SUFC Handsworth
Wings of a sparrow
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Hope you don't mind me putting this on here Foxy but promised the author (Greville) that I'd do a book review and give the book a bit of a plug ... here goes ...
For Unitedites of a certain age this book is a must as it gives Blades fans of that era the chance to relive what was a fantastic journey in our history. This through the story of a journey man footballer, Bob Booker, who for 3 glorious years played to the full tilt of his capabilities in the red and white stripes.
In November 1988 Bob was brought in as a like-for-like replacement for the injured midfield powerhouse Simon Webster. As Tony Pritchett headlined the signing in the Sheffield Star "Blades get Booker Prize", most Unitedites were left scratching their heads and thinking who the blooming heck is that? We were soon to find out, although it took a while for most Blades to warm to him (on the pitch at least), by the time of his departure 3 years later Bob Booker, or 'Sir Bob', as he became known, left a hero.
A hefty middle section of the book concentrates on BB's career at the Lane which of course will be the main interest for United fans. All the main stuff is covered ... a bitterly cold freezing night in snow and sleet at Mansfield when Bob Booker put in the type of performance that was to start changing many Blades fans view of him, after what had been a slow start in his Lane career. The glorious day at Leicester in May 1990 when Bob skippered the Red and White Wizards (or luminous yellow wizards) to promotion to the top tier is featured heavily. As is 'Oh-ahs' winning goal at Loftus Road the season after which secured First Division survival when relegation had looked a foregone conclusion after taking 17 games to get a first win of the season.
It was great to relive an exciting part in the club's history but I found it equally as interesting to read the Bob Booker story pre and post Bramall Lane. Personally, I knew we signed him from Brentford and that he'd had 10 years at Griffin Park but knew very little of his time there, other than being a one club man who was at the point of jacking it all in to set up a window cleaning business before a certain Dave Bassett stepped in.
What did strike me about Bob's time in West London was how much it mirrored his career at BDTBL. He initially received criticism from the fans at Griffin Park (a good description of his first season at United), before winning them over to be the popular heart beat of team and club (Blades 89-90 promotions season) then latterly filling in as an effective utility player (90-91).
Post Bramall Lane, Bob returned to Brentford, where an injury finally put paid to his playing career, although at least BB got his hands on a Division 3 winners medal as the Bees went up as champions. From there 'Oh-Ah' went on to have a successful time as first team coach at Brighton, under a string of different managers including future Blades bosses Micky Adams (twice) and Russell Slade (others were Mark McGhee, Steve Coppell and Norman Wisdom impersonator Peter Taylor). A tribute to what a decent bloke Bob was (and no doubt still is), and a fantastic link between players and manager, can be seen as numerous bosses are more than happy to continue with BB as their trusted lieutenant .
Greville Waterman puts together a great read, and as a Brentford supporter he's obviously got firsthand account of Bob's time at Griffin Park but throughout the book reels in to good effect other opinion; from former manager's, team mates, club staff, chairmen and directors, press, supporters, and from the man himself Mr Bob Booker. If you're a Blades fan that enjoys sitting down with a good book make sure this is the top of your Christmas list!
Author: Greville Waterman; Publisher Bennion Kearney; Price £12.99
For Unitedites of a certain age this book is a must as it gives Blades fans of that era the chance to relive what was a fantastic journey in our history. This through the story of a journey man footballer, Bob Booker, who for 3 glorious years played to the full tilt of his capabilities in the red and white stripes.
In November 1988 Bob was brought in as a like-for-like replacement for the injured midfield powerhouse Simon Webster. As Tony Pritchett headlined the signing in the Sheffield Star "Blades get Booker Prize", most Unitedites were left scratching their heads and thinking who the blooming heck is that? We were soon to find out, although it took a while for most Blades to warm to him (on the pitch at least), by the time of his departure 3 years later Bob Booker, or 'Sir Bob', as he became known, left a hero.
A hefty middle section of the book concentrates on BB's career at the Lane which of course will be the main interest for United fans. All the main stuff is covered ... a bitterly cold freezing night in snow and sleet at Mansfield when Bob Booker put in the type of performance that was to start changing many Blades fans view of him, after what had been a slow start in his Lane career. The glorious day at Leicester in May 1990 when Bob skippered the Red and White Wizards (or luminous yellow wizards) to promotion to the top tier is featured heavily. As is 'Oh-ahs' winning goal at Loftus Road the season after which secured First Division survival when relegation had looked a foregone conclusion after taking 17 games to get a first win of the season.
It was great to relive an exciting part in the club's history but I found it equally as interesting to read the Bob Booker story pre and post Bramall Lane. Personally, I knew we signed him from Brentford and that he'd had 10 years at Griffin Park but knew very little of his time there, other than being a one club man who was at the point of jacking it all in to set up a window cleaning business before a certain Dave Bassett stepped in.
What did strike me about Bob's time in West London was how much it mirrored his career at BDTBL. He initially received criticism from the fans at Griffin Park (a good description of his first season at United), before winning them over to be the popular heart beat of team and club (Blades 89-90 promotions season) then latterly filling in as an effective utility player (90-91).
Post Bramall Lane, Bob returned to Brentford, where an injury finally put paid to his playing career, although at least BB got his hands on a Division 3 winners medal as the Bees went up as champions. From there 'Oh-Ah' went on to have a successful time as first team coach at Brighton, under a string of different managers including future Blades bosses Micky Adams (twice) and Russell Slade (others were Mark McGhee, Steve Coppell and Norman Wisdom impersonator Peter Taylor). A tribute to what a decent bloke Bob was (and no doubt still is), and a fantastic link between players and manager, can be seen as numerous bosses are more than happy to continue with BB as their trusted lieutenant .
Greville Waterman puts together a great read, and as a Brentford supporter he's obviously got firsthand account of Bob's time at Griffin Park but throughout the book reels in to good effect other opinion; from former manager's, team mates, club staff, chairmen and directors, press, supporters, and from the man himself Mr Bob Booker. If you're a Blades fan that enjoys sitting down with a good book make sure this is the top of your Christmas list!
Author: Greville Waterman; Publisher Bennion Kearney; Price £12.99
