Vince: The Autobiography of Vince Hilaire

Vince Hilaire, a cult football figure with over 600 games and spells at Crystal Palace, Portsmouth, Leeds United, and Stoke City, shares his fascinating autobiography. He reveals the methods of managers like Malcolm Allison and Terry Venables, the chaos that engulfed Palace, and the abuse he faced as a young black player. The book offers a glimpse into the beautiful game as it used to be played.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 22 March 2018
Publisher: Biteback Publishing

A legendary figure in the world of football, Vince Hilaire's career spanned over 600 games and included stints at Crystal Palace, Portsmouth, Leeds United, and Stoke City. He played in every professional division, as well as representing England at the youth and under-21 levels. Hilaire had the privilege of sharing a dressing room with some of the era's biggest stars, including Kenny Sansom, Mick Channon, Gordon Strachan, and Vinnie Jones. He was also managed by some of the most influential figures in British football, including Malcolm Allison, Terry Venables, Alan Ball, and Howard Wilkinson.

This book provides a captivating insight into the management styles of these managers. Allison and Venables were determined to create a side that rivaled the free-flowing football of the famous "Busby Babes," while Wilkinson's Leeds was known for its dourness and rigidity. Hilaire was one of the first black players to break into the professional game, making his debut at seventeen. He was a member of the famous "Team of the '80s" at Palace, which topped the First Division table. However, he details why that team fell apart so quickly and the chaos that ensued. Hilaire also outlines the regular abuse he faced as a young black player making his way in football and the dread he felt playing at certain grounds.

This massively entertaining autobiography offers a fascinating insight into the beautiful game as it used to be played. It provides a unique perspective on the challenges and experiences of a black player in the 1980s, and is a must-read for football fans of all ages.

Weight: 386g
Dimension: 218 x 142 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781785903625