Football's Hardmen is a series of newspaper publications that explores the stories of footballer's that focus on issues away from the pitch. Each of the issues deals with how one footballer overcame personal adversity, recounting these stories through found quotes from the footballer in question. The project aimed to challenge traditional masculine stereotypes and standards through the experiences of these footballers. Football's Hardmen hopes to show the diversity of masculinity and that being a man doesn't have to mean 'keeping a stiff, upper lip'.
The issues cover five footballers and their stories, including:
Terry Butcher and the idea of being an archetypal footballing 'hard man'.
Clarke Carlisle and his battles with depression.
Rio Ferdinand and dealing with the grief of losing a loved one.
Thomas Hitzlsperger and being one of the few openly homosexual players.
Tony Adams and his struggles with alcoholism.
Digital Spreads from the Issues
Images of Printed Newspaper Issues