There’s something different about the way a goalkeeper stands alone, a last line of defence when everything else has failed. Harry Gregg, the legendary goalkeeper for Manchester United and Northern Ireland, exposes the truth behind the myths surrounding goalkeeping and football fame in his book "Wild About Football". From the record-breaking £23,000 transfer fee that made headlines across the British Isles to the unforgettable moments at Old Trafford and on the international stage, Gregg’s story is interwoven with the drama, danger, and spirit that define football’s golden era. He doesn’t flinch from the truth: the jeers from fans, the bruises and scars from controversial tackles, and the pressure of carrying a team’s fate on his shoulders. Football in the 1960s was a game of giants, and Gregg’s candid reflections—on being called “daft” for his fearless style, on the wild risks and split-second decisions—pull the reader into the heart of the action.
But this book goes deeper than the average football memoir. Gregg takes us inside the locker rooms and onto the muddy pitches where legends like Bobby Charlton, Denis Law, and Bill Foulkes became household names. He recounts the infamous incidents that made him a tabloid regular: the on-field brawls, the headline-grabbing confrontations, and the raw moments of triumph and disaster. Gregg’s perspective is unique—not just as a player, but as a survivor. He reveals the impact of the Munich air disaster, a tragedy that shaped a generation and tested the spirit of Manchester United. Through Gregg’s eyes, readers experience the camaraderie, the heartbreak, and the resilience that defined an era of English football, with stories that touch on every facet of the beautiful game, from match-day rituals to the unspoken codes between players.
What makes "Wild About Football" stand out is its blend of honesty and adventure. Gregg’s Irish spirit shines through as he tackles the myths about his reputation—addressing accusations of arrogance, recounting the praise and criticism from fans and journalists alike, and setting the record straight on the controversial moments that made him a legend. This isn’t just a chronicle of matches and statistics; it’s a vivid portrait of football’s most colourful characters, the highs and lows of a career shaped by risk and resilience, and the unforgettable legacy of a goalkeeper who became a symbol of courage, controversy, and sheer determination. For anyone searching for the real story behind Manchester United, the Munich air crash, or the true nature of football greatness, "Wild About Football" offers an insider’s view that’s as gripping as the game itself.
This book is in excellent condition. The green cloth boards are bright and spotless, the binding is very tight, and all pages are clean and vivid. The dust jacket is complete, with minimal shelf wear, and has not been price clipped—still showing the original price of 15s. A quality book from 1962, it has been carefully preserved for future generations with the addition of our Archival Dust Jacket Sleeving. An ideal copy for any collector of fine sports books.ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48
Published: January 1, 1962
Publisher: Visit Souvenir Press
Price: £39.99
Hardback: 136 pages
Lavishly illustrated
