The Saint - My Autobiography: The man, the myth, the true story

Ian St John

Hodder & Stoughton, May 29, 2014 - Sports & Recreation - 352 pages

This is the life story of the legendary Liverpool and Scotland 1960s footballer known as 'The Saint'. Bought by Bill Shankly from Motherwell in 1961, Ian St John was widely thought of as one of the most significant signings ever made by Liverpool FC, and was a key component in Shankly's first successful team. In his autobiography, he reveals how it felt to play for one of the most successful clubs in Britain, and to be part of one of the greatest moments in the club's history; winning the FA Cup in 1965 after 70 years of trying. In the final against Leeds, Ian was to score the winning goal in extra time.

However, after the glory would come pain and frustration, as after serving ten years with Liverpool, he was dropped from the team without warning. Here he describes his anger at the betrayal he felt from Bill Shankly, the legendary master of Anfield, and provides an insight into the character of one of Britain's greatest managers. He reveals how his life after Liverpool has been no less uneventful; his playing days in South Africa, career in management and television days with Jimmy Greaves are also explored at length.

From this rich mix of football and life, Ian St John tells the compelling story of his journey through a game which has changed, he says, almost beyond belief.

About the author

Born in 1938, Ian St John was one of six siblings brought up by his widowed mother, his father dying when he was young. He joined Motherwell in 1956, then was signed by Liverpool in 1961. When his playing days were over he managed Coventry City, Motherwell, Portsmouth and Sheffield Wednesday. Then came his TV career and his famous pairing with Jimmy Greaves to present 'Saint and Greavsie' in 1984. Ian St John is now much in demand as an after dinner speaker and runs a highly successful soccer coaching school.

Bibliographic information

• Title: The Saint - My Autobiography: The man, the myth, the true story
• Author: Ian St John
• Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton, 2014
• ISBN: 1444785915, 9781444785913
• Length: 352 pages
• Subjects: Biography & Autobiography / Sports; Sports & Recreation / Football; Sports & Recreation / Soccer