A great read

The authorised biography of FRED THE NEEDLE, the untold story of Fred Allen.

I came out in NZ today and I am half way through it already, the best biography I have ever read.

He was on Close Up (NZ programme) last night and even at 91 came across as someone you don't mess with. He even put the fear of God into Pinetrees.

New Zealands most succesful coach........

Not sure about most succesful AB coach having only coached for 14 tests although all wins. I just feel he's like Pinetrees he's a genuine guy and in Fred's case his time as a player and his military history make him the man he is.

It was also no loses over three years....

Welshjohn, Having read the book any idea why he stopped coaching the AB's? I know he coached a tour to the uk, but was gone by the tour to SA. It was the ultimate test at the time.

He actually explained that on Close Up last night,,,,did you not watch it?

Mentioned in another post about having a few (quite a few!) beers with the man in 87 a month after the world cup win in Sydney straight after the Bledisloe cup.

Didnt know a book was out so must get it. Real tough old coot alright. One of the 1945-46 Kiwis under Charlie Saxton. Coached one of Aucklands R Shield reigns before the All Blacks.

Captained the worst year in AB history in 1949 when we lost 4-0 to SA away and we lost two tests on the SAME DAY with the 3rd string side playing Oz at home at the same time.

The book was released today, I found out last night when he was on Close Up and I got it this morning in the Warehouse.

Blackcanelion sorry the reason he retired was not spoken about and to date I have not got that far in the book.

Thanks. No didn't watch the tele, out doing other things. Might have to buy the book by the sound of it.

Well I got mine in the Warewhare it was priced $44.99 but registered at $31.00 at checkout! Good old Warewhare always getting it wrong lol

welshjohn369 wrote:Well I got mine in the Warewhare it was priced $44.99 but registered at $31.00 at checkout! Good old Warewhare always getting it wrong lol

Lol...