Book Review: The Official Arsenal Factfile

Last updated : 30 September 2002 By Brian Dawes

So far as I can tell every competitive match is listed since 1886 and those after 1970 include the full team line up and scores, although the goal scorers only feature in the end of season statistics and attendance's are not provided. The book focuses on recent seasons and helpfully includes the playing records of those players who've represented the first team since 1970.

Other features include a brief resume of all the managers, honours, club records, FA Youth Cup results, league positions of our reserves, a full listing of the local derby including attendance's, the Charity Shield but not the Community shield because this books records run, not unreasonably, to the end of the 2001-2 season. The Arsenal Ladies only rate half a page but our European matches are covered in full.

It's not the definitive guide for Arsenal ‘Stattos' but at only £5.99 it's a decent enough starting point for those fans that require a useful little reference source. For the nephew or niece who follow the one true faith it might prove to be a decent stocking filler come Christmas time.

The Official Arsenal Factfile – compiled by Kevin Connolly

Priced £5.99 Published by Hamlyn September 2002

Any decent bookseller will order it in for you if you quote the following reference ISBN 0 600 60633 3, or you can order on the web from Sportspages or Amazon