A HISTORY and football enthusiast from Rossendale has combined his passions to publish a book on the development of the sport in the area.

Roger Hindle, 55, has written a book titled ‘Football In Rossendale- The Early Years’ which charts the rise of association football in Rossendale from 1878 to 1900.

While the topic is something close to Mr Hindle’s heart he also believes that there is a market for his book in East Lancashire.

He said: “It’s been fascinating researching how football started in Rossendale valley, the book is basically how it all kicked off in the area.

“It’s not just for football fans, it’s for people interested in local history and people interested in genealogy. They might see a name and think ‘I’m related to them.’”

Mr Hindle was born and raised in Bacup and alongside being a writer works as a part-time paint technician and a bass player in the Rossendale band ‘Riflemen of War.’

The book follows how football began to thrive in the area during the heart of the industrial revolution as many men from Scotland brought with them the game which was already established there.

The book follows on from the success of Burnley fan Mr Hindle’s first publication ‘The History of Bacup Football Club’ and he has plans to research more periods of East Lancashire football.

He said: “It’s something I’ve got a passion for, something I enjoy doing. I love trawling through the archives.”

Original photos from the era are also included, which features information on the progression of the FA and Lancashire Cups and how teams from East Lancashire fared.

Information is included of Burnley’s first game at Turf Moor, which was against Rawtenstall, and also features stories from ties involving, Preston North End, Everton and Liverpool.

Throughout his work Mr Hindle found a variety of information that might shock and surprise readers.

He said: “There are some striking similarities between football then and now, players always went to the best clubs who pay the best wages, its a sign of early football mercenaries.

“Even back in the 1880s football players were paid a considerable amount for the time, although it was a shilling back then.”

The book is on sale now for £9.99 and is available at Mulderrigs Solicitors in Rawtenstall, the Bacup Natural History Society or by contacting Roger at hindle268@gmail.com.