ENGLAND'S most successful manager - the only man to give the country a World Cup success - is a much misunderstood figure. Intensely private, but ferocious and loyal in defence of his players, Alf Ramsey is finally placed in a historical context.

This is a well crafted and compelling work, telling what is essentially a very romantic story. The son of a council dustman, living in rural Dagenham, Sir Alf rose from humble surroundings to star for Tottenham and England.

As a manager, he took Ipswich from the depths of football's basement to the First Division championship. But it is that sunny day in 1966 for which he will be forever remembered, when England crushed West Germany to win the World Cup.

Having conducted extensive interviews with football figures past and present, McKinstry sheds light on the shyness which made Ramsey so many enemies, as well as the qualities which led his players to do so much on the football field.

Ramsey has often been portrayed as a one-dimensional figure. It is to McKinstry's great credit that he strips away that veneer to reveal the true character beneath - and a fascinating story it reveals. A must read for any football fan.

Updated: 09:08 Saturday, April 22, 2006