Peter Kenny Jones is a football historian, writer and author who was born in Liverpool and has written several works on the history of both Liverpool and Everton. Studying at Liverpool Hope University, his dissertations focused on inter-war Merseyside football and then the comparison of Harry Catterick and Bill Shankly. His first book, Liddell at One Hundred, told the story of Billy Liddell and this second tome continues his extensive research.
A truly excellent portrayal of those who have been brave and indeed
talented enough to have represented two of the most illustrious
football clubs in the world, filled with in-depth details, wit and
the beautiful game at the forefront. Despite our differences -
often down to nothing more than our parents' allegiances - there
can be no denying the shared history between the powerhouses of the
English game and albeit often a fractious rivalry, our families,
friends and lives remain intertwined and with that, so do many of
our favourite footballing stories. Often referred to as the
‘friendly derby’ in years gone by, harrowing events such as the
Hillsborough disaster have undoubtedly united the two clubs at the
most pivotal of times, and its that unison, coupled with the
in-view proximity that makes the passage from Liverpool to Everton
or vice-versa all the more fascinating. This book offers a
wonderful insight into the history and the journey of those who
have been brave enough to cross Stanley Park to represent the
‘enemy’ in blue or red. From the first Scouser John Whitehead to do
the short trip across the park, to a flamboyantly haired
Mozambique-born Abel Xavier, this is a must-read for those wanting
to discover more about what is a rivalry steeped in history and the
players who have experienced both football clubs from within.
*Redmen TV*
Crossing the Park is a fascinating and comprehensive look at the
men who have dared to play for both Everton and Liverpool. The book
delightfully recounts the pithy stories of the good, the bad, and
the ugly who have donned both blue and red, while also documenting
the changes around the clubs and city. In addition to the stories
of the players, the book also covers the history of both clubs, the
changing rivalry between the teams, and the politics that have
often been involved in the transfers. Crossing the Park is both
absorbing and well researched. It is a must-read for any fan of
either team and provides valuable insights into the fascinating
history of both Everton and Liverpool.
*Kop On! Liverpool FC podcast*
"Crossing The Park is a fantastic read for both Blues and Reds,
detailing the history of those who dared to represent both sides of
the city. As a fan of one of the two clubs, you will love this
book. It brings vastly researched and brilliantly written tales of
footballing people from Andrew Hannah to Conor Coady, Rafa Benitez
and even Evertonian-turned-Liverpudlian Jamie Carragher. Even if
you are a neutral, there will be something in this book for you.
The intriguing backstories of these individuals will have you
reading for hours, fascinated by the rivalry between the clubs that
so few decided to cross, especially with the fantastic writing
taking you through the journey. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable read
and some interesting facts and figures, even including a “Legend”
rating and “Traitor” rating for each player at both clubs as you go
further through the years, brings an extremely interesting and
entertaining look at the rivalry and those 34 men. A great book
that is well worth sitting down with!"
*Everton Blue Army*
"Anyone familiar with Peter Kenny Jones’ prior book entry in
football discourse will be intrinsically aware of the writer’s
ability to expertly craft a story from vast swathes of history.
Broadening the focus away from one player in the form of legendary
Red Billy Liddell, Jones takes on the shared history of Liverpool
and Everton – and a whopping 34 players in the process. If that
wasn’t enough, the author added the challenge of dissecting the two
clubs’ complex rivalry and love/hate relationship to his plate in a
300-page waltz through the history books. With a topic where it
appears quite simple to get bogged down in the small details and
miss the bigger picture, Jones has succeeded in marrying the two
components in a book that both respects history and invites the
reader to be introspective about where they stand in the divide
between Anfield and Goodison Park."
*Empire of the Kop*
"A brilliant read for Evertonians and Liverpudlians alike. From
Andrew Hannah to Conor Coady, every player who ‘crossed the park’
is detailed in enthralling, informative and entertaining fashion.
Peter’s dedication and commitment to chasing down the best possible
stories for each individual only makes this book better from the
outset and Rafa Benitez’s part to play alone is worth the purchase.
I highly recommend Crossing The Park for anyone who wants to delve
deeper into the history of the unique relationship between two of
the biggest clubs in English football"
*BBC Radio Merseyside*
"I was interested in this book. Not just because of what I could
find out about those who’ve played for both Merseyside clubs but to
remind myself in a few cases of just how the mood of the city
changed towards those who dared. Peter [has] researched [the book]
meticulously... he covers everyone and covers the stories behind
them. I won’t go into too much more detail but some of the stories
about how players played for both sides, even though some moved
elsewhere first, such as David Johnson and Steve McMahon."
*Red All Over The Land*
"Crossing The Park is very neatly scribed by Peter Kenny Jones, who
knows how to write interestingly on ‘The Men Who Dared To Play For
Both’... Crossing The Park is a history lesson, ferrying readers’
minds across the Mersey; at the conclusion of Jones’s book one
feels one has learned many new facts and figures, so...
result!"
*Dare Radio*
"Jones's writing style is engaging and accessible, and he has a
knack for bringing each player's story to life with vivid detail
and insightful analysis."
*The Football Library*
"This book is not only a comprehensive history of the individuals
to have graced both clubs, but a window into the past of both and a
fantastic insight into their histories. The knowledge Peter has on
the individuals and their lives is astounding and the detail he
goes into on each, while still keeping it concise and readable, is
intricate... I would strongly recommend this book to Evertonians
interested in exploring the Club’s history in terms of those who
have been bold, or crazy, enough to cross Stanley Park. I would
strongly recommend this book."
*The Toffee Blues*
"Crossing the Park is an enjoyable look at those few individuals
who have played or managed both of Liverpool's major teams. The
profiles are short, sharp and interesting and together paint the
picture of how rarely the park has been crossed but how fraught
with risk it can be for those who attempt it. The profiles are
short, sharp and interesting."
*Sports Book Reviews*
"Peter Jones builds on this friendly rivalry and brings 'history
alive' with painstaking research of each player alongside
exclusive interviews with many."
*Love Wirral Magazine*
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