In the Pink! Book celebrates iconic paper=

A new book celebrates the iconic Pink ‘Un that was essential Saturday evening reading for generations of fans.

Supporters of a certain era will no doubt remember the Football Specials that were printed and sold on Saturday evenings!

Written by Ian Addis, the fascinating book – ‘In the Pink: The Legend of the Pink ‘Un’ – delves into the story of the Kettering Football Telegraph from 1895-1974.

In its heyday it had a circulation of 50,000 covering an area from Stamford to Luton, Banbury to King’s Lynn and featured football at every level with particular emphasis on the Southern, Midland and United Counties leagues.

Addis, also author of ‘A Passing Game’ Books One and Two, Tommy Lawton and the Poppies, Rushden & Diamonds: A Footballing History, said: “The production of the Pink ‘Un was something of a minor miracle.

“At three o’clock on Saturday afternoon four of its eight pages were completely empty awaiting match reports and results, yet by 5.20 that evening, barely 40 minutes after the referees’ final whistles blew, copies left the presses and hit the streets.

“Now 84, I was brought up with the Pink ‘Un. I remember as a child fetching a copy on winter Saturday nights and devouring every word then, as a player, eagerly seeking our match report, especially if I’d scored. They were experiences shared with thousands of enthusiasts over the years.

“Like many Football Specials, the paper died in 1974, a victim of changing times. But its significance in the lives of so many shouldn’t be underestimated or forgotten.”

For details of how to obtain a copy of the book (RRP £12) please e-mail [email protected] or call 01858 467713