Sheffield United Historian Denis Clarebrough and Club statistician Andrew Kirkham have produced what can only be described as the most definitive book ever written that outlines the massive influence Sheffield has cast over the development of the modern game of football - its gift to the world.

United's part in the World Cup 2018 bid, which was submitted at Wembley Stadium a short while ago highlighted a need to put this fantastic history and legacy down in print for all to read and access and, it has to be said, the book is an absolute triumph.

It charts the early records of football related games in the City, the birth of Bramall Lane, Sheffield FC, Hallam and our rivals across the City. It examines the Sheffield rules of Football and their influence over the Football Association which were to have a massive and everlasting effect on the world game.

The list of firsts given to Association Football by Sheffield will have any native of the City bursting with pride - it is incredible when you start to list the amount of firsts that happened here.

Denis and Andrew peel away the layers and find some incredible information. Research has helped them identify the first ever pitch played on by Sheffield Club- the first organised football field perhaps in history. The book contains fabulous pictures of Park House, birthplace of" The Club" and a map of the area laid down in the early 1860's, showing all the now, in some cases, lost sporting enclosures within a short distance of Bramall Lane which really do make it the 'cradle of the game'.

They have gained access to wonderful paintings of the area, some of which are illustrated in colour, that really help to show how the area has changed and help one to imagine how life must have been for the early pioneers of the game before the then town of Sheffield spread out into the suburban sprawl that we know today.

This isn't a book about the Blades, it is a book about Sheffield, and that's important. All of its Clubs and their early triumphs are covered in equal details and treated with equal reverence. After all, Sheffield really is the Home of Football - something which all from the City, whatever their allegiance, should shout from the tops of Sheffield's seven hills.

Sheffield - the Home of Football is available now from the Blades Superstore for £14.99

The Blades Superstore also currently has a Gift of the Day promotion at the Blades Superstore, TJ Hughes or online at www.sufc-shop.co.uk in the lead up to Christmas. Save £££s with the Blades this Christmas by taking advantage of these Gift of the Day offers. Keep an eye on the superstore web site for each day's specially discounted gift. Please note that orders over the online megastore will be reduced at the point of dispatch.

Just like your chocolate advent calendar the Blades are offering you the chance to buy a special treat or gift each day from now up until the 23rd December. We will help you count down the days, and fill up your stockings as well as saving money at the same time.

Today's gift of the day is the Blades Ladies Dressing Gown. This super soft ladies robe comes in soft pink with Blades crest embroidery and is available in sizes 10-20.

As today's gift of the day you will pay only £24, normal price £30.