This months 4 4 2 claims a book of the above title is out about the 'former Dundee United and Manchester United star'.
Anyone read it ? How does he describe his brief spell with us ?
In a recent thread it was reminded his MOM display against Watford and I think it was Ralph who layed on Melrose's goal against Leeds.
That apart he did not pull up tress with us
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Strachs was clearly a little surprised when he signed up at Man U!
Saw him stagger out of The Kings Head in the village once or thrice.
It is a very sad story and the book is mainly aimed at Dundee United and Manchester United fans.
I read his chapter about his time with us called ' A Fresh Start Goes Pear-Shaped' and have dipped in to other chapters.
In the previous chapter he describes his battles with Jim McLean and how he never really wanted to leave Dundee United but his 'hand was forced', and ' with the benefit of hindsight, I wish I'd never left'.
In terms of the Addicks he describes that he ' knew virtually nothing about them or their history'. Apparently he had a foot injury and Charlton paid for him to be seen at Harley Street.
He then speaks of how Dundee United had a successful run in the UEFA Cup which he felt sad not being part of.
Charlton moved him into a hotel in Blackheath and he describes how he 'partook in some bevvy sessions' with the other players. It seems he was particularly close to Colin Walsh as well as the other Scots Jim Melrose and Mark Reid in a 'tight-knit little group' and that Robert Lee was the 'stand out' player.
He mistakenly describes his debut as being against Manchester United and tells the story of the Simod Cup Final.
As a sub in the first play off game with Leeds, Micky Adams broke his cheekbone which meant he couldn't play in the following games. He tells an interesting tale of how his stiches were removed in America when awaiting the St Andrews result whilst staying with his uncle.
The next preseason he tells stories about drinking sessions pre season with Walshy although he had 'slowly and uncharacteristically been gaining weight which was affecting my fitness'. He didn't rate the Coach Brian Eastwick and compared him unfavourably with Dundee United.
At the start of the next season Ralph purchased a house in Crayford 'down in Kent'.He says he 'didn't like London' and was starting to 'detest' it. He describes going back to Scotland at Christmas with his wife so she could give birth because the Hospital in Dartford was getting 'bad reports'.
Lennie allowed him to stay for the birth but when he returned he was told Bristol City wanted him on loan. When Terry Cooper suggests he wants to sign permanently Ralph says 'Let's do it, get me out of London'.
Ralph has an interesting theory why he never scored as an Addick. It was because we were always defending.
The book then tells how he moved from Bristol City to Manchester United. The Addicks get mentioned when he scores against us. Apparently he had lost a lot of weight by then and he enjoyed silencing the travelling fans.
Other interesting insights are how he moved on loan at West Ham as a favour from Fergie to Lou Macari when he was 'pissed and injured' and how his one sub appearance against Derby that 'he didn't want the ball near me and managed to stay out of harms way'.
He then describes his time in Hong Kong and a West Country publican with a member of the Wurzels. He describes how Walshy commented his 'recovery' rate from hangovers was legendary.
In all this is quite a sad read especially when you consider Ralph died a few years ago.
Watched that game from the top of The Holmesdale in steady rain. Tried to warm up with boiling hot chicken soup.....which worked because I managed coat myself in it, when Jim Melrose scored the winner!
Our defending never get's better, does it? haha
Yes mate, if memory serves correct we played Forest away on the following Saturday and got thumped 4-0.
Can still picture in my mind's eye, Paul Williams streaking away 1-on-1 with England keeper Peter Shilton and slotting home.