What I Talk About When I Talk About Non-League Football: The trials, tribulations and tipsiness of the ten–year life of a football club called Gresley

Football clubs are the beating heart of communities across England, Stefan's story of a club that essentially existed for ten years is a slice of what it's like to care for one of those outfits and how their fortunes intertwine with personal experiences and moments of one's own life.I loved following the journey of Gresley FC, the irreverent guides to pubs near railway stations, what days on the road following a team that nobody knows looks like and Stefan's personal growth in relation to the ebb and flow of a football club.A fabulous first book and a must-read for anyone interested in football culture who wants a taste of what things are like away from Sky TV and Gazprom.

Full disclosure: I’m a friend of the author!When I heard about this book coming out, I was overjoyed because of Stefan’s ability to weave a story. I’ve enjoyed being along for small parts of the journey for Gresley FC but it wouldn’t have been half the experience had I not been enjoying it with him and the cadre of friends who’ve accompanied him on the journey.For me this book offers a slice of everyday life in the UK for many fans of non-league football. But it’s Stefan’s writing style which really brings it out, familiar and yet able to convey to a wide audience.Nice one man and look forward to joining you on many more adventures as respective dads!

A hugely readable account of life's ups and downs as experienced by a true non-league football fan. Avoids sports writing cliches while bringing the joy and despair of Gresley supporters vividly to life. What sets it apart is the joyful rummaging through the cultural texture of small town Britain, taking in boozers (some marvellous, some appalling), far-flung train journeys and wonderful and sometimes bizarre encounters with the locals. Worth the price alone for Stefan's guide to why certain pubs should be avoided.

Possibly and most probably the funniest book on grassroots football I've read.. I think anyone who's ever been to non league games will identify with many aspects in this book. Found myself nearly crying with laughter at some of the author's experiences. Especially the awayday in Goole. At the time of me writing this review ( June 2024) Gresley are still playing at the absolute classic Moat ground and have just been relegated again.

Really wonderful read, full of fantastic little stories and moments. Highly recommended for anyone who not just loves football but the smaller more intimate side of the sport at the same time, alongside any sports fans. Great insight into non league football as well, an almost forgotten part of football these days.

I found it a bit boring with the so called humour.

An eloquent, funny and heartfelt ode to non league football. Makes me want to get on the train beers and head to a windswept corner of the country (possibly Leek), to watch the beautiful game.

This is a great book - a funny, warm and eye opening insight into non-league football. One of the best books I've read in years.

It's really funny and really *real*, ya know? You can feel it's been written by a person who lives and breathes not league football. Probably a person who knows nothing about top level football. No exposure to it. Really pure stuff.