Tony Waddington: Director of a Working Man's Ballet

Waddington, the director of a Working Man's Ballet, is a biography of the former Stoke City manager who defied stereotypes and turned around the club's fortunes, securing promotion, a major trophy, and challenging for a league title despite bad luck. He advocated free-flowing football while fielding uncompromising defensive players and won the adulation of fans.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 256 pages
\n Publication date: 30 July 2018
\n Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd
\n

Waddington, the director of a Working Man's Ballet, is a captivating biography that delves into the life of the former Stoke City manager, Tony Waddington. Often overlooked in the annals of 60s and 70s football, Waddington emerges as one of the most underrated figures in the sport. This book meticulously charts his remarkable journey, showcasing how a man with the outward appearance of an urbane bank manager defied the conventional stereotype of the hard-nosed football manager. Instead, Waddington embarked on a mission to turnaround the fortunes of a struggling club on the brink of financial collapse.

In a season plagued by misfortune, Waddington led the Potters to promotion, securing the club's first major trophy, and even challenged for a league title. Despite facing numerous obstacles, including a string of injuries and bad luck, Waddington's unwavering belief in free-flowing football and his ability to field some of the most uncompromising defensive players of his era propelled the club to new heights. His reinvigoration of old pros, inspiration of young players, and the adulation he garnered from a generation of fans made him a beloved figure in the football world.

Waddington, affectionately known as "Waddo" by his fans and players, achieved all this as the director of what he proudly referred to as a "working man's ballet." His dedication to the sport, combined with his unique management style, left an indelible mark on the football landscape. Waddington's story serves as a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and a belief in the transformative potential of football. It reminds us that, even in the face of adversity, great achievements are possible when driven by passion and vision.

\n Weight: 486g\n
Dimension: 161 x 242 x 30 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781785314230\n \n