You never really plan for football to take over your family life. It starts with muddy boots and long drives to away matches, and before you know it, your world’s orbiting around academy trials and Sunday league drama. That’s what happened to us. My son, Prez, couldn’t get enough—Nottingham Forest Academy became his second home. And, well, for better or worse, it became mine too.
There were days when everything clicked: the sound of a good pass, parents grinning on the touchline, kids just being kids. But there were other days—rain, arguments over playing time, talk of justice or the lack of it. Sometimes I’d catch the coaches muttering about Brian Clough, or hear Gary Brazil’s name mentioned like some half-mythical figure. The game wasn’t just about goals; it was about who you knew, who you trusted, and what you were willing to risk.
Then there’s the business side—Notts County and Alan Hardy, deals whispered about in the stands, stuff that felt miles away from our battered thermos flasks and half-time oranges. And still, we kept coming back, week after week, diary filling up with football and more football.
Maybe that’s what this story is: a mess of memories, some proud, some painful, all tangled up in football nets and family dinners. If you’ve ever stood on the sidelines and wondered who your kid will be, you’ll find something here that rings true.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48
Publisher: Troubador Fascinating Selection of Books – A Must See!
Published: May 27, 2026
Price: £14.99
Paaperback: 392 pages
ISBN-13: 978-1806342884
Dimensions: 15.6 x 2.7 x 23.4 cm
