'The Good, the Mad and the Ugly' - the Andy Morrison Story.

FOR many a West Devon supporter of Plymouth Argyle the name Andy (Jock) Morrison will bring back memories of an uncompromising, bullish defender who played, not without some skill, for the Pilgrims between 1987 and 1993.

He was brought by Kenny Daglish for £500,000 to Premiership side Blackburn Rovers before his services were hired at Blackpool, Huddesfield Town, Manchester City, Crystal Palace and Sheffield United.

Originally from the Scottish coastal outpost of Kinlochbervie, Andy Morrison's family came down to Plymouth when he was a young boy where his new schoolmates soon christened him 'Jock.' Through success at schoolboy level it was not long before Argyle came calling.

The book title is certainly an apt appraisal for Morrison who was a 100 per cent effort, no nonsense player, whose commitment to the cause was unquestioned — a player who any team or supporter would want on their side, rather than be playing against. However, this natural aggression, which could be so productive and positive when channelled on the pitch, had a darker side with negative effects off the pitch.

His story tells of his hard background on a tough Plymouth council estate. The complementary vices of alcohol and violence were never far away — sometimes with baleful results for Morrison or whoever crossed his path and was in the 'wrong place at the wrong time'.

However, this is more than just another book about a football 'bad boy' with more money than sense and a list of name dropping famous fellow pros and managers.

It is also an intelligently written and captivating tale of how Morrison came to terms with his addictions and 'demons' and also at times with some highly amusing tales.

After being forced to retire as a footballer due to injury, Morrison was rung by a local newspaper reporter to ask if it was true he had been named as the new manager of the Seychelles national team! A bemused Jock made a few inquiries and it turned out another 'Andy Morrison' had, indeed, an interview with the Seychelles FA. The interviewing panel thought he was the well-known, former Manchester City and Premier league player — and seeing the interview was going so well didn't put them off the assumption he was the same 'Andy Morrison.'

My favourite tale is when playing for Blackpool he and a team mate 'purloined' a porcelain pig from a hotel the team were staying at. From that moment the pig went wherever the team played and their lucky 'mascot' saw them on a winning streak and promotion seemed certain — only for a solicitor's letter demanding the return of the popular porcine. Reluctantly, it was returned. Without the pig the team's fortunes were reversed and they missed out on promotion by a rasher! Marvellous stuff.

A good read for football and non-football fans alike!

Published by Fort Publishing of Ayr, 'The Good, the Mad and the Ugly' - the Andy Morrison Story costs £16.99. ISBN 97819057 69278.

JOHN HUTCHINS