Taffy Richardson, Harry Redknapp, Andy Culliford and author Brian McIntyre at the book launch
Yesterday saw the launch of ‘Have Boots will Travel’, a revealing adventure story / autobiography by Verwood man Brian McIntyre.
Held at Wimborne Town Football Club, the launch attracted a great deal of interest from the footballing world and was attended by Harry Redknapp, Taffy Richardson (firefighter and the captain of Wimborne Town FC when the club won the FA Vase), and firefighter and ex semi-professional footballer Andy Culliford who will receive the profits from the book.
Andy was diagnosed with ALS, the most common form of motor neurone disease, in 2011 when aged 32. His courage and strength of character has touched those around him including Brian who wants to donate the profits from his book to the Andy Culliford Support Fund, which helps to pay for expensive medication not available on the NHS.
Brian’s autobiography is likely to amuse and astound those who love adventure and football – there can’t be many people who know the 1966 England World Cup squad and have played in a veterans team alongside them. But amateur footballer Brian was perhaps the most overlooked footballer of his time.
He had notoriety too having made international news headlines in 1964 when he was on trial for murder in Sierra Leone. The drama that led up to his acquittal involved him being arrested and charged three times for the same murder. Despite this harrowing ordeal, he recounts it with humour as he does with many other events that happened throughout his life.
With a foreword by Sir Geoff Hurst MBE, it is obvious that Brian’s connections are the best.
The book is reviewed in the August issue of 4Dorset, which will be available at all the usual drop-off points by Friday (31 July) as well as being delivered door-to-door in the following week. Both the magazine and the book are guaranteed good reads. Brian once worked for Viewpoint Magazine and often recounted unbelievable, yet true stories that happened during his life, which created plenty of laughter in the office. ‘Have Boots’ is the public’s chance to enjoy them too.
‘Have Boots will Travel’ is available from havebootswilltravel.co.uk £12.99.
