I fell in love with football as I was later to fall in love with women: suddenly, inexplicably, uncritically, giving, no thought to the pain or disruption it would bring...'

For many people watching football is mere entertainment; to some it's more like a ritual; but to others, its highs and lows provided a narrative to life itself. For Nick Hornby, his devotion to the game has provided one of the few constants in a life where the meaningful things – like growing up, leaving home and formaing relationships, both parental and romantic – have rerely been as simple or as uncomplicated as his love for Arsenal.