Former Sheffield Wednesday and Oldham Athletic striker Rodger Wylde has written his memoirs – but if you’re expecting a tedious chronological list of career highlights, think again!
Rodger, now the long-serving physio at Stockport County, has put together a collection of stories about people he’s met during a long and distinguished career in the game.
Rodger said: “My book, The Wylde Man of Football, is most definitely not my autobiography. If you want what would normally be dished up in autobiographies, DO NOT BUY MY BOOK! If, on the other hand, you want an informative and highly entertaining ‘behind the scenes’ football yarn, then I urge you to BUY MY BOOK! You will not regret it.”
The book includes tales of high-profile figures such as Sammy McIlroy, Joe Royle, Derek Dooley and Jack Charlton. It also features Dave Jones, Gary Megson, Carlton Palmer, Danny Bergara and Chris Turner who were synonymous with both Wednesday and County.
The foreword is written by Mick McCarthy, who said: “I couldn't stand Rodger Wylde. For a kick-off, he played for Sheffield Wednesday, who were seen as the local aristocrats, and I played for Barnsley, who weren't.
“He was the complete antithesis of me. He was a right Goldenballs before the term had been coined. But I have to admit that Rodger could play a bit. I always imagined he'd end up getting a tan and living the good life as a coach at Tampa Bay or somewhere similar. Just goes to show how wrong you can be...”
After a playing career spanning 20 years, Rodger became Stockport County’s physiotherapist, giving him a unique perspective on both the manager’s office and the dressing-room. He has been able to go where no journalist or football fan can ever dream to tread!
Rodger played for Wednesday, Oldham, Sporting Lisbon, Sunderland and Barnsley before ending up at Stockport County, scoring 139 goals in 370 league games.
He said: “If you are a supporter of any of the clubs I played for, or have actually worked with or know me, this book is a definite read. It’s also an alternative to the usual autobiographies and is most definitely a must-read for ANY football fan.”
.jpg)
