On the Ball!

<p>David Vassall's father was an ex-England international centre-forward so when David starts at Repington there are high expectations for the school football team. In his trial match however despite having some natural talent as a footballer he funks - chickens out of tackles - a big taboo in school culture.</p><p>Vassall is villified - and falls foul of the bully Birtles. The irrepressible charismatic McPhail however see more to the situation and takes Vassall in hand.</p><p>Without a decent centre-forward the house and school team look set to decline. Will the bullies or Vassall and his few good friends prevail?</p><p>Stanley Horler was the father of the football novel On the Ball! is one of his best.</p>