Author:Cliff Morgan,Tony O'Reilly
Cliff Morgan, using BBC Sound Archive material, presents the history and humour of the great game of Rugby Union.No game generates more passion, or stirs the emotions, like Rugby Union. No game enjoys itself more when the whistle blows. And none has produced quite such good talkers, on or off the muddy pitch.Here, from the BBC’s unique Sound Archive, are memories of great teams, matches and tries, Grand Slams and famous internationals, the collected wit and wisdom of some of the legendary characters who have graced the game, and some of its most enthusiastic followers.Cliff Morgan introduces contributions from former players including Barry John, JPR Williams, Bill McLaren, Bill Beaumont, Gareth Edwards, Willie John McBride and Gerald Davies, and famous fans Spike Milligan and Richard Burton.
One of the best books about football in a foreign land you will ever come across
—— Andrew Baker , Daily TelegraphBennetts has produced an engrossing, authoritative account of the game in his adopted country as it makes a growing mark in Europe
—— IndependentAn authoritative and adventurous examination of Russian football
—— The HeraldThis book does more than just help you learn to love Russia. It even helps you learn to love Russian football
—— Simon KuperMarcotti has an unrivalled network of contacts, and writes with authority and style... an intriguing portrait
—— Liam Doyle , The BooksellerInformative, entertaining
—— When Saturday ComesExtremely detailed, well-researched, informative and entertaining
—— Steve Amoia , soccerlens.comMotty, like Pele and Madonna, needs no other form of identification.
—— Alan FraserThe FA Cup final without Motty is almost unthinkable. Because, like the competition itself, Motty is a hopeless romantic.
—— Graham Wray , PeopleThis is a man in love with his calling.
—— Jim White , Daily TelegraphMotty is, in the words of the old cliché, a legend in his own lifetime. He has brought knowledge of and passion for football direct into the homes of millions - he is a national institution, recognised and loved. He is also a thoroughly decent bloke.
—— Tony BlairJohn Motson has for many years been the undisputed true voice of English football.
—— Sir Bobby RobsonThere is no doubting Motty is a footie hero ... this will be an ideal stocking-filler for dads at Christmas
—— News of the WorldLike Cheryl Cole and Lincolnshire sausages, John Motson is a national treasure to be cherished. From his verbal scraps with Brian Clough to the traumatic Hillsborough tragedy, his autobiography reveals the man behind the microphone.
—— Sport MagazineJohn Motson is an institution and his commentaries on Match of the Day are part of the fabric of football. The BBC legend has been behind the microphone for 40 years, covering just about every big match going.
—— MetroBright and breezy ... it reflects on a lifetime watching football matches big and small and of bumping into all the heroes of the game
—— Sunday ExpressStrangely compelling memoir by one of the best-known sports commentators of his generation. If you cannot remember what colour shirts Newcastle United wore in 1972 when they were drummed out of the FA Cup by Hereford ... this is the book for you
—— Financial Times 'Books of the Year'Motty's knowledge and passion for football are unrivalled as he shares his story for the first time with humour and honesty.
—— Oxford TimesFilled with a multitude of detail about Motson's background and the sporting times he lived through ...Motson is one of the most intelligent and accomplished commentators in history, a voice that has conveyed the best (and worst, depending on your allegiance) moments in the recent past of the game. His book offers a fascinating look at what goes on behind the scenes of football broadcasting, as well as a trip down memory lane for many supporters. A must-read for any football fan.
—— Sunday Business PostThe voice of the sheepskinned sage and cult hero John Motson will doubtless be heard at the 2010 tournament, and he reminisces on his career to date in the amusing Motty: Forty Years in the Commentary Box
—— Independent on Sunday 'Books of the Year'