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Red: My Autobiography
For twenty glorious years, Gary Neville has worn his heart on his sleeve. This is his storyNo player has been more synonymous with the glory years of Manchester United Football Club over the past two decades than right–back Gary Neville. An Old Trafford regular since he attended his first match at the age of six, captain of the brilliant 1992 FA Youth Cup–winning team, outspoken representative of MUFC, Neville is the ultimate one–club man. He has been at the heart of it all and, at the end of an amazing career, is now ready to tell all. Neville reveals the behind–the–scenes secrets of his early days with the likes of Giggs, Scholes, and his best mate, David Beckham.
352 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2011
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August 11, 2022
(امتیاز ترجمه فارسی سه و نیم)
تعصب، نظم، کلهشقی و سختکوشی. گری نویل هیچوقت یک نابغه نبوده. هیچوقت قرار نبوده کسی رو شگفتزده کنه. اما توان این رو داشته که با نظم و سختکوشی بیش از 600 بازی برای یکی از بهترین باشگاههای جهان بازی کنه. اسم پدر گری نویل «نویل نویل»ه. چرا؟ چون خاله پدر گری نویل به مادربزرگ گری نویل موقع زایمان گفته اسم بچه چیه؟ مادربزرگه هم گفته نویل. این گفته نویل هم شد اسم؟ مادربزرگه هم به جای اینکه بگه این اسمش نیست و فامیلیشه با خودش گفته حالا که اینطوره اسم کوچیکشم میگذارم نویل که خواهرم بفهمه بله میشه! نوه این مادربزرگ معلومه که چی از آب در میاد
.
این خودزندگینامه نه فقط برای طرفدارهای منچستر (مثل خودم) بلکه برای همهی کسایی نوشته شده که میخوان ببینن چطور یک آدم معمولی میتونه خودش رو تو سطح بالای یک تخصص تثبیت کنه. گری نویل اعترافهای صادقانهای دربارهی خودش داره و البته اگر طرفدار منچستر باشید خاطرات زیاد وبه یادموندنی از لحظههای پرخاطرهی منچستر... از حرکت کونگفوی کانتونا روی تماشاگر حریف تا اون شب به یادموندنی تکمیل سهگانه توی نیوکمپ در سال 1999
...
و البته یک چیز جالب: نویل کتاب رو در سال 2011 منتشر کرده. در این سال منچستر خریدهای جدیدی داره که نویل بسیار به آیندهشون امیدواره و به نظرش قراره توی تئاتر رویاها بدرخشن. اما حالا میبینیم که پیشبینی نویل چقدر اشتباه بوده. تو فوتبال قضاوت درباره گذشته به همون اندازه آسونه که پیشبینی آینده سخته؛ انگار درست مثل زندگی
...
تعصب، نظم، کلهشقی و سختکوشی. گری نویل هیچوقت یک نابغه نبوده. هیچوقت قرار نبوده کسی رو شگفتزده کنه. اما توان این رو داشته که با نظم و سختکوشی بیش از 600 بازی برای یکی از بهترین باشگاههای جهان بازی کنه. اسم پدر گری نویل «نویل نویل»ه. چرا؟ چون خاله پدر گری نویل به مادربزرگ گری نویل موقع زایمان گفته اسم بچه چیه؟ مادربزرگه هم گفته نویل. این گفته نویل هم شد اسم؟ مادربزرگه هم به جای اینکه بگه این اسمش نیست و فامیلیشه با خودش گفته حالا که اینطوره اسم کوچیکشم میگذارم نویل که خواهرم بفهمه بله میشه! نوه این مادربزرگ معلومه که چی از آب در میاد
.
این خودزندگینامه نه فقط برای طرفدارهای منچستر (مثل خودم) بلکه برای همهی کسایی نوشته شده که میخوان ببینن چطور یک آدم معمولی میتونه خودش رو تو سطح بالای یک تخصص تثبیت کنه. گری نویل اعترافهای صادقانهای دربارهی خودش داره و البته اگر طرفدار منچستر باشید خاطرات زیاد وبه یادموندنی از لحظههای پرخاطرهی منچستر... از حرکت کونگفوی کانتونا روی تماشاگر حریف تا اون شب به یادموندنی تکمیل سهگانه توی نیوکمپ در سال 1999
...
و البته یک چیز جالب: نویل کتاب رو در سال 2011 منتشر کرده. در این سال منچستر خریدهای جدیدی داره که نویل بسیار به آیندهشون امیدواره و به نظرش قراره توی تئاتر رویاها بدرخشن. اما حالا میبینیم که پیشبینی نویل چقدر اشتباه بوده. تو فوتبال قضاوت درباره گذشته به همون اندازه آسونه که پیشبینی آینده سخته؛ انگار درست مثل زندگی
...
June 24, 2019
A pretty good football autobiography. It was an easy enough read talking about Neville's youth, his time at Manchester United and on his England campaigns. He's pretty opinionated which you'd be aware of if you watch him on Sky Sports but overall it was pretty decent. I'd read some of the tales before in Alex Ferguson's autobiography so it was interesting to hear the stories from a second viewpoint.
November 8, 2011
I was bought this as a joke. It is a galling read. The statement 'but that's how we do things at United' appears roughly every three pages. Phrases like 'that's Scholesy for you' and 'typical England' are sprinkled throughout the text with insouciant brio. Within the first chapter, the reader's perception of Neville as the worst kind of nincompoop is indelibly ingrained. The following 380ish pages only compound said perception.
There are also gross factual innacuracies. At one point, the book states 'if you type "Gary Neville wanker" into Google, you get about ten thousand results.' Hogwash. I did it just now and got around 38,400 results.
When I finally finished the book and closed it - to find Red Nev's ugly phizog staring at me once more from the dust jacket, I was shaking and febrile. I tossed the tome toward the bin muttering Kurtz's famous coda from Heart of Darkness: 'the horror, the horror.'
Two days later, I have barely recovered.
There are also gross factual innacuracies. At one point, the book states 'if you type "Gary Neville wanker" into Google, you get about ten thousand results.' Hogwash. I did it just now and got around 38,400 results.
When I finally finished the book and closed it - to find Red Nev's ugly phizog staring at me once more from the dust jacket, I was shaking and febrile. I tossed the tome toward the bin muttering Kurtz's famous coda from Heart of Darkness: 'the horror, the horror.'
Two days later, I have barely recovered.
October 30, 2011
Gary Neville will admit that he's not the most talented footballer in the world, however what makes him great is his determination, his drive to succeed. That is what kept him at the top at United for so many years, that's what made him one of the greatest right backs in the world. After a career spanning almost 20 years, he brought the curtain down on his glittering career this past year, which he did with typical Gary Neville style. No fuss, no wondering if he could go one more year... When Gary knew it was time to quit, he did.
In his auto-biography, Gary is as honest as ever without it being the kind of controversial auto-biography footballers favour. Instead, it's the story of how Gary became a United great, right from the very beginning. How he pushed and pushed and pushed, how he strived to be the very best and how he just wanted to be a footballer. It may not be the most exciting auto-biography, but for me I liked its honesty. Gary Neville is nothing if not opinionated and he gives opinions on everything - from England managers he played under, to the time he swore at Sir Alex Ferguson, to his own bad performances, to the "strike" scandal I knew nothing about until I read the book...
I admit, I only started watching football in 2005 so I wasn't clued up with Neville's history so the book was an insight into someone I hugely admire and it was a worthy one. He doesn't shy away from calling a spade a spade and although the book won't be hugely popular with many people (namely Liverpool fans for no other reason than it has a big picture of Gary Neville on the front) it's one of the best football auto-biographies I've read.
I think Gary had help in writing his auto-biography, but you can imagine everything that went into the book was dictated by him and you can just feel his passion for football, for United, for the game, dripping off every page. I loved the book, I love the man, I love the way he doesn't necessarily care what people think of him, that he's not only a great footballer but a great person as well. He's now moved into punditry and it's no surprise he's good at that, too. Gary Neville will always be a die-hard Red and in a time when footballers wages play a massive part in where they play, it's not too often you can say that of a footballer, but Gary is red through and through and always will be and Red is a brilliant insight into the man himself.
In his auto-biography, Gary is as honest as ever without it being the kind of controversial auto-biography footballers favour. Instead, it's the story of how Gary became a United great, right from the very beginning. How he pushed and pushed and pushed, how he strived to be the very best and how he just wanted to be a footballer. It may not be the most exciting auto-biography, but for me I liked its honesty. Gary Neville is nothing if not opinionated and he gives opinions on everything - from England managers he played under, to the time he swore at Sir Alex Ferguson, to his own bad performances, to the "strike" scandal I knew nothing about until I read the book...
I admit, I only started watching football in 2005 so I wasn't clued up with Neville's history so the book was an insight into someone I hugely admire and it was a worthy one. He doesn't shy away from calling a spade a spade and although the book won't be hugely popular with many people (namely Liverpool fans for no other reason than it has a big picture of Gary Neville on the front) it's one of the best football auto-biographies I've read.
I think Gary had help in writing his auto-biography, but you can imagine everything that went into the book was dictated by him and you can just feel his passion for football, for United, for the game, dripping off every page. I loved the book, I love the man, I love the way he doesn't necessarily care what people think of him, that he's not only a great footballer but a great person as well. He's now moved into punditry and it's no surprise he's good at that, too. Gary Neville will always be a die-hard Red and in a time when footballers wages play a massive part in where they play, it's not too often you can say that of a footballer, but Gary is red through and through and always will be and Red is a brilliant insight into the man himself.
December 22, 2014
The usual sports bio. Interesting though predicable. For the fan.
January 20, 2023
Once upon a time there was a soccer player called Gary Neville. People not having a clue in sports knew him as the best man in David Beckham's wedding. I believe that if Beckham had divorced Victoria Beckham, nee Spice, and had remarried, then Neville would have been David's best man again.
I think I won't do a proper review here. I will just let Nature take its course. I am going to post the definitive companion to this book... a fictitious diary entry not by the man himself.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday
I'm so excited about tonight I did a wee in the pool today - mum was wrong about the water going purple :-) But I swam next to Philip just in case. Am missing Sir but hopefully the postcards will stop him missing me too much.
Will update later after our glorious win over the cocky French - I shall wipe that smile off silly Robert Pires' face with his silly facial hair. Bet he wishes he had a proper moustache like me. And bet he wishes he plays for the best club in the whole wide world.
Later: Not fair, not fair, not fair. I hate Scousers and I told Mr Eriksson that there's no way they should be allowed to play for us again. Sir would never allow it. I'm calling a meeting tomorrow to propose a strike until only players from the best club in the whole wide world can play for England. And Wayne Rooney. And Sol Campbell. But that's it. Oh and Owen Hargreaves because he gave me a bite of his Curly Wurly.
Monday
Only Philip turned up for the meeting. And that might have been because I had him in an armlock. Everyone else was off with girls - in their rooms kissy-wissing. Yuk. I played ping-pong - but got a bit bored of fetching the ball.
Told the journalists that I wasn't bothered at all about losing to France. Ha. That'll teach them. I'm getting really good at these mind games.
Read Sir's book and felt closer to him somehow.
Tuesday
Mr Eriksson seemed pleased I'd ironed the bibs with my travel iron. Just wait until he sees the embroidery :-)
Took Wayne aside today to give him the benefit of my advice - tell him how I've coped with the pressure of fame and being heralded as one of the most gifted players in Europe. He started laughing - think he was nervous about talking to me. Poor lad. He must pinch himself every day that he's playing alongside David and me.
Wednesday
Am sick with worry - tried to call Sir again and he didn't answer. I tried about 40 times from my mobile and he never answered so went downstairs and called from the hotel phone. He answered after the first ring this time but was cut off when I said 'Hello Sir'. Called Mum but she said she'd seen him on TV so he definitely hadn't been kidnapped. Phew. But there's definitely something wrong.
A small Portuguese child laughed at my moustache, saying his was thicker and more bushy. I held him down and knuckled his head until he said that Manchester United are the best team in the whole wide world and Paul Scholes' goal against Porto was definitely a goal which means that Porto are poo.
He was right about his moustache though. All the kids here seem to have thicker moustaches than me :-(
Thursday
'...And then Gary Neville, with his thick and bushy moutache, caps a man-of-the-match performance with the cross for England's third which is bundled somewhat luckily home by a fortunate Scouser. Can anyone stop Gary Neville? Surely there is no player in Europe to match Neville. We can hear the crowd chanting his name - everyone's hero Gary Neville...'
Can't wait to see the newspapers tomorrow. I can see the headlines now - 'Golden Gary Makes Swiss Roll' or just 'Nev-Mania!'. Sir (and Mum) will be so proud.
Friday
Roo-mania, Roon Army, Wayne's World - I shouldn't have had that chat with him on Tuesday.
Saturday
It's mine and David's anniversary today! Have been walking around with a big smile all day. I left a little teddy on his bed with a note with the lyrics of 'our' song (Come on you Reds, come on you Reds, Just keep your bottle and use your heads...). David didn't say anything in front of the other lads because they'd get jealous. But he gave me a special smile - though the silly love-sick waitress who was walking in front of me clearly thought it was for her! Loooooser.
I can't believe it's been eight years since he first called me 'Gazza'.
Sunday
Father's Day so tried to call Sir. And then tried again. And again. No luck (though I heard Butty call someone 'Alex' on the phone?!) so called Mum and asked her to ask Dad if he would pop round to Sir's with a card.
Played pool this afternoon and I beat Philip 10-0 because I am the greatest. Philip wasn't actually there but I played left-handed every time it was his turn. And he was rubbish! Ha ha ha. Gazza is the greatest.
Excited about tomorrow. But annoyed that Mr Eriksson says Butty's injury means that he can't replace Frank Lamppost. He said something in Swedish. Think it must have been 'Good luck'.
Monday
David was brilliant tonight against Croatia. I bet everyone back home is so proud of him. And me. I was brilliant too. Portugal must have been scared watching us together. Beckham and Neville. David and Gary (how cool does that sound? Much better than 'David and Victoria' anyway). Scholesy was also great but I bet Roonaldo (yeah right, as if he's as good as our Ronaldo) gets all the headlines again for two lucky finishes. It's only because everyone hates Man United. And we all know why they hate Man United don't we? J-E-A-L-O-U-S-Y.
The only thing that spoiled tonight was that Philip came on for the last six minutes. Somehow he managed not to ruin everything completely.
Tuesday
Boring day - everyone went to play golf and forgot to tell me (again) - so have put together Gary Neville's Team Of Euro 2004. Here we go...
GK: Fabien Barthez.
RB: Gary Neville (he's been brilliant)
CB: Jaap Stam (I won't show this to Sir)
CB: Sol Campbell
LB: Mikael Silvestre (solid)
RM: David Beckham (brilliant)
CM: Paul Scholes
CM: Nicky Butt (looked excellent in training)
LM: The Real Ronaldo
CF: Louis Saha
CF: Ruud van Nistelrooy (brilliant)
Am happy with this apart from Sol. He's the weak link and is only there because of the FA's victimisation of Rio. But I still think this team would win the whole thing.
Wednesday
Sent another postcard to Sir as I'm sure I won't see him for another 12 days - and by then we will be European champions again ;-) Is not the same without the other guys and am still a bit angry with Mr Eriksson that he did not bring Giggsy. But he says I can't threaten another strike after I got my way about the lumpy beds. And the supposed Branston's pickle that was just a cheap imitation. Still fuming about that now.
Am trying to spare a thought for little Ronaldo though. He will no doubt be brilliant against us but will be on the losing side. I will make a special effort to find him after the game and console him.
Thursday
Up Urs Meier - you cheating, weaselly nincompoop. This Swiss cuckoo (ha) got the biggest decision of his life absolutely wrong and we lost because of him. Because we - and especially me and David and excepting Phil - were absolutely brilliant against Portugal and deserved to win by miles. But he got it all wrong. I still can't believe he booked me. There'll be a fuss about that in the papers tomorrow.
Gave Darius Vaseline (ha) a Chinese burn after the match. He said David missed too but everyone could see that was the fault of the pitch and anyway, David is brilliant, so there.
There's only one good thing to come out of all this: I'll see Sir soon.
I think I won't do a proper review here. I will just let Nature take its course. I am going to post the definitive companion to this book... a fictitious diary entry not by the man himself.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Sunday
I'm so excited about tonight I did a wee in the pool today - mum was wrong about the water going purple :-) But I swam next to Philip just in case. Am missing Sir but hopefully the postcards will stop him missing me too much.
Will update later after our glorious win over the cocky French - I shall wipe that smile off silly Robert Pires' face with his silly facial hair. Bet he wishes he had a proper moustache like me. And bet he wishes he plays for the best club in the whole wide world.
Later: Not fair, not fair, not fair. I hate Scousers and I told Mr Eriksson that there's no way they should be allowed to play for us again. Sir would never allow it. I'm calling a meeting tomorrow to propose a strike until only players from the best club in the whole wide world can play for England. And Wayne Rooney. And Sol Campbell. But that's it. Oh and Owen Hargreaves because he gave me a bite of his Curly Wurly.
Monday
Only Philip turned up for the meeting. And that might have been because I had him in an armlock. Everyone else was off with girls - in their rooms kissy-wissing. Yuk. I played ping-pong - but got a bit bored of fetching the ball.
Told the journalists that I wasn't bothered at all about losing to France. Ha. That'll teach them. I'm getting really good at these mind games.
Read Sir's book and felt closer to him somehow.
Tuesday
Mr Eriksson seemed pleased I'd ironed the bibs with my travel iron. Just wait until he sees the embroidery :-)
Took Wayne aside today to give him the benefit of my advice - tell him how I've coped with the pressure of fame and being heralded as one of the most gifted players in Europe. He started laughing - think he was nervous about talking to me. Poor lad. He must pinch himself every day that he's playing alongside David and me.
Wednesday
Am sick with worry - tried to call Sir again and he didn't answer. I tried about 40 times from my mobile and he never answered so went downstairs and called from the hotel phone. He answered after the first ring this time but was cut off when I said 'Hello Sir'. Called Mum but she said she'd seen him on TV so he definitely hadn't been kidnapped. Phew. But there's definitely something wrong.
A small Portuguese child laughed at my moustache, saying his was thicker and more bushy. I held him down and knuckled his head until he said that Manchester United are the best team in the whole wide world and Paul Scholes' goal against Porto was definitely a goal which means that Porto are poo.
He was right about his moustache though. All the kids here seem to have thicker moustaches than me :-(
Thursday
'...And then Gary Neville, with his thick and bushy moutache, caps a man-of-the-match performance with the cross for England's third which is bundled somewhat luckily home by a fortunate Scouser. Can anyone stop Gary Neville? Surely there is no player in Europe to match Neville. We can hear the crowd chanting his name - everyone's hero Gary Neville...'
Can't wait to see the newspapers tomorrow. I can see the headlines now - 'Golden Gary Makes Swiss Roll' or just 'Nev-Mania!'. Sir (and Mum) will be so proud.
Friday
Roo-mania, Roon Army, Wayne's World - I shouldn't have had that chat with him on Tuesday.
Saturday
It's mine and David's anniversary today! Have been walking around with a big smile all day. I left a little teddy on his bed with a note with the lyrics of 'our' song (Come on you Reds, come on you Reds, Just keep your bottle and use your heads...). David didn't say anything in front of the other lads because they'd get jealous. But he gave me a special smile - though the silly love-sick waitress who was walking in front of me clearly thought it was for her! Loooooser.
I can't believe it's been eight years since he first called me 'Gazza'.
Sunday
Father's Day so tried to call Sir. And then tried again. And again. No luck (though I heard Butty call someone 'Alex' on the phone?!) so called Mum and asked her to ask Dad if he would pop round to Sir's with a card.
Played pool this afternoon and I beat Philip 10-0 because I am the greatest. Philip wasn't actually there but I played left-handed every time it was his turn. And he was rubbish! Ha ha ha. Gazza is the greatest.
Excited about tomorrow. But annoyed that Mr Eriksson says Butty's injury means that he can't replace Frank Lamppost. He said something in Swedish. Think it must have been 'Good luck'.
Monday
David was brilliant tonight against Croatia. I bet everyone back home is so proud of him. And me. I was brilliant too. Portugal must have been scared watching us together. Beckham and Neville. David and Gary (how cool does that sound? Much better than 'David and Victoria' anyway). Scholesy was also great but I bet Roonaldo (yeah right, as if he's as good as our Ronaldo) gets all the headlines again for two lucky finishes. It's only because everyone hates Man United. And we all know why they hate Man United don't we? J-E-A-L-O-U-S-Y.
The only thing that spoiled tonight was that Philip came on for the last six minutes. Somehow he managed not to ruin everything completely.
Tuesday
Boring day - everyone went to play golf and forgot to tell me (again) - so have put together Gary Neville's Team Of Euro 2004. Here we go...
GK: Fabien Barthez.
RB: Gary Neville (he's been brilliant)
CB: Jaap Stam (I won't show this to Sir)
CB: Sol Campbell
LB: Mikael Silvestre (solid)
RM: David Beckham (brilliant)
CM: Paul Scholes
CM: Nicky Butt (looked excellent in training)
LM: The Real Ronaldo
CF: Louis Saha
CF: Ruud van Nistelrooy (brilliant)
Am happy with this apart from Sol. He's the weak link and is only there because of the FA's victimisation of Rio. But I still think this team would win the whole thing.
Wednesday
Sent another postcard to Sir as I'm sure I won't see him for another 12 days - and by then we will be European champions again ;-) Is not the same without the other guys and am still a bit angry with Mr Eriksson that he did not bring Giggsy. But he says I can't threaten another strike after I got my way about the lumpy beds. And the supposed Branston's pickle that was just a cheap imitation. Still fuming about that now.
Am trying to spare a thought for little Ronaldo though. He will no doubt be brilliant against us but will be on the losing side. I will make a special effort to find him after the game and console him.
Thursday
Up Urs Meier - you cheating, weaselly nincompoop. This Swiss cuckoo (ha) got the biggest decision of his life absolutely wrong and we lost because of him. Because we - and especially me and David and excepting Phil - were absolutely brilliant against Portugal and deserved to win by miles. But he got it all wrong. I still can't believe he booked me. There'll be a fuss about that in the papers tomorrow.
Gave Darius Vaseline (ha) a Chinese burn after the match. He said David missed too but everyone could see that was the fault of the pitch and anyway, David is brilliant, so there.
There's only one good thing to come out of all this: I'll see Sir soon.
October 14, 2014
Gary Neville will never be anyone's favourite player probably not even his dads but this book is actually pretty good. Lots of detail and stories about players and matches played and its obvious he loves united after all Neville is a red.
November 13, 2018
Having started taking a keen interest in football during the 90’s which was dominated by Fergie’s United team, Neville was a big part of the squad.
It was an insightful look at that treble winning side, whilst having plenty of mentions of he’s time playing for England.
It was an insightful look at that treble winning side, whilst having plenty of mentions of he’s time playing for England.
June 7, 2021
I adore Gary Neville for all the hard work, and commitment he had to put in to be successful at United. In his own words, he wasn't even close to Scholes or Giggs or Ronaldo or Messi, but he worked and worked to get where he wanted. This is a story of a kid, who fulfilled his dream through sheer hardwork and doing all things right for a quarter of a century.
I admire him even more after reading this book.
🎶Gary Neville is a Red, he hates Scousers! ❤️
I admire him even more after reading this book.
🎶Gary Neville is a Red, he hates Scousers! ❤️
February 19, 2022
An inspiring story and proof you dont have to be naturally gifted in order to be successful in life. Creating goals and maintaining a strong work ethic towards those goals can make an ordinary individual achieve extraordinary things.
June 3, 2022
Fairly standard footballers autobiography really - easy reading, slightly interesting to hear their opinions/angle on well-known events, but nothing more than that. Enjoyed Neville’s 2011 thoughts on what a post-Fergie Man Utd could look like - hindsight is a wonderful thing…
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June 19, 2021All the inside man United stories you wanted to know
November 16, 2012
Cracking read, but alot of the best bits have already been published via the newspaper articles. Worth buying though. Explains alot about why United have been so sucessful and also why England are so shit.
August 22, 2013
Wonderfully honest. Straight forward. The book is like Gary.
May 1, 2022
Membaca autobiografi Gary Neville ketika Manchester United sedang mengalami performa yang kurang maksimal di musim ini, menjadi bacaan yang membuat saya mengingat masa-masa kejayaan tim berjuluk Setan Merah di bawah kepemimpinan Sir Alex Ferguson.
Gary Neville merupakan salah satu pemain yang dijuluki "Class of 92" di mana saat itu Manchester United mulai berproses menjadi tim yang disegani di Inggris dengan para pemain mudanya. Yang membuatnya lebih berkesan lagi adalah sejak kecil ia merupakan pendukung fanatik Manchester United, bahkan saat itu ketika Manchester United belum memenangi banyak trofi. Ketika masih sekolah, ia pun sering diejek oleh para pendukung Liverpool dan ia siap berargumen membela klub kebanggaannya. Lantas, dengan menjadi salah satu pemain Manchester United merupakan impian yang menjadi nyata baginya.
Selain itu, Gary juga menceritakan pengalamannya ketika ia menjadi pemain di Timnas Inggris. Kesan yang dirasakannya memang berbeda karena beberapa rakyat Inggris malah menyorakinya (dalam nada negatif) karena ia adalah pemain Manchester United. Apalagi, ketika Timnas Inggris mengalami kekalahan di suatu kompetisi (seperti Piala Dunia atau Piala Eropa), para pendukungnya sering mencari "kambing hitam" sehingga pemain tersebut dicemooh habis-habisan ketika kembali ke negaranya, seperti yang terjadi kepada David Beckham pada Piala Dunia 1998. Sebagai teman dan rekan setim, Gary pun memberikan dukungan dan semangat kepada Beckham dari cemoohan yang diterimanya saat itu.
Menjelang akhir kariernya, Gary mengalami cidera berkepanjangan dan merasa sudah sulit untuk tetap bertanding sehingga ia pun memutuskan pensiun pada awal 2011.
Gary Neville merupakan salah satu pemain yang dijuluki "Class of 92" di mana saat itu Manchester United mulai berproses menjadi tim yang disegani di Inggris dengan para pemain mudanya. Yang membuatnya lebih berkesan lagi adalah sejak kecil ia merupakan pendukung fanatik Manchester United, bahkan saat itu ketika Manchester United belum memenangi banyak trofi. Ketika masih sekolah, ia pun sering diejek oleh para pendukung Liverpool dan ia siap berargumen membela klub kebanggaannya. Lantas, dengan menjadi salah satu pemain Manchester United merupakan impian yang menjadi nyata baginya.
Selain itu, Gary juga menceritakan pengalamannya ketika ia menjadi pemain di Timnas Inggris. Kesan yang dirasakannya memang berbeda karena beberapa rakyat Inggris malah menyorakinya (dalam nada negatif) karena ia adalah pemain Manchester United. Apalagi, ketika Timnas Inggris mengalami kekalahan di suatu kompetisi (seperti Piala Dunia atau Piala Eropa), para pendukungnya sering mencari "kambing hitam" sehingga pemain tersebut dicemooh habis-habisan ketika kembali ke negaranya, seperti yang terjadi kepada David Beckham pada Piala Dunia 1998. Sebagai teman dan rekan setim, Gary pun memberikan dukungan dan semangat kepada Beckham dari cemoohan yang diterimanya saat itu.
Menjelang akhir kariernya, Gary mengalami cidera berkepanjangan dan merasa sudah sulit untuk tetap bertanding sehingga ia pun memutuskan pensiun pada awal 2011.
August 25, 2018
Having read 'Red' and having noticed some of the harsh reviews on GR for Gary Neville's autobiography, I do wonder what some of the negativity is all about. 'My Autobiography' covers a hugely successful single club career in the top flight of the English Premiership. Eight league titles, three F.A. Cup wins, two League Cups and one Champions League, over six hundred appearances for Manchester United, topped off with eighty five international caps, spanning twenty seasons.
There is no ghost writer mentioned in the credits, so I assume the text is all Neville's own work. Not wholly uncommon from the modern footballer, but a plus in my opinion. His view of all things 'red' are to be expected with a journey from boyhood fan, youth player to team captain. If readers are looking for intellectual literature from professional footballers they are clearly looking in the wrong area. Yet I found a lot of Gary Neville's opinions on his England managers, the English F.A. and football agents to be quite sensible.
The only area of the Neville brothers' football careers that I was in the dark about before reading this book, was their early development in the game. Interesting that both Gary and Phil went from junior school straight into United's Centre of Excellence. The rest is hysteria.
There is no ghost writer mentioned in the credits, so I assume the text is all Neville's own work. Not wholly uncommon from the modern footballer, but a plus in my opinion. His view of all things 'red' are to be expected with a journey from boyhood fan, youth player to team captain. If readers are looking for intellectual literature from professional footballers they are clearly looking in the wrong area. Yet I found a lot of Gary Neville's opinions on his England managers, the English F.A. and football agents to be quite sensible.
The only area of the Neville brothers' football careers that I was in the dark about before reading this book, was their early development in the game. Interesting that both Gary and Phil went from junior school straight into United's Centre of Excellence. The rest is hysteria.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2018
The one take away that I'll have from this book is that sheer determination and hard work can compensate for the dearth of talent!
Readers may be tired of reading this in my reviews, but the thing with an auto(biography) is that there are two types of ratings that spring to mind - one for the subject and the other for how well does the book portray the subject.
Gary Neville is a definite 4.5 on 5. One of the longest serving full backs for United and England, he is a Fergie's fledgling through and through.
The book is a 4/5 to United fans because of the in depth view it provides into the grooming of the class of 92 and the ethos of Manchester United. In a rich tribute to the impact Sir Alex has had on his playing career and his life, he repeatedly eulogizes the importance of stability, guidance and the protection Sir Alex provided to his players. In today's era of frequent chopping and changing and footballers running behind money, it is a refreshing walk down memory lane with a true one club man who loved watching United play from the South upper stand and then went on to realize his dreams of playing for, captaining and winning the treble with Manchester United. No wonder, Sir Bobby Charlton called Old Trafford the 'Theatre of Dreams'!
Readers may be tired of reading this in my reviews, but the thing with an auto(biography) is that there are two types of ratings that spring to mind - one for the subject and the other for how well does the book portray the subject.
Gary Neville is a definite 4.5 on 5. One of the longest serving full backs for United and England, he is a Fergie's fledgling through and through.
The book is a 4/5 to United fans because of the in depth view it provides into the grooming of the class of 92 and the ethos of Manchester United. In a rich tribute to the impact Sir Alex has had on his playing career and his life, he repeatedly eulogizes the importance of stability, guidance and the protection Sir Alex provided to his players. In today's era of frequent chopping and changing and footballers running behind money, it is a refreshing walk down memory lane with a true one club man who loved watching United play from the South upper stand and then went on to realize his dreams of playing for, captaining and winning the treble with Manchester United. No wonder, Sir Bobby Charlton called Old Trafford the 'Theatre of Dreams'!
June 13, 2019
If I have to be blunt honest, then I'd say that Gary wasn't the one of the most talented players who put on the Red kit for me compared to the players he played with (Okay, He himself says this in his book couple of times) but as you read on, you'd find the success story of how a kid coming from Bury who hated Liverpool all his life went on to be a club captain and enjoyed success all because of his hard work, passion and dedication toward the game.
What I liked about this book is that it talks about how hard work is a necessary element when it comes to playing the game which present players from the same team doesn't seem to show up, why England failed in international stage even if they had their golden generation and what it means to play for England and how media manipulation can cause trouble in your career.
The things I didn't like about the book was that at places, the stories were kept short specially about his later part of his career. It kind of feels like it was rushed at times.
In short, if you feel United isn't United anymore, this book gives you a clear idea of what identity, philosophy and culture the club was built on.
What I liked about this book is that it talks about how hard work is a necessary element when it comes to playing the game which present players from the same team doesn't seem to show up, why England failed in international stage even if they had their golden generation and what it means to play for England and how media manipulation can cause trouble in your career.
The things I didn't like about the book was that at places, the stories were kept short specially about his later part of his career. It kind of feels like it was rushed at times.
In short, if you feel United isn't United anymore, this book gives you a clear idea of what identity, philosophy and culture the club was built on.
July 31, 2019
Gary Neville's life is purely football, If that wasn't clear to you before then it will be in this book. Gary Neville is a part of a team not an individual, if that wasn't clear to you before then It will be in this book. I have read many footballer's biographies and this is the first one which is purely about football. Gary understands he isn't the greatest player in the world and therefore speaks about his surroundings in his extensive football career, a more suitable name for this book would've been 'the players that Gary Neville played with'.
Seriously, I'm sure I read 'Scholesy' more than the pronoun 'I'.
Like I love Gary and I love how self effacing he is, but for once understand that people have already heard about the genius of Sir Alex and how amazing Scholesy was at passing a ball.
Apart from that it's a great book if you want some insight into the glory years at Man United and England's not so very glorious years, also to learn about the exact moment when Becks decided he was going to marry Posh spice.
Seriously, I'm sure I read 'Scholesy' more than the pronoun 'I'.
Like I love Gary and I love how self effacing he is, but for once understand that people have already heard about the genius of Sir Alex and how amazing Scholesy was at passing a ball.
Apart from that it's a great book if you want some insight into the glory years at Man United and England's not so very glorious years, also to learn about the exact moment when Becks decided he was going to marry Posh spice.
September 17, 2019
A solid memoir. I found it utterly absorbing - but as a Man U fan and sports lover that’s no surprise.
He gives little explanation to his childhood and none to his life outside football (no mention of how he met his wife or anything more than incidental about his kids) so you’re left without a complete picture of the man.
His opinions are forthright but the book remains a touch short on insight. He gallops through his 20 year career and chooses not to linger too long on any of his teammates, opponents or coaches. He’s a smart man and I’m sure he could provide a deeper analysis of the complexities of David Beckham, the quiet genius of Paul Scholes and the aggressive perfectionism of Alex Ferguson.
He saves his best critiques for his managers while he was in the national team and the FA, sharing a palpable sense of frustration at the lack of managerial leadership when it came to both tactics and man-management. The most curious aspect of the entire book was that he only mentions Wes Brown - his understudy and successor at right back - only once and only incidentally.
He gives little explanation to his childhood and none to his life outside football (no mention of how he met his wife or anything more than incidental about his kids) so you’re left without a complete picture of the man.
His opinions are forthright but the book remains a touch short on insight. He gallops through his 20 year career and chooses not to linger too long on any of his teammates, opponents or coaches. He’s a smart man and I’m sure he could provide a deeper analysis of the complexities of David Beckham, the quiet genius of Paul Scholes and the aggressive perfectionism of Alex Ferguson.
He saves his best critiques for his managers while he was in the national team and the FA, sharing a palpable sense of frustration at the lack of managerial leadership when it came to both tactics and man-management. The most curious aspect of the entire book was that he only mentions Wes Brown - his understudy and successor at right back - only once and only incidentally.
August 1, 2018
There are some beautiful takeaways from this short read - enjoyable if you've seen this player and the club in his time.
1) *Changing* your peer group / social circle / friends to suit your ambition - I cannot emphasise how much this has helped. If you're aiming for something big, surround yourself with people of similar ambition, because that rubs off. There are flips to an excess of this of course.
2) Compensating for talent with hard work - for a short, slow, physically unimposing defender to play at the top level for years, was just grit.
3) Habit and routine - Relegate the essential dailies to unquestioned routine. The only way to get things done without wasting time on "deciding" everytime.
4) Choose the price you have to pay for your ambition and clearly pay it - for a teenaged athlete to give up on socialising and parties in order to succeed. Goes well with (3 - Habit) and (1 - Peer group).
1) *Changing* your peer group / social circle / friends to suit your ambition - I cannot emphasise how much this has helped. If you're aiming for something big, surround yourself with people of similar ambition, because that rubs off. There are flips to an excess of this of course.
2) Compensating for talent with hard work - for a short, slow, physically unimposing defender to play at the top level for years, was just grit.
3) Habit and routine - Relegate the essential dailies to unquestioned routine. The only way to get things done without wasting time on "deciding" everytime.
4) Choose the price you have to pay for your ambition and clearly pay it - for a teenaged athlete to give up on socialising and parties in order to succeed. Goes well with (3 - Habit) and (1 - Peer group).
August 24, 2022
An Ode to Manchester United/Sir Alex Ferguson.
This book from cover to cover is talking about how awesome Gary thinks Manchester United is (hence the name of the book). It is quite interesting some of the stories he reveals of the class of '92 and how they started out. However, there is a horrifying account of the hazing the younger players got at the hands of the older ones. What is even more horrifying is how Gary mentioned it as a normal " matter of fact thing" that should be continued as it encouraged team bonding. It was disgusting that it was allowed to go ahead and quite frankly puts me off the whole team even more.
The rest of the book recounts the notable players that came and went, the various appearances of team England and their array of managers and some behind the scene disagreements. It's all football pitch and he hardly talksb about his personal life except when referring to his brother Phil ( technically he's also a team mate).
This book from cover to cover is talking about how awesome Gary thinks Manchester United is (hence the name of the book). It is quite interesting some of the stories he reveals of the class of '92 and how they started out. However, there is a horrifying account of the hazing the younger players got at the hands of the older ones. What is even more horrifying is how Gary mentioned it as a normal " matter of fact thing" that should be continued as it encouraged team bonding. It was disgusting that it was allowed to go ahead and quite frankly puts me off the whole team even more.
The rest of the book recounts the notable players that came and went, the various appearances of team England and their array of managers and some behind the scene disagreements. It's all football pitch and he hardly talksb about his personal life except when referring to his brother Phil ( technically he's also a team mate).
September 15, 2022
A damn good autobiography. Gary Neville is one of Manchester United's modern legends and recounts his storied career from his childhood to his retirement. The book has a good personal tone and Neville isn't afraid of giving his opinions or speaking his mind, which makes for a good read. Nobody has time for a book that's just a Wikipedia article in thicker covers.
As a United fan it's also kind of amusing to get to the end of the book where Neville gives his views on what was then Sir Alex Ferguson's pending retirement and stresses how the club must do certain things, must avoid certain mistakes, and in doing so lay the groundwork for a successful future. Nine years after Sir Alex's retirement we can pretty much see that the club did the exact opposite.
But definitely recommended for any Red.
As a United fan it's also kind of amusing to get to the end of the book where Neville gives his views on what was then Sir Alex Ferguson's pending retirement and stresses how the club must do certain things, must avoid certain mistakes, and in doing so lay the groundwork for a successful future. Nine years after Sir Alex's retirement we can pretty much see that the club did the exact opposite.
But definitely recommended for any Red.
March 3, 2018
When you consider the first class analysis that Gary provides for Sky Sports (as well as the fact that he managed Valencia and was part of a recent England coaching team), you would probably come to expect more than what this book gives you in terms of insight.
His experiences and honesty about playing for England are refreshing and do capture the growing feeling of contempt towards international football in this country, but beyond that? There's very little that's hugely interesting, to be honest.
Perhaps for United fans, every nugget of info that the book offers about last players and legends is fantastically entertaining... But generally this book is about Neville being humble, talking up his brother's abilities and repeatedly stating his undying respect for Sir Alex Ferguson.
His experiences and honesty about playing for England are refreshing and do capture the growing feeling of contempt towards international football in this country, but beyond that? There's very little that's hugely interesting, to be honest.
Perhaps for United fans, every nugget of info that the book offers about last players and legends is fantastically entertaining... But generally this book is about Neville being humble, talking up his brother's abilities and repeatedly stating his undying respect for Sir Alex Ferguson.
June 7, 2018
I am by no means a Man Utd supporter, and during the period Neville was playing I wanted nothing more than for Man Utd to lose.
But, I had a massive respect for him and his team mates for just how good they were.
This book sheds a light on the teams during that period, as well as providing a bit more detail on some of the more ‘controversial’ issues Neville was involved in during his career.
It also covers his time with the England national team. From reading about his experiences representing his country it’s no surprise England didn’t do better than they did.
There’s plenty of information in here for any young aspiring sportsman / woman. The main one being, prepare, be dedicated, make the most of the ability you have and never, ever give up.
But, I had a massive respect for him and his team mates for just how good they were.
This book sheds a light on the teams during that period, as well as providing a bit more detail on some of the more ‘controversial’ issues Neville was involved in during his career.
It also covers his time with the England national team. From reading about his experiences representing his country it’s no surprise England didn’t do better than they did.
There’s plenty of information in here for any young aspiring sportsman / woman. The main one being, prepare, be dedicated, make the most of the ability you have and never, ever give up.
April 3, 2019
Gary is a true red!
I've been a United fan all my life, and growing up Gary was a constant part of the team. I was very interested in reading his points of view on different topics.
I found this book very informative and enjoyed delving a little deeper into the history of my club. Gary has a very matter of fact view, which can sometimes come across as a bit blunt, and possibly a touch arrogant.
I liked the stories told and found myself chuckling a fair few times, especially at the self deprecating ones.
This is a must read for any United fan, but would also be of interest to anyone interested in the life of a footballer who isn't a global superstar.
I've been a United fan all my life, and growing up Gary was a constant part of the team. I was very interested in reading his points of view on different topics.
I found this book very informative and enjoyed delving a little deeper into the history of my club. Gary has a very matter of fact view, which can sometimes come across as a bit blunt, and possibly a touch arrogant.
I liked the stories told and found myself chuckling a fair few times, especially at the self deprecating ones.
This is a must read for any United fan, but would also be of interest to anyone interested in the life of a footballer who isn't a global superstar.
October 28, 2024
I’ve always been a fan of Gary Neville’s work as a broadcaster and his undoubted success as a businessman.
After listening to several interviews with him he has always been self deprecating about his football career. This theme continues in his book.
He was a far better player than he gives himself credit for. The sheer number of medals he has acquired is evidence of that.
Also from reading the book you come to realise he played in a golden era where football grew in popularity. From Euro 96, to Beckham’s red card, Roy Keane’s departure and the rise of Ronaldo, Gary Neville is one of the few places to give an account of this glorious period.
After listening to several interviews with him he has always been self deprecating about his football career. This theme continues in his book.
He was a far better player than he gives himself credit for. The sheer number of medals he has acquired is evidence of that.
Also from reading the book you come to realise he played in a golden era where football grew in popularity. From Euro 96, to Beckham’s red card, Roy Keane’s departure and the rise of Ronaldo, Gary Neville is one of the few places to give an account of this glorious period.
April 22, 2025
Gary Neville spent his whole career in MU. He definitely wasn’t the best player, but spending so many games next to world football legends of 90s and 2000s makes himself the legend of MU.
Gary vividly describes many events from inside the dressing room that I previously knew only from magazines or tv. It was very interesting to read about 92 class, Cantona, Kean, Ronaldo, Rooney and other teammates and adversaries he confronted, about all wins, losses, fighting for trophies and of course the treble. Separately comes his relationships with a manager - the great Alex Ferguson.
Gary’s experience is unique and the book is definitely worth reading.
Gary vividly describes many events from inside the dressing room that I previously knew only from magazines or tv. It was very interesting to read about 92 class, Cantona, Kean, Ronaldo, Rooney and other teammates and adversaries he confronted, about all wins, losses, fighting for trophies and of course the treble. Separately comes his relationships with a manager - the great Alex Ferguson.
Gary’s experience is unique and the book is definitely worth reading.
May 29, 2025
It's a reasonable read and obviously more of a thing for a Man Utd supporter, which I am very definitely not.
Neville comes across well and a strong sense of determination, passion and an overwhelming modesty make him a reliable narrator. His admiration for others is genuine and affecting.
He has clear and strong views, which are well-grounded
The weakness, perhaps is that his team were TOO successful, so that whole seasons - even when a championship was one - are skipped over. As such, more detail might have helped
Even so, like Neville himself, very solid
Neville comes across well and a strong sense of determination, passion and an overwhelming modesty make him a reliable narrator. His admiration for others is genuine and affecting.
He has clear and strong views, which are well-grounded
The weakness, perhaps is that his team were TOO successful, so that whole seasons - even when a championship was one - are skipped over. As such, more detail might have helped
Even so, like Neville himself, very solid
January 5, 2018
well i enjoyed it, but probably because I am a very keen ManU fan and he gives fun stories that are inside the Reds. Gary was a better footballer than a writer ('thats Scholesy for you' gets a little old), but we can forgive him for that. He provides a fun romp through good times and bad (not much) at ManU and with England (not much fun there), and his reverence for 'the manager' is certainly one consistent throughout.
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