A MAN who spent years alongside Barnsley Football Club’s greatest ever servant Norman Rimmington is putting pen to paper to publish a book about his life and career.
‘More Famous Than Fergie: The Norman Rimmington Story’ is mostly in the legendary figure’s own words, but also features memories and stories from some of the game’s greats.
Set to be published by Penny for Your Sports on Norman’s birthday - November 29 - later this year, the book is being compiled by the Barnsley legend’s former work colleague and friend Matt Goodwin.
Norman signed on ‘amateur terms’ during World War Two before playing alongside the likes of George Robledo, Johnny Kelly and Jimmy Baxter.
After spells at Hartlepool United, Wisbech, Buxton and Denaby, Norman returned to Oakwell as part-time coach of the ‘A-team’ in 1956, before becoming head trainer under Johnny Steele in 1962.( He then became physio, groundsman, assistant manager, kitman and then worked in the club’s laundry room until beyond his 90th birthday.
The book has tributes from Alan Hill, Danny Wilson, Mick McCarthy and a foreword from Allan Clarke - all of whom were greatly influenced by Norman.( Matt, from Wombwell, told the Chronicle: “When I worked with Norman back in 2010, I used to pester him to let me do a book.
“I even had the title in mind all those years ago as I was fully aware Sir Alex had told Norman he was more famous than him.( “A couple of years ago, Norman’s grandson Richard approached me and asked whether it’s something I’d like to do and I couldn’t wait to get started.
“I have hours and hours of audio from when we used to sit and chat, including things many fans have either forgotten or didn’t know about Norman.( “Even though the title is slightly tongue-in-cheek, Norman accomplished so much in the game, was incredibly well-respected by his peers and his impact on Barnsley FC and hundreds of its players was monumental to say the least.( “Throughout his playing career he was always still working at North Gawber pit.
“He then brought through legendary figures like Eric Winstanley, Pat Howard and Alan Hill, persuaded Allan Clarke not to quit after the heavy defeat to Reading, encouraged the board to appoint Norman Hunter as manager and identified where Danny Wilson was going wrong in his playing career for the Reds.”
Matt said that Norman ‘meant the world’ to him and that it is an honour to be able to put the book together.
He added: “It’s more than just a story about Barnsley Football Club.
“It’s a proper football story about loyalty and dedication that any true football fan will enjoy.
“There’s so much in there that I’m excited to share.
“He played against some of the game’s greats like Tom Finney, he was an excellent cricketer and tennis player, had stints as caretaker manager and made trips to Lilleshall to get his coaching qualifications alongside Bobby Robson, which included a lecture from the legendary West Germany manager, Helmut Schön.( “Norman meant the absolute world to me and it was a privilege for him to call me his ‘mate’.
“We used to sit for hours and I remember him being the first person I took my first-born son to meet when I took him into work.
“It’s a true honour to be putting this together.( “I’m just desperate for his story and legacy to be preserved because, quite simply, there will never be another Norman Rimmington or anyone close who will give nearly seven decades of service to one club across a myriad of roles.”
n The book is available to pre-order via crowdfunder for a discounted price at www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/rimmo with information and updates on Facebook by searching for the book’s title.
