A Football Fling

When Steve Mingle's financial services company was pulled out of the hat as shirt sponsor at League Two Oxford United in 2013, it sparked a crazy period for the fanatical soccer follower—for as well as becoming closely involved with the U's, Steve is also a long-standing Manchester City season-ticket holder. Frequently faced with the emotional torment of trying to be in two places at once, A Football Fling tells the story of two hectic seasons spent following teams at opposite ends of the spectrum—from Accrington to Anfield, from Burton to Barcelona, from Mansfield to Munich. Having been granted complete behind-the-scenes access at Oxford, Steve compares every aspect of his two clubs—players, management, finances, engagement with the local community, media interaction, youth development—to provide a unique insight into how soccer really operates—and whether having your company name on a team's shirts can be good for business!