Skip to content
— CH. 1 · FOUNDING AND IDENTITY —

These Football Times

~2 min read · Ch. 1 of 5
5 sections
  • These Football Times emerged as an independent association football magazine and online publication. It chose to emphasize long-form journalism over quick match reports. Each bi-monthly print issue aims to focus on a specific area of the sport or an individual club. This approach distinguishes it from standard sports weeklies that prioritize scores and transfer rumors. The founders sought to create a space where deep storytelling could flourish without commercial pressure. They built a brand around patience and research rather than breaking news cycles.

  • The magazine operates on a strict bi-monthly schedule for its physical issues. These editions often center entirely on one club or a single topic within the game. Editors frequently work directly with the clubs featured in each edition during production. This collaboration ensures access to archives, players, and internal histories that outsiders cannot reach. Such partnerships allow for narratives that go beyond surface-level analysis. The editorial team treats every subject as worthy of exhaustive investigation before printing begins.

  • As part of the Guardian Sport Network, these publications distribute feature articles regularly across TheGuardian.com. Writers submit pieces that appear both in print and on the digital platform simultaneously. This dual presence expands their audience while maintaining editorial independence. Readers encounter the same stories whether they hold a physical copy or browse online. The integration allows for multimedia elements to accompany written features when appropriate. It bridges the gap between traditional journalism and modern web consumption habits.

  • Andrew Flint, a senior writer for These Football Times, was named Football Supporters' Federation Writer of the Year in 2016. Many other staff members have received similar nominations from various organizations across the football spectrum. These accolades reflect the quality of writing produced by the publication's contributors. Critics outside the industry began noticing the depth of research behind each article. The recognition validated years of effort spent crafting detailed profiles and historical accounts. Such awards highlight the growing respect for long-form sports journalism within professional circles.

  • The magazine has influenced modern football journalism by shifting focus toward in-depth storytelling over match reporting. Other outlets now emulate its model of dedicating entire issues to single subjects. This shift encourages readers to engage with the culture surrounding the sport rather than just results. Publishers recognize that audiences crave context and background information alongside current events. The success of these strategies proves there is demand for thoughtful analysis. Their influence continues to reshape how football stories are told today.

Common questions

What is These Football Times?

These Football Times emerged as an independent association football magazine and online publication. It chose to emphasize long-form journalism over quick match reports.

When does These Football Times publish its physical issues?

The magazine operates on a strict bi-monthly schedule for its physical issues. These editions often center entirely on one club or a single topic within the game.

Who won the Football Supporters Federation Writer of the Year award in 2016 from These Football Times?

Andrew Flint, a senior writer for These Football Times, was named Football Supporters' Federation Writer of the Year in 2016. Many other staff members have received similar nominations from various organizations across the football spectrum.

How does These Football Times distribute its articles alongside The Guardian Sport Network?

As part of the Guardian Sport Network, these publications distribute feature articles regularly across TheGuardian.com. Writers submit pieces that appear both in print and on the digital platform simultaneously.

Why did the founders create These Football Times?

The founders sought to create a space where deep storytelling could flourish without commercial pressure. They built a brand around patience and research rather than breaking news cycles.