Bonnyrigg author's debut book celebrates Scotland and Napoli star Scott McTominay

A Bonnyrigg man has released his debut book, charting the rise of Scotland and Napoli icon Scott McTominay, ahead of this summer’s World Cup in North America.

James DD Wilson with his book, The Neapolitan Scot, in front of the Glasgow mural of Scott McTominay's iconic overhead kick against Denmark in 2025 which helped take Scotland to their first World Cup since 1998. | Submitted

With Scotland set to take their place at the pinnacle of international football for the first time in 28 years, James DD Wilson, 27, has timed the release well with World Cup fever about to grip the country ahead of our matches in the USA against Haiti, Morocco and Brazil in June.

James, who has a masters degree in journalism and works in the sports media industry, spent a year researching and writing ‘The Neapolitan Scot’.

In doing so, he travelled to Naples where “McFratm”, as the locals affectionately call their midfielder - is idolised after helping SSC Napoli to their fourth Serie A title last season. The author also interviewed people in Manchester where Scott started his career at Man United.

Lancaster-born McTominay’s star has risen in spectacular style both home and abroad in recent years - not least for his national side, with many citing his barnstorming bicycle kick in the crucial World Cup qualifier against Denmark in November as the best Scotland goal of all time.

It was an iconic moment in dark blue, and, for James, it provided the perfect cover image for his book, alongside another hugely-important overhead effort Scott scored for Napoli.

The story of McTominay, who went from being deemed surplus to requirements at Old Trafford, to arguably one of the most popular Napoli stars since the late, great Diego Maradona, is a fascinating one for James.

He said: “I have always wanted to write a book. McTominay’s rise has been extraordinary, like a Netflix story - going over to Italy and winning the league - he’s an idol in Naples and Scotland. It’s a very interesting story. One thing led to another and I managed to get it together. It’s definitely been a labour of love getting it done in time for the World Cup.

“I think he has been very popular with the Tartan Army since he broke through into the national team, even when playing in different positions. I think he is a role model and he is really becoming a Scottish icon.

“It has been cool to see how he has developed throughout his career, he’s went on and on, up and up. I think his story is an inspiration. If you believe in yourself you can reach new heights.

“He got criticism at Manchester United and was a bit unwanted, but he has gone on and proved them wrong at a high level, becoming a hero in Italy and here in Scotland.”

James pictured in Italy with local football journalists, who he spoke to for his debut book about Scotland's maverick midfielder. | Submitted

James enjoyed learning more about his Scotland hero while researching the book, including about the Ballon d'Or 2025 nominee’s growth spurt in his teens.

He said: “I loved it. And the great solo travel experience. It was great to meet and talk to different people who have been involved in his football career, getting the inside story.

“It was an amazing experience going out to Italy, I will definitely be going back, they love him over there. One of the Italian journalists I spoke to said Scotland will be getting a lot of support from Italy given they haven’t qualified, and a lot of our team now play in Serie A.

James in the football-mad city of Naples, while researching his book about Scotland Napoli star Scott McTominay. | Submitted

“One of the most interesting things I learned about him while researching the book was his growth spurt in his teens. When he was 16 and at the Manchester United Academy he was just five foot six inches, but in two years he shot up to six foot three inches. He barely kicked a ball during that time as he struggled to adapt to his body changes.

“He feared he was not going to get picked for the first team, but he now thinks he will have a longer career as he started first team football quite late compared to other players. It’s mad how quickly he spurted up. It’s something that people might not be aware of.”

Scott McTominay's overhead kick for Scotland against Denmark wowed fans across the globe. | SNS Group

The book’s cover illustrates the two overhead kicks that helped turn McTominay into an icon, for Napoli to win the title, and in Scotland’s dramatic win against Denmark last year to book Scotland’s first appearance at the World Cup since 1998.

Scotland fan James enjoying a game at Hampden Park with his family. | Submitted

James, who runs a social media account about the Scotland national football team, is hoping Scotland do well at the World Cup this summer, leading to him writing more books about the team’s star players.

He said: “I worked with a cover designer from Glasgow and I think it’s turned out really cool. I’m really happy with the book, obviously being my first attempt, and how it has now come out. I have been blown away by the positive response to it.

“I just hope I get good reviews, people enjoy reading it and they want more. As I’ve had the idea of doing a series on Scotland players. John McGinn and Andy Robertson would be the next ones I’d like to write a book about. People love McGinn so I would like to find out more about him and write about it.

“McTominay has proven he is the man for the big occasion, so there is scope for a bonus chapter in The Neapolitan Scot if we do well at the World Cup. We’ve been at a couple of Euros recently, where we didn’t do so well. Hopefully this time we make more of a dent and don’t just make up the numbers. Fingers crossed!”

‘The Neapolitan Scot: How Scott McTominay Became a Scotland and Napoli Icon’ is out now, with an official book launch taking place at The Volley sports bar at Leith Walk, on Sunday, May 31, 3pm-5pm.