The Ultimate Collection of English Football Legends
The beautiful game has given us countless heroes, but few achieve true immortality. In the pantheon of English football, certain names resonate with a power that transcends generations, their stories woven into the very fabric of our national sport. Chris Bevan, with his characteristic wit and profound understanding of the game, brings these legends to life through masterful storytelling. His years of experience ghostwriting for the likes of Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer shine through in every carefully crafted profile, offering insights that only someone who's shared a pitch with these greats could provide. The book opens with a mesmerising account of Gordon Banks's legendary save against Pelé at the 1970 World Cup, setting the tone for what follows. Bevan's narrative doesn't merely recite statistics or list achievements; instead, he paints vivid portraits of these sporting colossi, complete with their triumphs, tribulations, and the defining moments that elevated them to immortal status. Take Bobby Moore, for instance. Through Bevan's prose, we don't just revisit the 1966 World Cup triumph; we understand the meticulous preparation that made Moore the epitome of defensive excellence. The author's description of Moore's perfect tackle against Brazil's Jairzinho in the 1970 World Cup reads like poetry, capturing both the technical precision and artistic beauty of that moment. The modern era receives equally thoughtful treatment. David Beckham's journey from Manchester United academy prospect to global icon is explored with particular insight, perhaps benefiting from Bevan's extensive BBC Sport coverage of Beckham's career. The author's analysis of Beckham's free-kick technique, honed through thousands of hours of practice at The Cliff training ground, offers fascinating technical detail without becoming dry or academic. Paul Gascoigne's chapter is especially poignant. Bevan skilfully balances the celebration of Gascoigne's exceptional talent with the acknowledgement of his personal struggles, resulting in a profoundly human portrayal of one of football's most intricate characters. The description of that famous free-kick against Arsenal in the 1991 FA Cup semi-final captures both the technical brilliance and the pure joy that made Gascoigne so beloved. Throughout the book, Bevan's journalistic background serves him well. His ability to weave historical context with personal anecdotes keeps the narrative engaging, while his experience playing six-a-side with some of his subjects adds authentic touches that bring these sporting immortals down to earth. The result is a work that feels both authoritative and intimate, scholarly and accessible. ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48Delivered to You Mid October 2025 Some publishers release new titles early, so our ETA above could change. Publisher: Visit Gelding Street Press Published: October 9, 2025 Price: £22.00 Paperback: 192 pages ISBN-10: 1922662178 ISBN-13: 978-1922662170 Lavishly illustrated Dimensions: 255 x 180 (mm) Why Pre-order? Since 2022, we've observed that publishers often opt for smaller print runs to manage costs effectively. This process has occasionally resulted in stock shortages. We strongly recommend pre-ordering to secure your copy and avoid disappointment.
