Some older supporters may well recall goalkeeper Norman Uprichard, who played for Town from 1949-1952. Chris Westcott, who previously wrote the biography of Town favourite Ernie Hunt, has just had a book published on his life and career.

The biography tells the tale of a young lad from Lurgan, a bit of a rebel who, as a teenager was thrust into the limelight by virtue of a move to the most famous English club of the day, Arsenal, before Louis Page signed him for Swindon Town towards the end of 1949.

Norman competed with local hero Sam Burton for the number one keeper at Town for a while before establishing himself, eventually making a total of 73 Football League and 9 FA Cup appearances for Swindon. Full international honours followed, as Norman won the first 5 of his 18 caps for Northern Ireland at Swindon before a transfer to First Division Portsmouth for £9,000 in 1952.

The book captures the social context of the period from the 1930s through to the culmination of Norman’s career, when Northern Ireland reached the World Cup finals in 1958. All this against a backdrop of recurring injuries, one such at Torquay in March 1952 when Norman was laid out. Both Harry May and Harry Kaye took turns in goal, culminating in a 9-0 defeat, a record that stands to this day.

Norman was a character, some of his escapades seem far fetched but are wholly true as he recalls the highlights of his life and career. Sadly Norman passed away at the beginning of this year and the book is a tribute to him.

The author will be in the club shop before and after the Bradford City game to sign copies of the book, or you can purchase online via this link.