Australia's "amazing and quirky football history" is showcased in a new book that looks at the many superstars of world football who have played club football in Australia.
Be My Guest – Football Superstars in Australia by Jason Goldsmith and Lucas Gillard starts with the incredible tale of Alex 'Sandy' Young, one of Everton's most prolific goalscorers to this day, who settled in Tongala in country Victoria in 1914.
Other household names who are covered in the book include George Best, Trevor Francis, Kevin Keegan, Bobby Moore, Iaonnis Samaras, David Provan, Ossie Ardiles, Ray Clemence, Paul Mariner, Nicola Berti and more.
The book recounts what was involved in getting the players here, and how the players, clubs, fans and competition benefited. It also examines the simple, elegant but often flawed logic that bringing football superstars to Australia would provide a turbo boost to Australia's domestic football competition - whether that be the former National Soccer League or the A-League.
According to Craig Foster who provided the Foreword, the players who left their footprints on Australian football pitches are amongst the game's greats.
Some were here for a bit of a 'look see' at Australia, some because they genuinely wanted to contribute to the development of the game, and others because they were winding-down after a long and illustrious career and a nice pay cheque came with the visit.
Be My Guest brings back fond memories for those who remember the players and the times, and for those who do not, it adds to the increasingly rich record of Australia's football history.
Be My Guest is published by Fair Play Publishing and is available in paperback direct from the publisher or from good bookstores or Amazon for $34.99, and as an e-book.
