‘Immaculate footballer. Imperial defender. Immortal hero of 1966. Grasp of Wembley. Captain amazing. Gentleman ever.’

These are some of the terms inscribed under the statue of England’s Globe Cup-winning captain, Bobby Moore, at Wembley stadium. Since Moore’s loss of life, of bowel cancer tumor at just 51, these accolades represent the accepted watch of this nationwide treasure. But what do we actually find out about Bobby Moore like a person? How about the grit alongside the glory?

Moore was about Bobby Moore: The Man in Full undeniably a fantastic captain and player. Pelé called him the best – and fairest – defender he ever performed against. His feats for Western Ham United and Britain are legendary and his technical mastery of the game ahead of its period. Few footballers since have come near his winning combination of intelligence, skill, character and class.

Yet off the pitch, Moore knew scandal, divorce and beverage. How about the string of failed businesses, whispers of bad behaviour, links towards the East End underworld and turbulent private life? Ignored from the football globe post-retirement, this great of the overall game drifted into obscurity and, famously, there was no knighthood.

Acclaimed football writer Matt Dickinson traces the journey of the Essex boy who became the patron saint of English football, peeling away the layers of legend and looking at Moore’s life from all sides – in triumph, in failure, completely.