Our Lowest Ebb? - A new history of Sheffield Wednesday's darkest times
Relegation from Division Two. Near relegation to Division Four. Over a season without an away win. Home attendances regularly below 10,000. A period of seventeen league games with only two goals for Owls fans to cheer. Our Lowest Ebb is the story of the darkest period in Sheffield Wednesday’s history.
And yet… there was light in the darkness. Author John Dyson combines new interviews with key players, management and club officials with the perspective of supporters and others to piece together a new history. This was the period of the Ozzie Owl club, Save our Owls and tall tales galore. The book ends with the club at its lowest ever league position but with the green shoots of recovery tantalisingly close.
Our Lowest Ebb then. Desperate times. The author does not flinch in confronting how difficult this period was, but also reflects the fondness in which many hold the period. The book is essential reading for those who were there, those who have come to follow the club more recently, and anyone with an interest in 1970s football and history.
Reviews
This book is a must for Sheffield Wednesday supporters of any generation. More widely, if you were around in the 70s you need to read this book to be taken back to the days of taking/defending your 'end', wearing silk scarves round your wrist, joining the supporters club, travelling to away games in buses that are dropping to bits, buying the weekly raffle tickets etc. Because the book covers a relatively short period in Wednesday's long history it is able to go into great depth. Very well written, highly recommended.
A really great book. Well structured and methodically researched, it has clearly been a 'labour of love' for the author and he takes you along with his enthusiasm, including some fascinating interviews along the way. He is balanced and errs away from saying 'everything was dreadful'. I hope he will write more.
Read this in a few days after purchasing for my Kindle. Really engrossing book that goes in great detail about Wednesday�s demise in the mid 70�s. So much more than that though, gives a brilliant insight into 70�s football and the state of the city at the time. Past players, managers, fans all contribute to a vastly entertaining read. Obviously recommended to Owls, but, confession time, I�m a Sheffield United season ticket holder and thoroughly enjoyed it. If you enjoy reading about football from the past, as I do, you�ll not be disappointed.