Sam Bartram life and biography

Samuel "Sam" Bartram (January 22, 1914 – July 17, 1981) was an English footballer and manager.

Idolised in South East London and popular wherever he played, Bartram was one of the country's best-loved players making 800 appearances for his only club either side of World War II and appearing against the likes of Real Madrid and Benfica long before European competitions were part of the football scene. In his first three years at The Valley he helped Charlton rise from the Third Division to runners-up in the top flight - a unique footballing feat.

Still an inspiration to followers of all ages, he is remembeed by a nine foot statue at Charlton where there is also an entrance to the stadium, a street and a restaurant in his name. This is no ordinary sporting biography but the remarkable story of a 14 year-old Durham miner whose ambition is to become a professional footballer and play in an FA Cup Final. After a series of disappointments and six years in the north east coalfield, he catches the eye of a Football League club playing as a stand-in goalkeeper for Boldon Villa in a Tyneside cup final. Daring, courageous, flamboyant and skillful, he plays in four successive Wembley finals during and after World War II and fulfills his dream of winning the FA Cup in 1947, returning triumphant to Boldon Colliery, his home village, with the trophy. In 22 years with Charlton Athletic he is never dropped from the team. The book uses newspaper reports of the day and recollections of colleagues and fans to illustrate the esteem in which he is held on and off the field. This coffee table book is an updated, enlarged, version of the original paperback published in 2006 and now out of print.

Reviews:'This is well-written and lavishly illustrated with photographs and memorabilia. A must for the Addicks addict in your life.' Andrew Baker, Daily Telegraph
'Packed with photos facts and figures about one of the all-time Charlton FC greats.' Richard Platt, The Times
'This book is a pleasure for Charlton fans from start to finish.' Tom Green, When Saturday Comes
'It brought back so many happy memories.' John Motson, BBC Sport
'This is a smashing book and a grand tribute to a remarkable man.' Janis Blower, Shields Gazette
'Goalie Sam's star still shines.' Tom Clapson, Newcastle Chronicle
'Captures the spirit of mid-twentieth century football when life was tough and the luxuries associated with today's game were makings of a madman's dreams.' Tim Ashton, News Shopper"

Author Biography:
Mike Blake is a London based sports writer and broadcaster

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