.
As you would expect the book draws heavily on the successful periods of the last 15 years, therefore the first 27 matches cover the period from 2001 to 2005 when we were relegated from the Premier League and the last 60 from Markus Liebherr's takeover and the steady climb that takes the book to the penultimate match, the win over Palace to earn 6th place last season (The final game is Kelvin Davis's testimonial)
That leaves only 13 matches covering the dark ages of 2005 to 2009 and although of course there would be little to cheer about in that time, I do think some are strange choices, a 2-0 FA Cup 3rd round win at Torquay for instance would not feature highly on any Saints fans memories, not even the 1,000 or so who made the trip.
But that is a small criticism to make and other than that the choice is good and varied taking in Premier League matches, FA Cup semi's and finals, UEFA cup matches, League cup matches, testimonials, FA Youth Cup finals, the Johnstone Paint Trophy , Championship & League One games and of course our return to the Premier and the Europa League.
It is varied and interesting and gives insights about the stories behind the games themselves and that is its strength.
Of course there are many Saints fans who are not book readers, but this is not a book you have to sit down with and read in order, it's a coffee table book that you can pick up and pass a few minutes with not only just after buying it but well into the future, it will settle a few arguments and start a few as well.
It is a living history book, it is not about stats, it is about the event itself and the feelings of those who were there, which will include most of it's readers.
In short I cannot think of why every Saints supporter would not want to own one, it is a snapshot of the history of the club over the past 15 years, it is history that Saints fans of all ages have taken part in and therefore would surely want a record of.
It brings back the tears of joy, the tears of frustration and ends with more tears of joy what more could you ask for.
If there is one Saints book that Saints fans should own, then it is this one, it documents a piece of the club's history that we were all part of.
The book is already on sale in the Saints Stores from at £18.99.
It will also be on sale in local Waterstone’s stores from Monday 22 August.
It is already available direct from Hagiology Publishing at only £16
(plus £3.50 p & p, unless you arrange free hand-delivery/collection)
Details of this book and all other Hagiology publications can be found at
But you can find out more, right now, from one of the editors:
David Bull 0117-962-2042 OR Barry Webb 07806 626259
e mailto:
bull.hagiology@blueyonder.co.uk