A former sports editor has penned a collection of stories chronicling his time in the regional press.

Nick Garnham, pictured left, who worked at the East Anglian Daily Times and Ipswich Star, has written Scoop, featuring tales from both newspapers’ patches during his four decade career.

The book features interviews with all 12 players involved in Ipswich Town’s 1978 FA Cup final win over Arsenal, as well as Essex and Suffolk cricketers from days gone by.

Stories involving sporting knights Sir Bobby Robson, Sir Alf Ramsey, Sir Bobby Charlton, Sir Viv Richards, Sir Ian Botham and Sir Richard Hadlee also feature.

Nick, 54, said: “I had wanted to write a book for even longer than I had wanted to be a sports journalist, and I was 10 years old when I decided that was what I wanted to be when I grew up!

“But after a few false starts over the years it was Bury St Edmunds groundsman and Suffolk cricket coach Bobby Flack who sowed the seed in my mind that I should write a book about my career.

“He first suggested the idea to me three or four years ago, and the longer I thought about it, the more I knew it was what I wanted to write a book about.

“I have edited the sports section of a daily newspaper, a weekly football paper, programmes, anniversary brochures and handbooks, but writing the book was a whole new challenge.  It has been a labour of love, but one I have thoroughly enjoyed.”

Nick now works as the Suffolk Football Association’ marketing and public relations officer, and a freelance cricket writer.

Some of the book’s quirkier stories include a cricketer who was inspired to play again after visiting a graveyard and a Cup match that was settled in an examination hall.

Added Nick: “There are some sad stories, while others will bring a smile to your face.

“Anyone picking up a newspaper only gets to read the printed version of the story, but Scoop also relates some of the tales behind the stories which can be equally, if not more, interesting to the reader but they never get to hear about.

“I think the book will appeal to anyone with a broad interest in sport, but particularly cricket and football, and also anyone who has an interest in journalism.”

Scoop, published by JMD Media Ltd and priced at £14.99, can be bought here.