Publisher's Synopsis
"In 1976, the average price of a house was 12,000 pounds, a brand-new Ford Cortina was 2,026 pounds and a heatwave, which saw temperatures reach 35c, that had gripped Britain for almost five months, had finally ended. Just days later, a sensational story broke across the UK. It was as hot as the recent summer inferno. News that the one-time, world's best ever footballer was returning from America to Britain- to play football for Fulham. The Division 2 club had pulled off one of the most unlikeliest and unimaginable coups of the decade by signing none other than GEORGE BEST, a footballing icon, who only two years ago, had still been playing for Manchester United. It was the biggest domestic sports story of that year and had reporters and TV crews scrambling from all corners of the UK to SW6. Senior news and sports journalist Mark Bishop digs deep to find out what the 'real' George Best was like and also produces this book to celebrate Best's surprisingly long tenure and love of Fulham Football Club, his still retained brilliance and to commemorate almost 50 years since George made his debut at Craven Cottage, on September 04,1976 for the Whites. It was at Fulham where George Best fell in love with the game again after years in the footballing wilderness.
In a series of exclusive interviews, Bishop talks to Fulham legends Rodney Marsh, Les Strong and John Mitchell to get their revealing opinions, thoughts and memories of Bestie while Mark also interviews former players Kenny Hibbitt (Wolves) Steve Finnieston (Chelsea) and Jim Eadie (Bristol Rovers) to get their take on playing against this former European Footballer of the Year and European Cup winner. Bishop has also tracked down and recorded the memories of many Fulham fans from far and wide, as well as supporters from other clubs, who remember watching George Best play for Fulham, and has facilitated the inclusion in this book of a truly wonderful collection of photographs of George during his Fulham days, along with other images of articles, memorabilia and programmes- plus photos of all the players who have contributed to this publication.
All the big talking points at Fulham, during all of George's 47 appearances for the club, are covered, including some of Bestie's greatest goals, his controversial sending off at Southampton on the very first day that red and yellow cards were introduced in English football and 'That Hereford Match' when Best took the ball off Marsh- and then both of them proceeded to try and tackle each other! As Les Strong so rightly said: "With George around at the Cottage, every day was just fun!" Author Mark Bishop has decided not to dwell on George's personal life and off-the-pitch demons that became his nemesis. It's all been written about anyway. Instead 'When George Best played for Fulham' is a celebration of all the good things about this complex, unassuming man who brought so much joy to everyone who loves football who loved to watch Bestie play. Especially during his wonderful time at Fulham. This book is also an absolute treasure trove for all Fulham fans who wants to delve into a real treasure trove of yesteryear photos, some of which have never been seen before, of George Best playing for FFC. It's a special book commemorating a special, incredible footballer who had a beautiful renaissance with one of Britain's much loved football clubs.
Enjoy!
