Sporting Heroes of Essex and East London 1960-2000

Footballer Bobby Moore and cricketer Graham Gooch are two of the truly outstanding sporting figures of the post-war period. They attained the very heights of sporting glory during the golden years of their playing days in the latter half of the twentieth century, Moore captaining England to World Cup victory at Wembley in 1966, and Gooch scoring century after century against the West Indies. Despite their international success, they proudly shared the same working-class East London/Essex background and always remained loyal to their roots. This book takes a unique look at the lives and characters of these two sporting heroes, comparing and contrasting the development of their careers within a rapidly changing social context, as well as their individual approaches to their retirement years. It traces the history of football and cricket in East London and Essex, a hotbed of local sport that has produced many world-class sports stars, from 1960 to 2000. It is also the story of thousands of local football and cricket enthusiasts in the area who have helped to make the sporting culture of East London/Essex so rich and distinctive. Anecdotes and interesting stories from individuals and clubs abound, including the great Graham Gooch, who agreed to be interviewed for the book and provides fascinating insights into modern sport. With a perceptive foreword by football legend Tony Cottee, this book captures the heart of cricket and football as well as the heart of East End and Essex culture and is a must all sports lovers.