J is for Joao. Joao was always going to be an important supporting character in Foul and Fair. I knew that I needed someone to be a catalyst for rapid improvement in the Swifts, and a new assistant coach seemed just the thing to challenge some of James’ habits and practices. When I first conce...

I is for Inclusion

One of the most contentious topics for grassroots football coaches is what you do with the less-gifted players. I’ve heard managers defend their practice of always picking their strongest line up by saying that the others have to earn a place, to improve to the point where t...

At a recent get together with some other authors, the conversation turned to the subject of Artificial Intelligence in the creative world. Initially, the collective tone was a superficial and disparaging one, until it became apparent that one of our number actually knew what he was talking about, wi...

H is for Hogan, Jimmy

James Hogan, the main character in Foul and Fair, bears a name steeped in footballing history, albeit one that many modern fans are unaware of. Jimmy Hogan was a professional footballer prior to the First World War, playing for Fulham, Bolton Wanderers and others, but his reput...