People throw around the term “supporter” a lot. But I am not sure that people really understand what that word means.
I think Liverpool legend Bill Shankly got it right when he said,”Some people believe football is a matter of life and death, I am very disappointed with that attitude. I can assure you it is much, much more important than that.”
In other words, the game of football gives supporters a purpose and it is a commitment that lasts a lifetime. It is more than a game, it is life that has taken on many forms.
One thing is for certain and that it the fact that a supporter is more than a fan. A supporter is more than a season ticket holder. They live, breathe, and fight for their club. Their family is the club; their fellow supporters are their brothers and sisters.
Wings of a Sparrow by Dougie Brimson is a great read. Brimson’s style is conversational and engaging. And it gives us a glimpse into the life of real supporters in a fictional setting.
To be honest the book is a bit difficult to describe. It is a comedy; it is also a creative work of fiction. But it is a footballing story, one that brings out a lot of powerful issues.
It is the story of characters, the most demanding is that of protagonist Rob Cooper. He is the ultimate supporter, a man who rises each day to follow his beloved United and goes to bed each night with United dreams of glory. Out of nowhere, a long lost relative literally leaves him with a fortune. A life-changing fortune with a “catch.” This “catch” will test him and his family to the core, pushing his own beliefs to the brink.
Does he do what is right in the eyes of his friends and fellow United supporters? Or does he do what will get him the most money? Does he remain loyal to United or start a new life with the hated City?
In the end, Rob learns a lot about the beautiful game, but even more about himself. Consider the story one big life lesson for an obsessed football addict. Or a journey for an utlimate supporter, a chance to see what he is really made of. Simply put, it is a test of conscience amongst a comedy of epic proportions.
The story itself is unique, especially among all of the football non-fiction that is out there. My guess is that you can count all the football fiction on one hand.
It is certainly worth a read at less than 2 British pounds or $3.25 U.S.
