One Game at a Time

ISBN: 9781780916545

Published 1st September 2023. Pre-order your copy now.

One Game at a Time is a love letter to the lower, sometimes forgotten, tiers of the English football pyramid, celebrating the mud, sweat and tears that go into chasing the dream of promotion. Bucknall, a previously established Football League club, are now struggling at the bottom of the National League.

The club turn to former icon, Darren Gifford, to change their fortunes and return them to where they belong. Gifford gets off to a rocky start, with questions already being asked about his lack of experience.

He decides to spin the wheel and convinces the club to sign the maverick, journeyman striker, Tommy Pearce. With Pearce in the side, Bucknall’s form begins to improve and they pull away from relegation trouble.

However, Gifford starts to realise that the more he gives to the team, the less time he has for his family at home. As Bucknall’s ascent up the table continues, Gifford discover that management is not just about what happens on the pitch and has to deal with the darker side of the beautiful game.