The paths of Bill Shankly, Denis Law and David Kershaw crossed briefly at Huddersfield Town FC in the 1950s. David who? Kershaw would never go on to become a household name. Before leaving for Liverpool, Shankly had to tell him that he was never going to make it as a professional footballer. "I think you'd be a great teacher," he added in that distinctive Ayrshire accent.
He then backed his judgement by paying for the necessary qualifications for a young man who had failed his eleven-plus and been written off at school as "not very bright". Kershaw would go on to become not just a teacher but a highly successful head teacher who is still employed by the Department of Education to sort out failing schools at the age of 75.
Ghost-written by Chris Arnot, author of Britain's Lost Cricket Grounds and Small Island by Little Train, this is the first time that David Kershaw, CBE, JP, Hon D Ed, FRSA, has paid tribute to the legendary manager who broke his heart before changing his life. It will appeal to football fans, educationalists and anyone who enjoys a transformative tale of triumph against the odds.