Soccer Mad Boffins Present Paper at University of York Workshop on 'Interdisciplinary Approaches to the Study of Brands in Business'

An awesome chapter from this book was presented

Coinciding with The York Management School's increased emphasis on 'inter-disciplinarity', this workshop organized by the Centre for Evolution of Global Business and Institutions (CEGBI) brought together academic experts and PhD students from a diversity of disciplines, united by an interest in studying brands.

Dr Alex Gillett's made a presention 'Over the Bar!' that was based on the Soccer Mad Boffins' recent book chapter 'Beer and the Boro—A Perfect Match!' (Gillett, A., Tennent, K. and Hutchinson, F., 2016. Beer and the Boro—A Perfect Match!. In Brewing, Beer and Pubs (pp. 303-320). Palgrave Macmillan UK.)  The study focussed on the relationship between Middlesbrough Football Club and its relationship with two brewers, Camerons and Scottish & Newcastle, which invested money in the club during the 1980s.  Discussion then turned to the relationship between soccer clubs and alcohol more broadly, and in the contemporary context of a ‘scalloped’ industry comprising fewer but larger and more global players at one end and smaller ‘craft’ style breweries at the other, with an apparent reduction in the number of mid-sized regional breweries. 

Overall, an interesting event and a good showcase for our work.  An edited version of the slides presented on the day is available here as a .pdf file.

Book Launch: Brewing, Beer and Pubs: A Global Perspective

We have previously mentioned in this blog the chapter we have written ('Beer and the Boro: A Perfect Match') included in the book Brewing, Beer and Pubs: A Global Perspective.

The book was officially launched last Friday evening with a reception and panel debate, at York Brewery (York, UK). Academic experts present included the editors Prof Ignazio Cabras (University of Northumbria), Prof David Higgins (Newcastle University), Prof Emeritus David Preece, and Prof Charles Bamforth (UC Davis, California). There were also many experts and industry representatives present which made the event so much more than a purely academic or purely 'practical' event.

The book, which is published in hardback and e-book by Palgrave and available to buy here, includes contributions from academics and experts from around, covering the history of beer and brewing, Britain's controversial tied pub system, alcohol tax, the importance of village pubs, and a host of other issues.

Our chapter ('Beer and the Boro: A Perfect Match' by Dr Alex Gillett, Dr Kevin Tennent, and Mr Fred Hutchinson) focuses on the relationship between Middlesbrough FC and two breweries (Camerons, and Scottish & Newcastle) in the 1980s, when Middlesbrough faced financial difficulties:

"The sport of Association Football (or ‘soccer’) was professionalised in the 19^th century and for many years has enjoyed a close relationship with beer, since brewers, hoteliers and landlords noticed the financial opportunities brought about by clubs and their supporters.  Soccer has itself received much attention within mainstream media, although only minimal attention from academic business historians.  This paper presents a case study of Middlesbrough Football and Athletic Company Limited (MFAC), from its formation in 1876 until its eventual liquidation and rebirth in the summer of 1986.  We report on the important relationships that existed throughout that time between MFAC, breweries, and hostelries, and also discuss subsequent developments. In particular, we focus on the relationships between MFAC, and the brewers Camerons, and Scottish & Newcastle."

Middlesbrough FC wearing shirts sponsored by Camerons

The York Brewery produces a fantastic array of cask and bottled beers, including the ever-popular 'Guzzler' (a refreshing session beer, 3.6%).  They also offer a range of keg beers (although the kegging takes place  at Camerons 'Lion Brewery' in Hartlepool, which coincidently features prominently in our chapter.)  

Introducing The New Signings: Soccer Mad Boffins

Alex (left) and Kevin (right) signing their publishing contracts.  Photo taken by: Chris Purdham 

We are very pleased to announce that we have now signed publishing contracts to have our paper 'Beer and the Boro - a Perfect Match!' included in the forthcoming book 'Brewing, Beer and Pubs: A Global Perspective'.

Our chapter is co-authored with Fred Hutchinson (Teesside University) and the book will be published by Palgrave Macmillan in March 2016. It will include contributions from many great writers and it will be edited by a great team - Ignazio Cabras (Northumbria University, UK), Prof David Higgins (Newcastle University, UK) and Prof David Preece (Prof Emeritus, Teesside University). 

Our paper, as you might gather from the rather punning title, is about Middlesbrough Football Club and its relationship with breweries as sponsors and suppliers to its stadium.  In the paper, we place particular focus on the 1980s - and what happened before and since that time.

You can read all about the book here.

Stay tuned for more exciting news regarding publication plans for even more of our research - in particular the work we have been doing on the 1966 FIFA World Cup.