Outside The Box

'Outside The Box' (105k words) is a contemporary book club fiction novel set just as the England men's national football team crash out of the World Cup for the umpteenth time since 1966. Brimming with ideas, determination and northern grit, Bill Hawkridge thinks he knows how to run the squad better than the England manager - just like everyone else down the pub. Could he be the one to finally return England to World Cup glory?

Unfortunately, he's only in charge of a Sunday morning under-11s side. And uppermost in his mind are his own beloved local team, facing closure after 150 years, along with Vicky, also vying for his affections. And everyone thinks his wheelchair will be a problem.

Written for fans and non-fans of football alike, with most of the action taking place off the pitch, the story is a character-driven exploration of the national obsession. It follows the main character's quest to see England win the World Cup again, while overcoming personal tragedy and disability, romantic distractions and opposition from family members and professionals alike. It may attract readers of general fiction who enjoyed the likes of Nick Hornby's 'Fever Pitch' or 'The Understudy' by David Nicholls.