Project Restart: From Prem to the Parks, How Football Came Out of Lockdown

"Project Restart: From Prem to the Parks, How Football Came Out of Lockdown" by Jon Berry offers a compelling and insightful look into the unprecedented period when the beautiful game faced its biggest challenge in recent history: the COVID-19 pandemic. More than just a recounting of cancelled matches and postponed seasons, Berry delves into the profound impact the lockdown had on football at every level, from the glitz and glamour of the Premier League to the heart and soul of grassroots clubs. This book doesn't shy away from the uncomfortable truths. Berry confronts the initial disconnect many fans felt, acknowledging the realization that professional football's shutdown served as a stark wake-up call to the severity of the pandemic. He explores the rapid shift in priorities as lockdown became the new normal, and the subsequent, almost impatient, desire for the return of football, highlighting the vital role the sport plays in so many lives. "Project Restart" meticulously charts the weeks leading up to that pivotal moment, contextualizing football within the broader landscape of furloughs, community spirit, and governmental responses. The book's strength lies in its comprehensive examination of the pandemic's effects on various teams. Through seven detailed case studies, Berry meticulously examines clubs, from Burnley in the Premier League, and downwards, to the grassroots level. He skillfully captures the hopes, fears, and anxieties of supporters desperately clinging to their beloved clubs, while also scrutinizing the actions of those tasked with ensuring their survival. Berry expertly presents all sides of the story, giving fair attention to the financial and logistical challenges faced by clubs of all sizes. The book also considers the surreal experience of watching games played in empty stadiums, a disorienting spectacle that quickly became the new normal. He analyses the fan experience of watching through a screen when you're so used to being there, feeling the atmosphere. Furthermore, it ponders the lasting consequences of the pandemic, and asks the critical question: what does the future hold for football? Jon Berry is an experienced sports writer, known for his insightful analysis and ability to connect with fans. In "Project Restart," he uses his expertise to offer a nuanced and thought-provoking examination of a truly unique period in football history. Readers praise the book for its comprehensive coverage, engaging storytelling, and insightful commentary on the challenges and opportunities facing the sport in a post-COVID world. This book is a must-read for any football fan who wants to understand the true impact of the pandemic on the game they love and understand how it has changed it, possibly forever. Beyond the final scores, "Project Restart" is a human story of community, resilience, and the enduring power of football.