Read all about it. New Yeltz book on sale.

A review of One Foot in the Grove by Dom Horton.

Yeltz literature is thin on the ground. The last epistle was the compelling Yeltz history Yeltzmen by Ben bullock and our very own Matt Ponter.  That was pre-covid so in a different lifetime.

Any addition to the largely empty Halesowen Town bookshelf is welcome.  Take a bow Dom Horton and his wittily entitled “One foot in the Grove.”   Curiously Dom chose to self-publish via Amazon without tipping off anyone at Radio Halesowen Town. That is being very modest. Tut tut. Between us Dom we have the talent to assist you.

The 200-page book is a match-by-match summary of the 24/25 season. The format is a familiar one though happily Dom has a deft touch, an instinct for accuracy and a penchant for interesting asides. At no time does this book feel processional.

Feeling comfortable and “being at home” as the author narrates is vital for book enjoyment.  I suspected, long before the author confirmed it, my suspicion that he is a professional writer. There are always tells.  The buy -in was quick and grows to a pleasing warmth as you turn the pages. I did fight against my natural antipathy as Dom confessed quickly that he also follows Aston Villa. One of his running themes is choosing which match to attend when fixtures clash.  A common conundrum among the Yeltz faithful.

The massed ranks of talkers, technicians, reporters, reviewers, shirt washers and snappers of Radio Halesowen Town received regular plaudits within the book. Pleasing to read and fully deserved for them.    As I only joined the team in June, I can remain objective.

One Foot in The Grove is a respectful, mature read.  Be clear this is a tome refreshingly clear of rancour and finger pointing. A writer who understands that games will be lost and some fixtures can be just a bad day at the office.  Empathy too for ‘ballers down on their luck.  Interestingly, the author remains coy about his middle-ranking non-league playing career. 

Horton does appreciate the reality of football supporting such as defending a narrow lead as time runs out.  He explains: “This is when, in an anxious frenzy, you shout at everybody and anybody, most of it irrational and aimed at the officials.  And do things like cheer offsides, throw ins and goal kicks that go in your favour.”   A few “oops, that’s me” triggers in those few lines.

If you’re a Yeltz man or woman, I recommend you read this book.  It feels an ideal occupant for the club shop but that’s up to the author to agree and arrange. Until then, its Amazon only   https://amzn.eu/d/eBu2qEh   print copies £8.99 or free via Kindle Unlimited. Now that is generous.  Do leave a review and boost a fellow fan.

Reviewed by Simon Wright