Lofty: Nat Lofthouse, England’s Lion of Vienna

A long-overdue biography of one of English Football’s timeless greats. Nat Lofthouse is a name that rings through the annals of English football history like few others. He was a pivotal figure in one of the true golden ages of the beautiful game, ending his career as the leading goalscorer for both his club and his country and with a reputation as one of the game’s true greats. His retirement coincided almost exactly with the abolition of the maximum wage, and ensured that his name would forever be identified with a time before money flooded the game and changed it inexorably. This book explores not only Lofthouse’s life and career in detail never done before, but also delves into his personality and motivations through various key points of his life. Interviews with those who knew him best and played alongside him, extensive research into newspaper archives and, of course, the words of the man himself have all played a crucial role in breathing life into one of football’s most legendary figures. AUTHOR: Matt Clough is a lifelong Bolton Wanderers fan, who has been captivated by the golden age of football and Lofthouse in particular since he was young. He has contributed many football pieces for several years, including to These Football Times and Bleacher Report, and has written for the Guardian and Independent. He lives in Staffordshire. 16 b/w illustrations