The former England international Dave Thomas had a splended footballing career with clubs such as Burnley, QPR and Everton. He also had a spell in the NASL with Vancouver Whitecaps and once the most expensive player to be sold to a club outside the top flight when signing for QPR from Burnley for a fee of £165.000.
The income from the book is given to charity and to Guide Dogs, as Thomas in his later life has struggled with his eyesight. The books in it self starts with his early life and how his granddad influenced his football career and how the former amateur footballer was part of a football tournament in Italy back in 1909 that has later been described as the first world cup of football.
Dave Thomas talks about a great childhood and how he grew up in a very knit family atmosphere. He also managed to enjoy school, and make his grades. Besides football he also enjoyed cricket and played in a team at a young age.
He also praised his parents for the way they supported him and helped when he concentrated on plying football or had the chance to watch his teams in Bishop Auckland. He also talks about trips to watch Sunderland and Middlesbrough in his early days and the massive attendances back in the late 50’s and early 60’s.
A talk of neighbours setting fire to the balls when it was kicked into their garden is well known for “younger footballers”, so it was for Dave Thomas. His first recognition as a footballer came while playing for the St. Helens school team.
He later played for the Bishop Auckland district team and got recognized. His life in football expired and as we all know became a winger of the best caliber. Socks rolled down and minus shin pads, Dave Thomas was the winger Don Revie once referred to as ‘the most exciting prospect in British soccer.’
Dave’s speed and crossing ability entertained fans. After a fascinating career which included eight England caps, Dave lost a good deal of his confidence and independence when he was registered blind in his 50’s. This is the uplifting and emotional story of how he regained control over his life again when paired with his faithful guide dog, Hannah.
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