Ian Cheeseman

Written in much the same way Bell played the game - effectively but with great humility

A likeable trawl through the life of the great Manchester City midfielder

Because he hasn't hawked his ancestors around the after-dinner circuit for three decades, the book contains many fresh tales

The Autobiography of a Manchester City and England Legend

Most Manchester City supporters regard Colin Bell as their club's best ever player. He graced the midfield during their greatest years as they won all domestic and European honours, and represented England 48 times before a serious knee injury ended his career prematurely when he was just 29. 
 
Now, in this revealing autobiography, 'King Colin' has opened up. He talks about never knowing his mother, who died when he was a baby, and of being brought up by his aunt and then his father and older sister. He then leads us through the glory years, singles out his greatest opponents and compares the modern game with the era he dominated, before sharing his views on the infamous tackle in a Manchester derby that ended his footballing dreams. In a remarkable development, he reveals for the first time his private battle against cancer and explains how this book has helped to save his life. 
 
With tributes from the likes of Malcolm Allison, Sir Geoff Hurst and Sir Bobby Charlton, Colin Bell - Reluctant Hero is the story of a footballer whose brilliance on the field demanded adulation but who was never comfortable in the spotlight. A player who truly preferred to let his feet do the talking.

Colin Bell - Reluctant Hero

About us

About Us (Header 4)

Kate-Atkinson

James-Baldwin

Marian-Keyes

haruki-murakami-320×320-1

Richard-Osman

Malorie Blackman

Lisa-Jewell

Charlie-Mackesy

Authors (Header 3)

Children&#039;s

Company

Discover

Fiction

Non-fiction

Penguin Classics

Penguin Shop (Header 5)

Useful links

Work with us

prhuk-authors

Penguin Shop: 3 Clothbound Classics for £33

Ian Cheeseman

Praise for Colin Bell - Reluctant Hero

Written in much the same way Bell played the game - effectively but with great humility

A likeable trawl through the life of the great Manchester City midfielder

Because he hasn't hawked his ancestors around the after-dinner circuit for three decades, the book contains many fresh tales

Written in much the same way Bell played the game - effectively but with great humility

A likeable trawl through the life of the great Manchester City midfielder

Because he hasn't hawked his ancestors around the after-dinner circuit for three decades, the book contains many fresh tales

Written in much the same way Bell played the game - effectively but with great humility

A likeable trawl through the life of the great Manchester City midfielder

Because he hasn't hawked his ancestors around the after-dinner circuit for three decades, the book contains many fresh tales

Follow penguin

Follow ladybird

Follow puffin

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter