Welcome to the autumn 1999 issue of WWM. As a new term starts here at WWM changes are underway. As our upcoming 1999 Progress Report will show this last year has been one of increasing workload for Working With Men. Our consultancy and research work has dominated and, reflecting new policy initiatives and interest in work with men and boys, it has grown in substance and rigour as well as quantity. Providing evidence for practice and policy initiatives has become increasingly important. To reflect this shift this issue of WWM focuses on some current research focusing on men and gender issues. Cathy Denison and Judi Kidger of the TSA describe their study of young fathers leaving the prison system and the impact on them of parenting education. Another young fathers study this time of the influences on commitment to parenting is described by Sue Pollock of the University of Bristol. Although still ongoing this piece of work suggests that preconceptions about young men and irresponsibility may be reinforcing existing barriers. Rob Pattman's piece on the relationship between football gender and identity attempts to pick apart some of our preconceptions about the traditional male interest in football. Finally Simon Blake considers the learning from research the fpa are carrying out on how beliefs about gender are perpetuated and reinforced through secondary schools. To complete the research focus of this issue WWM is now making available copies of our own most recent consultancy and research reports. Neil Davidson
Editor | 
