Sheilas, Wogs & Poofters
An Incomplete Biography of Johnny Warren and Soccer in Australia
By: Johnny Warren, Andy Harper, Josh Whittington
About This Book
Foreword by Brazilian soccer great, Pele. Melbourne, November 21, 2001. 90,000 screaming fans at the MCG go berserk when defender Kevin Muscat scores a penalty kick to seal a victory for the Socceroos against Uruguay in the first stage of the bid to qualify for soccer's Holy Grail, the World Cup. Montevideo, November 26, 2001. All of Australia holds its breath as the Socceroos - on the verge of making history - battle it out with Uruguay. It's been 28 years on the long road to qualifying for the World Cup. But once again, the Socceroos fail at the last hurdle. It's another false dawn for Australian soccer... Johnny Warren has witnessed every step of soccer's great journey. He captained the Socceroos for eight years and led Australia through three World Cup campaigns from 1964 - 1974, and is one of the most respected names in the sport. Sheilas, Wogs and Poofters is the story of Johnny Warren's time in soccer in this country. Rather than a goal-by-goal account of Australia's on field performance, Johnny Warren takes a broader look at the game: socially, politically, analytically and anecdotally. It's a story of discrimination against the game and the individuals who play it. Unlike many popular sporting biographies, this is not a reflection on past glories. Instead, Warren provides a fascinating, entertaining insight into soccer's social history in this country. "Acceptance for soccer in Australia has been a long time coming. The voyage has been a long and colourful one. It's a great story that mirrors Australia's social development as a nation". Soccer is widely regarded as the world game. Played by more people in more countries than any other sport, its showcase event, the World Cup Final, is bigger than the Olympic Games. So, why is it then that here in Australia, soccer plays second fiddle to sports such as the AFL and rugby?
AI Overview
"Sheilas, Wogs & Poofters: An Incomplete Biography of Johnny Warren and Soccer in Australia" is a book written by Johnny Warren, Andy Harper, and Josh Whittington. Here is a comprehensive overview of the book:
Key Themes
- Australian Soccer History: The book delves into the history of soccer in Australia, covering its evolution from the days when players were derogatorily labeled as "sheilas," "wogs," or "poofters" to the modern era where players like Harry Kewell are celebrated as national heroes.
- Personal Journey: The book is a memoir that chronicles Johnny Warren's personal journey in soccer, including his experiences, challenges, and contributions to the sport.
- Soccer Politics: It provides an insider's look at the complex world of soccer politics, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of Australian soccer.
- World Cup Aspirations: The book discusses Australia's long-standing quest to qualify for the World Cup, including the significant efforts made to achieve this goal, such as the establishment of the Johnny Warren Soccer Academy.
Plot Summary
The book is a narrative that spans several decades, detailing the highs and lows of Australian soccer. It begins with the early days of soccer in Australia, where derogatory terms were commonly used to describe players. The narrative then shifts to the modern era, highlighting the progress made in the sport. The book includes accounts of significant events, such as Australia's participation in the 2002 World Cup, which captivated the hearts of Australians everywhere.
Critical Reception
- Praise for Johnny Warren: The book has been praised for its engaging storytelling and Johnny Warren's passionate advocacy for soccer. Critics have noted that no one evangelizes the glory and beauty of football better than Johnny Warren.
- Memoir and Manifesto: The book is described as both a memoir and a manifesto, reflecting the uphill battle of Australian soccer and the progress still needed in the sport.
- Insider's Perspective: Reviewers have commended the book for its insider's perspective on soccer politics, providing a detailed look at the complexities of the sport.
Additional Information
- Publication Details: The book was published on October 26, 2011, by Random House Australia and is available in eBook format.
- Author Contributions: The book is a collaborative effort by Johnny Warren, Andy Harper, and Josh Whittington, offering a comprehensive and multifaceted view of Australian soccer.
Overall, "Sheilas, Wogs & Poofters" is a compelling and insightful book that not only chronicles Johnny Warren's life but also provides a rich history and analysis of soccer in Australia.