Wolverhampton poet Matt Eccles has authored a unique guide to the english football league – in haiku form. The book, titled “Who the F*cking Hell Haiku?”, features 91 poems dedicated to different football teams, aiming to spark conversation amongst fans and recapture a nostalgic sense of community.
Eccles, who initially overlooked Championship side hull City in his poetic endeavor, found his final poem-inspired by a memorable half-time team talk from Hull manager Phil brown during a 2008 match against Manchester City-became one of his favorites. The project evolved into more than just a writing exercise for Eccles, offering a reciprocal connection to his own experiences as a fan. “I think the book has given back to me as much as I’ve put into the book,” he stated.
The book’s concept centers on creating dialog, mirroring the childhood experience of trading Panini stickers. Eccles hopes readers will share their own interpretations and anecdotes related to the haikus, fostering a collective experience around the shared passion for football. He anticipates some poems will be readily understood, while others will serve as “curveballs” to encourage discussion. The title itself is a playful adaptation of a well-known football chant.
