[2] Alison Davison of the Birmingham Post wrote "it's a poignant, nostalgic and moving tale of a sad, though ultimately uplifting, life; although the narrative is perhaps slightly over-packed with huge incidents and historical markers, Morpurgo keeps genuine poignancy alive; the author's warm humanity shines throughout".

[3] John Clare from The Daily Telegraph remarked that "the English teacher who wants to encourage her soccer-mad boys to read should introduce them to Billy the Kid".

[5] Cliff Moore wrote in the Dorset Echo that any book dedicated to the wonderful Gianfranco Zola must have something going for it, and this is no exception; this may be a children's title, but Billy's story deals with real issues such as homelessness, war, alcoholism, friendship and the power of sport is right for any age".

[10] In his review for the Evening Standard, Michael Holland wrote that "engaging as the two-hander is, it could afford to linger longer over its emotional highlights, as Dudley Sutton's satisfyingly complex old man Billy reminisces about his eventful early life to brash teenager Sam".

[11] British theatre critic Lyn Gardner said "this is a softly spoken play that doesn't thump its messages home, more reflective than rowdy as past and present, young and old rub together and create friction; it boasts two wonderfully fresh performances from Sam Donovan as the youngster and Dudley Sutton as the grumpy old codger whose ears still ring with the roar of the crowd".