When Saturday Comes: The Voice of the Intelligent Football Supporter
In the world of sports media, few publications have captured the spirit of the terrace quite like When Saturday Comes (WSC). Established as a monthly magazine based in London, England, WSC serves as a dedicated platform for intelligent football supporters. By blending serious analysis with a humorous perspective, the magazine covers the full spectrum of the sport, from critical systemic issues to the trivial debates that define fan culture.
Founded by Andy Lyons and Mike Ticher, the publication avoids the clichés of mainstream sports reporting, instead focusing on the topics that fans actually discuss. Whether it is the politics of the game or the quirks of the league, WSC provides a sophisticated voice for the global football community.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Key Facts
- Founded: March 1986 in London, United Kingdom.
- Frequency: Published monthly.
- Circulation: Approximately 20,151.
- Editor: Andy Lyons.
- Publisher: Richard Guy under When Saturday Comes Ltd.
- Scope: Covers football from both serious and humorous angles.
The Evolution of WSC
The journey of When Saturday Comes began in 1986. In its earliest days, it operated as a bi-monthly fanzine—an independently produced non-professional publication usually created by fans for fans. However, the magazine's quality and appeal led to rapid growth. By 1988, WSC had transitioned from a niche publication to a prominent title available in newsagents across the United Kingdom.
A pivotal moment in the magazine's history occurred in 1989. Its comprehensive coverage of the Albania vs. England World Cup qualifying match significantly raised its public profile, pushing its circulation to 20,000 copies.
As the publication entered the 1990s, it continued to modernize. The magazine expanded its layout to 48 pages and began incorporating advertising to support its growth. By 1995, WSC further enhanced its visual appeal by moving to color printing.
Contributors and Editorial Style
While WSC has evolved into a professional operation, it maintains its roots in fan culture. The magazine employs a diverse team of professional journalists—including regular contributors like Tim Bradford, who provides many of the publication's cartoons—while continuing to commission articles written by passionate fans.
The publication has also attracted high-profile guest writers, including Nick Hornby and Simon Kuper, as well as Cris Freddi. This blend of professional expertise and fan passion is reflected in the magazine's extensive network; the official WSC website lists a total of 408 writers who have contributed to the publication over the years.
Expanding into Book Publishing
In the 2000s, the brand expanded its reach beyond the monthly periodical. Through WSC Books, the company branched into book publishing, producing fourteen titles. One notable example of their literary output is Tor!, a detailed history of German football, demonstrating the magazine's commitment to exploring the sport's global heritage.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| First Issue | March 1986 |
| Base of Operations | London, UK |
| Language | English |
| Current Editor | Andy Lyons |
| Total Books Published | 14 |
| Website | www.wsc.co.uk |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of When Saturday Comes?
The magazine aims to provide a voice for intelligent football supporters by offering both serious and humorous views on the sport, covering topics ranging from the trivial to the profound.
How did WSC start?
It began in March 1986 as an independently published bi-monthly fanzine before growing into a monthly professional magazine available nationwide by 1988.
Who are some of the notable writers associated with WSC?
In addition to its regular staff writers and fan contributors, the magazine has featured guest writers such as Nick Hornby, Simon Kuper, and Cris Freddi.
Does WSC produce content other than the monthly magazine?
Yes, the company established WSC Books in the 2000s and has published fourteen books, including a history of German football titled Tor!
Who founded the magazine?
When Saturday Comes was co-founded by Andy Lyons, who continues to serve as the editor, and Mike Ticher.