Editorial — long reads
Season reviews, match deep-dives, profiles and era pieces. Freelance writing commissioned through DragonFC and edited to sit alongside the structured data on Dragon Football.
Women’s Pyramid: Manchester United star Ella Toone joins Chorley in surprising new role
Manchester United and England star Ella Toone has joined Chorley in a special advisory role.
Football, Explained: Why Are Wingers Playing on the ‘Wrong’ Side?
Ever wondered why left-footed wingers are played on the right, and vice-versa? Dragon Football has the answer.
The Fourth Tier: Ian Holloway’s Swindon Town Using Bromley Blueprint In Bid For Promotion
With legendary manager Ian Holloway at the wheel, Swindon Town have the blueprint to promotion from League Two this season.
The Academy Beat: How Premier League’s New SCR Rules Would Have Seen £116m Midfielder Elliot Anderson Remain At Newcastle
Newcastle were forced to sell Elliot Anderson in order to comply with the Premier League's financial regulations. The new SCR rules would have seen him stay…
Women’s Pyramid: Inside WSL2 newcomers Wolverhampton Wanderers
Wolverhampton Wanderers are about to compete in the WSL2 for the first time. Dragon Football takes a look inside their preparations.
Football, Explained: What is the record for most goals scored in a single season?
Which player has scored the most goals in a single season?
The Going Rate: How the Premier League’s new SCR rules are impacting each club
The Premier League's financial rules are changing this season, but how are the new restrictions impacting each club? Dragon Football reveals all.
The Price of Football: How much does it cost to escape the Championship?
How much does it cost to escape the Championship? We ran the numbers to see which teams are best equipped to make a push for the…
Football, Explained: What Is Expected Goals (xG)?
For most of its existence, football has had a peculiar relationship with numbers. Thorough records were kept to track who scored, who assisted and who won,…
The Trivia Desk: Questions for the Ultimate Football Quiz
Calling all trivia experts. Check out your new home for football quizzes and collections on Dragon Football
The Grounds Guide: Everything You Need To Know About Blundell Park
Everything you need to know about Blundell Park, home of League Two side Grimsby Town.
The Scouting Report: Why Andrey Santos is more than a £50m consolation prize for Manchester United
Andrey Santos is more than a consolation prize for Manchester United, he's a future Premier League star.
Football, Explained: What Is the Longest Penalty Shootout Ever Recorded?
Ever wondered what the longest penalty shootout ever recorded was? Dragon Football has you covered.
Football, Explained: Why Are Transfers Paid In Instalments?
Ever wondered why football transfers are paid in instalments and never all at once? We've explained the process behind some of the sport's biggest deals.
SCR Deep Dive: Why Tottenham Can Spend When Villa and Newcastle Face Restrictions
Everything you need to know about the Premier League’s new spending rules, and how some teams are benefiting more than others.
The Price of Football: Every Premier League club ranked by the cost of all 38 games
For millions of football fans across the UK, following their team is not a hobby; it’s a way of life. It’s not a matter of whether…
The Academy Beat: Inside Football’s EFL Exit Trials
Thousands of footballers face the axe from professional academies every year, but the EFL Exit Trials offer players one last chance of keeping their dreams alive.
Behind the Badge: How Cardiff City Fans Saved the Bluebirds from Red
Cardiff City lost their identify in 2012. This is the story of how loyal fans from the famous Welsh club refused to let the Bluebirds die.
Women’s Pyramid: Craven set to live out Champions League dream with Wrexham
Wrexham will enter the UEFA Women's Champions League for the first time this season, an opportunity goalkeeper Liz Craven has waited her whole life for.
The Grounds Guide: All You Need To Know About Prenton Park
Everything you need to know about Prenton Park, home of League Two side Tranmere Rovers
The Grounds Guide: All You Need To Know About Mornflake Stadium
Everything you need to know about Mornflake Stadium, home of League Two side Crewe Alexandra
The Fourth Tier: Can Salford’s Out-Of-Box Thinking Finally Pave The Way To Promotion?
Salford City have the backing of Manchester United's Class of 92, but will they ever escape the perils of League Two?
The Academy Beat: 2026 World Cup Has Shown Success of EPPP But ‘Fall-Out’ Rate Remains Brutal
The path to football's elite level is long and difficult. Few make it to the top, and even fewer stay there. Discover just how brutal the…
Phoenix Clubs: The Fall and Rebirth of AFC Wimbledon
AFC Wimbledon's story is one of the most remarkable tales in football. Discover their rise from the ashes and rebirth, told from the heart of the…
About this work
Every piece on this page is paid freelance work commissioned through DragonFC, our internal platform. Writers pitch ideas, we pay on acceptance, and the editorial team fact-checks against the underlying data.
The point of commissioning long-reads is to add the colour the structured data can't carry: what it felt like to be there, why one signing changed the season, how a manager's tactical shift played out match by match.