There have been some extraordinary footballers over the decades. But few with a story as extraordinary as Willie Morgan. A Manchester United icon, the Scot fought all the odds to make it to the very top of the English game during its most fascinating and fashionable era, the 1960s and 1970s. But it is not just Morgan's life on the pitch that is so captivating. Born in the tiny mining village of Sauchie, Morgan grew up believing his grandparents were his parents because his real mother had given birth to him outside wedlock. Not only that, but Morgan's father was an Italian prisoner of war from World War Two. It seemed that young Willie was destined for life as a family outcast, forced to follow his family into the area's coalmines - earning precious little money despite hours of backbreaking toil. However, Morgan's path was different. For he had a remarkable skill - the speed and ability to play football like nobody else. His skills were spotted by Burnley in 1960 before Morgan's life changed forever when he joined Manchester United eight years later. The club's legendary manager, Sir Matt Busby, needed pace and a killer touch down the right wing.
So he broke the British transfer record and snapped Morgan up. In fact, Morgan was such a key part of Busby's future plans, he was even given the No.7 shirt - which had up to then been worn by none other than George Best. It was from the right wing - and that shirt - that Morgan would witness and play with some of the greatest Manchester United players of all time. Morgan recounts hundreds of tales about the hell-raising Best as well as giving his verdicts on the likes of Denis Law, Bobby Charlton, Alex Stepney, Paddy Crerand and a host of others. He also talks about Wilf McGuinness and the case he had to fight against former United manager Tommy Docherty. From the football pitch to the High Court - Morgan has done it all and seen it all. He was the first footballer with an official fanclub, he is a man who can count Tom Jones and Rod Steward as his close pals, and he is a footballing hero to those who used to chant his name while crammed into the Stretford End at Old Trafford. Willie touchingly talks about the harrowing death of his first wife Pat before recounting how he found redemption and love with his second wife Kay.
The family man's love for his children Gaynor and Scott shines through at all points as does his love for Manchester United - "the greatest football club in the world". Willie Morgan entertained, captivated and thrillled football fans for over 20 years. Now read his fascinating life story...
- ISBN10 1908695129
- ISBN13 9781908695123
- Publish Date 25 October 2013
- Publish Status Active
- Publish Country GB
- Publisher Reach plc
- Imprint Trinity Mirror Sport Media
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 272
- Language English