According to distributors COMAG Specialist: When Manchester united scout Bob Bishop first saw George Best play in Belfast in 1961 he famously sent manager Matt Busby a telegram saying, “I think I’ve found you a genius.”
Brought over for a trial at the club in 1961 and signed by the club, a homesick Best only lasted a few days before returning to his native Northern Ireland. At which point, the story of one of the game’s most gifted players must have looked over before it had even begun!
Thankfully for football fans, Best was persuaded to return to Manchester United and after spending two years at the club as an amateur, he made his debut in the First Division as a 17-year-old on 14 September 1963 against West Bromwich Albion, which United won 1-0.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of this date, The Best of Best will be a 100-page souvenir magazine with features and photographs taken from the archives of the Daily Mirror newspaper, looking back at his career and life in the public eye.
With dazzling skill, looks and personality, George Best captivated a nation that was in thrall to his style, both on and off the pitch, becoming a household name and hero to millions.
Often called ‘the fifth Beatle’, Best was the first pop-star footballer, embracing the lifestyle and trappings of fame that brought wealth, girlfriends, fashionable clothes and fast cars.
Despite all this, it is mainly football for which Best is remembered, especially the ten years he spent at Manchester United, winning the First Division title twice and the European Cup.
Including lost interviews and many previously unseen photos, The Best of Best will concentrate on and celebrate on this time, allowing fans to relive the glorious magic of the man who was quite simply, The Best.
