£16.95 Hardback - ISBN 1901746496
Published December 2005

This Simple Game - The Footballing Life of Ken Barnes
As Told to Jimmy Wagg
£16.95 Hardback - ISBN 1901746496
Published December 2005

Ken Barnes was widely regarded as one of the finest footballers of his generation never to have won an England cap. During a distinguished playing career with Manchester City, Ken appeared in the FA Cup finals of 1955 and 1956 and later captained the club before retiring in the early 60s. He spent nearly a decade away from Maine Road as a manager of Wrexham and Witton Albion before returning to Maine Road as a coach under Joe Mercer. Ken subsequently went on to serve under every City manager as either a coach or chief scout from Joe Mercer to Joe Royle.
As someone who holds forthright views on the game, especially when it comes to the subject of coaching, Ken's views could be dismissed as the “in my day” rantings of another embittered former pro. Yet one should bear in mind that his integrity and knowledge of the game saw him serve under every Manchester City manager from Joe Mercer to Joe Royle. In his time Ken has seen trends come and go - from the 'deep lying centre-forward' via 'wingless wonders' to today's 'holding midfielder' and is uniquely placed to give his opinions on them all.
Away from football, Ken is described as a “character”. Make of that what you will. That may be a tale for another day. This is the story of Ken’s life in football. I’m honoured, and privileged, that he asked me to help him tell it.

Jimmy Wagg
Jimmy Wagg was born in a little fishing village called Hulme in1953. Aged 10 he moved to another village just outside Wilmslow called Wythenshawe. Educated at St.Bede’s College and then Sheffield University, he has worked as a freelance broadcaster with BBC GMR since the late 80s. He won a prestigious Sony Award in 1995 for a live broadcast following the death of Sir Matt Busby. He now lives with his partner Debbie, and kids, Louise and Joe, in Timperley. However, the yearning for village life is deeply engrained and the family are planning to sell the house (don’t tell the Council) and head for a life in Penury. By the way, he’s a City fan.