The Stadium Books

The Stadium Books started with a shared love of football grounds. David has spent years photographing Roots Hall, Southend United's home, and we wanted to turn those photographs into a celebration the ground.

Early on, we started asking supporters one simple question 'What does Roots Hall mean to you?'. Their answers, alongside David's photography, became the heart of the first book, my job was building it into something that gave both the images and the memories the space they deserved.

That first book led to a second, when Queens Park Rangers got in touch and asked for one of their own. The third, Southend to the San Siro, marks 20 years of David photographing football grounds.

Three books in, it's grown into an ongoing collaboration, one that keeps finding new grounds and new stories worth telling.

The first book in the series. 122 pages covering Southend United's Roots Hall ground through the photography of David Shields, alongside quotes and memories from fans, players, managers and club staff.

Published in 2024 and sold through our own website and at the club. There was local press coverage, and the response from the Southend fan community was immediate.

“…this Roots Hall book is a thing of beauty. It's our Roots Hall, our home and this book is a reminder of the old place good and bad.”

The second book in the series, this time turning to Loftus Road — the compact west London ground that has been home to Queens Park Rangers since 1917.

Published in 2025 and stocked in the QPR club shop as well as through our own website. The book was featured on BBC London ahead of launch.

“Featured on BBC London ahead of publication.”

The third book marks the 20th anniversary of David Shields' football stadium photography. A wider-ranging book that moves beyond any single club, capturing iconic stadiums, hidden gems, and the culture of the game from the lower leagues to the biggest grounds in Europe.

Published in 2025. Features over 150 photographs and has been purchased nationwide.