England and Middlesbrough goalscoring legend George Camsell to be celebrated in authorised biography

A signed George Camsell photographic postcard (Harry Greenmon)

THE story of George Camsell, Boro’s greatest ever goalscorer and England’s goals-to-games record holder, is to be told in a new authorised biography by Heritage Unlocked historian Dr Tosh Warwick.

Authorised by the Camsell family, the book will be the first biography dedicated to the Ayresome Park great, who scored 18 goals in just 9 games for England and netted an incredible 345 official goals for Middlesbrough Football Club. Camsell’s goalscoring prowess was well-known throughout the football world and Sir Stanley Matthews was one of a number of the game’s greats to hail the former Durham City man’s ability in front of goal.

The biography of Camsell, who scored a record 59 goals in one season and as part of Boro’s backroom staff helped discover a young Brian Clough, will be penned by Boro fan Dr Tosh Warwick. The historian and Heritage Unlocked consultant writes for Middlesbrough Football Club’s official programme and is currently completing a history of the club’s 25 seasons at the Riverside Stadium. Camsell’s biography will see the collaboration continue with the book featuring unique material from the club’s archives alongside treasures from private collections. New community and education resources will also be developed with MFC Foundation and plans are being explored to exhibit material from the Camsell family’s collection and Middlesbrough FC archives.

Dr Tosh Warwick said: “As a Boro fan and Middlesbrough historian it is a huge honour to be writing the authorised biography of Middlesbrough’s greatest ever goalscorer and one of the club’s loyalist servants. A number of Boro historians who have helped celebrate Camsell’s goalscoring exploits have welcomed news of the biography and have already offered assistance with the book. I look forward to collaborating with them, capturing community memories and working with the Camsell family to shed new light on this important figure in English and Teesside football history.”

An inter-war caricature of Camsell (courtesy of Pat Webster)

George Camsell junior, son of the Boro goalscoring legend, added: “I am absolutely delighted to offer my support to this long overdue biography of my late father George Camsell. He was such a humble man, I’m not sure what he would have made of all the fuss. As the centenary of his record-breaking season is approaching, we think it’s timely and fitting that he is recognised not only as a Boro and England goalscoring legend but also for his loyal service to the Football Club he loved.”

The as yet untitled authorised biography is scheduled to be published next year. Those interested in sharing their George Camsell memorabilia, memories and stories can contact Dr Tosh Warwick at info@heritageunlocked.com and 07591093136.

A selection of Camsell material has previously been on show at the Dorman Museum (Robert Nichols)