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Although 35 years older than the intended target market, I was very pleased to get a copy of Martin Dobson's "Ultimate Goals" for my Birthday last week. (Thanks Mum). Martin Dobson novelist ? Couldn?t resist it. Basically, it?s the tale of a couple of kids making it through the youth systems of two middling but ?old style? clubs to meet in the FA Cup final. The clubs are fictitious but all the other actors and teams are real-life. I read it all in one sitting on long haul flight yesterday.
Although Martin may not get a shot at the Booker prize any time soon, you can't fault him for lack of drama. Our former midfielder was all grace and sportsmanship on the pitch but he?s a right tearaway with a pen. The plot takes in adultery, heroin, alcoholism, religion, wife-beating, a broken leg, fractured skull, smashed jaw and the Asian Tsunami. Oh yes, not forgetting two punch ups, three spells in hospital and a hike up Machu Picciu.
In between all this mayhem, Martin?s affection for Everton can still be detected. There?s a cameo role for Bob Latchford (?looking distinctly trim?) which provides an opportunity for a dig about the injustice of the 1977 semi final. When each kid?s respective team meets Everton in the league, the blues enjoy comfortable wins.
The book?s aimed at the 12-14 range I?d guess, so I?m hardly in a position can?t offer any meaningful criticism. It?s clear Martin has a passion for youth football development, and although the story is set in the present, it?s a tale of local heroes, long-suffering fans and firm but fair gaffers rather than Drogbas and debt refinancing. Definitely a buy for anyone?s kid in the close season doldrums.
Mind you, today?s average teenager must be made of stronger stuff then I was back in the days I used to watch Martin. Strewth. Do they really get up to all that?
Michael Coffey, Posted 29/06/2009 at 17:43:40
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1 Posted 30/06/2009 at 10:45:51
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