Alastair Campbell launches ‘Winners’ book in Burnley

Alastair Campbell with his new book 'Winners' at the launch at Turf Moor with Paul Fletcher and Tim Oldfield.

The prominent Clarets fan chose Turf Moor as the place to launch his 11th book “Winners And How They Succeed”.

Tony Blair’s former director of communications was joined by ex-Liverpool footballer Alan Kennedy who scored the winning goal in two European Cup finals for the Reds.

Speaking to an audience, which included former Clarets Colin Wladron, Ian Brennan, Michael Doherty, Stan Ternent, Frank Casper and Clarke Carlisle, Mr Campbell described his meetings with some of the most famous people in the world.

He said: “I am interested in winners. I am very competitive but I think it’s a culture we are losing in this country.

“We are losing the winning mindset. I find sports and business people the most interesting in that regard.

“American boxer Floys Mayweather, who has never lost a fight, told me he never thinks about losing. Fashion icon Anna Wintour was also amazing as was Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho. Mourinho wasn’t what I expected – he was very serious and thoughtful and not particularly funny.”

Somewhat surprisingly, the arch republican Campbell also singled out Queen Elizabeth as “one of the great enduring winners”.

He said: “I got to know a lot of the royal entourage following the death of Princess Diana and they all remarked what a great strategist the Queen was. I am a republican but I agree that she is amazing.”