The book has a foreword from the great Pelé and tributes by other star names from the world of football, from Sir Bobby Charlton and Sir Alex Ferguson to Harry Gregg and Pat Jennings. Other sports stars such as Rory McIlroy and my friend Eddie Irvine have words of praise… as do Sir Michael Parkinson, South Africa’s Bishop Desmond Tutu and Professor Roger Williams (George’s medical consultant). But away from famous names, the book is packed with tributes from the fans… from scrawled one-line messages to long letters, drawings and poems… from young children to older people who had been watching football all their lives.On the front cover is a simple message from a child… “good bye Mr george! Chloe”
I told the hundreds of guests at the reception: “It is an honour to host this launch of what is a truly superb tribute to one of Belfast’s most famous sons. George Best’s footballing brilliance has left us with many unforgettable memories, such as when he beat Scotland virtually on his own. Sadly, we also remember George’s death and the grief in Belfast and far beyond as many thousands of people watched his funeral. The excellent work by the foundation that bears his name is a fitting legacy for George – and this excellent new book is an equally fitting tribute.”
The full-colour book tells the Best story in detail and is packed with photographs of him in action and with his many fellow footballers and friends. The images never published include the first known photo of George, taken on 17 September 1946 when he was just four months.The idea for the book came from Ulster Historical Foundation staff members Mark Campbell and Jonathan Hamill.They went to Belfast City Hall within hours of George’s death on 25 November 2005 to sign a book of condolence and were amazed at just how many people had also come to sign. More than 60 books of condolence were filled at various other centres at home and further afield… at all council offices in Northern Ireland; at football club grounds throughout Ireland; at supermarkets; and at Old Trafford, where George produced some of his finest performances.
Tributes from the books of condolence and messages to George’s late father and other family members were collated and scanned by Mark and Jonathan…. part of a labour of love that wasn’t completed until the book went to the printer in July this year.George was thrilled that Pelé called him the greatest footballer in the world. In his book tribute, the Brazilian superstar refers to “a footballer without comparison and his technical skills will never be forgotten”.In a letter to Barbara McNarry, Bishop Desmond Tutu recalls that, during the apartheid era in South Africa, Robben Island prisoners had their favourite teams in the old English First Division. He writes: “Amongst the heroes that kept their spirits high was the young Belfast lad, George Best. Stories of his wizardry on the field – and his zest for life off it – filled the corridors of Robben Island prison.”
I was determined to help my friends, Barbara McNarry, George’s sister and secretary of the George Best Foundation, and her husband Norman, both great supporters of the Somme Association and EI Sports in Bangor. Barbara said: “I am delighted that so many famous people have paid tribute, but particularly touched that so many fans expressed their grief and how they missed George. Without the fans, the book would never have happened. About 20 books have been written about George, but to me this is the definitive tribute. The messages are, and always will be, a great source of comfort to the Best family.”
Fintan Mullan, executive director of the Ulster Historical Foundation, said: “Barbara McNarry and the George Best Foundation were totally devoted to the project and, without their support, the book could not have been published.
“We could not be happier with the finished product. The book is a fitting and poignant tribute to George and demonstrates clearly the devotion and faithfulness of the fans, and the affection in which he was held, in the local community and across the wider world.”
GEORGE BEST Will Not Be Playing Today has been published by the George Best Foundation and the Ulster Historical Foundation. Price £24.95. The book was designed by Dunbar Design and printed by Scotprint. The book is on sale at a number of venues, including Easons, Waterstones, WH Smith and Stewart Miller book stores; IFA HQ in Belfast; Manchester United Megastore; Linfield Superstore, Shankill Road; Today’s, Sandy Row; Camerons, Ballymena; and online at Best-tributes.com, Booksireland.org.uk and Kitbag.com. The book title is taken from a poster (shown on the final page) when George was the star attraction with Bournemouth. The club was alerting fans that he would miss a certain game… and wanted to avoid demands for a ticket refund from people who had paid just to see him.
The George Best Foundation was set up following his death on 25 November 2005 and his funeral on 3 December, which I attended at Stormont with Eddie Irvine. The foundation promotes a healthier lifestyle among young people through football and other sports. It supports groups working with young people and adults who have alcohol or drug problems, and has funded vital medical research into illness, particularly associated with alcohol misuse. So far, the Foundation has invested more than £100k in medical research and £175k in sport-based youth initiatives and other projects at home and abroad.
Established in 1956, Ulster Historical Foundation is a self-sustaining educational charity. It aims to encourage an interest in the history and culture of the province of Ulster; promote a positive image of Northern Ireland overseas; strengthen the links with the Irish diaspora; broaden access to historical documents and records for Irish and Scots-Irish genealogy; and to inspire pride in Irish and Ulster heritage and culture. The Foundation is one of the leading publishers of Irish history and genealogy books, with over 200 titles to its credit. Many of its publications on migration history are considered ‘classics’ in this field of study. (www.booksireland.org.uk)