SKU: 93693063233

Young Bobby - The Making of England's Greatest Captain. Volume 1

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Young Bobby - The Making of England's Greatest Captain. Volume 1ISBN 9781780916323 eISBN 9781781563328 (available at Amazon) First published December 2022 Brian Belton, a lifelong West Ham fan from the late 1950s on, has fulfilled a decades long ambition to write a biography of Bobby Moore, but this, the first of his two books that embrace this task, is both something more and less than that. Brian concentrates on Moores life before the glory years that encompassed what are usually depicted as his greatest

ISBN - 9781780916323

eISBN - 9781781563328 (available at Amazon)

First published - December 2022

Brian Belton, a lifelong West Ham fan from the late 1950s on, has fulfilled a decades-long ambition to write a biography of Bobby Moore, but this, the first of his two books that embrace this task, is both something more and less than that.

Brian concentrates on Moore’s life before the ‘glory years’ that encompassed what are usually depicted as his greatest triumphs; the Bobby that is often close to overlooked or even forgotten. However, that alone isn’t enough reason to undertake what is an exhaustive endeavour. Why look at the days of struggle and doubt, when the focus on the ‘glittering prizes’ is what we are inclined to want to relive, reiterate and celebrate – why ‘go back to basics?’

Well, firstly, many dozens of books and millions of words have been written about Moore. Film and television, drama, biography and documentary have portrayed the now well-known ‘legend’ that is England’s Golden Haired hero. But, exactly how did the storied paladin emerge? His life, prior to the mid-1960s, has been, for the most part, almost a footnote, or something that sometimes feels like it is a necessity that needs to be got out of the way as succinctly as possible.

This being the case, for Belton, someone who has spent a lifetime working with young people and their communities, studying and teaching child psychology and development, all of this material, even collectively, at best tells us only part of the story, and at worse constitutes a construct of a fable, akin to an idealised statue or a protracted homily to a fallen idol.

When the boy Moore first came to football, he was a tubby kid who didn’t know what his left foot was for. He couldn’t tackle and seemed unable to head a ball. His lack of pace meant, at top speed, he did little more than lurch around the pitch at what was a relative amble. He seemed to have nothing much going for him, and less to offer the game. But what Bobby did have was a good brain and a determination of mind. He was also possessed of a seemingly indomitable spirit. Out of this blossomed a personality and an imagination that allowed him to turn each of his apparent weaknesses into strengths. How and why did all that happen – where did it come from?

Well, there was a series of feats, wrought out of a lot of small victories, and a few big defeats, and it is these that define Bobby Moore as a person and an immortal of his chosen sport. But in reality, it is only in the years from his coming into the world to the early-1960s, including the times characterised by hard work and trepidation, where we might find the kernel, level and meaning of Moore’s accomplishments.

Given this, calling on the memories and insights of supporters, scouts, Moore’s managers, coaches, friends and former players who lined up with him from his earliest years in the game, Brian has presented the part of Moore’s life wherein he ‘built himself’, making the template on which the greatest defender football has known was ‘constructed’… from scratch. He looks at the influences and context out of which the boy was (literally) shaped. This necessarily includes dipping a toe into the realms of individual and social child psychology, as well as the wider impacts of war, austerity, education and class that effected his life and all our lives.

This said, although a respected academic and author in a number of fields, throughout, Belton remains an East Londoner, and a Hammer. He mediates the journey he invites you to accompany him on in his language. At times this is a challenging expedition, but also a colourful and, at points, a funny, sad, romantic, stirring and hopefully informative one. Along the way, Brian ‘walks’ with Bob, sharing the intersections of his own life experience, growing up in East London in the warm shadow of Boleyn Ground, with the path the youthful Moore followed. This brings a personal understanding of the setting or stage on which Moore moved from child to adult.

With a foreword from ex-Hammer player and manager, Alan Curbishley, this first book covers the years from the day in 1941 little Robert first saw the light of day until his first league game, facing Manchester United, in 1958. This includes West Ham’s promotion to the top-flight of the English game, after decades in the wilderness.

Brian presents a complex and intriguing exploration and analysis of the process of growth, development, an exhaustive portrait is of the child, the boy and the young man, more than the myth of a footballing saint. But it was the child, his context and character, who made the myth possible.

Stories and facts about Bobby

The list of England captains in terms of numbers of caps is headed by Billy Wright and Bobby Moore; both led England 90 times. Steph Houghton captained the England Women's side on 72 occasions, the only player so far to come close to Wright and Moore in this respect.
*******


Wright served as captain in 70 consecutive England matches during the 1950s. Bryan Robson, who led England 66 times, along with Wright, Moore and Hounghton are (at the time of writing) the only players to lead England more than 60 times (Harry Kane, who has skippered England 58 times to date will likely soon join the '60+ Club')
******


"Of all the defenders I have challenged, Bobby Moore was the fairest, the best and the most honourable." No one can say fairer than that. Probably ever."
Pele - Santos and Brazil
*******


About the Author

Like so many West Ham supporters Brian Belton was born only five minutes walk from the club ('I heard 'em cheering in me cradle'). As a teenager Brian worked primarily to support his habit of following West Ham around England.

In his twenties the Mayflower Centre shanghaied him to work with young people in the Canning Town area. Brian was now a youth worker and eventually was persuaded/ bullied/ bribed into taking a professional qualification with the YMCA College in London.

He gained a degree at City University and then became a Senior Youth and Community worker in Islington, whilst gaining a Masters Degree at Essex. He has published over 50 books, mainly on football.

For more information on Brian Belton please see his "About our Authors" page

https://www.jmdmedia.co.uk/pages/brian-belton-west-ham

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SKU: 93693063233

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Johanna J
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 3
I don’t mind a cliffhanger,
Format: Kindle
but I dropped at least one star because of the obnoxious gloating of the author after the cliffhanger. Seriously - I don’t understand making your readers angry because you’re smug and expecting them to keep reading your books. I was very definitely enjoying the series. Now I have a bad taste in my mouth and mixed feelings about continuing the series.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 9, 2025
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Stephen Wiggs
Grantham, US
★★★★★ 4
The series as a whole so far 5/25
Format: Kindle
I read reviews before going into this book and I don't agree with one of the more harsh ones on the main trigger she had. It is stated clearly in the forward and it wasn't as blase as it was made out to be. It definitely is touched on more and hasn't just been brushed off as the series goes I definitely would recommend reading it. It's a good series just be for-warned I like the series as a whole. The characters are awesome I adore the fmc shes cute and adorable but also a badass. Though there are a bunch of holes for her that I feel like just got left out. The guys are interesting and shout out to yall for not making Gage a dragon. I'm tired of the broody ones who don't wanna talk aboit what they are being Dragons. Ki is my favorite You can definitely tell if is written by 2 different people though because the phrasing just doesn't match up and wouldn't be something people that age says. And it flip flops between them. I feel like there's substance without substance. We are 4 books in and we don't really know much back story on literally anyone more than right under surface deep. There are definitely favorite MMCs which is kind of disappointing since some get shoved to the wayside. Specifically both of the best friends. They're basically useless and it's made obvious as the books go on. As well as all the men are ungodly self deprecating. I enjoy the plot line for the most part like I said I enjoy the series its different and refreshing. I do feel like the series is being dragged out though unfortunately. And the latest cliff hanger was just meh. So hopefully the next book is the last one.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 8, 2025
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Oohlala857
Los Angeles, US
★★★★★ 5
Wow!
Format: Kindle
This book was awesome! Seraphina and her family have moved to a new town. Her family is a bit... odd. She grew up learning how to protect herself from people who might hurt her. Bloodshed is a daily occurrence with her brothers and parents during their practice sessions, and it’s all fun and games unless you need to hide a body. Sera’s family is very close, and she’s been homeschooled most of her life. But in this new town she is going to start regular school as a senior at the local high school. Unfortunately, things at her school aren’t all they seem to be. Or perhaps more than they seem to be. Sera has her own demons to deal with, and she’s terrified her new friends will learn about her weird family and other issues and drop her like a rock. It turns out they have their own secrets as well. This story ends on a bit of a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to read the next one! This book is well written and well edited. The heroine is spunky and has a great heart and wicked sense of humor.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 12, 2021
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Erinarkin20
Houston, US
★★★★★ 5
Great New Fantasy Series!
Format: Hardcover
I came across The Road of Bones by Demi Winters as I was scanning NetGalley and when I read the summary I was intrigued. I'm always interested in a good Fantasy but when you throw Vikings into the mix, I'm on board. Now, I did have this book on my TBR shelf, but I'm going to tell you, thankfully when I cracked this book open I happened to be on vacation because I couldn't put it down and I've been telling everyone I know who will listen that they need to read it. Not only because it is good but because I NEED someone to talk to about it. Winters starts this book out with a bang and pulled me in from the start...Silla Nordvig is our fmc and she is on the run. We find out very quickly that she and her father have been moving from village to village but we don't truly know why and unfortunately as they are headed on their way out of their most recent village, Silla's father is killed and Silla is on her own trying to survive. What she doesn't understand is why the queen of Iseldur has sent warriors to bring her back to Sunnavik and based on her father's last words to her, Silla is determined to travel the Road of Bones and get to Kopa and the safety of a shield house. After barely surviving her first stretch of travel, Silla overhears a group discuss their travels and she sneaks into their supply wagon. What she didn't count on was that the wagon belonged to the notorious Bloodaxe Crew. To make it to Kopa, she has to win over Axe Eyes, the crew leader, while not falling for the Wolf's handsome face. As she finds herself getting closer to the whole crew (and slowly winning them over), the queen's hunter is on her tail and is determined to bring her back to Sunnavik no matter what it takes. Like I said, I couldn't put this book down. There is non-stop action in this book. Whether it is the danger of traveling the Road of Bones and coming across the various monsters there or trying to escape the queen's assassin, the Bloodaxe Crew and Silla are always facing some sort of danger along their travels. As for the characters, I love a book that has me feeling all the things for all the characters and this book did this for me. First, there is Silla. I won't say a lot about her backstory as I don't want to ruin anything here but she is put through the ringer here. That said, she doesn't ever give up and I love that about her. Don't get me wrong, she has her moments where she questions everything and doubts herself just like anyone who has gone through what she is going through would but she always tends to sit in it for a moment and then pull herself back together. And despite all this, Axe Eyes still refers to her as "Sunshine" which compared to him is probably fair. Wolf/Jonas - He values family and loyalty so that is a plus but I have a lot of feelings here and I can't say anything for fear that I will give anything away and sway someone's thoughts. That said, I had high hopes for him and I will talk about him more in my review for book 2. Axe Eyes/Rey - As grumpy as he likes to come across, he truly is a protector and while he likes to pretend he doesn't like Silla around, he also doesn't truly want her gone and when things go wrong, he is the one who tends to come through for everyone. Again I won't say a lot here as he has some secrets that are revealed and feed into the next book. Rest of the Bloodaxe Crew - The rest of the crew are a great supporting cast and help to move the story forward. Ultimately, this book was one that did a great job of combining the character's stories with the overall plot and there is an underlying story here. It's not just about Silla trying to get to Kopa. The queen of Iseldur is up to something and while we only get snippets of what the queen wants Silla for through her assassin/hunter, there is definitely something bigger at play. Admittedly, it wasn't a surprise to me as to what Silla's background was but I also couldn't help from feeling all the feelings for Silla as she starts to realize what she is up against and what that means for her. Also, it's a harsh world that these characters live in and Winters did a fantastic job of putting it down on paper and getting me absorbed into it. If you're looking for an adult fantasy to pick up, consider grabbing this one. It has a great story, strong writing, solid world-building, and well-developed characters. Plus...then we can talk about all the things. The next book, Kingdom of Claw, comes out early in 2025 so you won't have too long to wait to see what happens with these characters. I'll definitely be picking up the next books in the series to see what happens for these characters as this book/series has me in a chokehold.
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Reviewed in the United States on November 5, 2024
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Cara Barbardo
Carnegie, US
★★★★★ 4
4.5 ⭐️ for this epic Viking Romantasy!
Format: Kindle
I slept on this book for far too long! I understand the hype now, and it is most definitely well deserved. While I thoroughly enjoyed this book, it did start a bit slow for me. I was a bit confused by the magic system as we never really got a good picture of how it works. But alas, it did pick up mid way through and I devoured the remainder of the book. There are so many things to love about this book - the found family, the characters, the perilously danger filled journey and the plot twists. There were enough Easter eggs that I was easily able to figure out the twists before they were revealed. The romance also comes with a bit of a twist and I knew it wasn’t right. It felt a little forced and was slightly uncomfortable to witness knowing he wasn’t the right love interest. By the end of the book, I was giddy with glee and look forward to seeing if what I hope will transpire comes to light in the next book. As this is a Viking setting, it comes with a lot of violence and gore, so make sure you take that to heart if you pick up this book.
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Reviewed in the United States on December 29, 2025

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