3. Football Dynamo: Modern Russia And The Peoples Game Marc Bennetts
After the break-up of the Soviet Union and the fall of communism, Russia underwent radical changes that effected people from every way of life. Benefitting from the experience of ten years spent living in Russia, Marc Bennetts examines how football is played and viewed there. The results are at times shocking, often humorous and never seem too far removed from the absurd. Bennetts meets supporters, players, managers, administrators and hooligans as he looks to discover what makes Russian football so unique. The interviews in the book are one of its main draws, from ex-footballers who played while the country was under communist rule and ruefully bemoan not being born 30 or 40 years later, to the hooligans who see their actions as the only way they can truly express their support for their club. Bennetts book provides a fascinating view into a country that is ever changing and evolving and how football is responding to this.