Welcome to Hell?: In Search of the Real Turkish Football

Whenever people in Britain talk about Turkish football, they don't tend to talk about camaraderie, hospitality and humour. They mention banners proclaiming 'Welcome to hell'. Or Leeds United fans stabbed to death on an Istanbul street. If they do consider the football, then it's not for long. The Turkish league is viewed as an elephant's graveyard for players and managers past their prime: Dirk Kuyt, Graham Souness, Didier Drogba, Robin van Persie. But Graham Souness has faded from memory for most Turkish football fans, and Turkish teams regularly compete at the latter stages of European competition. There is clearly a gap between perception and reality.

So what is Turkish football really about? Through visits to far-flung clubs, encounters with characterful players and experiences at riotous matches, John McManus makes the case for defining football in Turkey by more than thuggery and washed-up superstars. From the elite training facilities of Istanbul to dusty pitches on the Anatolian plain, Welcome to Hell? offers a unique take on this rich, funny and alluring football culture, at once both familiar and miles apart from the game in Britain.

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