PASSING THE BATON

The Ghosts of Inchmery Road, by Mat Guy, published by 1889 Books, Price: £10.99

ANYONE who has read Mat Guy’s previous offerings knows that he doesn’t cut corners.

Whether, for example, it’s Barcelona to Buckie Thistle, Minnows United: Adventures at the Fringes of the Beautiful Game or The Lives of Stanley B, he will lovingly craft his own take on matters.

From his football travels to novels, Guy is carving a niche for himself in the market, and this latest novel will resonate with many of his regular readers.

It tells the tale of the nightwatchmen who lovingly look after a football club when everyone else has gone home.

The lead character is Charlie Truckle and he is the latest of just five permanent Nightwatchmen at Inchmery Road since 1907.

“We Nightwatchmen, we have seen it all,” he says. “And we curate it – the stories that can’t easily be found in match reports and the statistics of a season. “Moments and events in the lives of those that have made Inchmery Road the special place that it is. That have poured their heart and soul into our humble club. Beautiful stories of friendship and hope that deserve to be remembered.

“We see, we watch, we chronicle, the ghosts of Inchmery Road.”

In the drawer of the Nightwatchman’s desk sits Mackie’s ledger, a leatherbound book started by the original Nightwatchman, Gerald Mackie.

It tells the stories of triumphs and tragedies at the football club and is passed down from each Nightwatchman to the next so that they can learn about the history, continue traditions and add to it.

Guy cleverly weaves the tales of each Nightwatchman together and also tells the story of Truckle and his assistant, and potential successor, Stacey.

It’s an entertaining read with oodles of nostalgia and charm.

Rating out of 10: 8