MATCHDAY programmes are a huge traditional part of following our beautiful game.
Just glance at the programme cover and a myriad of memories will come flooding back to you. Who you went to the game with, a special player you saw or a moment of magic on the field of play.
Programmes also provide historical content which is extremely useful for football betting. And the published player stats assist live betting.
Accordingly, I asked my social media followers to tweet me photos of their favourite football programmes of all-time. And I received some fascinating replies…
Paddy Donoghue
1992 – Newcastle United v Bristol City. Keegan’s first game as manager of Newcastle United.
The start of a roller-coaster that was the best time I’ve had in over 50 years supporting the club.
Ade Brandwood
West Bromwich Albion v Charlton Athletic on 2nd May 1931.
A unique game where West Brom became the only side to get promoted in the same season as winning the FA Cup.
Feltham Football Club
Feltham FC’s first ever home match programme.
Programmes had been issued by Tudor Park FC but this was the first under the new name and when the club had gained senior status. Rob Healy.
Michael Faulkner
1971 - Arsenal v Ipswich Town. It was my first game at Highbury, aged 9.
Stood on the North Bank with my stepfather. 3-2 win for the Gunners.
Dave Jones
2016 - Rangers v Alloa. First game I went to with 'er indoors, and it was a meaningful trip because Rangers were her dad’s team.
Also, 2002 - Northampton v Wrexham. I can trace how Wrexham are where they are now back to this game.
Ali Speight
When I was young I spent many happy summer holidays in Campbeltown and the Mull of Kintyre.
1983 – Campbeltown Pupils AFC v Celtic seemed as unlikely a match as you could find but it was for a good cause - Celtic won 3-1.
Dean Walton
1954 FA Cup final.
Souvenirs from my parents: dad’s tie, mom’s rosette, photo on coach, programme, ticket, membership card and song sheet.
DaveB
1973 - British Stars v SA Born Life X1. The first proper football match my dad took me to.
Lucky enough to meet Rodney Marsh a few years ago and got him to sign it.
John Carney
1968 – Sunderland v Wolves. This is the programme cover for my 1st Sunderland first team game.
Just last week I discovered that it was also my old school friend Tony’s 1st first team game too. I've known Tony since 1972 but only found this out last week.
Bᴜʀɴʟᴇʏsᴛᴀᴛs | Dave Roberts
1983 - Liverpool v Burnley. The first Burnley match I ever attended (and the second match overall) - the Milk Cup semi-final.
Liverpool won 3-0 at Anfield, but Burnley won the return leg at Turf Moor 1-0. A rather curious cover featuring a cat!
Mark Prince
1975 – Bristol Rovers v Manchester United.
Special as my uncle played for Bristol Rovers, over 350 games for them.
Colin Dunn
1966 - Bristol City U19 v England Youth. My first attendance at a football game aged 14.
Can’t remember the score but remember Chris Garland having a blinder. Love the Suspension Bridge photo on the front.
Carlisle
1951 FA Cup – Arsenal v Carlisle United. A framed gift presented to me by my Arsenal supporting nephew.
Carlisle held the magnificent Arsenal of that time to a 0-0 score line. Another fantastic feat by a club with a lot of history. Sadly we lost at home.
Inter Alty FC!
1978 FA Trophy Final... first Wembley trip with Alty...Altrincham beat Leatherhead 3-1 to launch a successful era for the club!
Peter Winkworth
1966 FA Amateur Cup Final – Hendon v Wealdstone. A great win for the Stones.
Matchworn Exchange
1994 – Wycombe Wanderers v Bristol Rovers. I’m a Leeds fan but was a season ticket holder as a kid at my local club Wycombe in the 90’s.
I used to get programmes signed by players but also was really pleasantly surprised when I found one with Cyrille Regis on the front. I never knew I’d seen him play live.
Clive
1984 – Queens Park Rangers v Coventry City. My first visit to Loftus Road.
*Credit for the main photo belongs to Alamy*
