Читать книгу Super Frank - Portrait of a Hero - Douglas Thompson - Страница 5

It’s a privilege to have so many talented friends and I thank all of them who have helped me tell the inspirational and exciting story of the superb talent Frank Lampard Junior. He’s an England star with a host of accolades and honours including being the 2010 recipient of the Football Writers’ Association Tribute Award, one of the youngest in the game to be so honoured. I would like to acknowledge Lampard’s contribution to football and for being such a fascinating character to write about. He’s a great ambassador for football and his country, and a mainstay of Chelsea’s magnificent resurgent and recurring success, all of which is lucky for me as everyone has an opinion about him. And football people like to tell you what they think. To list all who have helped with interviews and analysis would fill another book, but for his insight and time I’d like to thank the renowned sports broadcaster Guy Swindells who has chronicled Frank’s career from the beginning.

Thanks to all those in Romford, Canning Town, Barking and Stratford, Manchester, Leeds, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and further afield in Italy, Portugal, Spain and the USA for their indulgence.

Bobby Moore’s close friend and authorised biographer Jeff Powell has witnessed more of this overlapping tale than most and was kind enough to offer me some of his wisdom. Jon Ryan, an ongoing source of discernment in the media arena, was, as he has been for what turns out to be a rather disquieting number of years, a good friend and a tremendous help.

Thanks to all those who illustrated the early days of Frank Senior – their hairstyles may have changed or vanished but their diligence and attitude have not. I also owe huge thanks to two sisters from Barking for their insight and memories.