A former reporter for the Peterborough Telegraph has turned personal adversity into a remarkable literary achievement, publishing a detailed account of modern county cricket while recovering from serious illness. Cambridgeshire resident Joel Lamy has released A View From The Bridge: Nottinghamshire Cricket 2000–25, a comprehensive chronicle of Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club over the past quarter-century.
Drawing on more than 30 interviews with players, coaches and staff, the book explores title-winning triumphs, dramatic near-misses and the personalities who have shaped the club’s fortunes at Trent Bridge.
But behind the statistics and stories lies a far more personal narrative.
Writing through adversity
Lamy began the project during a period of severe ill health, using writing as a lifeline while undergoing treatment.
“I was in the grips of a battle with anorexia which left me minutes from dying,” he said. “I wasn’t of sane mind anyway, but the idea of writing a book gave me something to hold onto.”
What began as a hobby quickly became all-consuming.
“Strangely, being sectioned and taken to hospital was the best thing that could have happened,” he said. “It gave me time to focus on my writing. Every day was spent reading, writing and conducting interviews.
“I’d be on my laptop from morning until night, trying to distract myself from the horrific situation I was in.”
Lamy believes the project played a crucial role in his recovery.
“I’m in no doubt at all that without this project I would still be in hospital now, all alone and suicidal. Cricket, without question, has been my saviour.”
A lifelong passion for cricket
The book is rooted in Lamy’s long-standing love for Nottinghamshire cricket, which began as a teenager.
“I still remember seeing my first ever Notts match,” he said. “It was a one-day game against Middlesex in 2004. Lance Klusener needed 19 off the final over – and somehow he got them.
Joel Lamy’s new book on Nottinghamshire CCC brings 25 years of history to life — and supports youth sport charities
“The result clearly didn’t put me off. I converted my ticket to a membership and spent as many summer days as possible at Trent Bridge.”
That early passion ultimately shaped both the book’s focus and its depth.
“I wanted to know everything,” he said. “What was it like sharing a dressing room with Kevin Pietersen? What made Stephen Fleming so special? Just how incredible was Chris Read behind the stumps?”
Stories from a defining era
A View From The Bridge covers a transformative period in English domestic cricket, from the introduction of a two-division County Championship to the rise of T20 and the arrival of The Hundred.
Central to the narrative are Nottinghamshire’s three County Championship titles in 2005, 2010 and 2025—each with its own dramatic storyline.
From the leadership of Stephen Fleming to a final-day finish widely regarded as one of the most thrilling in county history, and the recent dethroning of a dominant Surrey side, the book combines detailed reporting with first-hand accounts.
It also highlights colourful episodes, including Shoaib Akhtar’s unusual stint at the club and the influence of England star Kevin Pietersen.
“There were so many characters,” Lamy said. “Some fulfilled their potential, others didn’t. Some only played once but made a huge impact. Those are the stories that really stayed with me.”
Support from the cricket community
Lamy praised the generosity of those who contributed to the project, from former internationals to backroom staff.
“Everyone I interviewed was unfailingly polite and generous with their time,” he said. “Some gave up more than an hour, some even spoke to me twice.
“Many even thanked me for allowing them to reminisce, even though I should have been thanking them.”
He also singled out former Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell for his support during the process.
“He never denied an interview request and was always willing to go over details or give his thoughts,” Lamy said.
Giving back through sport
In keeping with the book’s personal significance, all proceeds will go to charities supporting sporting inclusion for young people.
“For people recovering from anorexia, re-integrating into society can be overwhelming,” Lamy said. “The experts say finding a community is the best cure—and with cricket I’ve managed that.
“With this book, I want to help others experience the same sense of belonging.”
Joel Lamy’s new book on Nottinghamshire CCC brings 25 years of history to life — and supports youth sport charities
Now back home with his family, Lamy sees the project as both a personal milestone and a way to give something back.
“You will never know how much this means to me,” he said. “And by supporting the book, people are helping ensure the next generation can experience the joy of sport.”
For more info on the backstory, see: https://viewfromthebridgepod.substack.com/p/new-book-on-notts-cricket-history
View from the Bridge podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/view-from-the-bridge/id1739736247
https://open.spotify.com/show/0PfaLlUeXtFsXYANbZzb01
https://www.youtube.com/@ViewFromTheBridgePod
https://substack.com/@viewfromthebridgepod
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