Charlie Nicholas, Arsenal v. Luton, 27.8.83, A Seven-Month Hiccup, Cambridge United v. Oldham Athletic, 1.10.83; Coconuts, Cambridge United v. Newcastle United, 28.4.84; Pete, Arsenal v. Stoke City, 22.9.84; Heysel, Liverpool v. Juventus, 29.5.85; Dying on its Feet, Arsenal v. Leicester, 31.8.85; Drinking Again, Arsenal v. Hereford, 8.10.85; The Pits, Aston Villa v. Arsenal, 22.1. 86, Arsenal v. Aston Villa, 4.2.86; and Freeing the Log-Jam, Arsenal v. Watford, 31.3.86 Summary and Analysis

Nick Hornby quits teaching to become a writer the same time Charlie Nicholas joins Arsenal. His successes and failures as a writer mirror Nicholas' successes and failures on the field. Both end up not succeeding, and the existing manager is fired for getting Charlie for Arsenal. Nick realizes he is now older than most of the...