Welcome back to another Through the Turnstile meets football author Matt Coughlan - I could explain what it is about but why not have the man himself do that...

"My new book, Groundhopper, sees me embark on the modest challenge of ticking off 100 grounds as I immerse myself into the world of the groundhopper, the collector of grounds. I avoid obvious tourist attractions for trips to places like Harwich and Silsden. I spend far too long reading ground grading regulations, and I’m mistaken for a potential buyer of a Belgian club, as I travel to various footballing outposts to see what makes groundhoppers tick."

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Name - Matt Coughlan

Age - 45

Favourite team - It’s complicated. My first book, Turncoat, was all about how I turned my back on Arsenal and searched for a non-league team to support, so I follow a couple of clubs off the back of that, and I’ve developed a soft spot for a few more since then.

Occupation - Project manager to pay the bills, football writer to daydream.

Thing I love about football - The escapism. Whether it’s being drawn into the drama over a season, seeing two teams kick lumps out of each other, travelling to new grounds, or still thinking I can do a job in goal at 5-a-side, the game is unparalleled for offering a wonderful distraction.

My football pet hate - How it’s impossible to buy padded trousers for 5-a-side that don’t make me look like Dimitry Kharine or Gabor Kiraly.

Q) What did your childhood look like in terms of football?

Down the park, upturned BMXs for goalposts, playing Wembley with Wayne and Jimmy, to the backing track of ‘On a ragga tip’.

Q) Did you always want to be involved with football?

I’ve always followed the game and tried to find any opportunities for a glimpse behind the curtain. The great thing about non-league is that it gives you the chance to get involved through volunteering and in my case writing.

Q) What first attracted you to start groundhopping and how did that develop over time?

It came up during a conversation in my first book, Turncoat, where I was auditioning non-league teams to support, and a Lewes fan asked what happens if I don’t find a team, will I just carry on groundhopping? I dismissed it at the time, but it must have struck a chord.

Q) What is a quirky groundhopper rule that you always abide by?

In the book, I committed to revisiting any ground where it ended 0-0. I wanted to see if there was any value in this rule, but haven’t needed to put it to the test yet.

Q) What has been your favourite experience whilst groundhopping (not necessarily the game itself)?

The Groundhop UK weekends where there’s half a dozen games over a weekend were great. I approached them like I was Louis Theroux trying to understand a weird cult, but found myself very much at home. It was a real celebration of non-league, with a buzz about otherwise innocuous fixtures, and a chance to tick off a load of new grounds.

Q) Any tips for newcomers to groundhopping?

Download the Futbology app, find some local games and tick those off, then do some bucket list grounds and just keep going to games.

Q) You have now decided to not only challenge yourself with a 100 club tick sheet but also capture that in the art form of a book, how and why did you take on this massive task?

I enjoyed writing my first book so much, and people seemed to enjoy reading it, that I felt I should carry on. With the 100 ground milestone in reach, it felt like a good excuse to explore some more local grounds, clubs with historic grandstands, and any other opportunistic ticks that would bring me a bit closer to being part of the world of the serious groundhopper.

Q) You are under the Pitch Publishing umbrella, how has that experience been for you so far and was it more daunting than being independent?

Pitch have been great to work with. They back some fascinating writing projects and make everything easy. All the things that would look dreadful if I did them, like typesetting, picture plates and cover design are taken care of. Duncan Olner did another great job on the cover. I’d recommend any aspiring writer have a look at their submissions process.

Q) How has your book been received so far?

Usually through the post!

Q) Do you have any plans for future books?

I’m playing around with a couple of ideas, but will probably continue the football writing with a project on bucket list grounds. Latest news on that and occasional football blogs can be found on

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Football fans of all levels will be able to sit down and enjoy a read of this book, with humour scattered throughout you will find the book to be informative and enjoyable. A perfect combo.

I thank Matt for giving up his time and answering my questions!

So - if you are looking for your next printed fix of football fun, then here you go. Grab yourself a copy and enjoy!

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Groundhopper-Tales-Footballs-Equivalent-Trainspotting/dp/1801509379?ref_=ast_author_dp
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