Danny Blanchflower, a Glorious Life

"Reading this excellent book will allow a whole new generation to share Danny's life and, at the end of it, feel they have come to know him. Mike Donovan has dug deep with the help of Danny's son Richard [and] the result is an intriguing narrative of a footballer leader, rebel and pioneer who shaped football's development."

-- Eric Brown * Sports Journalists' Association *

"Players are often remembered for goals or flashes of brilliance. Blanchflower's remembered for what he valued. That is why Mike Donovan's book feels important now. If we don't write about these heroes, if we don't remember them, then what have we got? History matters. Men like Blanchflower created legacies. May that always be remembered."

-- Garry Doyle * Irish Daily Star *

"Lilywhite lifer Mike Donovan has produced a worthy testament to the Belfast man, deeply researched, and smartly formatted, moving away from the 'he did this, then that' sports book. Instead he talked to people on the ground: from Glentoran, Barnsley, Villa, to Danny's media work, and the Blanchflower family (it’s authorised, but you’d have to travel far to find someone saying a bad word on DB). Where it stands out is in the dedicated chapters of ex-teammates and acquaintances talking about DB. You sense the aura of the man, the legend."

* The Irish Times *

"Engaging biography. Explores the life and complex character of the stylish Northern Irish midfielder. One of football’s great romantics. Mike Donovan gives us a readable, well researched book to mark the 100th anniversary of the Irishman's birth. He assiduously assembled any number of tributes from those who played and worked with Blanchflower. And from those in his home city who sustain his legacy with pride. This book does justice to the life and memory of one of the last century's finest players."

-- Alan Fisher * When Saturday Com