Steve Bloomer - Destroying Angel. England's First Football Hero

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What was it that made Steve Bloomer, the 'Destroying Angel' so special? A remarkable goalscoring record and a supreme ability count for much, but so do an enigmatic personality and incident-packed life that has never been fully explored - until now.

In this marvellously entertaining story of his life, we accompany Bloomer on his dramatic rise from tough Black Country beginnings in 1874 to goalscoring feats straight out of Boy's Own Paper for Derby, Middlesbrough and England.

His famous playing career shares the stage with remarkable episodes in Bloomer's life never before fully researched, including his sorrow and bravery through four years in a German prison camp.

Also are his first tentative steps into the pioneering world of coaching in Germany. Holland and Spain, where his triumphant managerial spell brought glory to 'the Accrington Stanley of Spanish football'

Then there are the twilight days as a scout, respected pundit and honorary old un at the Baseball Ground. Derby County still take to the field to the song 'Steve Bloomer's Watching'. He truly is a legend and his story is remarkable.

About the Author

Peter Seddon was born in Derby in 1956 and was educated at Derby School and Leicester University, where he gained an Honours Degree in history.

He first watched Derby County at the age of eight and has followed their ups and downs ever since as a season ticket holder.

A member of the Association of Sports Historians and Football Statisticians, his interest in football extends to its very early days and his award-winning Football Compendium, published in 1995.