View Full Version : Football autobiographies...
Craig_H
06-05-08, 04:42 PM
I'm off on holiday in July and i always like a good book to read by the pool or the beach...my main reading material consists of autobiographies, i'm not one for novels or the like.
I've read a few of the obvious ones - Fowler, Gerrard, Owen..and a few less obvious ones for an LFC fan - Roy Keane, Alex Ferguson, even read David Elleray's :D plus several others i cant remember now...
Can anyone recommend any good ones? I prefer them to be players who played most of their career during the times i've watched football, so we're talking mid 1980s at the earliest, to the present day.
The more controversial, the better - makes for a better read.
Open to suggestions. Cheers :handshake:
Craig_H
06-05-08, 04:45 PM
There are NO good ones.
Cynic :shake: :D
Roy Keane's was good, as was Ferguson's if i'm being honest. I enjoyed Fowler's one too. Owen's was boring and 'proper' while Gerrard's revealed a spoilt, attention seeking brat.
Dalglish
06-05-08, 04:47 PM
Tony Cascarino's book (cant recall the name) is very good
Paul McGraths is a good read, whether it'd interest you or not is a different story.
The best, by far, football autobiography i have read is
"Kicked Into Touch" - Fred Eyre -
who i hear you ask! a brilliant book and about proper football, suberbly wrote, humorous and i recommend it to all
Craig_H
06-05-08, 04:53 PM
Cascarino's probably wouldnt interest me too much. McGrath's i've actually heard good things about, but i'm thinking a fair portion of it will relate to the earlier stages of his career, which will take it back to the early 80s i think and this is going back a bit further than i'd wanted really. Appreciate the suggestions lads, keep them coming - i'm not going on holiday until July :D
Craig_H
06-05-08, 04:54 PM
The best, by far, football autobiography i have read is
"Kicked Into Touch" - Fred Eyre -
who i hear you ask! a brilliant book and about proper football, suberbly wrote, humorous and i recommend it to all
So who is he then?
It’s not an autobiograpgy but it’s a book you should love:
‘No More Buddha, Only Football’ by Chris England.
It’s half travel/half football – a fantastic account of the author’s trip to Japan for the 2002 World Cup (he’s a freelance football journalist). Laugh out loud funny and insightful.
here is a c+p on the book
FRED EYRE'S SPORTING LIFE BEGAN FULL OF promise when he became Manchester City's first ever apprentice. He never made their first team. In fact, he seldom made anyone's first team. Injuries played a part but limited talent was the greater curse. As he plummeted down the leagues he had something few footballers possess: a stud-sharp memory and an ability to write humorously about the sport he loves.
Originally published in 1981, Kicked Into Touch has become an enigma - selling more than a million copies yet still retaining cult status within the sport and among fans. This new version has been completely revised, extended and updated with a new cover and set of photographs included.
It is set to reach a new generation of football fans looking for an antidote to the glib reportage of a sport lost to show business.
and from Amazon
Along with Hunter Davies and Eamon Dunphy, Fred Eyre is widely regarded as having written the seminal book about football - before the likes of Nick Hornby ever tapped into a word-processor.
Hailed on publication in 1981 as, ‘Far and away the funniest and most revealing book about football ever written,’ by The Observer, Kicked Into Touch has sold in excess of a million copies been reprinted 37 times. It was last published in 1991 and this new edition is fully revised, has a new cover, new forewords, new set of photographs and is significantly extended – hence the slight change of title.
Kicked Into Touch recounts Fred’s experiences with more than 30 football clubs in numerous different roles, from ground-staff boy at Manchester City (he was the club’s first ever apprentice) to full-time professional League manager.
The book also charts Fred’s inspirational rise in business when, after he was forced to retire from playing due to injury, he set up his own stationary business with just £100. It went on to become a multi-million pounds concern.
It’s not an autobiograpgy but it’s a book you should love:
‘No More Buddha, Only Football’ by Chris England.
It’s half travel/half football – a fantastic account of the author’s trip to Japan for the 2002 World Cup (he’s a freelance football journalist). Laugh out loud funny and insightful.
Sounds good, might have a look for that myself - need a book after finishing my WW1 epic! :haha:
So who is he then?
He was an apprentice at man city and as a school boy convinced he was going to be a superstar, it never worked out for him and he become the ultimate journeyman in football, eventually starting up a stationary shop with like £100 and turning it into a multi million pound business. He was still playing non league for someone like wycombe(wild guess) and turing up for matches/training in a rolls royce
I've recently read the Shankly biography, written by Stephen Kelly - it's bad. Really, really bad :(
Craig_H
06-05-08, 04:59 PM
It’s not an autobiograpgy but it’s a book you should love:
‘No More Buddha, Only Football’ by Chris England.
It’s half travel/half football – a fantastic account of the author’s trip to Japan for the 2002 World Cup (he’s a freelance football journalist). Laugh out loud funny and insightful.
That sounds good actually. I like stuff written by fan about their experiences following football, and with it being based on the 2002 world cup, it certainly passes the 'not too old' test. I'll look into that.
I'm also going to buy "Here we go gathering cups in May" because i've heard lots of good things about it. :)
Craig_H
06-05-08, 05:00 PM
He was an apprentice at man city and as a school boy convinced he was going to be a superstar, it never worked out for him and he become the ultimate journeyman in football, eventually starting up a stationary shop with like £100 and turning it into a multi million pound business. He was still playing non league for someone like wycombe(wild guess) and turing up for matches/training in a rolls royce
:haha: Sounds pretty funny actually, i might add it to the shortlist :D
Syd, can we expect reviews afterwards? :crackoff:
Not a biography, but very entertaining: A Season with Verona (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Season-Verona-Tim-Parks/dp/0099422670).
That sounds good actually. I like stuff written by fan about their experiences following football, and with it being based on the 2002 world cup, it certainly passes the 'not too old' test. I'll look into that.
I'm also going to buy "Here we go gathering cups in May" because i've heard lots of good things about it. :)
I read that one. Tis a very good read :handshake:
I didn't like one of the authors (coz I didn't get a lot of the "local" references), but still worth reading.
Paul McGraths is a good read, whether it'd interest you or not is a different story.
The only autobiography that I've read where most of it is written by other people 'cos McGrath was always too pissed to remember what was going on.
Maybe try this one? Saw it in HMV for a fiver, didnt get one but I was tempted:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51JP4QQ332L._SS500_.jpg
:D - it's brilliant - he has a great sense of humour and build up the hope of him succeeding to the point were you are convinced he will make it but it wasn't to be. He was mates and played with some of the all time greats as schoolboy but despite never making it he continued playing, even playing for New Brighton(my grandad played for them) in the conference who don't even exist any more. He has a great sense of humour and really takes the piss out of himself well. Although it may be "older" than what you want, it's about real football and the passion for the sport,trying to succeed and make it as pro and as such it's great for anyone who dreamed of making it but never did as we all can relate to it. Not like this multi millionaire cunts who release books five years into their careers!
Oh, I read the Maradona one (think it's called El Diego). Don't bother. The guy was a phenomenal footballer, but doesn't half love himself.
The only autobiography that I've read where most of it is written by other people 'cos McGrath was always too pissed to remember what was going on.
Maybe try this one? Saw it in HMV for a fiver, didnt get one but I was tempted:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51JP4QQ332L._SS500_.jpg
i read that - it was ok, not great - i will prob get slaughtered for this but there is a tranmere one called away days i think which was a much better/funnier book
The only autobiography that I've read where most of it is written by other people 'cos McGrath was always too pissed to remember what was going on.
Maybe try this one? Saw it in HMV for a fiver, didnt get one but I was tempted:
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51JP4QQ332L._SS500_.jpg
Nicholas Allt. That's the guy from "Here we go gathering cup" that I didn't like :handshake:
i read that - it was ok, not great - i will prob get slaughtered for this but there is a tranmere one called away days i think which was a much better/funnier book
Apparently this is being made into a film :confused: just found this
A CULT novel about Merseyside football hooligans is being turned into a film.
Cameras have already started rolling on the set of Away Days, written by Wirral author Kevin Sampson.
David Hughes, the former keyboardist with Mersey group Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark, has bought the rights to adapt the book and shooting began in the former Cammel Laird’s shipyard yesterday.
Gangs of New York and Snatch star Stephen Graham is one of a few well-known actors who will be in the film.
Set in the late 70s, Away Days is about a 19-year-old called Paul Carty who is torn between the Pack – a group of Tranmere Rovers hooligans – and his family and potential future.
The novel is also about Thatcherism, music, youth unemployment and heroin addiction.
Mr Hughes, who met Kevin Sampson as Wirral teenagers at Eric’s club on Mathew Street, said: “The ethos is, right across the board, to try and promote new talent and launch a new Brit Pack of actors from this film.
“We want to try and add to the existing and ever-growing pool of film-making talent in the city.
“We’re using great Merseyside locations like the shipyards, the Heebie Jeebies bar on Seel Street and great moody panoramas of the Mersey estuary and docklands.
“But we’re also shooting all over Wirral from Egremont and Eastham to Ellesmere Port. Some of the action takes place on trains and we managed to find somewhere in Bury that has a train track with vintage 70s trains.”
Mr Hughes has previously won success providing the scores for major films like Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels with John Murphy and US hit The Batchelor, starring Renee Zellweger.
He formed production company Red Union which is behind the Away Days film with Kevin, who also managed Liverpool band The Farm.
Kevin wrote Away Days in 1998 and has written for magazines including NME and The Face.
i read that - it was ok, not great - i will prob get slaughtered for this but there is a tranmere one called away days i think which was a much better/funnier book
Fairy muff, probably won't buy it then :D
I wouldnt describe Heebie Jeebies as a "great location". Fucking hate that place :D
Fairy muff, probably won't buy it then :D
it's ok - i read it on holiday, some funny bits in it but i will be nothing you've havent' heard or seen before
"we started the football terrace culture and everyone knew it"
"we had the biggest crew and everyone new it"
"we wore the best clobber and everyone knew it"
All true. You Tranny Rovers boys are obviously a bit jealous.
Craig_H
06-05-08, 05:14 PM
Syd, can we expect reviews afterwards? :crackoff:
:D You've got more chance of marky pulling a bird.
I wouldnt describe Heebie Jeebies as a "great location". Fucking hate that place :D
:D haha i didn't read the full report - fuck that, I liked heebie jeebies when i was a part time raver on gary's la! :crackoff:
All true. You Tranny Rovers boys are obviously a bit jealous.
:haha: - don't start :rant:
Yeah i agree all true with ref LFC but i felt like i had read the annie road book before i had even picked it up. Maybe i am being a bit critical off it cause i was hoping for something new, different, interesting about our club bit didn't get it - some people may find it very interesting/entertaining etc but i have read more interesting LFC adventures on Est/St/6CM/RAWK/TLW etc etc etc
:D
I know what you mean. If you read one, you've read 'em all. Same applies to football films like Green Street/Football Factories.
Very few footballers autobiographies are actually that good. They all follow the same boring formula.
:D
I know what you mean. If you read one, you've read 'em all. Same applies to football films like Green Street/Football Factories.
Very few footballers autobiographies are actually that good. They all follow the same boring formula.
:handshake: thats why i prob enjoyed the Away Days one, cause it's not so much a story of being in a firm and getting into fights and having the east stand one afternoon in september etc etc(tho that is a 'theme' if u like of the book) but more about a normal lad growing up in the merseyside area and being stuck between being sensible or being a scally, experiencing life, getting pissed, trying drugs, shagging birds, getting into scraps, losing freinds/gaining friends etc.
Again thats why i enjoyed Kicked into Touch by Fred Eyre - it breaks the mould and follows a completey different path to you average footballers "i am the bollocks" stories
Will keep an eye out for both of them :handshake:
saveferris
06-05-08, 07:02 PM
It’s not an autobiograpgy but it’s a book you should love:
‘No More Buddha, Only Football’ by Chris England.
It’s half travel/half football – a fantastic account of the author’s trip to Japan for the 2002 World Cup (he’s a freelance football journalist). Laugh out loud funny and insightful.
This is a good book, not too heavy so perfect for hols
spud_gun
06-05-08, 08:20 PM
It's not an biogrpahy but it's possibly the best football book you'll ever read
'The Miracle of Castel di Sangro'
You can pick it up on Amazon for about 7 quid. Well worth it.
Ketario
06-05-08, 09:26 PM
This isn't an autobiog but it is excellent;
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51YDTHC263L._SS500_.jpg
You'll especially like Chapter 6; "The rotation policy - why it made us the team we were"
andyinswinton
06-05-08, 09:39 PM
Micky Quinns is a good read as is Stan Collymores. I read Paolo Di Canio's and Barry Frys a while ago and they are worth reading on a beach.
I find that the more controversial the player the better.
I read a lot of football autobiographies. I want to read Holloways and am thinking of reading Warnocks although I'll wait until they are cheap.
Tommy Smiths is good for old LFC stuff
marcgerard
06-05-08, 10:41 PM
Ferenc Puskas' Captain of Hungary
It has been just been republished and is well worth a read
Paul Gascgoine: Gazza My Story
When he was doing the book signing in Church St, he apparently told his people that he didn't want to sign any books as Gazza
only Paul, or Paul Gascgoine
I managed to finish this on a two week holiday myself.
I have a lot of time for this fella. :handshake:
By the end of the book it's difficult to decide how you view him on the one hand the most talented player of his generation with a tragic background, on the other the man who had it all and blew it.
badpiggy
06-05-08, 11:18 PM
This isn't an autobiog but it is excellent;
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51YDTHC263L._SS500_.jpg
You'll especially like Chapter 6; "The rotation policy - why it made us the team we were"
:haha: being quite the funny cunt these days
The Stan Ternent book is supposed to be raelly good
Oh and although Away Days is about Tranmere it's written by Kevin Sampson who's a Liverpool fan and used to write The End with Peter Hooton , I preferred his book Powder that was fucking funny.
Tony Adams' autobiography is quite good if you enjoy reading about grown men waking up covered in piss, wrapping their motors around inobtrusive lamp-posts and befriending tiny rodents in prison cells.
Although not an autobiography, and dealing with events that took place in 1974, David Peace's 'The Damned United' (a fictional account of Brian Clough's 44 day reign as Leeds manager) is probably the best football-related book I've come across.
Although not an autobiography, and dealing with events that took place in 1974, David Peace's 'The Damned United' (a fictional account of Brian Clough's 44 day reign as Leeds manager) is probably the best football-related book I've come across.
I read that on several recommendations from people on this forum and didn't enjoy it at all but then I'm not a massive fan of football books.
I read that on several recommendations from people on this forum and didn't enjoy it at all but then I'm not a massive fan of football books.
It's a bit of an acquired taste, given the writer's style and method (half in flashback and written from the perspective of an increasingly isolated, unhinged and alcohol-ridden Clough), but I see it as more of a trawl through the teetering psyche of a power-stripped egotist than a straight-ahead memoir of 'boy done good' anecdotes. And it's meant to be a fictitious tale, after all.
It wouldn't be to everyone's liking though, granted.
andyinswinton
07-05-08, 07:03 PM
Although not an autobiography, and dealing with events that took place in 1974, David Peace's 'The Damned United' (a fictional account of Brian Clough's 44 day reign as Leeds manager) is probably the best football-related book I've come across.
I agree about this book. I struggled getting into it but it is an excellent read.
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