Viv Anderson MBE is one of the most iconic names in the history of English football.
He was the first black footballer to play for England and Alex Ferguson’s very first
signing for Manchester United.
As a teenager he played for Brian Clough at Nottingham Forest, winning two European Cups,
the League title and three League cups. He moved to Arsenal in 1984, as part of the
revolutionary team selected by George Graham, and then to Manchester United in 1987,
another club he helped revive after years in the wilderness. Following successful spells with
Sheffield Wednesday and Barnsley, Viv became assistant manager to Bryan Robson at
Middlesbrough. His 30-cap England career included two World Cups - with Ron Greenwood
in Spain, 1982, and Bobby Robson in Mexico, 1986.
In this long-awaited autobiography, full of humour and rare insights, Viv tells his ground-breaking
story in his own words for the first time. He talks candidly about his personal relationships with
Fergie and Brian Clough, and exposes the truth behind some of the greatest names in the sport,
including Terry Venables, Bryan Robson and George Best.
Viv describes how both his personal and professional life came under the tabloid spotlight,
and the profound effect this had on his relationships and career. He examines how the world
of top-class professional footballers has changed over the last four decades, from the afros
and mullets of the 70’s to the ultra-riches of the Premier League.
He reveals how he has coped with racism both on and off the pitch, and pulls no punches
in his condemnation of those guilty of shameful behaviour. He discusses his encounters his
encounters with the BNP and explains how even today the game still faces a long battle
against discrimination.
Viv was awarded an MBE in January 2000, and was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame
in 2004, in recognition of his impact on the English League. Today he is one of fifty ‘ambassadors’
chosen by the Football Association to help promote England’s 2018 World Cup bid.
In this book’s explosive climax, Viv questions the future of the game and lifts the lid on how the
English bid is being undermined by poor decision-making and a basic lack of understanding of
what it takes to win – with serious implications for the country’s sporting elite.
‘Without doubt, Vivian is the best full back in the world, and one of the best there
has ever been.’ Brian Clough to Peter Taylor
‘He looks leggy but that’s a compliment.’ Bobby Robson
'Viv Anderson, whose resolute professionalism at right-back and bubbly, contagious
enthusiasm in the dressing-room, were worth a lot more than the £250,000 we paid
Arsenal.' Sir Alex Ferguson