Legendary Blues striker Paul Mariner’s autobiography My Rock and Roll Football Story is published next week by Reach Sport and TWTD’s Phil Ham spoke to ghost-writer Mark Donaldson about the book.

Donaldson worked alongside Mariner, who died in July aged 68 after battling brain cancer, at US sports channel ESPN for many years and suggested to the former England international that they write his life story in February of this year.

Due to his illness Mariner was sadly unable to fully contribute to the book but Donaldson, with the family’s blessing completed it for him, speaking to more than 40 people, including team-mates from Town and elsewhere, while doing so. Mariner’s close friend Ian Gillan from rock band Deep Purple has written the foreword.

Donaldson, who is flying over from the States to be at Portman Road for Tuesday’s game against Rotherham, talks about the writing of the book, tells some of its stories and gives his own memories of spending time with the man many view as the Blues’ greatest ever striker.

My Rock and Roll Football Story is available from Reach Sport here with 40 per cent off, for £11.39.

Photo: Action Images

itfchorry added 15:09 - Nov 19 Simply the BEST 💙
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Robert_Garrett added 16:01 - Nov 19 A must have book - I was privileged to see him play in his heyday
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Terrystowel added 19:54 - Nov 19 I'm old enough and lucky enough to have seen two superb centre forwards doing their stuff for town. Both Paul and Ray we're outstanding. Never met my hero, Ray, but I spoke to Paul a couple of times and he was a great guy and deserves all the accolades he is getting.
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britbiker added 20:13 - Nov 19 I was lucky enough to witness Paul and many others of the team come on stage as backing singers for Ian Gillan durin his Gillan Band gig at the Ipswich Gaumont. Can't remember which song but have a feeling it was Birn to Kill as it has a brilliant faster chorus section half way through. Definately a book to buy.
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britbiker added 20:15 - Nov 19 'Born to kill'. Sorry, fat fingers and little phone.
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ThaiBlue added 20:23 - Nov 19 What a player a true town legend,RIP Sir Paul Mariner.
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Chris_Knights added 21:00 - Nov 19 Best number 9 we've ever had …. Mariner and Whymark … fantastic …. Mariner and Brazil … just awesome
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Carberry added 21:24 - Nov 19 I remember standing in Churchman's, we had a corner (maybe against Everton) and Paul was on the edge of the six yard box looking up at us all, laughing his head off at their defending. It was just such a magic moment that I doubt you could expect to see now. We all felt so connected with one of our heroes. Such a talented forward, maybe the last one we had who could stamp his authority on a back four and give them a torrid time. He was absolute class.

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