The Lost Lionesses – Gail Emms
While the spotlight will shine once again on the women’s game and this generation of inspirational female footballers, it will also stir memories of the trailblazers who have gone before, not least the formidable Lost Lionesses of 1971, as celebrated in Gail Emms’ book.
Herself a highly accomplished sportswoman, both a world champion and an Olympic silver medallist, Emms is better placed than most to uncover the astonishing story of the 14 women and manager Harry Batt who made up the England contingent who competed in the 1971 World Cup in Mexico, as her mum, Janice Barton, was the Lost Lionesses’ centre-forward. With wonderful access to the players, Emms introduces each of the trailblazing protagonists, their journeys into the game and that momentous occasion in Mexico, followed by the disappointing aftermath and the subsequent trajectory of women’s football.
Still too little is known and celebrated about this pioneering group, but this book offers a superb account that grants this team of Christine Lockwood, Lillian Harris, Jean Breckon, Carol Wilson, Jill Stockley, Trudy McCaffery, Valerie Cheshire, Marlene Rowe, Leah Caleb, Paula Rayner, Gill Sayell, Louise Cross, Yvonne Farr and Janice Barton their rightful place in English footballing history. A fitting read as the current Lionesses enjoy the visibility and acclaim that their foremothers were so sadly denied.
Reviewed by Jade Craddock.