The Biography of former Saddlers manager Dave Mackay is out now!
Football's Braveheart is the riveting life story of Dave Mackay, the fearless, skilled, heroic and barrel-chested left-half who was an icon for Spurs, Hearts, Derby and Scotland. Off the field, Dave was a humble, fair-minded, sociable man. On it, he was an out-and-out winner, a warrior and inspiration with consummate ball skills and intelligence. The heartbeat of Spurs' double-winning side of 1961, he came back after two broken legs to add to a glittering trophy collection started at Hearts. After his playing career, Mackay distinguished himself as a title-winning manager with Derby County.
A legends' legend, he was lauded by George Best as the hardest and bravest opponent he ever faced. Fabled managers Bill Nicholson (Spurs) and Brian Clough (Derby) hailed him as their best signing, and other admirers included Jimmy Greaves, Denis Law and Sir Alex Ferguson. Author Mike Donovan has gained exclusive, first-hand insights from those who knew Mackay best to bring you the definitive story of a man who made an indelible mark on football.
This definitive life story of Spurs, Hearts, Derby and Scotland legend Dave Mackay features exclusive interviews with those who knew him best, including:
- Daniel Levy (Spurs chairman): ‘Dave was an iconic figure for this football club during a golden generation in our history. He will always be considered one of our greatest ever players, as well as a legend in British football and a real gentleman. We will never forget his contribution to our club.’
- Terry Dyson (Spurs teammate): ‘I can’t think of anyone now who is as good or like him. I miss him. My best friend.’
- Cliff Jones (Spurs teammate): ‘Dave remains one of the best of all time. Our main man. Spurs were the team to see in the early 1960s and most of it was down to Mackay. He changed teams.’
- Gordon Marshall (Hearts teammate): ‘Dave Mackay was the best player I ever played with. He inspired everyone around him.’
- Roy McFarland (Derby teammate, player and friend): ‘I learned my trade when Dave Mackay walked through that door. He was fearful of nothing. A superstar.’
- Denis Law (Scotland teammate, opponent and friend): ‘One of Scotland’s best ever? Definitely, yes. He battled so hard for the whole 90 minutes. I was very fortunate to play alongside him.’
Award-winning author Mike Donovan has written numerous Tottenham-related books including The King of White Hart Lane (Alan Gilzean), Glory, Glory Lane, Spurs' Greatest Games, Spurs' Unsung Hero (Terry Dyson) and Takenote! (Darren Anderton). A Spurs fan since 1961, Mike met Dave Mackay and saw him play throughout the 1960s. Mike has been a journalist for 40 years and worked as a boxing and tennis correspondent and sports editor.
The best place to pick up a copy is https://www.pitchpublishing.co.uk/shop/footballs-braveheart