Hodder and Stoughton acquires Bob Willis tribute

Hodder and Stoughton is to publish MIke Dickson's biography of England cricketer Bob Willis.

Roddy Bloomfield, sports editor at Hodder, acquired the rights to Bob Willis: A Cricketer and a Gentleman from the Willis family.

He said: "It is an honour for me to be publishing this book on Bob. I listened with astonishment to the radio commentary on his magnificent performance in the Headingley triumph in 1981, later published a pictorial book by him and always particularly admired Bob for his most caring nature."

Willis, who died last year, made his international debut in cricket aged 21 in the 1970-71 ashes. He also worked at Sky Sports.

Dickson draws on highlights from Willis' life, press reports and "the accounts of team mates and opponents", in a 30,000 word biography, which will also include autobiographical material and tributes from his friends.  

The book has been edited by David Willis, Bob’s brother, and Sir Ian Botham has written the foreword.