Gullhanger: Or How I Learned to Love Brighton and Hove Albion

by Mike Ward

Gullhanger tells the tale of a man who set out to try and rekindle his passion for the game, shunning the likes of Manchester United, Liverpool, and Arsenal for his local side, Brighton and Hove Albion, the newly promoted champions of Division Three. This title charts the author's developing passion for the "Seagulls," a team that he had never before given a monkey's about, rarely glancing at their match reports and unable to name more than one of their current players. Suddenly, though, after years of struggle, the club looked to be on a roll and he found his long-lost sense of fervor for soccer returning upon deciding to become a Gullhanger.

Genres: Nonfiction, Sports

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2002

Reviews

[Karlt · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun enough read in some parts, mildly depressing in some. Lost interest partways through the book, perhaps because I wanted to read about sports, and football, but instead got sob story about losing touch with old friends and midlife weight gain. Also, I wanted to see more detail about the matches, not just "oh yeah Zamora got a hattrick". I usually have very little patience for free books, the moment i find anything slightly annoying about one, I stop reading ( because I can afford to and can do it without guilt). But this book held my attention, there were some really good moments, almost Nick Hornby-ish, that more than made up for the boring, depressing bits. 3.5 stars

[Emanuel Ramos · Rating 2 out of 5]

A writer decides to buy season tickets to his local English soccer club, because he's going through a mid-life crisis, and he wants to be passionate about something.

I enjoy soccer memoirs, but not this one. There were some choice comedic moments, but the author's voice doesn't work. It's introspective to a fault. He goes on odd tangents that have nothing to do with soccer. It's written like it was straight from his diary, without editing.

I can't recommend this book. Unless you like free books on Amazon, then go nuts!

[P B TEW · Rating 5 out of 5]

United in earnest but Alex in heart

Funny observational and shows the depths despair and delights of the lower league fan who adopted their local club above their childhood big name team. Being a Man Utd fan who has had a similar experience with Crewe Alexandra i know where you are coming from. Great read.

[L.R. Currell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mike Ward does a solid job with this book. It chronicles his season following a lesser known football team. I enjoyed it quite a lot and laughed at some of the jokes.

It was a good, light hearted read and I especially liked how he analyzed himself during his journey. 3 and a half stars.

[Ipswichblade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent book and nice and cheap on Kindle