Boozing, Betting & Brawling is the autobiography of former footballer, Mel Sterland, who played for Sheffield Wednesday, Glasgow Rangers and Leeds United. He was also capped once by England.The Book which is co-authored by Sheffield-based journalist, Nick Johnson, opens with Sterland recounting plans to commit suicide after being forced into premature retirement from playing. Following an indifferent start to his career at Sheffield Wednesday, Sterland made his name as a marauding full-back, playing under high-profile managerial trio Jack Charlton, Howard Wilkinson and Ron Atkinson. He made a big-money move to Glasgow Rangers, where he played under another well-known football personality, Graeme Souness. Despite being at Ibrox for only a brief spell, Sterland is fondly remembered by Rangers fans for scoring the goals which helped the Glasgow giants win the first of a record-equalling nine league titles. Following his transfer to Leeds, where he played alongside the likes of Eric Cantona and Gordon Strachan, Sterland won a First Division championship-winners medal, making him one of only a handful of players to win the league title in both England and Scotland. Sterland’s story features a heady mix of humour, gambling and punch-ups, and will have widespread appeal to football supporters. In the interests of authenticity, no attempt has been made to smooth off the rough edges, creating an honest, raw account. Now available in paperback for the first time.

Boozing, Betting & Brawling provides a fascinating account of the life and career of former football star Mel Sterland.  After an indifferent start in the game as a midfielder at Sheffield Wednesday - finding himself a target for the boo-boys - Sterland made his name as a marauding full-back, playing under high-profile managerial trio Jack Charlton, Howard Wilkinson and Ron Atkinson. He then made a big-money move to Glasgow Rangers, helping the Glasgow giants win the first of a record-equalling nine Scottish Premier League titles. Following a switch to Leeds, Sterland joined a select band of players who have won league titles in both England and Scotland. Sterland, who won one England cap, was forced into premature retirement due to injury and struggled to adjust to life outside football. After being charged and later cleared of handling stolen goods following a Post Office raid, he sought solace in alcohol and gambling. In the grip of depression, Sterland made plans to commit suicide, going as far as attaching a hose pipe to the exhaust of his car before coming to his senses. Sterland’s story, which is laced with good humour, will have widespread appeal to football supporters. In the interests of authenticity, no attempt has been made to smooth off the rough edges, creating an honest, raw account.