A MAN City legend is coming to Cheshire to sign copies of his autobiography.
Alex Willams suffered 'horrific racism' in the 1980s as the country’s first modern day black goalkeeper.
‘You Saw Me Standing Alone’, taken from the club’s anthem, is a compelling story.
Alex, now 61, will be at Waterstones in Knutsford on Saturday, April 27 from 11am to 1pm.
The book depicts his lonely battle as he was the victim of physical and mental abuse.
Alex said: “There was no hiding place from the cowards on the terraces.
“Bananas were often thrown on the pitch, but nothing got reported.
“It was a sign of the times.”
Alex retired through injury at 25 but went on to pioneer community football, running City’s highly-acclaimed scheme, City in the Community for 33 years.
With grit and determination, he inspired back street kids like himself to turn their lives around.
His parents were Jamaican immigrants and came to the UK as part of the Windrush generation.
Dad Cliff worked in a factory and mum Vie was a domestic supervisor in a hospital.
Alex grew up in the family home with seven brothers and sisters in Manchester, just yards from the ground.
He was scouted by Man City when he was 14 and signed a two-year apprenticeship with the club after leaving school in 1978.
Alex made 125 league and cup appearances for Man City and helped them win promotion out of the Second Division in 1984.
A recurring back injury forced him to retire in 1987.
But he continued to work behind the scenes for the club and received an MBE for serves to young people in 2002.
Speaking at the book launch, Alex said: “Being a Moss Side boy, it was a dream come true for me the represent the club I supported all my life.
“I am proud now to share that story.
“A large part of this includes the development of City in the Community.
“We should all as City fans and staff be very proud of what the club has achieved locally and globally in changing the lives of hundreds of thousands of people, for the better.
“A massive thanks to Manchester City football club, and all our brilliant fans from all over the world.
“The club and fans have always welcomed me with open arms and I am proud to have represented them for so long.”
Proceeds from his book, priced £15, will be donated to City in the Community.
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