A former regional newspaper reporter has written a biography of new Manchester United manager José Mourinho.

Rob Beasley’s Up Close and Personal charts the career of Mourinho, the Portuguese soccer boss who took charge at United earlier this summer.

Rob started his journalism career at the Nuneaton Evening Tribune in 1977 under the wing of veteran Nuneaton journalist Mort Birch, and later went on to hold senior sportsdesk roles with both The Sun and News of the World.

Over the years, he managed to develop a good relationship with Mourinho, who is well-known for his manipulation of the press for his own benefit.

Rob, left, and the front cover of his book

Speaking to the Nuneaton News, Rob said: “It takes a lot to build a close relationship with a manager but even more to become close friends, which is what me and José managed.

“Me and José are a similar age, have a similar outlook and I suppose we have similar personalities. I’m a Chelsea fan, he was the Chelsea manager.

“I always make a conscious effort to make an impression early doors with managers so they remember me, remember the face, who I work for.”

The book is set to published and released on 29 September.

Rob added: “I think if José sits down and reads the book he will be thrilled with it. I try not to pass judgement on anything. It is just Jose’s career through my eyes, working alongside him.

“Of course there’s going to be some things in there he will wish I wouldn’t have put in but I do not think it will be an issue. Jose is the greatest manager I’ve ever worked with, he is a genius.

“I’ve supported Chelsea since 1967 and I never thought we would ever go on and win the league. He did that twice inside his first two seasons.

“There is no greater manager and I have never worked with anyone better. The only person who comes close to him was Kenny Dalglish, but José is number one.”