It was first published in 1970 for the 1970–71 season, its first compilers being Tony Williams and Roy Peskett.

[1] For many years the editors were father and daughter Jack and Glenda Rollin.

[2] The Rollins' involvement ended with the 2012–13 edition,[3] with the parting somewhat acrimonious.

[6] In March 2018, it was reported that the future of the book was in doubt after Sky Sports withdrew their sponsorship, believed to be around £30,000 per year.

From the 2018–19 season, the book was sponsored by The Sun newspaper for two years.