Product Description Alan Gibbons returns with an action-packed football story accompanied by fascinating facts and historical detail about famous substitutes. New boy Smithy cant understand why everyone is so excited about a player on the football team called Bengo. Hes been absent for the first few games of the season and starts the next game on the bench, so surely he cant be that special? But when their coach pulls Smithy off and sends Bengo on in his place, Smithy gets a chance to see him in action. Bengo is easily the best player Smithys ever seen, putting in perfect crosses and generally running the opposition ragged. So why is Bengo left on the bench so often, and why does he seem to bottle it when any strong tackles come his way? An engaging football story accompanied by fascinating facts about famous substitutes, from reluctant-reader favourite Alan Gibbons. Other Details Author: Alan Gibbons Illustrator: David Shephard Release Date: 2024 Reviews 4 sports, soccer, substitution, overcoming challenges in sport Posted by Novel Insight Reviews on 17th May 2022 When Bengo replaces Smithy on the soccer field as a substitute, Smithy is blown away by his skills. Smithy can’t understand why Bengo frequently spends the games on the bench. However, Bengo is afraid of something and shies away from any tackle he isn’t sure how to win. Smithy wants to help him. While Bengo is super fast and teaches Smithy some tricks, Smithy encourages Bengo to overcome his fear of being injured. An engaging story for reluctant readers, interlaced with historical facts about soccer substitutes, including rules and outstanding players in history from the World Cup, UK history and the FA Cup.