We are proud to announce that No Dice Issue 1 is now available, and, to bang our own drum around a little, it looks beautiful. Forty plus pages of photographs, illustrations and top class writing about the game in Berlin at all levels.

We don’t want to alienate anyone because of language, so we have tried to balance the demands of visuals and of text. The articles are weighty, but sparing. Stephen has written an excellent critique of Tennis Borussia Berlin. How they went from the top to the bottom, back up, and then back down again to where the club are seemingly, and finally, at peace with themselves down in the sixth tier. He has spoken to the chairman and to the fans, the very people who have saved the old giant from Charlottenburg, and who are the bearers of the tradition of their left-leaning team.

We also carry an exclusive. An interview with 1.FC union manager, Uwe Neuhaus, completed as the second longest serving manager in Bundesliga football was struggling under pressures, both internal and external, both on and off the pitch. He talks about his times in the Bundeswehr, his days of learning the game at the lower levels before a seemingly fairytale three years in the Bundesliga with Wattenscheid, and his methods of dealing with the rigours of the fan’s insatiable love for their club that can sometimes overbear the bigger picture.

Ian’s lovely photo essay is devoted, and dedicated, to the unsung heroes of the game – the referees – and with it No Dice happily supports the BFV’s campaign to stamp out violence against these much-maligned figures, without whom the game would be nothing.

There was a limited print run of 100 copies printed, these have now sold out. But you can still buy a PDF online here for a donation. Simply pay what you think it is worth.

The second issue will be available in February, so make sure you start your collection on the right foot. No Dice? No Football.