Stanley qualified as a Chartered Mechanical Engineer and marketing consultant. Widely travelled to more than 70 countries, he has lived in France for 33 years with his French wife Gilberte.

He developed artistic talents in painting, sculpture and literature, and practised several sports. His lifelong passion with football - as a player, coach, referee, administrator, and instructor of international referees, is reflected in his writings.

Published works include Soccer Rules Illustrated, a world textbook with the first edition in 1971. Regularly updated it has never been out-of-print. Other books share his specialist knowledge with all elements of the world's most popular sport. A regular contributor to the FIFA Magazine, Stanley's illustrated features and articles have been syndicated worldwide.

His autobiography, Chronicles of a Timid Lover, was publshed last year.

Stanley is a member of The Society of Authors.