Duncan Edwards gave the script for his book to the publisher just before leaving to the infamous trip to play against Belgrade. The book was published shortly after his death with the approval of his family and, after being out of print for many years, was re-published in November 2009.
Tackle Soccer This Way is a book of its time, written without the need of a ghostwriter, or even an editor. The book draws on Edwards’s experience being coached through the youth and first teams at England and Manchester United. Filled with practical tips and encouraging advice, it remains an excellent guide for youngsters learning the game today.
Edwards peppers the book with insights into his life, and fascinating glimpses of the styles of the noteworthy players of the time – always with the aim of instructing the readers in how to conduct themselves well on the pitch. It was written on the cusp of the modern era of football, just after lightweight boots first became available – but before heavy laced balls were fazed out.
Tackle Soccer This Way captures the spirit of a sporting hero from a time before money and celebrity distanced footballers from the everyday preoccupations of their fans. It reads now as both a rediscovered historical document and a still-relevant instruction manual.
Duncan Edwards demonstrates throughout the book why Sir Matt Busby wrote of him in the Manchester Evening Chronicle, April 1955:
“Duncan has come to the fore the hard way. This is by constant training and coaching… He is willing to listen to advice, and put that advice into practice on the field. Here is an 18 year old whose example can be a lesson to every soccer-thinking youth.”
About Duncan Edwards
Duncan Edwards was born in Woodside, Dudley, on the 1st of October 1936. He was maybe the most talented English footballer ever, who played as a left-half for Manchester United and the England national team. He was one of the Busby Babes, the young United team formed under manager Matt Busby in the mid-1950s.
Edwards played 177 matches for the United. He had incredible physical strength, toughness, and level of authority on the pitch. He has been ranked amongst the toughest players of all time.
Duncan was one of eight players who died as a result of the Munich air disaster. He fought in the hospital after the crash, but died because of his injuries two weeks later on 21st of September in 1958
He become the youngest player to play in the Football League First Division and at the time the youngest England player since the Second World War. He played 18 times for his country at top level. In a professional career of less than five years he helped United to win two Football League championships and two FA Charity Shields, and reach the semi-finals of the European Cup.
