Josh Bland
@joshbland13.bsky.social
PhD researcher at the University of Cambridge. Specialise in cultural heritage and football. Media hack, sports activist, drummer. WBA. 78/92.
Work here: https://cambridge.academia.edu/JoshBland
Ramblings here: https://joshbland.substack.com/
Work here: https://cambridge.academia.edu/JoshBland
Ramblings here: https://joshbland.substack.com/
Ahead of Albion’s visit to Coventry at the weekend, I’ve put together a cantankerous old rant about one of the biggest threats to football culture as we know it: rising ticket prices.
It’s a story of short sighted exploitation vs. collective responsibility.
open.substack.com/pub/joshblan...
It’s a story of short sighted exploitation vs. collective responsibility.
open.substack.com/pub/joshblan...
Why I'm boycotting Coventry City (a)
A rambling rant on ticket prices, corporate greed and exploitation
open.substack.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:38 AM
Ahead of Albion’s visit to Coventry at the weekend, I’ve put together a cantankerous old rant about one of the biggest threats to football culture as we know it: rising ticket prices.
It’s a story of short sighted exploitation vs. collective responsibility.
open.substack.com/pub/joshblan...
It’s a story of short sighted exploitation vs. collective responsibility.
open.substack.com/pub/joshblan...
I've taken some time out of the gruelling process of writing up my PhD to put together a silly article about the place of Bovril in my heart and in football culture.
Please feel free to enjoy: joshbland.substack.com/p/an-ode-to-...
Please feel free to enjoy: joshbland.substack.com/p/an-ode-to-...
An Ode to Bovril
Paying tribute to a constant meaty companion to my footballing life
joshbland.substack.com
November 5, 2025 at 8:24 AM
I've taken some time out of the gruelling process of writing up my PhD to put together a silly article about the place of Bovril in my heart and in football culture.
Please feel free to enjoy: joshbland.substack.com/p/an-ode-to-...
Please feel free to enjoy: joshbland.substack.com/p/an-ode-to-...
A bit of light reading as you head to a game today!
A few weeks ago I visited Hereford FC's Edgar Street for the first time. I absolutely loved it.
A few words on hodge-podge homes, authenticity and the dying charm of "proper grounds"...
joshbland.substack.com/p/field-note...
A few weeks ago I visited Hereford FC's Edgar Street for the first time. I absolutely loved it.
A few words on hodge-podge homes, authenticity and the dying charm of "proper grounds"...
joshbland.substack.com/p/field-note...
An Unexpected Love Letter to Edgar Street
Josh has an unforgettably authentic experience on a last-minute trip to Hereford
joshbland.substack.com
September 27, 2025 at 9:20 AM
A bit of light reading as you head to a game today!
A few weeks ago I visited Hereford FC's Edgar Street for the first time. I absolutely loved it.
A few words on hodge-podge homes, authenticity and the dying charm of "proper grounds"...
joshbland.substack.com/p/field-note...
A few weeks ago I visited Hereford FC's Edgar Street for the first time. I absolutely loved it.
A few words on hodge-podge homes, authenticity and the dying charm of "proper grounds"...
joshbland.substack.com/p/field-note...
Reposted by Josh Bland
On the same day in the Telegraph:
![The Telegraph
Rayner tax scandal - £40k tax dodge - Statement
Angela Rayner dodges £40,000 stamp duty
Deputy Prime Minister reduces tax bill for Hove flat by declaring it as her main residence
[Photo: Angela Rayner pictured at the weekend in Hove, where she has just bought a flat Credit: Dan Charity/The Sun on Sunday]
Robert Mendick Chief Reporter. Amy Gibbons Political Correspondent
29 August 2025 8:57am BST](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:2kf2qj56o2vq7jfaq4x4ogp6/bafkreihe5mm7nwmwvzhtgadmsafyvsaxhrufuai2d2j2rju5zt6g2lytea@jpeg)
![The Telegraph
Money > Property > Second homes
How to avoid tax on your second home
From stamp duty to council tax, shield your wealth from Labour's tightening net
[Photo of houses around a bay - Areas such as Cornwall have added a premium to council tax bills for second homes Credit: iStockphoto]
Fran Ivens Senior Money Writer
29 August 2025 1:21pm BST](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:2kf2qj56o2vq7jfaq4x4ogp6/bafkreieuwgc2vsmyfcctmf4cnpcqckij2pqdk2gmzajpnihrsqyqmzyr5e@jpeg)
September 5, 2025 at 7:55 AM
On the same day in the Telegraph:
Reposted by Josh Bland
Melvyn Bragg has been one of the last standard-bearers for a really important, and unfashionable, idea: that good conversation, between people who really know their stuff, on complex or difficult subjects, can be fantastic radio - and that the national broadcaster should do this.
I hope it endures.
I hope it endures.
Melvyn Bragg has decided to stand down as host of In Our Time, the BBC says.
September 3, 2025 at 10:48 AM
Melvyn Bragg has been one of the last standard-bearers for a really important, and unfashionable, idea: that good conversation, between people who really know their stuff, on complex or difficult subjects, can be fantastic radio - and that the national broadcaster should do this.
I hope it endures.
I hope it endures.
Today The Hawthorns turns 125.
It's tough to summarise what my footballing home means to me, but I've tried.
This is a tribute to a veritable cathedral of English football, and an examination of how grounds are defined by continuity and the memories within.
joshbland.substack.com/p/a-century-...
It's tough to summarise what my footballing home means to me, but I've tried.
This is a tribute to a veritable cathedral of English football, and an examination of how grounds are defined by continuity and the memories within.
joshbland.substack.com/p/a-century-...
A Century and a Quarter of Home
As The Hawthorns celebrates its 125th anniversary, I reflect on what makes my home ground such a special place...
joshbland.substack.com
September 3, 2025 at 10:38 AM
Today The Hawthorns turns 125.
It's tough to summarise what my footballing home means to me, but I've tried.
This is a tribute to a veritable cathedral of English football, and an examination of how grounds are defined by continuity and the memories within.
joshbland.substack.com/p/a-century-...
It's tough to summarise what my footballing home means to me, but I've tried.
This is a tribute to a veritable cathedral of English football, and an examination of how grounds are defined by continuity and the memories within.
joshbland.substack.com/p/a-century-...
Reposted by Josh Bland
Great piece by @joshbland13.bsky.social marking 125 years of The Hawthorns #wba
open.substack.com/pub/joshblan...
open.substack.com/pub/joshblan...
A Century and a Quarter of Home
As The Hawthorns celebrates its 125th anniversary, I reflect on what makes my home ground such a special place...
open.substack.com
September 3, 2025 at 10:25 AM
Great piece by @joshbland13.bsky.social marking 125 years of The Hawthorns #wba
open.substack.com/pub/joshblan...
open.substack.com/pub/joshblan...
Thrilled to feature in @jdnalton.bsky.social's excellent article in The Morning Star.
More chat about Grimsby, Man United and my research on the vital role of football clubs in post-industrial towns.
Read here: morningstaronline.co.uk/article/ther...
More chat about Grimsby, Man United and my research on the vital role of football clubs in post-industrial towns.
Read here: morningstaronline.co.uk/article/ther...
Is there magic in the EFL Cup? Ask Grimsby Town
“THE magic of the FA Cup” is a phrase regularly heard, usually when the football calendar approaches the new year and teams from the top two tiers of English football enter the old competition. T...
morningstaronline.co.uk
August 30, 2025 at 9:31 AM
Thrilled to feature in @jdnalton.bsky.social's excellent article in The Morning Star.
More chat about Grimsby, Man United and my research on the vital role of football clubs in post-industrial towns.
Read here: morningstaronline.co.uk/article/ther...
More chat about Grimsby, Man United and my research on the vital role of football clubs in post-industrial towns.
Read here: morningstaronline.co.uk/article/ther...
Reposted by Josh Bland
Another brilliant piece on Substack by @joshbland13.bsky.social and the REAL story of Grimsby's victory over Man United
open.substack.com/pub/joshblan...
open.substack.com/pub/joshblan...
The Real Big Fish
Last night isn’t about Manchester United’s declension. It's about Grimsby Town’s ascension.
open.substack.com
August 28, 2025 at 7:25 PM
Another brilliant piece on Substack by @joshbland13.bsky.social and the REAL story of Grimsby's victory over Man United
open.substack.com/pub/joshblan...
open.substack.com/pub/joshblan...
I've spent the last three years researching Grimsby Town FC for my PhD.
So in the wake of last night, I wanted to write a piece on what makes #GTFC such a special club, and what Manchester United can learn from the supposed "little fish" of English football.
joshbland.substack.com/p/the-real-b...
So in the wake of last night, I wanted to write a piece on what makes #GTFC such a special club, and what Manchester United can learn from the supposed "little fish" of English football.
joshbland.substack.com/p/the-real-b...
The Real Big Fish
Last night isn’t about Manchester United’s declension. It's about Grimsby Town’s ascension.
joshbland.substack.com
August 28, 2025 at 3:43 PM
I've spent the last three years researching Grimsby Town FC for my PhD.
So in the wake of last night, I wanted to write a piece on what makes #GTFC such a special club, and what Manchester United can learn from the supposed "little fish" of English football.
joshbland.substack.com/p/the-real-b...
So in the wake of last night, I wanted to write a piece on what makes #GTFC such a special club, and what Manchester United can learn from the supposed "little fish" of English football.
joshbland.substack.com/p/the-real-b...
I've been thinking a lot about the Reform UK football kit launch and what it says about the place of football culture in UK politics.
This piece in @uk.theconversation.com asks if Reform can become the party of the football supporter.
Spoiler: I'm skeptical.
theconversation.com/football-fan...
This piece in @uk.theconversation.com asks if Reform can become the party of the football supporter.
Spoiler: I'm skeptical.
theconversation.com/football-fan...
Football fans will see Nigel Farage’s branded kit for the cynical move it is
The pale blue strip is unlikely to become Reform’s version of the Maga hat.
theconversation.com
August 22, 2025 at 7:36 AM
I've been thinking a lot about the Reform UK football kit launch and what it says about the place of football culture in UK politics.
This piece in @uk.theconversation.com asks if Reform can become the party of the football supporter.
Spoiler: I'm skeptical.
theconversation.com/football-fan...
This piece in @uk.theconversation.com asks if Reform can become the party of the football supporter.
Spoiler: I'm skeptical.
theconversation.com/football-fan...
Reposted by Josh Bland
A much-anticipated debut in @theconversation.com for me today!
Some writing on Nigel Farage's "Reform FC" football kit launch, and why Reform's attempted exploitation of football's cultural capital may not go to plan...
Read here: theconversation.com/football-fan...
Some writing on Nigel Farage's "Reform FC" football kit launch, and why Reform's attempted exploitation of football's cultural capital may not go to plan...
Read here: theconversation.com/football-fan...
Football fans will see Nigel Farage’s branded kit for the cynical move it is
The pale blue strip is unlikely to become Reform’s version of the Maga hat.
theconversation.com
August 21, 2025 at 5:00 PM
A much-anticipated debut in @theconversation.com for me today!
Some writing on Nigel Farage's "Reform FC" football kit launch, and why Reform's attempted exploitation of football's cultural capital may not go to plan...
Read here: theconversation.com/football-fan...
Some writing on Nigel Farage's "Reform FC" football kit launch, and why Reform's attempted exploitation of football's cultural capital may not go to plan...
Read here: theconversation.com/football-fan...
Reposted by Josh Bland
Good read this.
South Brum been hijacked by Reform-supporting flag-botherers, who have made our streets look like Blackpool strip.
Same people have targeted social media community pages with anti-migrant rhetoric.
I find the UK's direction of travel very alarming.
This, below, is part of it
South Brum been hijacked by Reform-supporting flag-botherers, who have made our streets look like Blackpool strip.
Same people have targeted social media community pages with anti-migrant rhetoric.
I find the UK's direction of travel very alarming.
This, below, is part of it
A moment for ditching my relative political neutrality on my Substack.
Some words on Farage's hypocritical attempts to place Reform and the hard-right as the natural political affiliation of the football fan.
Read here: joshbland.substack.com/p/reform-fc?...
Some words on Farage's hypocritical attempts to place Reform and the hard-right as the natural political affiliation of the football fan.
Read here: joshbland.substack.com/p/reform-fc?...
Reform FC
Progressive football fans must resist Nigel Farage's hypocritical attempted appropriation of football culture...
joshbland.substack.com
August 19, 2025 at 8:34 AM
Good read this.
South Brum been hijacked by Reform-supporting flag-botherers, who have made our streets look like Blackpool strip.
Same people have targeted social media community pages with anti-migrant rhetoric.
I find the UK's direction of travel very alarming.
This, below, is part of it
South Brum been hijacked by Reform-supporting flag-botherers, who have made our streets look like Blackpool strip.
Same people have targeted social media community pages with anti-migrant rhetoric.
I find the UK's direction of travel very alarming.
This, below, is part of it
A moment for ditching my relative political neutrality on my Substack.
Some words on Farage's hypocritical attempts to place Reform and the hard-right as the natural political affiliation of the football fan.
Read here: joshbland.substack.com/p/reform-fc?...
Some words on Farage's hypocritical attempts to place Reform and the hard-right as the natural political affiliation of the football fan.
Read here: joshbland.substack.com/p/reform-fc?...
Reform FC
Progressive football fans must resist Nigel Farage's hypocritical attempted appropriation of football culture...
joshbland.substack.com
August 19, 2025 at 8:19 AM
A moment for ditching my relative political neutrality on my Substack.
Some words on Farage's hypocritical attempts to place Reform and the hard-right as the natural political affiliation of the football fan.
Read here: joshbland.substack.com/p/reform-fc?...
Some words on Farage's hypocritical attempts to place Reform and the hard-right as the natural political affiliation of the football fan.
Read here: joshbland.substack.com/p/reform-fc?...
Some writing about why I find the modern transfer market so depressing.
I appreciate why #wba have to sell star assets like Heggem. But the modern trend of seeing terrace heroes as entries on a spreadsheet undercuts so much I value about the game I love
joshbland.substack.com/p/transfers-...
I appreciate why #wba have to sell star assets like Heggem. But the modern trend of seeing terrace heroes as entries on a spreadsheet undercuts so much I value about the game I love
joshbland.substack.com/p/transfers-...
Transfers, PSR and the Death of the Terrace Hero
Does the crushing financial realism of the modern transfer market undercut our ability to emote with the sport we love?
joshbland.substack.com
August 8, 2025 at 12:35 PM
Some writing about why I find the modern transfer market so depressing.
I appreciate why #wba have to sell star assets like Heggem. But the modern trend of seeing terrace heroes as entries on a spreadsheet undercuts so much I value about the game I love
joshbland.substack.com/p/transfers-...
I appreciate why #wba have to sell star assets like Heggem. But the modern trend of seeing terrace heroes as entries on a spreadsheet undercuts so much I value about the game I love
joshbland.substack.com/p/transfers-...
Thrilled that my Substack - Against the Run of Play - has passed 200 subscribers!
When I set up 6 months ago, this was just a passion project. I’ve been blown away by the feedback and response I’ve had since!
If you’re a football culture nerd like me, sign up!
open.substack.com/pub/joshblan...
When I set up 6 months ago, this was just a passion project. I’ve been blown away by the feedback and response I’ve had since!
If you’re a football culture nerd like me, sign up!
open.substack.com/pub/joshblan...
Against the Run of Play | Josh Bland | Substack
Ramblings on football, supporter culture and cultural heritage. Click to read Against the Run of Play, by Josh Bland, a Substack publication with hundreds of subscribers.
open.substack.com
July 16, 2025 at 1:16 PM
Thrilled that my Substack - Against the Run of Play - has passed 200 subscribers!
When I set up 6 months ago, this was just a passion project. I’ve been blown away by the feedback and response I’ve had since!
If you’re a football culture nerd like me, sign up!
open.substack.com/pub/joshblan...
When I set up 6 months ago, this was just a passion project. I’ve been blown away by the feedback and response I’ve had since!
If you’re a football culture nerd like me, sign up!
open.substack.com/pub/joshblan...
Reposted by Josh Bland
People think money has ruined football but the sight of a rapist dictator standing next to a corrupt football official in front of a big gold trophy at a competition bankrolled by Saudi Arabia reminds me the game still belongs to us.
July 14, 2025 at 6:40 AM
People think money has ruined football but the sight of a rapist dictator standing next to a corrupt football official in front of a big gold trophy at a competition bankrolled by Saudi Arabia reminds me the game still belongs to us.
When I started my Substack just over 6 months ago I didn't dream it would get the kind of engagement it has to date!
If you're at all interested in football culture, history and heritage - please consider subscribing! Only 4 more till 200!
joshbland.substack.com
If you're at all interested in football culture, history and heritage - please consider subscribing! Only 4 more till 200!
joshbland.substack.com
Against the Run of Play | Josh Bland | Substack
Ramblings on football, supporter culture and cultural heritage. Click to read Against the Run of Play, by Josh Bland, a Substack publication with hundreds of subscribers.
joshbland.substack.com
July 12, 2025 at 11:28 AM
When I started my Substack just over 6 months ago I didn't dream it would get the kind of engagement it has to date!
If you're at all interested in football culture, history and heritage - please consider subscribing! Only 4 more till 200!
joshbland.substack.com
If you're at all interested in football culture, history and heritage - please consider subscribing! Only 4 more till 200!
joshbland.substack.com
I spent much of last week at a wonderful conference in Amsterdam.
In my downtime, I was able to explore one of Europe's great footballing metropolises. This is a piece of writing about what I found.
joshbland.substack.com/p/amsterdam-...
In my downtime, I was able to explore one of Europe's great footballing metropolises. This is a piece of writing about what I found.
joshbland.substack.com/p/amsterdam-...
Amsterdam: Notes from a football mad city
Josh reflects on a recent trip to Amsterdam for a conference, and his attempts to get under the skin of a great footballing metropolis
joshbland.substack.com
July 10, 2025 at 9:45 AM
I spent much of last week at a wonderful conference in Amsterdam.
In my downtime, I was able to explore one of Europe's great footballing metropolises. This is a piece of writing about what I found.
joshbland.substack.com/p/amsterdam-...
In my downtime, I was able to explore one of Europe's great footballing metropolises. This is a piece of writing about what I found.
joshbland.substack.com/p/amsterdam-...
Another (belated) plug for my Substack here - a piece on the 1 year anniversary of Bellingham's overhead kick in Gelsenkirchen.
Written from my point of view on the day, reflecting on watching an iconic footballing moment unfold first hand...
joshbland.substack.com/p/bellingham...
Written from my point of view on the day, reflecting on watching an iconic footballing moment unfold first hand...
joshbland.substack.com/p/bellingham...
Bellingham in Gelsenkirchen: One Year On
Josh revisits his personal experience of a core moment in contemporary English football history
joshbland.substack.com
July 3, 2025 at 6:16 AM
Another (belated) plug for my Substack here - a piece on the 1 year anniversary of Bellingham's overhead kick in Gelsenkirchen.
Written from my point of view on the day, reflecting on watching an iconic footballing moment unfold first hand...
joshbland.substack.com/p/bellingham...
Written from my point of view on the day, reflecting on watching an iconic footballing moment unfold first hand...
joshbland.substack.com/p/bellingham...
Reposted by Josh Bland
When you've listened to our latest podcast on modern day class and football with @joshbland13.bsky.social, why not also check out this video on YouTube about football used to be in England back in the "old days". Fascinating to compare and contrast with the present! www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9eQ...
Look at Life Vol 4 Sport Saturday Fever
YouTube video by PauliosVids
www.youtube.com
June 23, 2025 at 11:39 AM
When you've listened to our latest podcast on modern day class and football with @joshbland13.bsky.social, why not also check out this video on YouTube about football used to be in England back in the "old days". Fascinating to compare and contrast with the present! www.youtube.com/watch?v=V9eQ...
What a pleasure to join the guys on the FootPol podcast to chat football and class!
It was a great conversation that talked a little about my research, and a lot about the tensions between English football’s class identity and corporate direction…
It was a great conversation that talked a little about my research, and a lot about the tensions between English football’s class identity and corporate direction…
Our new episode is out! We spoke to @joshbland13.bsky.social about the relationship between football and working class fans. He's got fascinating insights into how fans see themselves and navigate the challenges of coprorate, consumerist football in England today. www.buzzsprout.com/2253650/epis...
June 23, 2025 at 11:20 AM
What a pleasure to join the guys on the FootPol podcast to chat football and class!
It was a great conversation that talked a little about my research, and a lot about the tensions between English football’s class identity and corporate direction…
It was a great conversation that talked a little about my research, and a lot about the tensions between English football’s class identity and corporate direction…
Reposted by Josh Bland
Check out the latest episode where we talked football and class, especially how fans see themselves as "authentic" and working class and distinct from the actions of their clubs with @joshbland13.bsky.social.
Our new episode is out! We spoke to @joshbland13.bsky.social about the relationship between football and working class fans. He's got fascinating insights into how fans see themselves and navigate the challenges of coprorate, consumerist football in England today. www.buzzsprout.com/2253650/epis...
June 23, 2025 at 9:54 AM
Check out the latest episode where we talked football and class, especially how fans see themselves as "authentic" and working class and distinct from the actions of their clubs with @joshbland13.bsky.social.
Reposted by Josh Bland
Our new episode is out! We spoke to @joshbland13.bsky.social about the relationship between football and working class fans. He's got fascinating insights into how fans see themselves and navigate the challenges of coprorate, consumerist football in England today. www.buzzsprout.com/2253650/epis...
June 23, 2025 at 9:46 AM
Our new episode is out! We spoke to @joshbland13.bsky.social about the relationship between football and working class fans. He's got fascinating insights into how fans see themselves and navigate the challenges of coprorate, consumerist football in England today. www.buzzsprout.com/2253650/epis...