GARRY Birtles is the latest former Forest star to bring out a book on his life – following hot on the heels of the likes of Duncan McKenzie, Kenny, Burns, Viv Anderson and Steve Hodge.

At 182 pages, the hardback looks a little thin. But there are plenty of words on a page and it is packed with good yarns from a glittering 16-year career that spanned more than 400 League appearances.

Birtles holds nothing back with revelations about his private life, his nightmare spell at Manchester United, his gambling problems, life on the dole and near-death experiences.

The story of his ride from a £60-a-week carpet fitter to a double European Cup winner is a remarkable one.

Written in collaboration with former Nottingham Evening Post sports reporter Ian Edwards, it is frank and entertaining and leaves you wanting more.

My Magic Carpet Ride by Garry Birtles, Reid Publishing (£17.99). It is available at a £2 discount (£15.99 which includes postage and packing) from Reid Publishing, 53 Church Gate, Loughborough, Leicestershire LE11 1UE.