ONE of Burnley’s greatest ever goalscorers, and most controversial characters, is to tell his life story in a new book.

Former Clarets striker Andy Payton has teamed up with friend Gavin Roper to write the book Living the Dream.

The book tells the story of Payton’s goalscoring prowess with Burnley, as well as several other clubs, but also his fall from grace when his playing days ended, resulting in a police caution after cannabis plants were found at his home.

Payton, now 44, said: “I grew up around Burnley and Padiham and always wanted to play for Burnley, but I did so much in my career that it makes a good tale I think.

“When I was released by Burnley I was heartbroken and at a young age I had to leave home and move to Hull on £25 a week, but in the end I came back to Burnley.”

Payton scored 81 goals for the Clarets in 176 games and also played for Celtic and scored a winning goal in an Old Firm fixture.

The book is being self-published by Mr Roper, who has written it following extensive interviews with Payton.

He said: “I have known Andy for many years and he was talking about writing a book, so I approached a few publishers but we just couldn’t get anything in place.

“So we decided that I would write it and that we would self-publish it.

“Football books can sometimes just be about the career and read a bit slowly, but this is different because Andy talks about his life after football and the struggles he faced.

“He says that he lost the buzz of playing football when he retired and for a few years it was a real rollercoaster.”

The book is currently being edited by Tony Dawber, who was involved with Dave Burnley's and Brian Jensen’s books.

A launch evening is taking place for the book at the Usha restaurant in Burnley on December 15 where there will be a question-and-answer session with Andy Payton.

Tickets for the launch night are available from www.andypayton.com, and the book can also be purchased from the website.