A fascinating insight into one of football's great enigmas.
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Lawton was almost unique in many ways.He was one of only three players to represent England before and after World War Two.One of the others was Stanley Matthews who seems to have achieved much more lasting fame with the general public.What is clear from this book is that Lawton was held in the highest regard by his fellow professionals. Compared with some of the other legends of his time,Lawton's career appears to be dogged by some unfortunate timing and decision making.His career pattern was most unusual although it would perhaps have looked less so if he were playing today. The other great Bolton born centre forward Nat Lofthouse only ever had one club.Tom Finney at Preston likewise.In contrast Lawton wore the colours of Burnley,Everton,Chelsea,Arsenal,Brentford,Notts County and Kettering.There were various reasons for these frequent moves but it is clear that huge signing on fees had little part to play in those days.In fact professionals were treated disparagingly by the FA,travelling to England games by train and being forced to justify every last penny of expenses. One of the most moving parts of the book is also the shortest.Lawton's post playing days are probably what the younger generations know him for.Although he made little money from the game itself,his fame continued to generate huge interest for many years afterwards.We frequently hear of former players going off the rails,turning to drink and launching disastrous business ventures.Lawton ended up in court on fraud charges but even this is presented sympathetically.Lawton is seen as being naive and ill advised rather than a villain.It is however rather sad to see a legend fall from grace.For most of us this would seem to be the end.Fortunately we see Tommy falling in love with the game once again and working in local radio while regaining his pride. This is not just a run of the mill tale of transfers and statistics but it tells of a very different age.One of Lawton's team mates at Burnley had walked across the Pennines from Bradford in the hope of a trial.A far cry from the inducements being mentioned in Alan Hansen's new t.v.programme! Two questions are left hanging in the air at the end.How good was he?How good could he have been if he had stayed at Everton and World War Two had not broken out?Twenty two goals in twenty three full internationals speaks for itself.If we include wartime internationals and other representative matches we have 125 goals in 104 matches.In one advertisement I read before buying the book I saw him called "The Michael Owen of his time".Weak indeed.I know many who saw Lofthouse play but none who saw Lawton.I think they might beg to differ.
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