Football can contribute to World peace…...at least this is what readers of our latest book to review could think!

B&B describes the actual events that were to unfold from an Englishman’s chance encounters – firstly, with a professional footballer; and secondly, the woman who would later become his Wife.  Both from Turkey.

ISBN 0-9544457-0-8

The book also has the endorsement from Graeme Souness (ex-Galatasaray Football Club’s Team Manager).

The Author, Adrian Stores recounts:

"I now tell the story that tourists flock to this town (in Turkey) with intentions of buying the splendid jewellery, leather or carpets.  The Yanks get off the huge cruise ships to spend their hard-earned dollars in such a way.   Why couldn't I have followed this precedent and returned to our Island with such goods, rather than the professional footballer I was soon to adopt?"

The book is an interesting interpretation of differences between cultures, religions and people – but where true friendship, admirably assisted by the language of ‘football’, overcomes all barriers.

Already accolades have started to roll-in, for this true story:

Cool Publications said of the book:

“B&B is that rare type of book: honest, heartfelt, sensitively told with a story that cuts across both romance and football.  It shows, incontrovertibly, that the beautiful game can be a common language across cultures.”

Minerva Press commented:

“He skilfully intertwines the three central themes of football, human relationships and religion in a work, which is an entertaining and alluring read.”

A couple of other ‘clips’ from B&B that illustrate the tone of the story and flavour of some of the life events that were to unfold includes:

"Football is not a religion, but it certainly is a common language between like-minded individuals across the world. You might have guessed I know a little bit about football.  Not an addict, simply another supporter in the world of sport which some people blasphemingly call 'our religion'."

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"He had been struggling to get first team appearances, but still to this very day one of the coaches at the club says "why can't your friends from England return for every match?"  This quip is based around the fact that Bilal played out of his skin that day.  We suspect for our benefit.  He concluded his performance by rising majestically to head in a cross for a superb goal and was mobbed by teammates."        

The first ‘B’ is Bilal; the second, ‘B’ is Bilge.

The book, whilst a compilation of humour - romance – culture, does have a theme throughout relating to football.  It features reference to more than twenty professional football clubs including: Manchester United, Manchester City, Leeds United, Blackburn Rovers, Chelsea, Rochdale, Galatasaray, Fenerbache, Stockport County and much more besides.

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