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