STRIKER Phil Stant was undoubtedly one of the more colourful characters to represent Hereford United during their 25-year Football League tenure.

And now, the former soldier, whom United bought out of the army for £600 to add some fire-power to their own front-line, has published an autobiography charting his progress from military man to goal-scorer.

Bulls fans will enjoy reading about Stant's debut hat-trick against Newport County and will be intrigued to find out the story behind his volatile relationship with manager Ian Bowyer, the subject of much fan speculation at the time.

United eventually made a substantial profit on their investment when they sold Stant to Notts County for £175,000.

And their paths often crossed again during Stant's long career in which he racked up an impressive 170 league goals before ending his playing career with Brighton & Hove Albion at the age of 39.

In between, he stopped off at Cardiff City, Mansfield Town, Bury, Fulham and a few others as well as Lincoln City, where he also managed the side.

But what sets this apart from the normal football autobiography is the first part, the vividly-described story of his army career with service in the Falklands War and all of the horrors that conflict brought.

After all that, football was a pleasure for Stant and that, and his robust sense of humour, shines through the pages.

A thoroughly good read, Ooh Ah Stantona, is published by John Blake at £17.99.

Richard Prime