“A fantastic book… you will shed a tear when you read this… it is a great story.” – Steven Cohen, World Soccer Daily
“The debut book from Northern Ireland-born New Orleans transplant Stephen Rea is a mighty narrative about a small pub team overcoming some serious obstacles.” – A Dozen Books Every Football Fan Should Read, Bleacher Report
“I was quickly swept up in his story… An incredible first-person account that will leave you looking forward to whatever the author chooses to turn his attention to next.” – Pete Maher, Irish Focus
“It is easily one of the best books I have ever read.” – Brent Atema, Global Football Today
“It’s a rollicking fine book.” – The Reading Life, WWNO
“This is a fantastic, awesome book and I really can’t praise it enough. I totally recommend it to anyone.” – Evan Garrity, ESPN Radio WSLA
“I read it, discovered how good it is, and quickly felt like an idiot for not reading it sooner... it’ll just make you feel good. I could go on, but there’s really no point. You’re wasting time — read the book.” – dirtytackle.net
“The book is an unlikely success story set in an unlikely city.” – New Orleans Review
“As the best sports writing can be, this is so much more than a book about just a game … With his debut Stephen Rea has written a work of literature well worth reading.” – Patrick Thurston, 90 Minutes magazine
“A witty and intense memoir about a guy in New Orleans who finds a home at a local Irish pub.” – Kicking and Screening
“A post-Katrina comeback tale that will make readers want to drink up at the Mid-City bar.” – Susan Larson, book editor, New Orleans Times-Picayune
“Stephen Rea’s gripping tale is a study in tenacity… This is a book for fans of New Orleans, of the universal ball game, of ex-pats and of pubs. Score 10-nil for Rea.” – The Irish American Post
“This is a must-read for soccer fans. The grit and determination displayed by these lads in the face of disaster was amazing. Their spirit and never-say-die attitude is captivating. When the history of soccer is written in the U.S., I hope the players, management, and fans of the Finn McCool’s club will get proper recognition for the major role they were able to play in promoting the Beautiful Game. – Tommy Smyth, “the Auld Onion Bag Man,” ESPN commentator
“It’s about New Orleans through an Irishman’s eyes, an amalgamation of stories and experiences.” – Angus Lind, columnist, New Orleans Times-Picayune
“This accomplishes what all good books should: It’s about much more than simply what you get on the surface... if there’s any justice in the world, the book’s extended release will make further known the story of what New Orleans and its citizens were, are, and will continue to be.” – Matthew Semisch, 9/10 review, Last Minute, Second Leg
“Rea’s book grabbed me from the opening paragraph.. it’s about what is important in life. I thoroughly enjoyed the book, as will you.” – Laurel Meadows, Union Jack newspaper
“Great story about real characters bonded by a passion for football and life.” – Stephen Nicol, two-time MLS All-Stars Coach, Head Coach, New England Revolution
“A classic Irish story... Stephen Rea has scored a major hit with this book… A must-read book.” – Mark Stokes, The Irish Emigrant
“New Orleans is responsible for one of the best books about soccer ever to emerge from this side of the pond. Rea’s account is a must read for all soccer fans. Anyone who has ran away to America and joined a pub football team will identify with the humor and passion of this incredible story.” – David Witchard, First Touch Magazine
“A memoir of brotherhood, this is a fine read, sure to inspire and push readers to value their friendships.” – Midwest Book Review
“Stephen Rea’s book brings one of the biggest stories of the century down to a touching, emotional, personal level in a solid debut effort.” – Phil Schoen, GolTV commentator
“A fine book written by Irish New Orleanian Stephen Rea. He brings to the table an Irish lyricism, intricate wordplay, occasional gravitas and excellent humor, ultimately producing an extremely readable book.” – Paul Wegmann, New Orleans Living magazine
“An outstanding read. A deeply American story about starting life anew, about being a stranger in a strange land, and the meaning of friendship and community as the world turns upside down. Unforgettable.” – Alex White, Theoriginalwinger.com
“Absolutely fascinating. The stories from the hurricane are so vivid and peopled that they give you the best on-the-ground look I have hit ’til yet. Read it. Take your time. The book – and the team – deserve it.” – Marilis Hornidge, The Lincoln County News
“I’d like to wholeheartedly recommend checking this out. You’re likely to enjoy the hell out of this book because Rea has a great story to tell.” – Jack Kogod, Kissing Suzy Kolber website
“Rea is an agreeable chronicler, and his blend of comedy, tragedy, and social observation moves briskly… Rea’s thoughts make worthwhile reading.” – Keir Graff, Booklist Online
“Having read this, I knew it would appeal to my audience. The reaction I’ve received is unanimously positive.” – Richard Farley, World Soccer Reader
“This captivating tale provides both a humorous and heart-wrenching memoir.” – Cheré Coen, Lafayette Daily Advertiser
