Didn’t you know? There is a series of Australian fiction novels centred around the life of two of the nation’s best footballers, and they’ve not finished their adventures just yet. Evolving from the original story, Introducing Jarrod Black, we now have five Unashamed Football Novels in the set, brought to you by Fair Play Publishing. Appealing to a wide audience, but written with the football fan in mind, we follow the journey of Jarrod Black, from the English Football League to the National Second Division in Australia. In the meantime, his sister Anna is embarking on her own A-League career before starring in the Womens’ World Cup in her own country, and the world is her oyster.
Book One : where it all began for Jarrod. Introducing Jarrod Black brings us up to date with our main man, where his football journey started, where it took him in England, and centres on a pivotal moment late in his career when he flirts with a new and exciting venture. Reworked from an original self-published version, this was released in March 2019 as the first fiction work from Fair Play Publishing.
Book two : having settled into life in the lower leagues of English football, but at a club on an upward trajectory, Jarrod Black : Hospital Pass marries a challenging time for Jarrod’s family with an exciting end to the league season. A rollercoaster of emotions for our man, but a feel-good story for you, this one is the most under-rated of the five novels so far. Released alongside the reworked first book in March 2019 at the inaugural Football Writers’ Festival in Jamberoo.
Book three : considered by many as the best so far, Jarrod Black : Guilty Party is a rollocking adventure in the North East of England for our hero as he makes his return to the Socceroos fold. A rip-roaring story as Jarrod becomes embroiled in something way out of his league but finds himself following a dream path to his boyhood club and a chance to show the world that he still has what it takes to play at the top level. Quietly released in Covid times in late 2020 but earning rave reviews.
Book four : believe it or not, this book was being written when Australia were announced hosts of the 2023 Women’s World Cup. We were deep in Covid times, but we knew we’d be back. And what a story this one is, Anna Black : This Girl Can Play bringing Jarrod’s younger sister into the spotlight as she finds herself in contention for a place in the Matildas squad for the biggest tournament of our lifetime. This book is almost as exciting as the real thing, and has a special treat for those who like their match action; an incredible fast-paced read and a joyful story for any football fan in Australia. Released at Gleebooks in Glebe in March 2021, over two years before the World Cup.
Book five : Jarrod Black is closing in on the end of his career in England. Does he leave on a high? Is it time to hang up the boots and pursue something completely different? Fate throws an opportunity his way in Jarrod Black : Chasing Pack and he finds himself back in Australia, but carrying some of the baggage he hoped to leave behind in England. A story that puts you right there in the moment as Jarrod tries his best to stay out of harm’s way. Released at Christmas in 2022 to little fanfare, this one has been the most overlooked of the five books to date.
But that’s all going to change. Book six is coming soon, and it is an absolute belter. Still without a name or a cover, and in the final stages of polishing, we hope to see a new hero hitting the bookshelves in October 2024. No teasers, no suggestion of what’s to come, but this one is going to knock your socks off. Stay tuned.
If you’d like to get your hands on all or any of these books, I’ve got a few in my possession, but not all of the series. If you’re looking for the full set, head to https://www.fairplaypublishing.com.au/collections/texi-smith and the publisher will get copies to you quickly anywhere in Australia. For overseas readers, try your favourite online book retailer – they will have each one listed. These are fast-paced stories, something to take on holiday or read before bed, and a number of the readers so far have remarked that these are the first novels they have read in years. Reading is not dead yet!