July Edition 2008- In December 1907, Manchester United players Billy Meredith and Charlie Roberts formed a trade union, giving football's 'workers' the same bargaining rights as their counterparts in factories and workplaces across Britain. The organisation, known as the Professional Footballers' Association, gave players a voice in negotiations with their employers, the clubs, and a say in how the game was run.

Though Karl Marx migh not recognise today's pampered SUV-driving millionaires as a 'working-class' movement, the PFA remains true to its union roots and therefore has a curious role in today's game. On the other hand, it vehemently protects its members' interests, but as the reaction to its chairman Gordon Taylor's pronouncements often shows, it can also appear to be justifying the inflated wages and cosseting of the modern-day footballer's ego.

To celebrate its 100th year, the PFA has produced The Players' Century, covering its role in the development of the game and focusing on its present-day tasks, such as helping ex-players into the media or community workand aiding rehabilitation for injured players and those suffering from illness and drug or alcohol abuse.

Though self-promotion and good causes might seem a bit worthy, thanks to a coffee-table format and a range of fantastic photos from the PA Sport archive, The Players' Century is anything but stuffy. It contains plenty of facts and figures, including a timeline of key events in the game and the PFA's history.

With forewords by Michel Platini, Gordon Taylor and Sir Alex Ferguson, and plenty of interviews with players, coaches and staff, The Players' Centuryis a substantial read as well as a glorious photo album. As a record of the changing game, from a player's perspective, it's as good as any.

Jon Crampin, FourFourTwo Magazine.

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