Jimmy Armfield :The Official Biography
Jimmy Armfield :The Official Biography
hardback
Published:
1 September, 2025
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Description
The official biography of England and Blackpool legend Jimmy Armfield CBE. This book tells the story of a young boy captivated by the town of Blackpool, and the loyalty he had for its football club.
Foreword by former England coach Glenn Hoddle.
By former BBC journalist Roy Calley, who first saw Armfield play for Blackpool in 1967, and many years later shared the commentary box with him.
This engrossing book is perfect for all Blackpool and England fans, and anyone interested in the history of football:
- Jimmy Armfield was a ‘one-club man’, so typical of the game in the pre-Sky TV era, when players often stayed with one team for their whole career – his club was Blackpool
- He captained England, but despite representing his country at the 1962 World Cup, he missed England’s finest hour, four years later, due to injury
- Nevertheless, he played for Blackpool more than 600 times and England over 40
- He later managed both Bolton Wanderers and Leeds United, the first to promotion and the second to the European Cup final, but a brutal dismissal from Leeds saw him leave management altogether
- This deeply personal biography features contributions from many big names from the world of football, including Glenn Hoddle, Bobby Charlton, Gary Lineker, Howard Wilkinson and BBC commentators Steve Wilson, Mike Ingham and John Murray
Jimmy Armfield was a footballing man, representing the FA and broadcasting for the BBC, but he was a family man too. His devotion to his wife Anne, and sons Duncan and John, was well known. This official biography is endorsed by Jimmy’s family and written with input from family members, team-mates and friends.
More Details
| Type | Book |
|---|---|
| ISBN13 | 9781836801771 |
| ISBN10 | 1836801777 |
| Number Of Pages | 256 |
| Item Weight | 1000 g |
| Publisher / Reseller | Pitch Publishing Ltd |
| Format | hardback |
Media Reviews
“Roy Calley’s Jimmy Armfield: The Official Biography is a heartfelt tribute to one of football’s true gentlemen. Calley’s writing captures Armfield’s humility and sharp wit, and the narrative brims with warmth and respect. The book moves effortlessly through Armfield’s storied career at Blackpool, his unwavering loyalty to the club, and his dignified leadership as captain for both club and country.”
* soccerbooks.co.uk *“Throughout the book, Calley paints a clear picture of the love Armfield had for both football and Blackpool.”
* Blackpool Gazette *GoodReads Reviews
Author's Bio
Former BBC journalist Roy Calley first saw Jimmy Armfield play for Blackpool in 1967, not knowing then that he would share the commentary box with him many years later. Although no longer living in the town, he has followed the roller-coaster fortunes of the club ever since. He has written books on various topics, including motor-racing and Mary, Queen of Scots. This book is a tribute to a man he admired and considered a friend.