Shortlisted for Biography of the Year at the British Sports Book Awards
When Laurie Cunningham played for England in an under-21s match against Scotland in 1977, he became the first black footballer to represent England professionally. Two years later, he would become the first Englishman to play for Real Madrid. In a time when racist chants flew from the stands, Cunningham's success challenged how black players were perceived, paving the way for future generations.

But Cunningham was more than an exceptional footballer who could play like a dream. He was a dandy with a love of funk music and bespoke suits, as easily graceful on the dance floor as he was on the pitch.
Different Class is a portrait of an important but unsung figure who brought glamour to the game at a particularly dark point in its history. Many know Laurie Cunningham's name but not his story; now they will know both.

Shortlisted for Biography of the Year at the 2018 Sports Book Awards, this is the story of Laurie Cunningham, the first black footballer to play professionally for England

About the Author

Dermot Kavanagh is the Sports Picture Editor of the Sunday Times. His writing has been published in the Sunday Times, as well as the football magazines When Saturday Comes and Howler, and he is a contributor to the literary website London Fictions. He lives in London with his wife and three sons. Different Class is his first book.

Reviews

• 'Stands out for examining the way Cunningham's distinctive grace was influenced by the fashion and music of black Londoners in the 1970's' The Times
  
• 'A fine biography' Telegraph

Book Information
ISBN 9781783527373
Author Dermot Kavanagh
Format Paperback
Page Count 256
Imprint Unbound Digital
Publisher Unbound