The Raw Truth Behind the Beautiful Game | A Photographic Documentary by Paul Hands (2013-2014)
Football is more than just a game played on the pristine pitches of top-tier stadiums. It is a culture, a way of life, and a passion that connects millions of people across the United Kingdom. Photographer Paul Hands captures this essence in his striking photo series Football’s Backside, a project that takes an unfiltered look at the people, places, and unsung elements that shape the sport beyond the 90 minutes on the pitch.
“I’ve watched football all of my life, on the telly and at so many professional matches home and away. The one thing I get a buzz for is the atmosphere, I love what the game gives to life. The entertainment and the shared passion with friends and family is what it’s all about, the people.”
Paul Hands
Paul Hands, a photographer from Hinckley, Leicestershire, and a lifelong Coventry City supporter, set out on a journey to document football in its rawest form. Over a six-month period, he traveled across the UK, capturing the unseen and often overlooked aspects of the game. His connection to football runs deep, having played the sport since childhood—whether on streets, grassy patches, or formal league matches.
“Spanning a six-month period, I travelled to various places around the UK to watch the game of football to record the culture the way I see the game. I’ve played football since I was a little boy. It started in the street, on grassed areas in the middle of our housing estate, on sloping hills, full-on matches on a pitch with about 20 on each side, plus for local teams in league and cup games.”
The idea for Football’s Backside came while Hands was studying an HND in photography. A serious injury to both Achilles tendons meant he could no longer play football, so he found a new way to stay involved. Initially, he hoped to photograph games from the pitchside, but soon discovered the complexities of licensing and permissions. Instead, he turned his lens toward the ‘backside’ of the game—its grassroots, fans, and everyday culture.
“I wanted to go pitchside to photograph the football but discovered the ridiculous hoops needed to jump through, with very lengthy licensing rules. So I began making photographs around the backside of the game and one thing led to another, seeing me travel around the country to a few grounds and in search of anything football related.”
Hands’ work shines a light on the everyday heroes of the game—stadium workers, ticket sellers, ground staff, and the loyal fans who turn up week after week, regardless of the weather or the team’s position in the league table. His images capture the heartbeat of British football culture in its most honest form.
“I just wanted to show the truth around the backside of the game. To show the fans, the people that work behind the scenes, different views of the grounds, and to put my own spin on the game using photography.”
British football culture is a rich tapestry woven with passion, diversity, and tradition. Hands finds endless inspiration in its unpredictability and the people who bring it to life.
“It’s the most exciting game in British culture, in my opinion, and with the fact that 37 million people passed through the turnstiles of just the Premier League matches in a single season, how is it not interesting? The people come from all walks of life—posh ones, working-class grannies, and kids. We’ve got the lot, and there’s always some drama somewhere in the country within the game. I love people, watching them, studying their behaviour, movements, and enjoy seeing them in a positive light with the brighter side of life.”
One of the most defining moments of Hands’ project came when his photograph The Lone Keeper (at the top of this article) won a prestigious student photography competition. The recognition was not just personal but also a source of pride for his family.
“A favourite photo from the series has to be The Lone Keeper because in 2013, for which I won the AOC’s Student Photographer of the Year. I was invited to a big dinner and presentation evening in Birmingham and took my Dad, who was ever so proud of me.”
Football is about loyalty, and for Hands, that loyalty lies with Coventry City FC. It’s a connection that runs in the family, passed down from his father to him and his brother.
“I support Coventry City FC because I was born in Cov. My Dad’s a lifelong supporter, as is my brother too. I did of course as a kid support other teams until I came to my senses and realised what supporting your Dad’s team is all about.”
Football’s Backside is a love letter to the game and the people who make it special. Through his photography, Paul Hands reminds us that football is not just about the goals and the glory—it’s about the communities, the culture, and the countless untold stories that exist beyond the floodlights.
Don’t miss out on Lower Block’s latest news, features and products. Subscribe for free below and give us a follow on Instagram, BlueSky, Threads, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and X.
You may also enjoy…