A former Ely footballer and sports journalist has kicked the story of his life into touch in a book that outlines a sporting career spanning 43 years.

Stephen Green 55, netted a publishing deal after penning his tale over a period of six years.

The book, ‘Ely’s Midge Green - the story of a six foot four centre forward in a five foot nine body’, tells the tale of how the beautiful game took him all over the country, meeting all sorts of people and bringing a huge dose of positivity along the way.

Stephen said: “To be involved in any sport is a great boost to keeping fit, meeting people and having a positive focus.

“For me football has been crucial to life.

“My high point was playing Aston Villa in 1978 when I played for King’s Lynn. We drew 2-2 and I scored both goals, that is a definite career highlight.”

The book charts his game from the age of 12 when he played for Ely Crusaders and takes the reader through his experiences playing for Cambridge City, King’s Lynn, Bury Town, Ely Park Rangers and now for Gamlingay.

It even includes 17 seasons playing for the National Inland Revenue team through his day job role as a tax inspector.

His passion for the sport also saw him write for the Ely Standard as a junior football reporter for 27 years from 1983 to 2009.

“Football helps develop your character, makes you physically stronger, braver and if nothing else teaches you geography from travelling all over the country to places you would probably never otherwise go,” he said.

“I don’t think there has ever been a negative about it, it’s made my life much more interesting that’s for sure!”

The book is available through Amazon and Waterstone’s and is in paperback £7.99 or hardback £13.99.