SYNOPSIS

On Thursday 6 November 1986, at dead on 10.09 a.m., Ron Atkinson got the call that would change his footballing life, instantly. It was the call from Manchester United's chairman that would lead to one of the most unceremonious sackings in football. But this was not the first time that his controversial figure was to make an abrupt and dramatic move because the story of Ron Atkinson's career is one of the most extraordinary and colourful in football history. Big Ron: A Different Ball Game is his long-awaited football memoir.

In irreverent and flamboyant style, Ron Atkinson tells the fascinating story of his career so far. Featuring the tale of how he sold a player for a lawnmower and another for a crate of champagne Ron also reveals those he considers as his 'nightmare buys'. He was accused of 'poaching' Bryan Robson from West Brom to Manchester United but was begged by Remi Moses to take him on to the United staff, and Ron locked Frank Stapleton in a hotel room so that Liverpool couldn't sneak him away. Brian Clough looms large, as does Jesus Gil of Atletico Madrid and 'Deadly Doug Ellis'. And, not afraid to speculate on who could have been behind his sacking and on the swift appointment of Alex Ferguson as his successor, Ron Atkinson gives a full and frank account of his controversial time at Manchester United Football Club.

He discusses all the current issues that surround the game: drug abuse, the money in the game, the racism within the industry, referees and discipline, as well as naming those that have been crossed off his holiday-invite list and revealing many other eye-opening secrets.

Mischievous, humorous and anecdotal, this amazing book details Ron Atkinson's twenty-five years in football management. No colourful story is ignored and no embarrassment forgotten in Big Ron's refreshingly honest and highly opinionated football memoir.