When Joe Mercers father returned home from World War One he took a football out of his kit-bag & threw it to his four year old son. From that day on young Joe was obsessed with football. Gary James acclaimed book covers the highs & lows of Joes life
- from his birth in Ellesmere Port right through to his struggle with Alzheimers Disease & subsequent death in 1990. Joe was a hugely talented & successful footballer with glory coming at Everton & at Arsenal where as captain Joe helped his side win every honour available. He also gained much respect during his time as captain of Engl&. As a manager Joe took Aston Villa to the Second Division title & League Cup glory within three years of his arrival after first learning what the role involved at Sheffield United. At Manchester City he created a side of true quality & skill returning the glory days to Maine Road. A history of success the Blues are rightly proud of. After helping Coventry City gain many admirers Joe put the fun back into international football as he guided England through with a smile a laugh & a genuine love of the game. In addition to the successes Joe had more than his fair share of problems
- two serious injuries as a player a stroke at Villa & a power struggle at City causing him to leave feeling unwanted
- yet he somehow managed to retain his famous smile. This is the biography of Joe Mercer OBE written with the full co-operation of his family friends & colleagues. It demonstrates Joes love of the game & of life recalling the days when his infectious grin cheered thousands. Joe was a one-off a truly great successful man. He never changed going through life & football with a smile.