Tortured: The Sam English Story

Sam English was a talented footballer who became one of the greatest goalscorers in Scottish football history, but his career was tragically cut short by a tragic accident.

Format: Hardback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 14 September 2020
Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd

The Sam English Story is a captivating yet tragic tale of a footballer destined to become one of the greatest goalscorers in Scottish football history, yet who, by his own admission, became an embarrassing, grizzly peep show. English was a veritable goal machine at Yoker Athletic in the late 1920s, netting nearly 300 goals in three seasons and attracting the attention of a host of big-name clubs. Legendary Arsenal manager Herbert Chapman offered him a blank cheque, but 22-year-old English chose Rangers. In his debut season, he hit an impressive 44 league goals, still a record today. However, tragedy struck early in the campaign when Celtic keeper John Thomson lost his life after bravely diving at the feet of the entirely blameless English in the first Old Firm match of the season. In an instant, English became one half of a tragic accident, and his life was forever altered. He moved to Liverpool, but the fatality and its accompanying demons haunted him. He was cast as a villain and made a pariah, and his life would be defined by that one tragic incident.

Despite the immense pressure and scrutiny he faced, English remained resilient and determined to overcome his demons. He continued to play at a high level, scoring goals for both Rangers and Liverpool, and even earned a place in the Scotland national team. However, the tragedy of John Thomson's death never truly left him, and he struggled with his mental health throughout his career. In the end, English's life was cut short by suicide at the age of 31, leaving behind a legacy as one of the greatest goalscorers in Scottish football history, but also as a symbol of the human cost of tragedy.

The Sam English Story is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the impact that one tragic incident can have on a person's life. It is a testament to English's talent and resilience, but also to the darker side of football and the toll that it can take on its players. It is a story that will continue to be told and remembered for generations to come, a reminder of the importance of cherishing every moment of life and the impact that we can have on others.

Weight: 590g
Dimension: 163 x 241 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785317255