Man Friday: The First Half

by Stuart Kane

Robin Friday dreams of being a professional rejection, drugs, borstal, and a near-fatal industrial accident won’t stop him. In early 1974, Reading’s manager, Charlie Hurley, signs Friday. After three games, it is plain to see that he’s a very special talent, but it’s also clear to Charlie Hurley that he has an untameable spirit on his hands. This biographical fiction takes the reader into the nerve endings of Friday’s character, into the smaller moments, and brings him back to life and finishes in the summer of 1976. It is a story of love, crime, disloyalty, friendship, humour, and some battling football scenes. This is Man the first half.

316 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2020

Reviews

[Rob Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first volume in a 'biographical fiction' detailing the life of renegade nineteen seventies footballer Robin Friday. Having previously read The Greatest Footballer You Never Saw I had a good idea as to what would be here; the difference between the two accounts being that Stuart Kane's recounting is based entirely either on information gleaned from research or on the imagination of the author, none of what you'll read centres around interviews with those who knew the man. Make of that what you will. Having lived through those days I enjoyed the dialogue between Robin and his team-mates but there are instances where the language and phrases used seem inaccurate for their time and there are extracts I had to read two or three times, due to lack of punctuation, in order to make the words flow.

For all that the writing isn't great, I found myself itching to get back to this first volume to enjoy Robin's latest exploits, both on- and off-pitch and am now looking forward to Robin Friday - The Second Half, which I shall begin immediately.

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although I’m not into football, this book was highly recommended to me, as a piece of literary excellence. Man Friday, The First Half by Stuart Kane, is a fast paced and gripping read about a lesser known footballer called Robin Friday. He almost reminds me of George Best. Whilst the author details Robin’s trials and tribulations during matches, his antics and struggles, it also sets out Robin’s personal life and the challenges he faced. It’s a fictionalised story based on Robin Friday’s real life, based on extensive research the author has done. The story paints a picture of the stark contrast to how footballers are portrayed today. Man Friday is a great read and captures the essence Robin Friday’s spirit. So, even if you’re not into football, it’s a great read!

[steven j simms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Doesn't matter who you support, this is a real masterpiece of football writing..with every page breathing 1970's football deep in the lower reaches of the football league. Stuart Kane gives a nod to The Damned United , in that the styles are similar but the characters are v different. This is a book that today's footballers should pick up and educate themselves how lucky they are playing in the comforts of C21st and the spoils that surrounds them. Can't wait to read Vol 2

[Lee Wainwright · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good choice of subject matter, well researched, and great if you're a Reading FC fan, which I'm not.

[Ashley Hickson-Lovence · Rating 5 out of 5]

A clearly well-researched novelistic depiction of the life of a talented but troubled sporting individual. Kane captures the fluidity of a football match with lilting rhythms and riffs that illuminate Friday's skill on the field, but also, the perpetual pressures Friday faced off it too. Without doubt, one of the finest football novels you’ll read.