Bookbuyer's

Bookend

Everyone seems to be talking about the World Cup, due to start in Munich this week. It is difficult to see why when here, on our very own doorstep, we have in prospect one of the most exciting seasons since the war. One refers of course, to publishing's own Bookball League. Bookend's sports correspondent assessed the contenders.

Collins Celtic—known as "The Rams," one of the most consistent performers in the country — powerful, efficient, superbly managed by Billy ("The Boot") Collins and on their day quite unstoppable.

Weidenfeld Wanderers — despite poor ground facilities, one of the most glamorous clubs in the league. The team travels widely and like Tottenham Hotspur, probably has a better reputation overseas than at home.

Hamish Hamilton Academicals — winners of last season's Allen Lane cup and currently enjoying a fine spell. Like Collins, may have trouble in replacing team manager when he retires.

Gollancz — out of the golden age of bookball, and now enjoying something of a revival. A tendency to play up the left.

C.C.M. — a heavy spate of spending is only just beginning to produce the sort of results to bring back their supporters.

Hodder Villa — known as "The Saints", this old-established club, with its new emphasis on youth, has blossomed from a steady but uninspiring side into one of the league's most enterprising teams.

Souvenir Rovers — Like Carlisle, they have a very small playing -staff but have produced many giant-killing performances with an Imaginative and colourful approach reminiscent of Queens Park Rangers.

Muller Town — has seen more exciting days, but is still capable of interesting excursions. Has a good youth training policy and in recent years has nurtured several players — among them Reynolds, Godfrey, Hollis, Major — who have gone on to star with bigger clubs.

Granada Palace — masterminded by one of the younger breed of tracksuit managers. Like Tommy Docherty and Malcolm Allison, his substantial bark is reckoned to be worse than his bite.

Heinemann — publishers to the F.A. from their marble halls in Mayfair. Like Arsenal they are a highly functional squad, much underrated by the critics and capable of an attractive game when conditions are right.

W. H. Allen Argyle — heavily dependent on the 'star' system, they enjoy a big and noisy following.

Penguin City—one of the great sides of all time, currently sharing Manchester United's worries, but a team which deserves to get back to the top when it has sorted its internal problems out.

Hutchinson Hatters — another giant of the thirties, now quietly rebuilding.

Secher & Warburg United — Like Ipswich, a team of the future, full of promise and prestige. Cape Albion — one of the most entertaining and sophisticated teams in the league. Like West Ham, they are sometimes prone to lean spells and may find it increasingly difficult to indulge their skills in what is becoming a hard man's game.

Macmillan County — from being leaders in the premier league, they are now a fully fledged first division side. Some of the more attractive frills have gone, but Macmillan's game is solid. Faber Fosse — an enigmatic side, perhaps lacking in attacking flair, but sound at the back.

Dent — nicknamed "The Toffeemen", they have a fine history and tradition — like second division Aston Villa.

Bookbuyer's tip for this year's Allen Lane cup? Cape, to beat Secker in extra time. For the league itself? Mills and Boon Romantics.