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How you can meet Brian Little as Aston Villa legend explains reasons behind exciting new project
Aston Villa legend Brian Little is launching his children's book series, Little Legends, at Knowle British Legion on November 29, 2024 , at 7:00 PM.
The event invites young fans, families, and football enthusiasts to join in celebrating these heartwarming stories, inspired by Brian’s own journey to becoming a football player. You will be able to purchase a ticket at the door at the cost of £5, while kids gain access for free.
Andy Blair will host the evening, joined by Brian himself, who will share the story behind Little Legends and the inspiration for his autobiographical series, which captures positive messages for children striving to reach their dreams. A special guest appearance is also anticipated!
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The Little Legends box set, priced at £18.99 , is crafted especially for young readers aged three to eight, with tales that encourage self-improvement, friendship, and resilience. Books can be ordered at www.officialbrianlittle.com, where you’ll also find exclusive Little Legends merchandise, including bespoke Biscuit Brian figures, bobble hats, bookmarks, kids’ football and T-shirts.
Tour dates for Little Legends will be announced soon on the website and the Brian Little Official Facebook Page .
"About five years ago, at the age of 65, I decided to start writing stories inspired by my life—a schoolboy with big dreams of becoming a footballer," Brian said. "The hero, Biscuit Brian, follows a journey that closely mirrors my own, from staying out late practicing football on the streets of the North East to fulfilling my ambitions at Aston Villa as both a player and manager.
"As a forward, I had some incredible years with Villa, helping lift the League Cup in 1975 and 1977, and later managing the team to fourth and fifth-place finishes in the Premier League and a League Cup win in 1996—Villa’s most recent major trophy. But these books aren’t just about the successes; they’re about the character-building lessons that led me there.
"The first person I shared these stories with was my mum, Ella. I remember reading them to her and her smiling, saying, ‘Oh, they’re lovely'. I told her, ‘I’m going to publish them'. But, sadly, she passed away within a few months, and I lost the drive to finish them. I put the books in a cupboard, feeling the time just wasn’t right.
"Then one day, a chance encounter sparked something in me. I was in a local post office in Stafford when a man with a Geordie accent approached and asked if I was in the queue. He looked again and said, ‘Are you Brian Little? I played football against you at school and can even prove it by telling you your nickname—Biscuit'. That nickname came from my mum, who’d bring me biscuits when I stayed out late playing football. Hearing him call me that, it was like my mum sent him to give me a nudge, reminding me to finish what I started. In that moment, it felt sentimental, but I knew it was time to complete these stories for her—and for myself.
"Biscuit Brian , the hero in the books, is a bit like me. Sometimes he has to learn the hard way, like the time he was in detention and missed the first half of an important school match. Those are the kinds of lessons I’ve woven into Harry the Hero and Biscuit’s First Day , two of the nine books I’ve written. They’re true to my life but with a little added fun—like my love of custard creams as a reward for a well-played overhead kick or the time my brother introduced me to the team by shouting, ‘It’s Biscuit, it’s Biscuit!'
"These books are my tribute to my mum and dad, my brother Alan (who passed away recently), and all those who influenced me in my youth. They’re books that encourage children to grow, study, and pursue their biggest dreams, just as I did. My hope is that young readers will see a bit of themselves in Biscuit Brian , and that these stories inspire them to keep chasing their own dreams."
