Derby County supporter Ryan Hills will be talking about how the Rams became world leaders in technology and football analysis under manager Jim Smith, after being announced as one of the guest authors at this year’s autumn edition of the Derby Book Festival.
Ryan, whose book ‘Groundwork’ has been a huge hit with Derby County fans, will be at Landau Forte College on Wednesday, November 30 (7pm) where he will be in conversation with former sports journalist and Penguin PR account manager Kerry Ganly.
The book – a follow-up to ‘Pride: The Inside Story of Derby County in the 21st Century’ – documents how Jim Smith was responsible for leading the way in the mid to late-1990s when it came to new ways of looking at the game, the introduction of sports psychologists and the infamous ‘Prozone’.
Fondly known as the ‘Bald Eagle’ and ably supported by a team that included former England manager – and Rams boss – Steve McClaren, Jim Smith and co. became world leaders in new formations and ground-breaking tech. Backed by chairman Lionel Pickering, the city and county would unite as a wave of mesmerising talent would pull on the black and white shirt of Derby County.
Ryan Hills Author of ‘Groundwork’
Rams fan Ryan recalls this era fondly. Growing up in Leicester, friends would question his choice of football club. He said: “My dad was a huge Derby County fan and so for me, there was only ever one team who I was going to support.
“My early memories are of worshipping icons such as Branko Strupar, Mart Poom and Malcoln Christie; a bargain buy who was purchased from non-league Nuneaton Borough.
“While I loved working on ‘Pride’, that book was about a 20-year spell mired in turmoil and ultimately disaster.
“This period is neither of those things. It was one of hope, of genuine delight among the fanbase and of the ability to dream. And that’s what supporting a football club should be about.
“It’s more than 90 minutes, it’s a lifestyle. It’s a family, a bond you can never break. Yes, it can be tough, it can be horrible, and it can infuriate. But life without it is not worth considering, especially after the turmoil we’ve all been through over the past 18 months.”
Penguin PR’s Kerry Ganly.
The Autumn Edition of the Derby Book Festival will run from Friday, November 4. Featuring guests including acclaimed author Raynor Winn and TV presenter Dan Walker, the festival is organised in partnership with all the major arts and cultural partners in the city with funding from the Arts Council England, the University of Derby and more than 20 businesses and individuals across the city.
Liz Fothergill CBE, chair of the festival said: “Books provide us with adventures into other worlds and lives, exploring new ideas, topics and creating conversations. We hope our events inspire people to discover new authors and encourage their love of books.”
Tickets can be booked online from Friday, October 28 by clicking the link here – https://www.derbybookfestival.co.uk/events/ryan-hills-groundwork-the-inside-story-behind-jim-smiths-derby-county or by phone: 01332 290606.
ENDS
For further information please contact Kerry Ganly at Penguin PR on 07734 723951 or email kerry@penguinpr.co.uk
