PROGRAMME PERIL

JAKE GUNTON ON THE BATTLE FOR A FOOTBALL INSTITUTION TO STAY RELEVANT IN THE MODERN AGE

AS OF 2024, over 12 per cent of professional football clubs in the English game no longer sell programmes on match day. An institution that began in 1888, once the staple diet of the common football fan alongside a pie and a pint, is slowly dying before our eyes.

The time was when the queue for the obligatory programme would stretch round the corner, almost paralleling the rush towards the burger van. Harassed sellers, desperately foraging for change, ready to apologise for any inconvenience.

Programmes have been part of my Notts County-supporting dad's football routine since the 70s, home and away. I'd estimate there are 15 boxes worth in the loft (Mum's never been happy with the lack of space).

They are 15 boxes of precious memories, good and bad (or harrowing, depends on the year). What does he remember most about his wedding day? A 1-0 loss away at Stoke City; his friend brought him the programme back too. 'Thank god we chose this Saturday, eh?'.