Kickups, Hiccups, Lockups

Maverick is one of the kinder words uttered about Mickey Thomas, the 'Welsh George Best', during a remarkable football career spanning spells at Wrexham, Manchester United, Chelsea, Everton - and Kirkham Open Prison FC. Mickey's world didn't just revolve around pulling on boots on a Saturday afternoon for club and country. His life was dedicated to pulling birds, pranks and generally getting into scrapes which would make Paul Gascoigne look like a choirboy. But no-one knows about the heart-breaking events in his private life which Mickey has kept secret for twenty years.How he hit rock bottom, and below, and survived as one of the greatest characters the game has ever known. From his early days growing up on a rough council estate, leaving school at 14 without the ability to read and write, through to his spells at the bright lights of Old Trafford and Stamford Bridge, where he became a cult hero for fans who recognised his rogue and unique genius, this is football's ultimate rollercoaster ride story. There are extraordinary highs, and heart-rending lows - none more so than the episode in 1993 when he was jailed for passing counterfeit money to apprentices. Through it all, Mickey has endeared a generation of football fans with his good humour and boundless energy and enthusiasm for the game and life. Mickey's story is the most exciting, enthralling and touching football autobiography of 2008.