 | "The Jimmy Hagan Story"
As a Blade (Sheffield United fan) I had looked forward to reading the life story of this famous ex player, but it has universal interest and other fans will also enjoy it.
I went to games with my father for the first time in the 1960's and my hero was Tony Currie, whilst my father agreed that he was very good he always maintained that Jimmy Hagan was the better of the two.
This book illustrates this judgement very well.He was unlucky to be at his peak just as the second world war started and its seems incredible that he only won one full England cap.He was forever being touted as the solution to Englands problems by the media and even appeared on the front cover of Charles Buchan Football Monthly with "England" after his name as if to tell Walter Winterburn to pick him again.
Jimmy played on into his early forties and was the idol of Bramall Lane.
What was interesting in this book was the detail about his management career that I was unaware of. His first job was to manage Peterborough into the league proper and then took on West Bromwich Albion and was the man responsible for buying Jeff Astle.But the excitement really happened in his final job when he became coach of Benfica where he managed them to three consecutive titles and one cup win! Who needs the "Special One"!!
Eusebio became a personal friend and when Jimmy died in 1996, aged 80, he sent personal condolences and wore mourning clothes for the day.
I strongly recommend this book as an insight into this intense and interesting man.
Martin Westby
These books are all published by Stadia, the sports imprint of the History Press Ltd www.thehistorypress.co.uk. They can be purchased directly from THP on 01453 883300.
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