Andrew Searle was born in Manchester in 1961. He graduated in History at Lancaster, where he represented the university at cricket and rugby union. He is now a journalist and writer, specialising in sport and social history. A batsman/wicket-keeper, he has played league crciekt since the age of fourteen and is currently captain of Trafford Cricket Club in the South Lancashire League. His other published work includes books on local history and he is also the editor of The League Cricket Review.