That’s a strange headline for a lot of you, but I’ve had a few new subscribers lately, mainly thanks to a kind recommendation from Jamie Spencer who writes on here under United Women Online.
So for newcomers and veterans alike, I thought I’d do a little summary/recap.
In May 2021, Barmy Article was born. Fanzines had been a staple of attending Old Trafford throughout my 21 years (plus more as a member) as a season ticket holder at Old Trafford. The presence of the sellers were as important as the teams taking to the pitch. I even wrote for Red News a couple of times. Then I thought there should be a fanzine for the women’s team, but thinking it won’t make it happen, so I set about doing it.
In issue 2, I did my first ex red interview. Michelle Wilcock played for Man Utd Ladies from 1997 to 2003 and coached the youth team that remained after the disbandment in 2005. With no copies of issue 2 left available, you can read that interview at the link below.
As a speculative enquiry I messaged Casey Stoney on Instagram in November 2021, to my shock she replied a few weeks later, keen to take part in a feature for the fanzine. I interviewed her and printed the article in issue 4, accompanied by this fine piece of artwork by Namrata who created 3 more front covers after this one as well as some epic features for the inside pages. Click the cover below to read the whole of issue 4 online.
The timing of issue 5 was quickly shuffled around to coincide with the first game at Old Trafford in front of fans. Another Namrata special was created to honour the occasion with this piece, still one of my favourite front covers. It wouldn’t have felt right to put current players in the pose of the Trinity, but young girls can now dream of hitting those heights.
Issue 8 featured a double front cover. Page 3 contained the regular cover while the outer cover was designed by protest group, The 1958. While I didn’t agree with al of their methods, it’s important to highlight the broad spectrum of not only Utd Women fans but those addressing issues surrounding the club as a whole
This issue also featured our 2nd ex red interview. In issue 2, Michelle Wilcock labelled Donna Douglas as “Mrs Man United”.
2024 saw a fanzine episode of One Love, an MUTV series, featuring Barney Chilton of Red News, Andy Mitten of United We Stand, and me, talking about Barmy Article. click the picture below to watch, you’ll need an account, but not a subscription.
The process of making the episode of One Love also led to an interview with a current player. As part of the filming I was lucky enough to interview Aoife Mannion at Old Trafford.
The interview was printed in issue 12 and none other than Stanley Chow was kind enough to do the front cover. Stan regularly designs the front cover of men’s fanzine, United We Stand as well as having his work in many places. Have a look at his website where you this particular piece is available along with countless others.
Issue 13 saw the 3rd ex player interview, Georgina Duncan nee Williams played from 1982-1994 and after appearing in Barmy Article was also featured in the matchday programme.
May 2024 took Utd to Wembley for the second season in a row. To mark the occasion a digital fanzine was created, available online for free. Demand for a printed version came quickly and increased following the victory and so the issue was expanded with post match reaction and it soon went to print.
Which brings us to the current issue 15. As always, the aim is to sell enough copies to pay for the next issue to be printed. That goal has been achieved but copies of issue 15 and the Cup Final special are still available.
Issue 15 includes the 4th ex red to be interviewed. Ali Newton, who played for Utd from 1988-2003, served as secretary for many years and was part of the inspiration for the origin of current FA Women’s Premier League North (3rd tier) team Liverpool Feds, as referenced here, approx 2 mins in.
As issue 15 is the current issue, no articles have yet been shared online but copies are available form the online shop.
Now you’ve had a taster of what Barmy Article has done, what would you like it to do?
Comment with any ideas you have that you’d like to see in the mag, here on the blog, or by way of audio and video content (there was a podcast, there may be again)
And as always, it’s your mag. If you have something to say, however brief or detailed, get in touch and Barmy Article will represent your views.
Great overview of the history of Barmy Article so far.
This magazine is important on a number of fronts - one for the wider fanbase and one for me personally.
Firstly, apart from the Matchday magazines, Barmy Article is the primary printed forum for United Women's fans to share their opinions and make their voice heard to a wider audience in any meaningful way (given electronic formats such as X and Threads are only suitable for soundbites and the official United monthly magazine seems to be tokenistic when it comes to the Women's Team... I mean, does anyone recall when a member of the Women's Team was on the Front Cover or had a really meaningful article?)
Secondly, I was disenfranchised from sport because (as it turned out in retrospect) I'm Autistic, which for my presentations meant including that I was quiet, bookish, not co-ordinated and rubbish at sports - not great for a lad whose teenage years were in the 1980s. I became a Season Ticket holder roughly six months after I was confirmed as Autistic, and I have to say that I have felt welcomed by the fanbase and with the tone of Barmy Article in that it doesn't assume your knowledge and there are things to read whichever aspect of fandom is your "jam". Some will no doubt enjoy reading about the Women's Team's history and legacy, some will enjoy reading the opinion articles (whether you agree with them or not, they're always respectfully put) and some will chime in with articles about the inclusive nature of the Women's Team and their fanbase.
So, from me.... Thank You.