EP 23: A Book Talk with James Brown, author of ”Mud, Blood and Studs”

Tom McCabe is joined by SASH vice president James Brown to discuss his new book, Mud, Blood and Studs: One Family’s Legacy in Soccer and Rugby Across Three Continents. From the publisher’s description: Mud, Blood and Studs is a special story of sporting excellence passed from generation to generation. An alcoholic father abandons his family in Troon, Scotland, and sails for America, but against the odds his offspring prosper, as his four boys have natural athletic ability. Oldest son, Jim, travels to America to track down his father and finds a country in the throes of the Great Depression. However, his superb soccer skills win him selection for the 1930 US World Cup team. In 1932, he signs for Manchester United, and later for Spurs. Jim passes his skills on to his son, George, who becomes a USA All-Star and USMNT player. Jim’s brothers, John and Tom, shake up Scottish football, and John hands down his sublime hand-to-eye coordination to sons Peter and Gordon, who make their mark in international rugby. Then there are Peter and Gordon’s cousins, the Lambies, who impact South African rugby. This fascinating book brings you the inside track on a remarkable family who overcame adversity to thrive at the top level of sport. Podcast produced by Brian Quarstad. Music created by LiteSaturation and found at Pixabay. View the video of the session at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6uBqqqvwjE&list=PLF9oL3yRaMyyYqsS1Qqj6XxUV8RU6p4tC&index=24&pp=iAQB For more US soccer history, visit the SASH website at https://www.ussoccerhistory.org/