You saw me standing alone by Alex Williams Published by Bucko Media Ltd. £15

Former professional footballer, Alex Williams, tells his fascinating story of involvement as a player, then coach and community activist at Manchester City. The first black goalkeeper to play at the highest level, till his career was tragically cut short by injury, Williams goes on a footballing journey. A boy from the local streets around the old City ground at Maine Road, he progresses to become the first team goalkeeper in 1981. He looks set for big things, having become the regular keeper but a career ending back injury brings all to a halt in 1985. He then plays a few games for Port Vale but the playing side is over. Williams has to endure all the racism thrown at the pioneer black players of the 1970s and 80s. He graphically recalls a fan at Everton creating a burning cross, remnant of the Klu Klux Clan, on the terrace. Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham was at the game that day with his Dad. He recalled the incident, meeting Williams years later. Williams also suffered a hail of bananas at Leeds United and razor blades sent to a hotel City were staying, when about to play Chelsea. Williams also recalls the casual racism of white teammates - defined as banter then but what would be regarded as racism now. Williams is a tough character, enduring the abuse and coming out the other side. He also provided an important inspiration for later players, including Arsenal and England's Ian Wright. He goes onto coach goalkeepers at City and work for City in the Community (CIC). CIC has been running since 1986. It has ploughed millions into community development, addressing all sorts of issues, impacting on young people. One encouraging thing has been how this work has deepened and expanded under the new ownership of the club under Sheikh Mansour. So much negativity, surrounds the role of big money owners in football, it is good to hear some positive impact. The story of Alex Williams is a fascinating one, well told. There is the first person narrative, punctuated with testimonies from the many people he has worked with over the years. City fans will love the book but it has a wider appeal. Williams time in football covers a period of great transition. Many of the players come from the surrounding Manchester streets, when Williams is setting out. There is no Premiership. By the time, he finishes (earlier this year), football is a multi-national, multi-billion pound business. There are still some local players, like Phil Foden at Manchester City, but it is the exception rather than the rule. The game has changed but the work of CIC is a cause for hope. The club has not lost it's roots, which still lie deep in the Manchester community. Published by Bucko Media Ltd - £15 published - Morning star - 19/12/2023 A good read, telling the story of one remarkable man and the changing football landscape around him.