Author:Ian Cheeseman
Most Manchester City supporters regard Colin Bell as their club's best ever player. He graced the midfield during their greatest years as they won all domestic and European honours, and represented England 48 times before a serious knee injury ended his career prematurely when he was just 29.
Now, in this revealing autobiography, 'King Colin' has opened up. He talks about never knowing his mother, who died when he was a baby, and of being brought up by his aunt and then his father and older sister. He then leads us through the glory years, singles out his greatest opponents and compares the modern game with the era he dominated, before sharing his views on the infamous tackle in a Manchester derby that ended his footballing dreams. In a remarkable development, he reveals for the first time his private battle against cancer and explains how this book has helped to save his life.
With tributes from the likes of Malcolm Allison, Sir Geoff Hurst and Sir Bobby Charlton, Colin Bell - Reluctant Hero is the story of a footballer whose brilliance on the field demanded adulation but who was never comfortable in the spotlight. A player who truly preferred to let his feet do the talking.
Written in much the same way Bell played the game - effectively but with great humility
—— The TimesA likeable trawl through the life of the great Manchester City midfielder
—— Daily TelegraphBecause he hasn't hawked his ancestors around the after-dinner circuit for three decades, the book contains many fresh tales
—— FourFourTwo'Candid and entertaining'
—— Programme MonthlyMichael writes about disaster, humiliation, rejection and ridicule - the hilarious truth
—— Nicholas HytnerBrilliantly witty
—— Ed Smith , Daily MailIt is wonderfully written - full of wit, gags, self-deprecating asides and a pure, unfettered understanding of a man's limitations - and it talks to all of us. You should buy it. You really should go out straight away and pick up a copy. It'll make you feel so much better
—— All Out CricketAt last the work of genius that will finally bring the long-suffering cricket addict a measure of understanding in the world. A wonderful and very funny book
—— Sir Tim RiceYou read the wonderful Michael Simkins with a mixture of horror and delight
—— David HareOne of Britain's funniest writers
—— Daily MailExtremely funny - whether or not you know your bails from your balls
—— Daily MailOne of the funniest sporting memoirs ever
—— Sunday TelegraphAlmost painfully funny
—— ObserverAn all-too honest account of a playing career that just got better and better, despite threatening to go off the rails.
—— Sunday MercuryAn extraordinary book.
—— Irish IndependentHarrowing and brutally honest...a gripping story.
—— Derby Evening TelegraphBrutally honest.
—— The Irish PostLess a football autobiography, more repentant confessional.
—— Kevin Hughes , FreeSportstunning
—— FourFourTwo