A Director's Tale: John Bond, Burnley and the Boardroom Diaries of Derek Gill

A Director's Tale is a book that tells the story of Burnley Football Club in the early 1980s, a time of short-lived success and then turmoil. It provides a unique opportunity to see the workings and machinations of boardroom politics, revealing the conflict with chairman John Jackson and manager John Bond.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 28 March 2022
Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd

A Director's Tale is a captivating account of Burnley Football Club's journey in the early 1980s, a period marked by both fleeting success and profound turmoil. Through exclusive access to the diaries of director Derek Gill, Dave Thomas delves into the untold inside story, unveiling the behind-the-scenes events amidst conflicts with chairman John Jackson and manager John Bond. These were turbulent times characterized by a series of unexpected twists and turns. Initially, the club experienced a surprising promotion, followed by a relegation, and then the departure of John Bond, leading to another relegation. This group of individuals, each possessing competence and professionalism in their respective fields, such as Jackson as a barrister and Gill as an accountant, transformed into a toxic mix within the boardroom. The Bond season has etched its mark in Turf Moor history as one of the most damaging, with his name often being derided in Burnley today. However, it is important to recognize that he was merely a part of a larger problem. The Gill diaries offer a unique glimpse into the workings and machinations of boardroom politics, presenting awarts-and-all portrayal of the dynamics at play. This is a story of failure and acrimony, reflecting the challenges and complexities faced by the club during this tumultuous period.

Weight: 646g
Dimension: 242 x 164 x 37 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801500722