Author:David Tossell
Tommy ‘The Doc’ Docherty was a combative Scotland international wing-half who became a brilliant but erratic manager. His 1960s Chelsea team was a glorious reflection of his colourful personality, and a decade later he reinvented his relegated Manchester United side as a vibrant attacking force.
He was also, however, a hostage to his own decision-making, costing Chelsea a shot at the First Division title when he banned eight players for breaking their curfew. Most famously, he was fired by United after FA Cup glory because he’d fallen in love with the physiotherapist’s wife.
He was a much-travelled manager, and ‘I’ve had more clubs than Jack Nicklaus’ was among the well-worn one-liners that created the image of ‘The Doc’ as football’s stand-up comedian. But in Tommy Doc, David Tossell looks beyond the wisecracks, interviewing Docherty himself, as well as former players and colleagues, to examine a remarkable career and reveal the personal heartaches behind the laughter.
Oli Broom loves cricket so much he cycled from Lord's to Sydney to watch the Ashes. His book is rather marvellous
—— Stephen FryMuch more than a world cycle tour ... brilliant
—— All Out CricketAn epic adventure
—— Bear GryllsI think it's pathetic he isn't cycling home again
—— Ian BothamCompletely potty
—— AggersA moving, well-paced and thrilling story of the most noble of all gap years
—— Daniel Norcross , The CricketerI didn't like it; I loved it ... a cracking read
—— Tim Brooke-TaylorIf you love cricket, cycling, adventure, travel and sobbing - read this book!
—— Jim Carter, Downton Abbey actor and chairman of Hampstead Cricket ClubOli's enthusiasm made even me consider getting back on a bike again
—— Mike BrearleyA funny and poignant tale for anyone who’s ever dreamt of jacking in the day job for an adventure
—— Western Morning NewsThe book is a very readable and often funny account of an unusual adventure on a bike
—— Cycling WorldA funny and poignant tale for anyone who's ever dreamt of quitting their day job to embark on an adventure
—— Jude Brosnan , Wanderlust Travel MagazineAlmost painfully funny
—— ObserverCovers not only the highs of the last two seasons but the lows
—— London CyclistIn the course of telling the tale, his image as an everyday hero is absolutely confirmed with all the necessary detail and insight both cynics and fans would require
—— Mark Perryman , Morning StarConveys the most engaging personality of this almost comically unpretentious bloke, who never thought that Tour winners came from Kilburn
—— Geoffrey Wheatcroft , New StatesmanCompelling and often emotional account... Outspoken, honest, intelligent and fearless, Wiggins has been hailed as the people’s champion
—— Yorkshire PostA genuinely up-lifting read
—— Alan Pattullo , The ScotsmanEngaging
—— Malachy Clerkin , Irish TimesMy Time conveys the most engaging personality of this almost comically unpretentious bloke, who never thought that Tour de France winners came from Kilburn
—— Geoffrey Wheatcroft , New StatesmenThere is plenty of material for cycling aficionados … but his story is also of interest to the general reader
—— Lewis Jones , SpectatorWho could resist finding out more about the sideburned new superstar of British cycling
—— Daily TelegraphEuphoria does not last forever and so the race is always on to ensure that the books is read for those keen to know of to re-live the spine tingling moments of triumph. My Time is not at all the worst of this kind of output. Indeed, it might be among the best...there is plenty of fascinating detail
—— Alison Rudd , The TimesGive sports fans a glimpse into what it takes to win gold
—— CloserFascinating...it covers most levels of Wiggins existence – cyclist, team leader, husband, father, son – during the most important years of his life, with the candour that has become his trademark...co-written by Guardian sports writer, William Fotheringham, who helps to tell the story in the direct but eloquent tone that Wiggins watchers will recognise countless radio and television interviews. It is an absorbing read that covers Wiggins’ career from his departure from Garmin to his latest Olympic success. Cycling fans will relish the horse’s mouth accounts of the triumphs they have watched unfold this year, while newcomers to the sport, attracted by the man’s performances this year, both on and off the bike, should find more to enjoy
—— Timothy John , Road Cycling UKIf you love cycling, this makes a very welcome change from the rather saturated market of ‘cyclist doping confessions'
—— Cycling UKWhat makes the book special for me is the love of cycling that comes through. His passion for the sport, for its history, his awareness of where he stands in the pantheon of Lycra-clad heroes, and his inability to truly comprehend his achievements all come across in waves. And in typical Wiggins fashion, he doesn’t dodge the difficult bits. He talks openly about the latest drugs scandal and the unwelcome role of moral enforcer which has been forced onto him by his newfound standing as Tour winner
—— Freewheeling France (blog)A speedy guide to cycling success
—— The TimesLike the man, it’s engaging, modest and likeable, with the section on the Olympics especially fascinating
—— Simon Evans , Choice