Socceroos legend’s story tracing career of Adrian Alston told in new book 50 years on
New book traces the career of Adrian Alston, from childhood to national call-up, career-ending injury, and life after football
A new book by journalist and author Philip Micallef, which encapsulates the spirit of adventure and camaraderie of the much-loved 1974 Socceroos, is being released to coincide with next month’s 50th anniversary of the Socceroos qualifying for their first FIFA World Cup.
In Noddy: The Untold Story of Adrian Alston, Micallef leans-in on an old friendship with one of the characters of the Australian game to record an extraordinary journey of an ambitious young man who served the game down under with high distinction.
Adrian Alston was one of Australia’s heroes when the green and gold overcame considerable odds to qualify for the 1974 World Cup in West Germany.
“I was thrilled by the prospect of having a book written about me and am privileged that Philip (Micallef) asked me,” Alston says.
“I feel the book is symbolic of the achievements of an incredible bunch of players, some of whom unfortunately have left us.”
Alston left England as a raw teenager in the late 1960s and it took little time for him to establish himself as a prolific scorer in the NSW championship.
By the time the 1974 World Cup came around, he was seen as a key member of coach Rale Rasic’s squad of part-timers and semi-professionals.
Alston’s performances in the 16-team finals caught the eye of several European clubs and soon after the event he became an English first division player (equivalent to today’s Premier League) when he signed for Luton Town.
He also had spells with Cardiff City and Tampa Bay Rowdies before a serious injury effectively ended his career during his prime.
The book traces Alston’s journey from his early days growing up in Preston in England, to his first taste of playing football in Australia’s conditions, the shock he got when called up to play for Australia, the day he outsmarted Peter Wilson to nab Franz Beckenbauer’s jersey, when he was told by a London specialist that his career was over, and his important work with the intellectually disadvantaged for the past 40 years.
Micallef believes the significance of Alston’s and the Socceroos’ exploits from half a century ago has been somewhat lost on modern fans.
“The feats of the ‘74 Socceroos should not be allowed to be forgotten,” Micallef says.
“They form an integral part of our history and culture and Adrian played a big part in that success.”
Noddy: The Untold Story Of Adrian Alston is a compelling read recounting the life on and off the field of a genuine legend of Australian football, with 12 pages of photographs, and the Foreword by the late Rale Rasic OAM.
It is available from all good bookstores, Fair Play Publishing, and online for $32.99 as a paperback, and also as an e-book.
About Adrian Alston (cap number 205)
Adrian Alston was born in Preston, England, migrated to Australia as a teenager, and first played for Australia as a 20-year-old, barely missing a game for the national team through to the 1974 World Cup in West Germany. He played 62 games for 17 goals for Australia from 1969 to 1977.
He was subsequently signed by Luton Town, and also played for Cardiff City and Tampa Bay Rowdies before turning his attention briefly to coaching at state and national league level in Australia.
Alston has worked with the Disability Trust for almost 40 years.
About Philip Micallef
Philip Micallef is a retired sports journalist who has worked for Fairfax, News Ltd, and SBS (The World Game).
He has covered many major football events such as the World Cup, the European Championships, the Copa America, the UEFA and AFC Champions League tournaments plus dozens of Socceroos, the National League, and A-League matches. He also has interviewed enough top footballers to be able to compile a strong ‘World XI’.
He is also the author of ‘The World Cup Story, An Australian View’ (1994) and ‘Quote, Unquote’ (Fair Play Publishing, 2022).
Philip, who was born in Malta, migrated to Australia in 1981 and lives in Sydney with his wife Maria. They have two adult children.
About Fair Play Publishing
Fair play and good sportsmanship go hand-in-hand. Something we believe in so strongly, we’ve named our publishing house after it.
Fair Play Publishing is our principal imprint, and is dedicated to stories, history, biographies and encyclopedia about football.
We accept submissions of manuscripts relevant either to our Football, Fiction or Life imprints. For more information, visit www.fairplaypublishing.com.au.
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