Tales of a Kopite: Keith Salmon

By his own admission, the prospect of Reds fan Keith Salmon writing a book about his 40 year love affair with Liverpool FC was about as likely as Rafael Benitez's men overturning a 3-0 interval deficit in Istanbul...

It was a tall order and one he had never thought possible until the incredible events on that magical night in the Turkish capital changed his life forever.

Indeed, not only does a fifth European Cup now sit proudly in the Anfield trophy cabinet, but four years on 'We had Dreams and Songs to Sing' is the culmination of what he regards as his very own footballing rites of passage.

Now an exiled born n' bred Liverpudlian living in the Isle of Man, Keith's story takes you on a journey from the innocence of youth through years of passion, success, disappointment and desolation; ending ultimately in a life of triumph with the Mighty Red men never far away and always in his thoughts.

"I wrote the book as I felt I had a story to tell that people would be interested in," he explained.

""It grew out of a short story about a wonderful trip to Istanbul which was so well received I was encouraged to write more.

"It is a book that was designed to be enjoyed by anyone, Liverpool fans primarily but also other football fans and people who like to read about people's lives.

"It has taken nearly four years to get it right as my son was born and the chance to write was limited. I am really proud of my achievement and the feedback from people who are already enjoying my story is driving me on to tell more people about it.

"I never thought I would write a book, it just shows that anything is possible, just ask Carlo Ancelloti and half of Milan."

From Shanks through to Rafa, Keith has felt every high and every low following the fortunes of his boyhood heroes.

His tales of glory from the Ataturk, the Nou Camp, the San Siro et al capture the very essence of what it means to be a Red, while his eye-witness accounts of both Heysel and Hillsborough help to explain how first-hand experience of the tragedies led him to rebuild his life and alter his beliefs.

With a new outlook he changes his world, eventually leaving his home city to join the staff of a professional football club in the shape of Peterborough United.

When redundancy struck he was once again forced in a new direction, one that would ultimately lead him to the Isle of Man where he has had to come to terms with life as a Red in exile.

The book is a riveting read and, whilst appealing to all Reds fans, it also helps to illustrate the unique bond that exists between football followers across the world.

It is a story of passion and belief which just happens to be bound together by his love for Liverpool FC.

Written in an engaging style, Keith takes you on a journey that will help evoke memories of some of the great occasions that have been shared with friends on the emotional rollercoaster that is supporting LFC.

"Watching Liverpool is an event," added Keith. "It's where I meet up with my friends of over 20 years, some regularly, some not so often.

"Liverpool is our passion and following their fortunes is what we do. At 43 years of age, from Keegan to Torres, the players have been heroes, but the biggest heroes are my mates on the Kop and everyone who has made my journey so memorable."

The book is available from the Hillsborough Justice Campaign shop (opposite The Albert pub) with a donation made to the HJC with every copy purchased.

Keith's work is also supporting the 'Hope for John' charity, to help raise the awareness of Laforas disease, a terminal illness suffered by a local lad called John Sharp.

Donations from sales through Keith's employer (a major High Street Bank) will support research work into the disease. The book hopes to raise awareness of John's condition to the wider world. With our help he will Never Walk Alone.