Lying Bastards

Most Hereford United supporters will be familiar with the book 'One Goal, One Horse' which tells the story of giant-killer Ricky George's role in two major sporting events, twenty-six years apart.

In 1972, non-league Hereford United took on the might of Newcastle in an FA Cup 3rd Round replay - and won, with Ricky scoring the winning goal to take his place in football folklore.

But as if this was not enough, nearly three decades later George participated in another emotional victory when the fabulous steeplechaser Earth Summit, a horse he part-owned, won the 1998 Grand National in a breathtaking two-horse finish.

The book 'One Goal, One Horse' tells the story of these two momentous events, and what happened in between them, with humour, modesty and candour. From George's often hair-raising business dealings to his heroic fight against all odds to save Barnet Football Club in 1993, it is a tale of an indomitable, likeable man who has been touched but not tainted by the fickle hand of fame.

But how many Hereford United supporters have read Ricky's next book entitled 'Lying Bastards'. It is a humorous (occasionally bordering on 'black') look at an unconventional business world. The principal characters are middlemen, acting mainly on their own account and pitting their wits against the conventional style of the corporate giant.

The trade surfaced during the designer sportswear boom of the mid-seventies and produced an eclectic bunch of characters worldwide.

The blank refusal of famous brands like Adidas, Lacoste and Levi's to supply cash and carry outlets and discount hypermarkets in Europe and the U.S. led to a massive hole in the market, thus paving the way for entrepreneurs and opportunists from all four continents to create a business known as ' The Grey Market '.

This book contains twenty business tales and five short stories. All the accounts are based on real-life events and are the first of many experiences to be shared with the reader.

After reading the book, Benny Fletcher gave it this review:

'What a fantastic book!!! As a massive fan of non league football I thought I'd give this former FA cup heroes book a try.

'WOW what a read, I couldn't put it down. It's the story of a former professional sportsman turned business man in the 1980's and takes the reader on a fun soaked ride through the life of the grey market.

'Ever wondered where all those cheap designer label bargains came from when you were younger, well Ricky George has the answer.

'It's an insightful and very funny account of middle men in the sports goods trade. The book delivers on all accounts, with 'the bear' story being particularly good.'

So, if you are interested, why not follow the links below for more details.

Lying Bastards by Ricky George

One Goal, One Horse by Ricky George