Eriu the new Dublin-based imprint of Bonnier Books UK has acquired the memoir of legendary Irish footballer, manager and commentator Liam Brady.
Publishing Director Deirdre Nolan acquired world English language rights from Tim Bates at Peters Fraser + Dunlop following an eight-way auction.
Born to be a Footballer is a fascinating autobiography outlining Liam’s stellar career, from his childhood in Dublin to his incredible feats in an Irish shirt, his infamous FA Cup Final win with Arsenal in 1979, and on to glory in Italy with teams including Juventus and Inter Milan before returning to London and West Ham. As a manager he worked with Celtic, Brighton and Hove Albion, and the Republic of Ireland, and was Head of Youth Development at Arsenal until 2013. He has been a popular pundit with RTÉ Sport since 1998.
Liam Brady said: ‘During lockdown I had the inclination to reflect on my life in football, and how good it’s been to me. In football you’re bound to have your ups and downs, but I regret very little of my career in the professional game. I have great memories and great stories of my fifty years in the sport.’
Deirdre Nolan said: ‘I’m thrilled that Liam’s incredible story will be published by Eriu. His outstanding career as one of Ireland’s greatest-ever footballers makes for compelling reading, and his insights into the beautiful game are second to none. I can’t wait for readers to learn more about this hero of Irish sport.’
Liam Brady was born in Dublin in 1956 into a footballing family. Having displayed great potential as a young player he was recruited to Arsenal at the age of fifteen, and enjoyed huge success with the club until his move to Juventus in 1980. He continued his career in Italy playing with Sampdoria, Internazionale and Ascoli before returning to London and joining West Ham in 1987. With the Republic of Ireland he won 72 international caps over a 16-year career, and is considered one of the greatest footballers the country has ever produced. After retiring from the pitch he went on to manage Celtic and Brighton and Hove Albion, and became Head of Youth Development at Arsenal. He was also assistant manager for the Republic of Ireland from 2008-2010. He has been a football analyst for RTÉ since 1998.
Brady is a major signing for the new imprint run by Nolan, with plans to publish 10-12 titles each year for the flourishing local market, spanning adult and children’s fiction and non-fiction. Eriu is part of the Black and White Publishing Group, Bonnier Books UK’s newly announced adult trade division led by Tim Whiting.
Born to be a Footballer will be published in the UK and Ireland in Hardback, Audio and eBook on 12 October 2023.
