20 October 2006

Footballing legends launch poetry tribute to 'The Beautiful Game'

Legendary football player Alan Hansen and other soccer stars were on hand to launch an inspiring poetry anthology dedicated to 'The Beautiful Game' at the National Football Museum's Hall of Fame Awards last night (19th October 2006).

 'Saved' features poetry ranging from the inspirational William Wordsworth and the late Poet Laureate Ted Hughes to modern-day scribe Roger McGough and footballer-turned-poet Paul Gascoigne.

Supported by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and UEFA, this inspiring collection of poetry illustrates the fascinating history of football and invites readers to discover the passion, hope and euphoria behind the beautiful game.

Borne from an idea by the late Harry Langton, whose collection was the foundation of the National Football Museum, the anthology was drawn together as a tribute to him by his widow Ann.

Held at the Liverpool Crowne Plaza Hotel, the launch coincided with the National Football Museum's 2006 Hall of Fame Awards, a celebration of the greatest players and managers of all time in English football.

Bryan Gray, Chairman of the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA), said:

"This inspiring collection of poetry illustrates the fascinating history of football, which helps to play an important part in the cultural life of England's Northwest, as well as making a valuable contribution to the regional economy. As the National Football Museum prepares to induct more legendary players and managers to their Hall of Fame, there is certainly no time and place more fitting to launch this anthology, which I hope will continue to raise the profile of our sporting region to a national audience and show that football is far more than just a game."

-ends-

Photograph l-r:
Match of the Day presenter Mark Lawrenson, NWDA Chairman Bryan Gray and Alan Hansen.

'Saved' can be purchased from the National Football Museum's bookshop by calling 01772 908421.

For further information please contact Rachel Ormandy, Senior Press Officer on 01925 400237 or 07810 528449 or Rachel.Ormandy@NWDA.co.uk

For further information and to view previous press releases visit us at www.nwda.co.uk