Reynold Godwin Pereira remembers watching the matches at the Jalan Besar Stadium and National Stadium with his father.
A casual footballer and musician who works as a technical writer in a software company, Reynold first got to hear the name Choo Seng Quee in the mid-1970s.
"I was around 10 or 11 years old, and my cousin kept talking about this larger-than-life figure who, at that time, was training him and some other youngsters at the old Farrer Park pitches. I became quite curious as to who this person was. And after his accomplishments during the late ’70s everyone knew who he was."
"Under Uncle Choo, the Singapore team played with a vigour not seen in the years prior to that. There was a determination to win and I feel that it could be due to the sense of pride that he instilled in his players; to be proud of wearing the Singapore jersey."
Reynold, who is based in Barcelona with his family, took six years to research and write the book, based on information in the public domain and from speaking to the players and those involved in the game.
"He was from the 'old school' where he emphasised discipline and hard work. He was strict and known for using colourful language. But he usually got the results he was after."
Reynold hopes his book will inspire local coaches to aspire to greater heights.
"Also, for the country’s football administrators to tap the knowledge and experience of those who trained under Uncle Choo to hopefully improve the current standard of Singapore’s football."
Reynold is hopeful the glory days of football will return to Singapore. For now, even hope seems an ephemeral goal.
