Vertical Editions are delighted to announce 'Old School', the autobiography of former midfielder Mark Patterson, will be published later this year.
Patterson made almost 500 league appearances during his 16-year football career for clubs including Blackburn Rovers, Bury, Preston North End, Bolton Wanderers and Sheffield United.
He played in dilapidated stadiums, with and against proper ‘old school’ footballers, and later had a taste of the promised land of the ‘new school’ after helping Bolton Wanderers rise from the third tier and into the Premiership.
His book, written with friend Kevin O'Hara (above), will be released in October 2021.
“I would like to thank my mate Kev O’Hara for encouraging me to go ahead with this book,” Patterson said.
“Without his enthusiasm and research in to my career it would never have happened.
“Since my first experience as a professional footballer back in 1983, the game has turned on its head. Back then you were allowed to smash your opponent with just a telling off from the referee. If you passed the ball in your own half more than five times, the supporters would demand you booted it forward.
“Goals that were disallowed were confirmed or corrected on Match of the Day. The sneaky p*ss ups on a Friday night and the bigger ones on the Saturday.
“Over my 19-year career there were many good days and quite a few bad but the one thing that will never be beaten is the banter in the changing rooms.
“Hopefully when you’ve read this book you will have had an insight of how it was back in the day. I hope you enjoy it.”
Co-author O'Hara added: “It’s been a real privilege to work with Mark on the book and gain an insight on his ‘Old School’ football career, including the highs and lows that came with playing and being involved in professional and non-league football in the 1980s and 90s and beyond.
“This is not your usual won-this, lost-this type book, but more a down to earth humorous book; played in an era before football became a bit too serious.”
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