Customer Reviews
Don't bother watching 'The Cup' read this instead - By: Bantam Dave, 26 Aug 2008 
On the very same day that I finished this book the BBC started screening a sitcom called 'The Cup'. Although they were both about a childrens football team the differences between the two couldn't be more stark. Whereas the TV show was completely unfunny & unbelievable (I turned it off after 20 minutes) the book is both deeply entertaining but also true to life.
What the writers of the show seem to have forgotten but everybody that is a parent will know, is that when there are kids around there is no need to make up humourous situations because kids are by nature funny. This book reflects this admirably but it also reminds the reader that whilst they may be young, at times kids can be very wise.
I can't help feeling that the BBC should have made a series based on this book instead of the one they chose.
A fantastic read - By: A. Reeves, 20 Jul 2008 
I was briefly tempted to give this book only 4 stars because,in order to really, really appreciate where it is coming from, I think you also need to be a football dad & that seems a bit limiting. But, on reflection, that's harsh given that it is probably only football dads who would buy the book anyway.
If you are a football dad, however, you should definitely hit it off with the book & the story. The full range of characters is there: the officious ref ("the pratin black") who can make even the most even-tempered middle class parent lose his cool, the desperate dad, the obnoxious, pushy mum who doesn't mind who she upsets as long as her (presumably) putrid offspring gets more gametime, the dedicated / obsessive chairman, the good players & the not-so-good, the early bloomer who hasn't quite fuflfilled that esrly potential (althoughin this case "Lee" does seem to have been unfairly struck with injuries).
You'll probably also recognise a lot of the settings: the fight between parents, dog sh*te on the pitch, aggrieved locals etc etc. I was particularly taken with the description of parents "settlingin for the long haul" at the start of a tournament day.
It jusy goes to show that what we see at our kids' football is probably universal. Having said that, I don't think I've ever seen any same sex partners watching the footyin my neck of the woods!
It's not just about the football - By: Dales, 08 Mar 2008 I loved this book, the on-going story of a man managing a junior football team is intertwined around his feelings about his son growing up & the effect this has on their relationship. I thought there was a great mix of humour, intersting insights from ex-players & just a tiny hint of melancholy.
Loved it - By: Eric Le Bouffon, 25 Jan 2008 I coach under 12s, including my son of course, & found it very reassuring & funny to read so many things I went through.
Excellent message for some coaches & parents who may have lost the plot about why kids play football
Must read for any kids football manager! - By: D. Wood, 24 Jan 2008 Yes, you! The one that stood still while the other dad's (mum's?) took a step backwards! Or was that a leap!
Having been drawn into the gamein the same way as Jim (aren't we all?), & with no previous footballing experience, I can say his observations & comments are spot on. Jim's book captures the bitter-sweet experience of managing a team, & it is a good laugh to boot!
