Imperfect 10: The Man Behind the Magic, by Tony Currie

About Andy PackTony Currie

An instantly recognisable figure on the pitches of the best clubs in the land largely during the 1970s TONY CURRIE often led from centre-stage for Watford Sheffield United Leeds United and QPR. He also won 17 England caps although to many his swaggering midfield play was criminally underused by the national team - despite being praised by no less an expert than the manager of Brazil. Currie's route into the game was equally mystifying as he was rejected on numerous occasions as a youth but he more than made up for it when he finally got his chance. A Londoner he swiftly moved north to become the star turn at Bramall Lane and Elland Road before divorce and injury began a decline only partly checked by a move back to the capital. His battle with depression and self-confidence was eventually aided by a chance return to Sheffield where he found new direction and a new wife. Lauded by Sheffield United fans as their club's greatest ever player Currie briefly became a director and is now club ambassador. Born a Sheffield United fan co-author ANDY PACK taught secondary school PE in the city for over 20 years before becoming media manager at the Blades along with a part-time stint at BBC Radio Sheffield covering United. Working with the likes of Dave Bassett Howard Kendall Bryan Robson and Neil Warnock across almost two decades he produced the match programme and various club publications content for the website and interviewed countless players and football staff. His involvement during the 'Carlos Tevez Affair' affair was a testing challenge; meeting and interviewing Pele for a live audience over 90 minutes a more enjoyable one. He worked with former United goalscoring favourite Keith Edwards on the Golden Boot winner's autobiography Edwards ... One Nil! which was published in 2014. Tony Currie's invitation to do the same for him was a result of the pair having known each as colleagues and friends for around 30 years.