Brendon Batson, a West Brom legend, has taken a unique path in the creation of his autobiography, “The Third Degree.” Co-authored with journalist Chris Lepkowski, this book delves into Batson’s life, tracing his journey from his upbringing in Grenada to his arrival in England at the age of nine. It explores his rise to becoming a beloved figure at The Hawthorns and an iconic presence alongside The Three Degrees.
Batson attributes the inspiration for his autobiography to the late Cyrille Regis, one of The Three Degrees, who encouraged him to share his distinctive story. Additionally, his children and grandchildren persistently urged him to write a book. He believed it could serve as a historical record for his family and decided to undertake the project. Initially, Batson attempted to draft the book himself but soon realized his limitations, leading him to enlist the help of a professional.
Collaborating with Lepkowski, who has authored several books on Albion, Batson’s story came to life. However, the process had its challenges, particularly with Batson living in Spain while Lepkowski was in the UK. They conducted Zoom meetings and had to navigate a significant time zone difference due to Batson’s travels to the Caribbean. Despite the obstacles, they managed to compile a wealth of content in a relatively short timeframe.
Unlike many autobiographies that primarily focus on the player’s career, Batson’s autobiography goes beyond football. It discusses his journey from Grenada to England and highlights his mother’s pivotal decision. It also explores how he discovered football after moving to England and how the sport shaped his life. Importantly, the book delves into personal aspects of his life, including his late wife, his children, and offers a broader perspective of his experiences rather than simply listing his on-field accomplishments. The book serves as a record for his children and grandchildren, offering them a window into his life’s journey.
“The Third Degree” is now available at curtis-sport.com, and a complete interview with Batson and Lepkowski can be found there as well.