To Cap it All: The Autobiography of John Rudge

To Cap It All is a hilarious memoir by legendary Port Vale manager John Rudge, providing special behind-the-scenes insight into six decades of professional football, from the depths of Division Four to the Premier League and Europe.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 09 October 2023
Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd

To Cap It All is the captivating life story of legendary Port Vale manager John Rudge, offering a unique behind-the-scenes glimpse into the highs and lows of six decades of professional football, spanning from the depths of the Division Four re-election zone to the Premier League and Europe. Rudge's managerial tenure with the Valiants lasted an impressive 19 years, during which he nurtured the development of players such as Robbie Earle, Mark Bright, and Ian Taylor. As Vale triumphantly defeated formidable opponents like Spurs, Southampton, and Everton, Rudge emerged as a style icon renowned for his signature flat cap. In 1999, he made a strategic move to join city rivals Stoke as the director of football, overseeing the club's remarkable revival that led to their ascension to the Premier League and their historic appearance in the FA Cup final. However, his journey was not without its challenges. John candidly shares his tumultuous relationship with Vale chairman Bill Bell and openly discusses Stoke's Icelandic owners and manager Johan Boskamp, who had Rudge placed on garden leave. This humorous memoir also unveils the surprising impact of a second-hand Lada on John's life, his encounter with a drag artist, and the unexpected turn of events that led him to share a bed with Denis Law.

Weight: 650g
Dimension: 163 x 243 x 36 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801505017