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Mud and Thunder-bookcover

By: Ed Roberts

Mud and Thunder

Pages: 276 Ratings: 5.0
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Ed Roberts is a young, talented and ambitious midfielder playing for Northtown United, a club buried in the depths of the Football League. A new owner and manager transform its fortunes and steers it into the First Division. Roberts plays a pivotal role in that progress and goes on to represent England before becoming one of the first English footballers to play abroad. This is his warts-and-all story of what it was like to play at all levels – before the advent of the Premier League, the influx of foreign stars, the appearance of the super agent and vastly inflated salaries. He writes, candidly, about some of the men he played with and for, how he didn’t always toe the club line, his failed international career and his off-field relationships. He broaches subjects such as racism, alcoholism, homosexuality and early player power. It all amounts to one of the most honest and compelling accounts yet written by a former footballer.

Ed Roberts is one of the few footballers to have won promotion from the Fourth Division to the top tier of the Football League with the same club. He represented England and was one of the first British players to sign for a European club, before injury cut short his career. Having played for Northtown United for nine seasons, he later returned as manager.

Customer Reviews
5.0
5 reviews
5 reviews
  • Orrsome

    A story that takes the lid off a rising star's journey through the gritty world of lower league football to the glamour of the top-flight experience, this is so much more than a drama about the beautiful game at all levels.

    It is a story of a young man’s first steps (or should that sprint?) into his chosen career. The characters he meets are documented in magnificent detail. They are flawed, entitled, hilarious, talented, arrogant, complex and tragic in equal measure. They all share one glorious attribute – they not only shout from the page at you, but they also grab you by the throat and insist you engage with them.

    If you have ever played the game, or not, do not miss this chance to meet an extraordinary cast of icons and heroic failures.

    Ed Roberts doesn’t need to chase opportunities in the football world. He is assured of a successful future as a top-selling author.

  • Beej

    With footballing headlines sadly dominated by a foreign owned team supposedly flouting FFP and average players moving clubs for exorbitant fees how refreshing to read a great bit of footballing nostalgia in Mud and Thunder. A fictional autobiography of the ups and downs of a player in the 70 & 80s that reminds us when it was possible for well run smaller clubs to compete with the big boys on modest budgets and tightly knit, well managed squads. An excellent footballing read for fans who either want to hark back, or just learn about those exciting times. Hopefully there will be a follow up.

  • Jane Hole

    Honest account of life as footballer from late 70s to late 80s , covering less glamorous aspects of the life before hitting progressing up the ranks and pay scales. Written in form of fictional autobiography but based on how life was for a professional footballer from lower divisions : including pay,conditions, racism , homosexuality and impact on personal life .
    Well written and engaging even for someone who isn’t huge football fan.
    Finished with open ending and wondered what happens to Ed next ?

  • David Partridge

    A thoroughly good read which truly portrays the ups and downs of a professional footballer. Beautifully written and full of humour. Highly recommended.

  • Mark Symonds

    A delightful read with the storyline touching upon so many aspects of a young footballer plying his trade in the 70s and 80s. Well written and highly recommended.

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