Tony Book's football career is something of a modern-day fairytale. This is the definitive account of his intriguing journey.Born the son of an army officer in 1934, he spent his childhood in India playing barefoot football with the local kids. From there he returned a young man to Bath, where he played for a local miner's side, before following his father into the army. It was in the forces that his football ability began to really shine. After a short period in service, Book became a bricklayer and played for various local sides before joining his hometown team of Bath City. It was there that he first met manager Malcolm Allison -a figure who was to have a great effect on Book's later career. In 1964, at the age of 30, Book was transferred to league club Plymouth Argyle, where he played for two years before former boss Allison, by then co-manager at Manchester City, convinced his partner Joe Mercer to take a chance on the by now veteran full-back. The risk paid off as Book went on to captain the team throughout their most successful period, during which they won every domestic trophy, as well as the European Cup Winners' Cup. Book was the recipient of the first-ever Player of th

Author Biography

Tony Book played for Manchester City between 1966 and 1974, before progressing to a managerial role at the club from 1974 to 1979. He is now Honorary President at the club and still lives in Manchester. David Clayton is the editor of the Manchester City Magazine, the club's official publication, and also writes for Manchester Evening News and The Guardian. He is the author of Everything Under the Blue Moon- The Manchester City Encyclopaedia and The Little Book of Manchester City.