The Unseen Sir Alf

The Unseen Sir Alf tears up the traditional narrative of Sir Alf Ramseys life and career. Using new evidence to tell Alfs story afresh, it changes everything we thought we knew about Englands 1966 World Cup-winning manager. Alf despised most journalists, was kind to fans, often rude to his FA employer but loved his players. He looked conformist but was really a radical. Yet this odd, complex character became a national hero after Englands 1966 World Cup win, and he should be one again. Written by a history academic with a deep love of football, this groundbreaking book: Reshapes our understanding of English footballs only World Cup-winning manager Uses fresh historical evidence in every chapter to rethink Alfs story for new generations Shows how Alfs life issues have ties to the stories of modern football figures such as Gareth Southgate, Gary Lineker and Hope Powell Reveals how Ramsey faced and overcame many barriers: a racist nickname, prejudice against gypsies, poverty, snobbery, war, being a banned Sunday footballer, not playing professionally until 26, and probable neurodiversity Demonstrates how Alfs success has lessons not only for anyone who feels different, but for modern England as a nation So, who really was Alf Ramsey, and what might modern England learn from him? This book holds all the answers.