1889 Books
Writing, Publishing, Ghost-writing, Copy-editing
The Evergreen in red and white
Rab they call me. Or the "little gypsy." Lucky parentage they say. If only! Irrepressible - whatever that means. Happy-go-lucky. Hah! Like they know.
I wonder who the hell I really am. Coal miner, footballer, husband, father, lover, fighter? Always being defined by others. Anyhow, that 97/98 season were a belter. We were top of the league. I were playing my best. Selina, the missus, got pregnant. Then I met Ada. Oops! Then there were bloody Sunderland. And then the wheels fell off.
You can use the menu bar to find out more background on Rab how and the book came to be. How we got him a headstone etc.
“
Thoroughly enjoyed the book… minutely observed and well-depicted background of Sheffield
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Graham Phythian, author of “Colossus – the true story of William Foulke”
and “Shooting Stars – the brief and glorious history of Blackburn Olympic.”
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A poignant love story set in the gritty streets of Sheffield at the turn of the century. Meticulously researched, this is a must for local history enthusiasts and anyone who loves a good read.
Scott McCabe, Sheffield United Director
A meticulous novel that brings social and football history to life in the form of a truly unique character from football folklore
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Cheryl Bailey, Senior Archivist, Sheffield Archives
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A lost treasure of a footballer from the first golden age of the game. Researched and told with love and genuine care – a truly fascinating piece of work.
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John Garrett – Sheffield United FC Supporter Liaison Officer and Historian,
co- author of “Sheffield United FC – The Biography” and author of “Blades Folklore and Fables”
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Evocatively realised Victorian Sheffield............ diligently researched and affectionately written
- When Saturday Comes magazine
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...it's what keeps the book going - it's very clever - you want to know whether he ends up with Ada or not ....a special book
- Rony Robinson, BBC Radio Sheffield
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Kay skilfully allows us into the mind of a footballer torn between duty and emotion. This is a novel that should not be overlooked.
- The Two Unfortunates blog
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If Thomas Hardy or Charles Dickens did football, then this book would be the result.
- Football Book Reviews
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It is an engaging, compelling, read, with finely drawn characters and a fascinating background. Highly recommended.
- Historical Novel Society
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