Long Way Together by Robert Townsend
Our very own editor has written a book! You might know him as Bobby, but his debut nonfiction book is written under the very official-sounding moniker (aka his actual name) of Robert Townsend. We asked him to tell us about it:
Well hello there. Do we call you Bobby or Robert?!
Hellooo. This is a bit of an unusual situation, isn’t it? Anyway, you can call me either. I don’t mind at all. People call me both. I’ve always done my football writing under the name Robert Townsend though.
What is your book called and what’s it about?
It’s called Long Way Together and, ostensibly, it follows my 40-year journey with the football team I support, Brighton & Hove Albion, as a ball boy, staff member, newspaper columnist and fan. I say ‘ostensibly’ because, while it’s pretty footbally, it’s also about childhood, adolescence, adulthood, music, familiarity, routine, superstition, belonging, joy, despair and hope. The blurb on the back says: “supporting a team is never just about football – it’s about who you become along the way,” which is a line I wish I’d come up with, but I have to credit my publishers for that!
Do you have to be a football fan to read it?
I don’t think so. I know non-football fans who have told me they enjoyed it. More than anything, Long Way Together is about the shifting dynamic between a person and something they care about. Ultimately, it’s just about life I suppose. In its tone, I guess it’s a bit Fever Pitch-y.
Can you give us some highlights?
Amid the football stuff – the last minute winners, the service station stops, the silly superstitions – there’s the time I ruined thousands of fans’ Christmases, the time Gazza gave me a banana (not a euphemism), and I explain the crucial importance of a hairdryer to matchday operations.
There’s other stuff too, about Ceefax, crocodile documentaries, autograph hunting, ball-boy controversies and accidental footballer translation duties! Something for everyone I hope.
When is the book out?
It’s out now!
Do you have another book on the horizon?
Hopefully! I’d love to write a non-fiction book and I’ve probably got another football book or two in me, and one about running. Maybe a music book too!
Something You Said has been around for a while now, hasn’t it?
Yes! My site is 14 years old this year. I’m very proud of it and the fact that it has helped lots of very talented contributors get a foot-up in the industry. I’m also proud that it has introduced some amazing artists to our readers across the years.
Do you have any book recommendations for us?
I’ve just finished reading Fingers Crossed by Lush lead singer Miki Berenyi. It’s beautifully devastating.
You can order Robert/Bobby’s book here (or ask your local independent bookshop to get it in for you):
