A new book provides a unique insight into George Burley’s record-breaking association with Ipswich Town. Former East Anglian Daily Time Editor, lifelong Blues fan and Northstander columnist TERRY HUNT gives his verdict on the publication.

“All To Play For” is the name of this superb book, and the title truly sums up the George Burley managerial era at Portman Road.

Life was never, ever dull with George in charge. We went into every game with the stakes high - play-off games, promotion battles, a desperate relegation fight. Mid-table mediocrity? Never!

This brilliant new book, written by diehard Town supporter Neil Prentice with George Burley, is a comprehensive appraisal of that never-to-be forgotten era.

It features an in-depth interview with Burley himself, in which he talks very openly about the rollercoaster of his time at Town - the heartbreak of successive play-off defeats, Wembley glory, taking the club back into Europe, the disaster of relegation, and the day he was sacked by the club he loves.

It’s truly compelling. I didn’t appreciate until I read this book that Burley has been associated with the club for more games than any other person - a total of 913 matches during his spells as player and manager.

I’ve known George Burley for years, but after reading this I feel I have a much better understanding of the man himself. What really strikes home is his undying positivity and optimism in the face of adversity.

He would always come back stronger after setbacks - he became the first footballer to play again after a cruciate ligament injury. He continually bounced back after play-off defeats. He even picked himself up after losing his job at Ipswich.

The interviews with Burley, his players, and many others who worked with him clearly demonstrate what drove him to succeed.

I can also see why his partnership with then chairman David Sheepshanks worked so well. Two men from vastly different backgrounds but they complemented each other perfectly.

The book covers just about every aspect of the Burley era. There are interviews with 20 of the 101 players he used during his time as manager, each offering an insight into Burley’s personality and management style. There was definitely steel behind the smile!

There’s also a fascinating chat with Burley’s wife, Jill, who offers an insight into how family life operated when George was in the all-consuming manager’s role.

No stone is left unturned. There is agony, ecstasy, joy, and heartbreak. There’s also quite a bit of humour - and a world exclusive when former striker Ian Marshall finally reveals the truth behind his supposed “supermarket trolley” injury. We never did believe it, did we?

Burley also selects his dream team from all the players who represented Ipswich in his time as boss. This really is a must-read for every Town fan. It answers just about every question about the Burley era. A fascinating, entertaining insight into an extraordinary part of our football club’s rich history.

You can purchase All To Play For here.