"Stocking filler for all Wiganers! Great read and a different perspective."
If you do have a little room in your Christmas stocking this year, why not consider filling it with a copy of "Wiganosophy"?
Wiganosophy is a social commentary. It blends philosophical discourse with rugby league, and Wigan - and you don't see a lot of that.
Socrates would've liked rugby league. He was reputedly an argumentative, awkward and belligerent little man who enjoyed nothing better than poking at authority with a pointy stick. He'd have fitted right in. He would probably even have made a decent hooker. But we'll never know, because they poisoned him.
The philosophers of old have long since gone and, of course, we must posthumously thank them for enlightening us in regard to the true nature of life, the universe and everything. Unfortunately, though, their combined philosophical musings reveal a glaringly obvious omission. They didn't talk anywhere near enough about rugby league. Or even Wigan. Wiganosophy is a long overdue attempt to redress the balance and fill the gap.
Chapter One - The Big Questions
[iWhat does it really mean to be a Wigan Warriors fan? Lifting the lid on Wigan’s cultural heritage (and deciding whether to flush).[/i
The first chapter focuses on two key questions:-
1) Is there anything remotely special about Wigan?
2) Is rugby league really such a great game?
Chapter Two- Traditions: Stick, Twist Or Bust?
[iThe clash between tradition and innovation through the eyes of the superstitious supporter.[/i
Chapter two investigates the place of tradition in the sport of rugby league. Are new initiatives always better than what went before, or are some things too sacred to change? And who would win in a straight fight – Kelvin the gorilla or Max?
Chapter Three - A Family Affair.
[iIs rugby league really a family game? And if it is, why doesn’t my wife understand?[/i
The third chapter investigates rugby league’s claim to be a family game. To what extent does the sport live up to this claim?
Chapter Four - Off-Seasonal Affective Disorder.
[iLife between seasons, and how to cope with it.[/i
Long, dark, league-less winter months without the joy of flags, hats, half-time dancing girls and gents-rush-jingles. Has summer rugby really been an unprecedented success?
Chapter Five - Wigan Worriers.
[iA frank and fearless exploration of all the things that keep Wigan supporters awake at night.[/i
Player recruitment, referees, sponsorship, shirt collars, John Hopoate’s fingers…the list is almost endless.
Chapter Six - The Cup-a-Coaster.
[iThe ups, downs and bendy bits of the rollercoaster ride that is the Challenge Cup.[/i
The sixth chapter considers the place in our hearts that we set aside for the Challenge Cup. Will we ever again consider Wembley to be our second home?
Chapter Seven - Pies, Damned Lies And Statistics
[iAn in-depth analysis of the in-depth analysis.[/i
Poring over figures and crunching your numbers: does playing with your abacus definitely make you go blind?
Chapter Eight - Grand Finale
[iRepent, the end is nigh
) will recognise themselves in there. It's an absolutely superb read.
