Home and Away: Round Britain in Search of Non-League Football Nirvana

Description

A brilliant evocation of non-league football and its diehard fans as Dave Roberts follows his beloved Bromley FC and rediscovers a country he has not lived in for 35 years. Dave Roberts was, for once, almost lost for words as the news sank in. Perennial underachievers Bromley, in the vertigo-inducing fifth tier of English football? It was the greatest achievement in the club's 130-year history and, by extraordinary coincidence, Dave had decided to spend the next 12 months in the UK, after an absence of 35 years, deciding whether he and his wife Liz could live there. And what better way to explore modern day Blighty than by following a roadmap based on the fixtures in the Vanarama National League? It was like the ultimate package holiday; well, for Dave at least. Home and Away takes Dave - and occasionally Liz too - the length and breadth of the land on a journey of discovery, with Bromley games thrown in. So from the White Cliffs of Dover and the English Riviera (Torquay) through the timeless charm of the Cotswolds (Forest Green, Cheltenham) to towns steeped in history (Lincoln, Chester), faded seaside resorts (Southport, Barrow) and fallen giants of the game (Grimsby, Wrexham, Tranmere - OK, pushing it there), the season unfolds, and the ultimate 'home or away' decision approaches. Against the odds, the season also proves not to be full of the endless disappointments football fans are conditioned to expect. Unfancied Bromley are on a mission, they have a man called Moses up front, and the promised land of the Football League might not be beyond their capabilities...

Dave Roberts has been one of those annoying bike couriers, a security guard, a Civil Servant, a KFC chef who was fired for trying to steal a sample of the secret recipe, and a train driver - all before reaching the age of twenty. After that, he settled for a career in advertising, which was eventually cut short by illness, but not before accidentally winning a Silver Lion at Cannes. He now writes books, which all seem to have a theme in common- obsession...

Excellent. * The Sun * A glowing testament to the camaraderie and inclusiveness of supporting a team lower down the football pyramid. Everyone is welcome in this uplifting book that celebrates the happiness to be found in reconnecting with your friends, your team and your home. * When Saturday Comes * Pure gold... A brilliant book that all football fans can relate to. * Late Tackle * A wonderfully warm-hearted book, which gives the beautiful game a good name. * Saga * Funny, well-paced, engaging and at times touching. It's a personal book for Dave. At first glance it looks like a book about Bromley's first season in the Vanarama National league, but dig a bit deeper and other themes emerge. Without oversharing, Dave gives us an insight into his emotions not just about his team, but about the feeling of home, family and hope. In summary: buy this book. * Thin White Line *