Sweeper Keeper is the compelling story of legendary goalkeeper Tommy Lawrence, one of the heroes of Bill Shankly's Liverpool, who has been called the first 'sweeper keeper'.

A chance interview with the BBC in 2015 made Tommy Lawrence a viral sensation. The one-in-a-million-chance meeting led to a heart-warming recollection of his playing days for Liverpool.

Lawrence's story has a lot more to it than meets the eye. Known affectionately as 'the Flying Pig', the fabled goalkeeper led a roller-coaster life. After moving to Warrington with his family as a child, Tommy became friendly with local brothers Peter and Roger Hunt. Lawrence and Roger Hunt went on to be mainstays of Shankly's Liverpool revolution, winning league titles and the club's first FA Cup.

The romance at Anfield ended abruptly, though, and there was no testimonial. From riches on the pitch to rags on the streets, Tommy's life story is told by those who knew him best - family, friends and former team-mates.

About the Author

Peter Kenny Jones is a football historian, writer and author, specialising in Merseyside football history. In this, his third book on the subject, contact with ex-Liverpool players and family members of Tommy Lawrence has given him special insight into a unique character in Liverpool's football history.

Reviews

"Forty-five years after his remarkable career with Liverpool, Tommy Lawrence gained viral fame, achieving a resurgence in popularity long after being one of the heroes of Shankly's first big team. This is a interesting book about a life marked by both great fortune and misfortune, about how things can spiral out of control, and yet, remarkably, conclude on a positive note. Especially if you, despite facing challenges, are a man who remains appreciated by everyone."

-- Arve Vassbotten * Liverpool FC Supporters Club Norway *

"A fascinating delve into one of the much-loved figures to grace Liverpool Football Club. Educative and full of tales from those who knew him best to those who watched on with amazement, this is a book that combines both the human side of the man as well as his wonderful exploits on a football pitch... a great man's story brilliant told within... A truly excellent read from start to finish, with humour, information and anecdotes that make you feel part of every single step of Lawrence's journey."

-- Dan Clubbe * Redmen TV *

"I read this book overnight at a single sitting. It was mesmerising. It is one of those narratives (and not every author can do this) where as you reach the end of a chapter you have to immediately press on with the next one because you need to know what happens next. There were some tough times to be endured but the beauty of this man's character and personality shine out brightly from every page. This is a wonderful account of a truly extraordinary human being so well done indeed to all those who contributed towards it."

-- Arnie Baldursson * LFC History *



Book Information
ISBN 9781801506946
Author Peter Kenny Jones
Format Hardback
Page Count 288
Imprint Pitch Publishing Ltd
Publisher Pitch Publishing Ltd