A British Raj: My Life In Football Behind Closed Doors

by Raj Athwal

ONE of the most compelling and revealing books that you will read in 2018 of an industry worshipped by millions, but open to a select few. A British Raj (My Life in Behind Closed Doors), is no ordinary football autobiography which we have become accustomed to. This book takes you on a true life journey of a normal working-class, British born Asian growing up in 1980s Britain in the midst of high unemployment and racism; during a period when the words ‘National Front’ and ‘Paki’ became part of everyday life. Despite living under a cloud of fear, Raj kept hold of his dream of one day feeling accepted by the country he loved and respected. Ultimately, his dream was realised when he went on to make footballing history by becoming the first ever British born Asian to represent an English professional football club as Commercial Director. The book covers the trials and tribulations of a man who scraped through education and spent much of his childhood playing street football, finding solace in music and being chased by skinheads. It is a book which lays bare in the rawest sense the human emotions of; innocence, euphoria, heartbreak & rejection. Having worked in the Premier League & for one of the biggest clubs in Europe; Coventry City, Watford & Glasgow Rangers, Raj is living testament to those that dare to dream. His route into football wouldn't be what you call orthodox, his twenty three years' experience of working in the higher echelons of the game will guarantee to leave you both exasperated & laughing in complete belief! This book provides a heartfelt account of what life was like for many Asian and black families trying to make a life for themselves in Britain throughout the 70's & 80's and the solidarity these communities formed in order to survive. It gives a truly amazing insight into how a normal everyday kid struggling to find a job of any description defied all the odds and ended up rubbing shoulders with some of the most powerful people who run the ‘beautiful game’ from boardrooms up and down the country. From his humble beginnings of pushing leaflets through doors, to overseeing multi-million pound sponsorship deals, Raj has witnessed it all in the cut throat world of football. Having worked on the inside for almost a quarter of a century, we are finally given the honest truth to what we have all been asking – What is life like in football – behind closed doors?

272 pages, Paperback

Published April 3, 2018

Reviews

[Kalwinder Dhindsa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been following Raj on social media for a couple of years now and was already quite aware of his involvement in Football behind the scenes working for some well known clubs in the U.K. The other day I found out that Raj was in the process of releasing a book about his life story and 20+ years of working in this field of sport. This very much appealed to me as Raj is a British born Punjabi like myself who also loves the beautiful game.

I raced through this book in no time at all having found many of the issues and stories he recollected very close to my own life experiences. The chapters in relation to his time working at various football clubs in England and Scotland were also very revealing. Many of us football fans very rarely get to experience the inner workings of a football club off the field but Raj allows us to take a peek behind the closed doors of a very cut throat business that is constantly pursuing targets and revenue to keep a club afloat and in business. Sometimes the off field goings on are just as up and down as the on field rollercoaster of points accumulation.

Raj's story shows us that amongst all that is sometimes bad in football, there are also stories of good decent people who contribute just as significantly to keep the beautiful game alive and kicking. These are the type of people who continue to build better relationships with the community that follows their club with such great passion and loyalty. The real soul of a football club. Raj is obviously someone who gets this.

[Michael Bates · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book is well-written throughout its 260+ pages. Raj's emotions come through in his writing. He's not as eloquent as a professional, but his down-to-earth honesty is easily felt. Hopefully, this book will be an inspiration for more minorities to choose a career in the business side of football.

Full review - https://www.itsroundanditswhite.co.uk...

[Ben Varney · Rating 5 out of 5]

An Excellent read!!

If you want to have an insight into what goes on behind the scenes in football this is an excellent read. Raj’s unfailing positivity has seen him weather many storms and provides a lesson in always going that extra mile.