George Best was sheer magic. Plucked from the mean streets of Belfast by a canny old scout, he astonished everyone at Old Trafford with his unique gift for the game, bursting into Matt Busby's first team at 17. He starred as Manchester United won the League title in 1964/65 while still in his teens and fame followed. 'El Beatle' became football's first pop idol in 1966 after the match of his life against Benfica in Lisbon. He shone again in 1966/67 as the Red Devils clinched the League title once more and then he was central to the lifting of the European Cup in 1968. Packed full of rare photos and personal insight from the men who knew him best on the pitch, the likes of Sir Bobby Charlton and Denis Law, this book examines the career of a legend, celebrates the talent of a truly exceptional footballer and nods in heartfelt appreciation to the sporting gods who sent George Best to thrill us all.

George Best was a phenomenon of British sport. Blessed with an exceptional footballing gift, he was the first celebrity footballer and to many he remains the greatest player ever. This is a pictorial celebration of his playing career.

August, 2003. Celia Walden, a young reporter, receives an unusual phone call from her editor. She is to drop everything and fly to Malta in an attempt to track down a legendary footballer and keep him from the press. George Best, an alcoholic with his personal life in chaos, isn't, however, the easiest man to find. But the unlikely friendship that develops between George and Celia reveals an intelligent and complex human being. Babysitting George is a tender account of a unique relationship between a young woman and a dying star, which questions the exploitative nature of fame and tabloid journalism, the horrors of addiction and the humane, implausible friendships that can change one's life forever.

Michael Parkinson: 'What was the nearest to kick-off that you made love to a woman?'George Best: 'Er- I think it was half-time actually'George Best was the first celebrity footballer and to many the greatest British player ever. In Scoring at Half-Time he gathers together his favourite memories, stories and anecdotes from his experiences in and out of the game over the last forty years. No dressing room door is left unopened, no player's bar tale untold and no secret kept in this fond, humorous look at football's golden era from the man who was usually there when it happened. Inside stories and lurid tales about George, Bobby, Denis, Nobby and Fergie amongst others. Scoring at Half-Time will delight anyone who has ever wanted to spend time in the company of the footballing legend.

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE BUBBLY traces five decades of George Best's fascinating life, from his humble beginnings as a shy working-class boy from Belfast to the man as he now stands.Best cast a spell on the world of football with his incredible form and star qualites but then spiralled into a fog of alcohol, women and gambling. This is the testament to the strength of character which got him through these perilous times. This affectionate account divulges the important relationships that Best formed along the way with such sporting legends as Denis Law, Sir Matt Busby, Nobby Stiles and Bobby Charlton, detailing what the world of football really meant to him. It also examines the George Best behind the scenes, in his own words and in his own inimitable style.

George Best was one of the greatest footballers ever to have walked the Earth - an absolute legend. His ability as an all-round player was, and still is, unsurpassed. He was highly skilful, a tough tackler and great in the air. As well as being an exceptionally gifted sportsman, George also had a unique gift when it came to people. His open and friendly nature meant that others were naturally drawn to him and he always had time to get to know anyone and everyone.Perhaps because of this, George Best reached so many people. As well as the legions of football fans who watched, awestruck, as he played, he also touched the hearts of everyone with whom he came in contact on a day-to-day basis; from club managers to the groundsmen at Old Trafford, Bestie had time for them all; it seems that almost everyone has a story to tell about him!Bernie Smith is an avid collector of everything to do with the late, great man and Maureen Hunt worked in the newspaper industry for over twenty years. From banknotes to team photographs, to signed shirts and even underwear, there is not much out there relating to George that they don't know about or possess! While gathering memorabilia they discovered that almost every keepsake, souvenir or trophy has a humorous, heart-warming or poignant story attached to it. Piecing together these gems of history, they have complied a fitting tribute to a genuine icon.Take, for example, the incredible journey of the pair of limited edition 'George Best' boots that ended up on a stall at Brick Lane market in London to eventually become the treasured possession of a man who idolised him; or the boy whose house backed onto the United training ground and who would jump over the fence to stand at the back of the nets to watch the Best magic and act as a ball boy when necessary; or even a gold thong, signed by George himself, that was bought at auction and left in a drawer...until now!Packed with anecdotes and rare photographs, this delightful book will be a welcome addition to any Best fan's collection and is a wonderful way to commemorate the man who was who both hero and friend to so many people.'The genius of George Best on the football field is well documented, as is the celebrity lifestyle which such genius often attracts. This book gives an insight into the much less well known human side of his life and the many unsung acts of kindness which were so typical and which endeared him to everyone who was fortunate enough to know or meet him. I count myself privileged to be amongst that number' - Doug Ellis, President Emeritus - Aston Villa Football Club'George Best was a fine fellow to share company with off the football field. It doesn't surprise me that the stories in this book celebrate the real side of George. George had a snooker table in his house and he loved to play the game. He was one of the nicest people you would ever wish to meet, with a great sense of humour' - Dennis Taylor, 1985 Embassy World Snooker Champion and fellow Belfast boy'Besite can only be described in one word - fantastic! - Ron 'Chopper' Harris