No prior knowledge assumed
Learn the game
Short answers to the things that are hard to look up, because looking them up requires knowing the words already. Read one, or read them in order.
- How a match worksNinety minutes, two halves, and why the clock never stops.
- How the table worksThree points for a win, and why the bottom of it matters most.
- Offside, finally explainedThe rule behind most disallowed goals, in one sentence and then in detail.
- The words people useClean sheet, nil, fixture, side, and the rest of the vocabulary.
- The season, and the calendarAugust to May, midweek European nights, and the transfer windows.
- Leagues, cups and EuropeWhy one club plays in three or four different competitions at once.
- Why people support a clubYou do not switch. Here is what that actually means, and how to choose.
Once the words make sense, find a club to follow or start from a player you recognise.