A LONG lost relative who helped to save one of the world's biggest football clubs is the subject of a new book penned by a Leigh woman.

The Man who saved FC Barcelona tells the story of Irish footballer Patrick O’Connell, a former Manchester United defender and Ireland captain who left his wife and four children in Manchester to manage several Spanish clubs, including Barcelona from 1935 to 1940.

Sue O’Connell, wife of Patrick’s grandson Mike, uncovered the story behind his amazing life following more than 15 years' research.

Sue, of Milnes Avenue, said: “It has been a fantastic adventure taking me to Spain, Mexico and even being invited as the guest of honour at FC Barcelona last year.

“I feel like it was fate for me to meet and fall in love with Mike and uncover this story with my knowledge of languages.”

The biography reveals Patrick's sporting achievements, which include managing Real Betis in Seville when the club won the La Liga for the first time.

Sue, 62, added: “The family had snippets of information about this illusive man who left them saying that he became a top football manager in Spain but not really knowing that much information.

“After I was forced to retire early for medical reasons I took it upon myself to find the answers about Patrick for the family he left and uncovered that he not only managed Barcelona but also saved them from financial ruin during the Spanish Civil War.”

Sue, who speaks fluent Spanish, discovered the war left the legendary club in financial difficulties with most of their players joining the army.

However the team received an offer to play games in Mexico for a huge sum of money that would save the club.

Patrick later hid the funds in a Paris bank until after the war, helping FC Barcelona become the football giant it is today.

Despite his success, he died destitute in London in 1959.

Grandson Mike, 81, said: “Sue writing this book has made us understand the man behind the legend, so to speak, and forgive him because he was an exceptional manager but as a husband and a father he was a non-starter.

“Now we have closure and a sense of pride for all he achieved.”

The Man Who Saved FC Barcelona: The Remarkable Life of Patrick O'Connell is available to buy via Amazon.co.uk