Dave Hickson – The Cannonball Kid
In the final months of his life, Everton Legend Dave Hickson sat down to record his life story, from being scouted by the legendary Dixie Dean to playing in front of 70,000 plus crowds at Goodison. The only man to turn out for all three Merseyside teams he captivated the city with his outrageous bravery, running through opposing defences with the verve of a Boy’s Own hero, with his trademark blond quiff he looked the part too.
I was honoured to be asked to design a limited edition cover for his autobiography, my only regret being that Dave passed away before he could see it.
This was a Limited Edition run of 250, with royalties benefiting Hickson’s nominated charities, the Everton Former Players’ Foundation and Lily Centre. Each book contains an original signature from Hickson, which was taken from a signing carried out by a memorabilia dealer shortly before his death.
Bob Latchford – A Different Road
I also provided the artwork for a Special Edition of Bob Latchford’s autobiography ‘A Different Road’. Each book was hand signed by the Everton legend and limited to a print run of 289, one for each of his EFC appearances.
It was a real privilege to be involved in this project, especially as Bob’s goal-scoring exploits have only been bettered by Dixie Dean and Graeme Sharp.
Clyde Best – The Acid Test
I was particularly pleased to be invited back (by DeCoubertin Publishing) to provide the artwork for a Special Edition of Clyde Best’s autobiography ‘The Acid Test’.
Described by Ron Greenwood as ‘the best 17 year-old I have ever seen’, the centre forward was signed by West Ham as a teenager and spent eight years at Upton Park. He developed a reputation as a powerful, bustling centre-forward, but also attracted universal respect for actively defying the racism endemic found in English football at the time.
The incident which gives the book its title refers to a letter Best received before a game, warning him that acid would be thrown in his face as he left the tunnel for his next away game. His story is one that needed telling and the dignity and determination with which he faced his abusers is an example to all.
The tributes at the end of the book from the likes of Garth Crooks, Brendon Batson, John Barnes and a host of others prove how important he was to the game itself and the black players that followed him.
David Fairclough – Supersub
I also provided the artwork for a Special Edition of David Fairclough’s autobiography ‘Supersub’. Each book is hand signed by the Liverpool legend and includes a foreword written by Gerrard Houllier. The print run has been limited to 154, one for each of his LFC appearances.
David Fairclough was born in Liverpool in January 1957 and joined his boyhood club as a schoolboy striker. He exploded onto the scene as a 19 year old, his goals helping propel Liverpool to a League and UEFA Cup double – the first silverware of an extraordinary trophy-laden haul over a seven-year first team Anfield career. Despite many crucial goals, a guaranteed starting place was often elusive and he became universally known as ’Supersub’. Fairclough later played in Canada, Switzerland and Belgium as well as spells with Norwich City, Oldham Athletic, Tranmere Rovers and Wigan Athletic. Now a respected football analyst, Fairclough is a familiar face on LFCTV and remains a revered Liverpool legend.
The portfolio of Steve Welsh 