Danny loves Chadmouth Town Football Club more than anything, but a run of defeats and terrible luck has left them bottom of the table and looking certain to be relegated with time running out.
But then, Danny and his best friend Nelson stumble across a bizarre pre-match ritual that seems to turn their luck around, and his beloved team starts winning again. Is it too little too late though, and can he keep doing everything right before each match, even when he starts finding more and more obstacles in his way and despite the relentless teasing from his classmates? It’s going to come down to the wire.
Does Danny have what it takes to save Chadmouth’s season?
This is a middle grade reader, ideal for any football fans, especially if they support lower division teams rather than one in the premier league. It tells the story of Danny Mann and his friend Nelson as they try to help Danny’s favourite team, Chadmouth Town Football Club, avoid relegation by carrying out their own pre-match ritual. It is suitably bizarre to appeal to children’s sense of humour. It has some insightful comments regarding peer supporters of rival teams, the aside comments of other regular supporters and daring antics by Nelson to help his friend, despite other family commitments. Will their antics help the team remain in this division or is it all too late?
This is a book with approximately 160 pages and 43 chapters. making it easy to read in short bursts. There are plenty of mentions of both family and football which are easy to relate to. It is an engaging story that may well appeal to some who would otherwise be considered reluctant readers, especially if they are football fans. There are also incidents of bullying by peers and how these are resolved may help other victims consider similar strategies. It is a fun story, with plenty of football drama to appeal to middle grade readers.
Thank you for my copy of this book which I have voluntarily read and honestly reviewed.
UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ian-Slatter/e/B01KP81G2W
US – https://www.amazon.com/Ian-Slatter/e/B01KP81G2W
Ian published his debut novel, Eco Worrier, in 2020 – a middle grade adventure story with plenty of twists and turns and lots of laughs.
He has also written two non-fiction books for adults – Premier League Legends – the top 10 greatest Premier League players of all time and Incredible Moments in Sport.
Ian wrote for satirical website newsbiscuit.com for ten years, as well as writing for comedy sketch shows on ITV and BBC Radio.