Over the past couple of weeks, Arsenal website Pain in the Arsenal has ran a series of articles about Gedion Zelalem and Joel Campbell. This past week, the site rounded out their coverage of my scouting work with a review of The Arsenal Yankee.

Josh Sippie, the author of the review, had some nice words to say about the book and seemed to really understand the reason I wanted to put my thoughts down in the first place. I was always fascinated with the top level of the beautiful game and really tried to soak everything up during my time as a pro and did my best to put everything I learned and observed into The Arsenal Yankee. If you're interested in checking out the review, give Pain in the Arsenal a visit!

After 10 awesome days in the States filled with talks and book signings across Virginia, I'm back in London. I had an awesome time speaking in Roanoke, Botetourt, Richmond, and Alexandria, and am looking forward to doing more of those talks in the future.

Upon my return to the United Kingdom, I was super pleased to see The Arsenal Yankee show up on two different reading lists for the summer. First off, Steve Goff from The Washington Post included the book in his article entitled "10 Soccer Books to Consider Adding to Your Summer Reading List." I've been a big fan of Steve's for quite some time ( if you are a soccer fan and don't follow his work, check him out on Twitter: @SoccerInsider) so to make this list in particular was quite humbling.

The second list, though published just over a week ago, was brought to my attention yesterday after I re-posted a picture of JJ Reddick's son in an Arsenal jersey (check my Twitter for that back story). Elliott Turner (@Futfanatico) included me on his list entitled "The 4 Best Soccer Books of 2016 So Far" for Paste Magazine. Here's hoping The Arsenal Yankee is able to maintain its place on that list as the year progresses!



Thank you as always for all the support!

I'm excited to announce that I'll be making three or four speaking appearances at the end of May in my home state of Virginia. I'll be discussing The Arsenal Yankee, my experiences growing up in the States, getting the chance to play in England, as well as scouting and what the best clubs in the world look for.

I'll follow up with more details, but tentatively the schedule stands as follows:

• May 22 - Roanoke, VA
• May 23 - Alexandria, VA: Lee Center, 7-9pm with Jason Davis from SiriusXM FC
  
• May 25 - Roanoke, VA
• May 26 - Richmond, VA: Own Touch, 7pm with Bob Jenkins and Greg Simmonds

I'll update the venues/times here as well on my Facebook/Twitter. Formats for each event will likely be moderated discussion followed by Q&A lead by the audience. Books can also be purchased and signed the night of the events! Thank you all again for your support!

Last Monday, the awesome people at Howard Kennedy and the Arsenal Independent Supporters' Association hoste  Tom Watt, me, and a room full of Gunners as we launched The Arsenal Yankee here in London.

I've been so lucky to have Tom involved and helping me out with the book over the past several years. One of my bosses had originally put us in touch after I'd let the Club know I was writing a book, and he helped educate me on style, structure, and much more when it came to putting my book together. To have Tom moderate and lead the discussion on Monday was a perfect. He knows my story well and effortlessly guided us through what was a wonderful evening.

I was humbled by the turnout and am grateful of the support Arsenal fans everywhere have shown already in this endeavor. To Howard Kennedy, AISA, Tom, and of course those that came out (and even bought the book!), thank you so much for a great night.