The Working Man’s Ballet – Alan Hudson
Synopsis
This is the story of England’s prodigal genius, a rebellious young man about the King’s Road at its trendiest, told with wicked humour and great insight.Review
Anyone who listened to Alan Hudson when he was a guest on Show #75 will know what a great bloke he is, with a sharp wit and sense of humour. He was also a fantastic player, and one who should never have been sold by the club before his prime. This is his story from his early playing days at Chelsea as one of the original ‘Kings of the Kings Road’, to Stoke, Arsenal and back to Chelsea. It covers his far too fleeting England career were he practically beat West Germany, the then World and European champions, single handed and made a mug of Franz Beckenbauer in the process. In fact the Kaiser acknowledged that it was the finest international debut he had ever seen, and this was a couple of years after we sold him! Alan’s career and life to a certain extent has often been hampered by his uncompromising views, opinions and outspokenness. I know what that’s like and I would definitely forgive him that. You are what you are and you should never change for anyone! He was also one of the classiest players ever to play for Chelsea, and was my favourite number ‘8’ at the club, although Frank Lampard makes that a more difficult choice these days. A hard book to track down now, but it is acknowledged by the football community as a real classic. Beg, borrow or steal a copy – it’s worth it! Alan, you and your outspoken opinions are welcome on the Chelsea FanCast anytime!
