Thanks Shanks: How Bill Shankly Bought Me an Education ... And Denis Law Kicked Me in the Shins

The paths of Bill Shankly, Denis Law and David Kershaw crossed briefly at Huddersfield Town FC in the 1950s. David who? Kershaw would never go on to become a household name. Before leaving for Liverpool, Shankly had to tell him that he was never going to make it as a professional footballer. "I think you'd be a great teacher," he added in that distinctive Ayrshire accent.

He then backed his judgement by paying for the necessary qualifications for a young man who had failed his eleven-plus and been written off at school as "not very bright." Kershaw would go on to become not just a teacher but a highly successful head teacher who is still employed by the Department of Education to sort out failing schools at the age of 75.

Ghost-written by Chris Arnot, author of Britain's Lost Cricket Grounds and Small Island by Little Train, this is the first time that David Kershaw, CBE, JP, Hon D Ed, FRSA, has paid tribute to the legendary manager who broke his heart before changing his life. It will appeal to football fans, educationalists and anyone who enjoys a transformative tale of triumph against the odds.