Author Name: Edwards, Duncan

Title: Tackle Soccer This Way.

The publishers commissioned Duncan Edwards to write this book in October 1957, On the eve of his departure with the Manchester United team for Yugoslavia he passed the typescript of his manuscript over to the publisher.
The book starts with a publishers note discussing the pros and cons of publishing the book with the author now dead.The fact that proceeds of the book go tothe fund to help dependents seems the over riding sentiment.
The book is often praised for its very intelligent analysis of the game all very impressive for a man of his age , which reinforces the sense of loss that his death caused.

Duncan Edwards was the complete footballer, he had skill, power, speed, stamina, was good in the air and his powerful and accurate shot generated chaos in the most organised of defences. He made a total of 177 first team appearances and scored 21 goals before his death at Munich. Sir Matt Busby rated him as the most 'complete footballer in Britain - possibly the world'. The greatest tragedy is that when he died at the age of 21 , his full potential had never been realised.

At the age of 16 and still an amateur Edwards made his first team debut, on 4th April 1953, against Cardiff City. Edwards signed as a professional 8 months later, on his 17th Birthday, becoming a regular member of the team in the 1953-4 season.As a player, Duncan Edwards never gave less than 100 percent. His attitude on the football pitch was matched with a determination to succeed in life. When talking of his life after soccer he realistically said:

"It's nice to be cheered but you can't live forever on cheers. It's what you have in the bank when you have finished the game that cheers a footballer most of all. People forget very easily and I don't want to become like some of the old timers wearing tattered caps and cadging free tickets outside the grounds".

This probably prompted him to become one of the first players to make the most out of his status, sponsoring energy drinks (in Charles Buchan Football Monthly magazines ) and other products. Nevertheless, on the football field his success was spectacular, by the age of 21 Duncan Edwards had won three Youth Cup winners' medals, two League Championships and an F.A Cup runners-up medal. When he made his international debut he became the youngest player to be capped for England in the 20th century at the age of 18 years and 183 days. This record stood for over 40 years until Michael Owen was capped in February 1998. Edwards represented England at all levels gaining six schoolboy caps, one England B, six Under-23 and 18 full caps.When he died on the 21st February 1958 from injuries sustained in the Munich air disaster, Walter Winterbottom, England's manager said:

"It was in the character and spirit of Duncan Edwards that I saw the true revival of British football".

The book is very collectable and editions with dustwrappers are priced in the hundreds of pounds, unfortunately this example does not have its wrapper but nevertheless is a fascinating and insightful document.
Binding: Hard Cover
Book Condition: Very Good -the spine is slightly faded.
No dust wrapper.
10 bw photographs
Edition: First Edition 1958 Second Impression August
Size: 190x125mm
Publisher: Stanley Paul