Football Crazy Series

Aiden Lewis broke into top flight football at the age of 23, being signed up by one of London's finest clubs, much to the surprise of both Aiden and his long-term girlfriend, Leah.   Proving his worth in the Premiership would be no easy adjustment from regular hometown part-time, lower league matches. But Aiden is determined in everything that he does and football is not about to become the exception to the rule---

A combination of the first three Football Crazy books, released in one new volume. We follow the modestly talented Aiden Lewis as he battles to play for the national side; assists his teammates on and off the pitch; and when his playing career is cut short because of horrendous injury, his management journey as he flies up the rankings to senior England Manager.   FC1 - Aiden Lewis broke into top flight football at the age of 23, being signed up by one of London's finest clubs, much to the surprise of both him and his long-term girlfriend, Leah. Proving his worth in the Premiership would be no easy adjustment, but Aiden is determined in everything that he does, and football is not about to become the exception to the rule---   FC2 - Aiden Lewis has missed his opportunity to join the England squad for his second, and possibly last, World Cup. Or has he?   FC3 - Aiden Lewis makes his return to the top of English football, this time in the prestigious role of England Manager. Will this be Aiden's hat-trick?

With the next World Cup rapidly approaching, the best players must be chosen from the nation's talent - 22 players will make the cut, many will miss out. Aiden Lewis is ready to try out for the team, knowing that he will be one of the more mature players to be called up but he is certainly not too old to earn a place. Will his fitness let him down? Since the last World Cup, he hasn't played even a whole season, for many different reasons. With his home life settled and his position on the pitch back on track with Richmond, will it be enough to meet national standards? It seems that the England manager has his eye on Aiden, and doesn't just want him on the team for his prowess on the pitch.

With his background of management training, along with the success he was a part of at the last World Cup as Team Advisor, it is natural that Aiden Lewis should be the next England Manager. The football crazy nation knows it; however, Aiden isn't convinced that he has the required experience yet. The FA grudgingly agree - sidestepping him to manage their Under 18s team and furthering his training in order to take the reins in the future. Aiden steers the young team to a victory never before seen by a Junior Manager, realising a little too late that he has set the bar too high even for himself to follow the next season. When the senior England team's World Cup dreams are shattered again, Aiden's call up is virtually demanded, but instead he is left working with the junior team. The long term theory is to have leagues of successful England players for years to come. It is a plan that contains a built in contingency - at any time, Aiden could be promoted to England Manager. After another shameful display leaves England not even qualifying for Euro competition, the inevitable call up is made. This will be the third World Cup that Aiden is involved in with the England team - will it be his hat-trick?

Justin feels like he isn't the only one with a point to prove, knowing that his brother was the best England Manager for years, if ever, and it is a waste of his talents to not be managing a team. Being one of those players who is considered beyond his playing prime days, there are many in the same boat - their clubs selling them for younger replacements, but experience and wisdom are things that cannot be bought.   It is a seemingly mad idea for Justin to have his own team of older players to lead to FA Cup glory. However, he lacks the necessary management training and experience - but Aiden would be a perfect candidate, if Justin can convince him to come onboard with the idea...   Would the idea work? An experienced older team to go from nowhere together to the ultimate final in British football?

The fifth and final book in the Football Crazy series has Justin's team - with Aiden's managerial expertise - continuing to rise through the ranks and up into the Premier League, heading towards European football. Having lost his first wife, Leah, to a brain tumour, Aiden is shocked to find that new love, Nicole, completes him in a way he didn't know existed. His family aren't all happy about his decision to marry Nicole three years after they lost Leah - but eventually give their blessing. After an accident involving the brothers on their way to a match, Justin soon recovers, but Aiden is not so lucky. Nicole's idea to spend time in peaceful Eastbourne as part of Aiden's recuperation is a great one, as they both fell in love with the seaside town on their first visit. Two years before, Aiden took Nicole to the annual tennis tournament there when he discovered her love of the sport. Heading from there onwards to Wimbledon, even Aiden is astonished by the difference. Like the tournaments, life too is completely different comparing city living to the peaceful quiet of the seaside. As Aiden contemplates his retirement, will they move from the hustle and bustle of London? The couple liked it enough to marry in Eastbourne, so why not move there also?

The 'Football Crazy series' Omnibus brings together all five books in the popular series that showcased Aiden Lewis' journey from footballing legend to managerial maestro.