Almost Immortal, a new book on Sir Bobby Robson’s time in charge of England told by many of those who played for him with Blues legend Terry Butcher the main narrator, is now available for pre-order.

The book, officially endorsed by Sir Bobby’s family, is written by Neil Prentice, who was previously behind John Wark, He’s Here, He’s There, All To Play For on George Burley’s career and 1980-81 - The Greatest Season in Ipswich Town’s History.

Robson’s eight years in charge of England were a dramatic period in English football history, most notably the 1986 and 1990 World Cup finals, and Almost Immortal gives the definitive account of that period told by the people who were there.

Butcher, who played under Robson for 14 years, featuring in 69 of the former Blues boss’s 95 matches in charge of the national team, skippering in the 1990 World Cup semi-final, provides the central narrative.

He said of the project: “Almost Immortal is more than a book, it is a window into the most exciting period of England’s international football history. It has been an absolute pleasure and honour to work on it, and no stone has been left unturned.

“Relive the excitement, the injustice, the successes and the heartbreaks. It is a wonderful tribute to Sir Bobby and those that almost became immortal.”

The publication also contains in-depth interviews with Three Lions stars Peter Shilton, Paul Parker, Stuart Pearce, Des Walker, Bryan Robson, Paul Gascoigne, Chris Waddle, Peter Beardsley, Gary Lineker and John Barnes. Plus, there are contributions too from media legends Desmond Lynam and Jim Rosenthal.

Almost Immortal, a high-quality hardback with 288 full-colour pages packed with evocative images and behind the scenes insight, comes in two editions.

A Collector’s Edition limited to 1,990 copies in a high-quality slipcase with an individually numbered certificate hand-signed by Terry Butcher and a bookmark is available for pre-order here for £50 including postage and packaging to the UK.

The Standard Edition is available here for £35 including postage and packaging to the UK.

Pre-orders are expected to be dispatched during the first week of November. For international sales email sales@almostimmortal.co.uk.

You can find out more about Almost Immortal on its dedicated website here, while this week’s Life’s a Pitch TV will focus on the book.

Photo: Neil Prentice