Don Hale is an author and journalist who has written several books about varied subjects. As a former professional footballer he has written - Down Wembley Way - a commemorative book that traced Matlock Town's route to Wembey when they won the FA Trophy in 1975 defeating Scarborough 4-0 under the guidance of the controversial player manager Peter Swan. He also wrote - Running for Fun - about his involvement in the London Marathon, local races and the expansion of the extraordinary running boom. It also included a review of his life as a professional footballer with Bury, Blackburn Rovers, Shrewsbury Town and York City, plus his early days as a radio commentator.
TOWN WITHOUT PITY - Don's book about his extensive campaign to overturn the conviction of Stephen Downing became a best seller, and was used as the core for the BBC TV drama 'In Denial of Murder' starring Stephen Tompkinson as Don Hale. He has also written another best seller in - MALLARD, how the blue streak broke the world steam record. This book was also used as the authority for the Discovery Channel, and National Geographic for Trains, fast, faster etc. Don was also interviewed extensively with this TV documentary. Another top seller has been his pop and rock books, The Joe Cocker Story; Sounds of the Sixties, and Club 60 & the Esquire. A more recent book which has again proved popular is the fascinating story of Buster Crabb, the naval spy who disappeared in bizarre circumstances in 1956, and was the inspiration for Ian Fleming's James Bond. This book entitled - THE FINAL DIVE - has been produced in both hardback and paperback and could eventually make a film. WEBSITE: www.donhale.co.uk
