J.L. Carr’s “How Steeple Sinderby Wanderers Won The FA Cup” published by Penguin Books is an enjoyable short story that chronicles the success of fictional amateur side Steeple Sinderby Wanderers as they nonchalantly decide to compete in the Football Association Challenge Cup and proceed to lift the trophy at Wembley the same season. The geographical location of Steeple Sinderby is ambiguous but the club’s players, employees and associates are all village folk from the English back-country.

It may be far-fetched but the narrative is witty and glorious in its representation of the unglamorous reality of 1970’s English Football as seen by players and fans alike. The book is filled with classic lines Continue reading →