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Mind Games: The Ups and Downs of Life and Football
In this unique book, one of football’s greatest cult players reflects on the travails of the sport and draws upon his own experience to offer an honest assessment on one of its final remaining taboos: mental health.
The most difficult position in football? Being a goalkeeper. That’s what they say, right? You must be mad to stand between those posts and bat away shots and crosses all game long.
Neville Southall should know. He was the goalkeeper for one of the best teams of the 1980s and became an icon of the game during his 20-year career between the sticks. But what did it take to prepare himself mentally for the difficulties of the position? How did he dig so deep on the biggest occasions and in the highest-pressured moments? What scars were left at the end of his long career – a tenure that saw the highs of winning trophies, but also the lows of losing games, making mistakes and feeling the full weight of club and country on your shoulders. And how has he used his post-playing career to campaign for a better future for the next generation?
In this unique book, one of football’s greatest cult players reflects on the travails of the modern game, how some of society’s problems are reflected within it and draws upon his own experience to tackle one of its final remaining taboos: mental health. On fear of failure, confidence, sexuality and homophobia, suicide, social media and many other talking points – Neville doesn’t hold back on the biggest subjects and gets stuck in to some of the most important topics surrounding the beautiful game.
The most difficult position in football? Being a goalkeeper. That’s what they say, right? You must be mad to stand between those posts and bat away shots and crosses all game long.
Neville Southall should know. He was the goalkeeper for one of the best teams of the 1980s and became an icon of the game during his 20-year career between the sticks. But what did it take to prepare himself mentally for the difficulties of the position? How did he dig so deep on the biggest occasions and in the highest-pressured moments? What scars were left at the end of his long career – a tenure that saw the highs of winning trophies, but also the lows of losing games, making mistakes and feeling the full weight of club and country on your shoulders. And how has he used his post-playing career to campaign for a better future for the next generation?
In this unique book, one of football’s greatest cult players reflects on the travails of the modern game, how some of society’s problems are reflected within it and draws upon his own experience to tackle one of its final remaining taboos: mental health. On fear of failure, confidence, sexuality and homophobia, suicide, social media and many other talking points – Neville doesn’t hold back on the biggest subjects and gets stuck in to some of the most important topics surrounding the beautiful game.
- GenresFootballNonfictionSports
304 pages, Hardcover
Published September 17, 2020
12 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 31 reviews
September 12, 2020
This book was completely different to what I was expecting but was a fascinating and thought provoking read. Neville Southall was a much loved and successful footballer but this is far from a book revelling in his past glories but his reflections on mental health and other taboos. His personal thoughts are far from the usual ramblings and stereotypes perceived of retired footballers and celebrities and are guaranteed to get the readers mind going.
He reflects on the sufferings of the game and how some of societies problems are reflecting within it such as mental health and players sexuality. This really is an interesting book and not at all what I was expecting.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Harper Collins for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
He reflects on the sufferings of the game and how some of societies problems are reflecting within it such as mental health and players sexuality. This really is an interesting book and not at all what I was expecting.
I would like to thank both Netgalley and Harper Collins for supplying a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
November 3, 2020
Bought this (signed by author) book from Griffin books in Penarth, and so happy I did, I was expecting the typical football career type of book, but this book is far more than this, it only takes a few pages to understand that this book is going in a different direction to the normal, as Neville Southall speaks about his father returning from the war and not speaking about what he experienced, which sets the tone for the rest of the book, writing about issues that impact most of us today, even if we are not famous footballers like Neville Southall. confidence, pressure, fear, abuse, failure, improvement, motivation, racism, homophobia, addicition, alcohol, social media, helping offers, inequality, LGBTO - issues and sexuality, mental health, getting old, all embedded in a footballling themse, but relative to every one of us. All of soul descovering is done by the author of this book, laying out all his issues bare for the world to read about, a fantastic book, really impressed, well worth reading even for people not interested in football, nice book cover, good quality hardback book, the chapters are of a good length, no editorial errors, only negative point, no pictures of Neville Southall inside the book, only on front cover and back cover holding the European Cup Winners Cup he won with Everton in the 1980s.
January 2, 2021
This, a gift from my parents for Christmas, was a very interesting and enjoyable read. Though I knew about Neville Southall as a footballer, I wasn't aware at all about his life and his work in the past couple of decades post retirement - it was unexpected and thought provoking to read about Southall the man (as well as Southall the footballer) and his thoughts and interests.
So yes - the author here talks about a large number of subjects associated with the game and with society and life in general. Racism, sexuality, mental health, addiction, motivation, equality and a lot else besides are all covered with refreshing frankness and honesty. This was in part the only real issue I had with the book, and I acknowledge this was a matter of subjective and personal taste as opposed to a objective criticism.
Southall makes a hell of a lot of sense, is refreshingly open-minded and always keen to find out more about things and self-improve. I have a newly found respect for him and certainly admire all the good he is doing on social media and in communities/schools. All the very good points he makes in 90% of this book outweigh the couple of chapters where I felt he moved in to areas I thought were just a bit 'political opinion' (as opposed to structured argument), but this did detract a little.
In addition, the conversational and informal style didn't completely work for me - at times this felt a bit rambling, a bit rushed even - perhaps I am used to 'non fiction' written in a drier and more academic manner, so at times this felt a bit lacking in gravitas. A shame, as what was being discussed was very intelligent and worthwhile. I would recommend this easy and entertaining read to anyone interested in the mental side of some footballers.
So yes - the author here talks about a large number of subjects associated with the game and with society and life in general. Racism, sexuality, mental health, addiction, motivation, equality and a lot else besides are all covered with refreshing frankness and honesty. This was in part the only real issue I had with the book, and I acknowledge this was a matter of subjective and personal taste as opposed to a objective criticism.
Southall makes a hell of a lot of sense, is refreshingly open-minded and always keen to find out more about things and self-improve. I have a newly found respect for him and certainly admire all the good he is doing on social media and in communities/schools. All the very good points he makes in 90% of this book outweigh the couple of chapters where I felt he moved in to areas I thought were just a bit 'political opinion' (as opposed to structured argument), but this did detract a little.
In addition, the conversational and informal style didn't completely work for me - at times this felt a bit rambling, a bit rushed even - perhaps I am used to 'non fiction' written in a drier and more academic manner, so at times this felt a bit lacking in gravitas. A shame, as what was being discussed was very intelligent and worthwhile. I would recommend this easy and entertaining read to anyone interested in the mental side of some footballers.
October 27, 2020
thanks to the publishers and netgalley for a free copy in return for an open and honest review
Really enjoyed this book as it was more about Neville talking about subjects like mental health, racism , and bits about his career but only as an overview and this book may surprise people but feel it should be read by people as it may change opinions
Really enjoyed this book as it was more about Neville talking about subjects like mental health, racism , and bits about his career but only as an overview and this book may surprise people but feel it should be read by people as it may change opinions
September 11, 2020
Now this was an unexpected pleasure!
I had no idea what to expect from this book and I have to say that I was very pleasantly surprised. I remember Neville Southall as a wonderfully athletic and consistent yet unorthodox goalkeeper for Everton and Wales in the 80s and 90s but what he has proved here is that he has a mind as agile as his goalkeeping.
He wanders over a broad range of subjects such as confidence, team work, leadership, pressure and the lessons he learned from his own football experience but, even more interestingly he covers many topical issues such as homophobia, social media and racism and gives his view on the. He is never less than lucid, open and honest and his opinions are well worth reading.
Ostensibly a football book, but one that that covers much more than football.
Highly recommended.
I had no idea what to expect from this book and I have to say that I was very pleasantly surprised. I remember Neville Southall as a wonderfully athletic and consistent yet unorthodox goalkeeper for Everton and Wales in the 80s and 90s but what he has proved here is that he has a mind as agile as his goalkeeping.
He wanders over a broad range of subjects such as confidence, team work, leadership, pressure and the lessons he learned from his own football experience but, even more interestingly he covers many topical issues such as homophobia, social media and racism and gives his view on the. He is never less than lucid, open and honest and his opinions are well worth reading.
Ostensibly a football book, but one that that covers much more than football.
Highly recommended.
September 20, 2020
Neville Southall was a successful goalkeeper for Everton and Wales in the 80s and 90s. In this book he reflects on parts of his career and how things have changed in the game since then. He discusses some of football’s taboos such as racism and homophobia and puts forward how the game and society could deal with these things better and be more accepting. He also discusses strategies and actions that could be put in place to help young players cope; those who make it to the big time and more especially those that don’t. Really interesting read.
Thanks to Netgalley, Harper Collins and Neville Southall for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley, Harper Collins and Neville Southall for the ARC of this book in return for an honest review.
September 20, 2020
Good stuff from the greatest living Evertonian. It’s part player manual, part left wing rant and part biography. I’d make all young professional players read it if I was in charge. It’s not like a normal footballers book. He seems to have recognised that he was a dinosaur and taken steps to change his ways.
October 5, 2023
rtc later
October 21, 2020
Many of my friends outside the (dis) United Kingdom will not have heard of Neville Southall. He was a soccer goalkeeper and named by World Soccer magazine as among the best players of the 20th. Century. He played for Everton and Wales.
But Mind Games is not about football though of course the author draws on his years of experience at the highest levels of the game to illustrate and understand the ups and downs of life. Today Neville works as a teaching assistant with special needs youngsters in South Wales.
Mind Games is a kind of handbook of how to live your life properly. At the heart of it is to think and care about others whoever they are. It is unashamedly socialist but, unlike so many writings on the left of the spectrum, it is easy to follow and understand. It's not a treatise on socialism but a book about being kind and doing something about it when you see others less well off than you are.
Everyone in the selfish Britain of today should read it. We're suffering, like everyone else, from the ravages of the pandemic but also from being under the leadership (or lack of it) of the most inept government of my lifetime. As far as I can judge, Neville's lessons are appropriate in many countries around the world, including the United States.
This is a must read book.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of '39, all published by Sacristy Press.
But Mind Games is not about football though of course the author draws on his years of experience at the highest levels of the game to illustrate and understand the ups and downs of life. Today Neville works as a teaching assistant with special needs youngsters in South Wales.
Mind Games is a kind of handbook of how to live your life properly. At the heart of it is to think and care about others whoever they are. It is unashamedly socialist but, unlike so many writings on the left of the spectrum, it is easy to follow and understand. It's not a treatise on socialism but a book about being kind and doing something about it when you see others less well off than you are.
Everyone in the selfish Britain of today should read it. We're suffering, like everyone else, from the ravages of the pandemic but also from being under the leadership (or lack of it) of the most inept government of my lifetime. As far as I can judge, Neville's lessons are appropriate in many countries around the world, including the United States.
This is a must read book.
David Lowther. Author of The Blue Pencil, Liberating Belsen, Two Families at War and The Summer of '39, all published by Sacristy Press.
October 23, 2020
Neville is a football hero of mine and I’ve always found his opinions engaging and thought provoking, not only on football but politically. In this work he details his experiences and why he has formulated the ideas he has to benefit football and society as a whole. Having had my own mental health challenges due to health issues his exploration and work on this subject are inspirational. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and admire his work outside of football as equally as I did his career on the pitch
October 26, 2020
"Never underestimate the power of a football club financially and culturally to make lives better for others."
I didn't expect this kind of a book from a former player or from anyone involved in football. Southall touches subjects that have for the most part been ignored in the world of football. He deals with psychological and social issues both in the life of a football player and in society in general. Being a white, straight male, who doesn't drink or smoke, and whose only vice is over-working, it may seem that he is not really the best person to talk about such things. Instead, it just shows how powerful empathy is. His curiosity and kindness make him the perfect person to speak up.
Parts of the book didn't bring many insights for me personally, but it is something that the world needs to be more aware of. Southall doesn't shy away from stating his view and proposing solutions. And while he doesn't stop to analyze their potential flaws, he doesn't have to. Because that's the responsibility of those he deservedly points a finger to, be they state leaders or rich entities like football clubs. It's quite the time for the world to exchange at least some of its greed for empathy, and I'm glad to see this message come from a representative of its most beloved sport.
I didn't expect this kind of a book from a former player or from anyone involved in football. Southall touches subjects that have for the most part been ignored in the world of football. He deals with psychological and social issues both in the life of a football player and in society in general. Being a white, straight male, who doesn't drink or smoke, and whose only vice is over-working, it may seem that he is not really the best person to talk about such things. Instead, it just shows how powerful empathy is. His curiosity and kindness make him the perfect person to speak up.
Parts of the book didn't bring many insights for me personally, but it is something that the world needs to be more aware of. Southall doesn't shy away from stating his view and proposing solutions. And while he doesn't stop to analyze their potential flaws, he doesn't have to. Because that's the responsibility of those he deservedly points a finger to, be they state leaders or rich entities like football clubs. It's quite the time for the world to exchange at least some of its greed for empathy, and I'm glad to see this message come from a representative of its most beloved sport.
April 2, 2022
As an Evertonian Neville Southall has long been a hero of mine. However as Neville points out in the book, his footballing days only really tell half the story and this book relates to the other half.
The Neville Southall who uses his twitter profile to give a voice to those who have none, the Neville Southall who works with disadvantaged kids, who is a mental health advocate, a union rep and an equality campaigner who enjoys listening as much as he does talking.
Neville has used this book to expand on some of his ideas, some of his thoughts about LGBT issues to mental health to pressure to old age. I think the biggest credit I can give Southall is not that he's clearly well versed in all of this topics (and more) but that he repeatedly mentions how he wants to learn more, educate himself and realises that the advice/help/support he gives might work for him, but actually it might not work for those who he is helping.
So for me its a really fascinating and educating read and whilst for me Southall will always be an Everton legend and one of the best goalkeepers the world has ever seen, I am in true Southall contrarian fashion, going to finish this small review by saying that this book brings you the thoughts of a decent man, who uses his platform to try and help those who need it and to bring about a fairer, just world and thats something to be remembered for and actually much more important
The Neville Southall who uses his twitter profile to give a voice to those who have none, the Neville Southall who works with disadvantaged kids, who is a mental health advocate, a union rep and an equality campaigner who enjoys listening as much as he does talking.
Neville has used this book to expand on some of his ideas, some of his thoughts about LGBT issues to mental health to pressure to old age. I think the biggest credit I can give Southall is not that he's clearly well versed in all of this topics (and more) but that he repeatedly mentions how he wants to learn more, educate himself and realises that the advice/help/support he gives might work for him, but actually it might not work for those who he is helping.
So for me its a really fascinating and educating read and whilst for me Southall will always be an Everton legend and one of the best goalkeepers the world has ever seen, I am in true Southall contrarian fashion, going to finish this small review by saying that this book brings you the thoughts of a decent man, who uses his platform to try and help those who need it and to bring about a fairer, just world and thats something to be remembered for and actually much more important
November 21, 2020
Important to note don’t go expecting a footballing memoir, however, do expect a fascinating book looking at various issues from a footballing angle. There are plenty of footballing references, plus you can see his admiration for fellow Everton legends like Howard Kendall and Duncan Ferguson.
Southall doesn’t hold back, although he always looks at solutions rather than rant away. If you are on Twitter you will know he is a regular on there and even allows ‘takeovers’ of his account a few times a week for others to publicise positive thoughts, events etc.
Someone at the FA should read this and then approach Neville Southall to advise on a task force on key issues such as LGBT+ (he outlines a way that a gay footballer could come out provided a support structure was in place) and mental health. His idea of linking people and agencies who wish to help in various circumstances through social media is another good point well made. Joined up thinking and action. Again, not rocket science but coming from a footballing name you would hope it could carry more clout.
A book that gets you thinking and maybe challenge some of your opinions.
Southall doesn’t hold back, although he always looks at solutions rather than rant away. If you are on Twitter you will know he is a regular on there and even allows ‘takeovers’ of his account a few times a week for others to publicise positive thoughts, events etc.
Someone at the FA should read this and then approach Neville Southall to advise on a task force on key issues such as LGBT+ (he outlines a way that a gay footballer could come out provided a support structure was in place) and mental health. His idea of linking people and agencies who wish to help in various circumstances through social media is another good point well made. Joined up thinking and action. Again, not rocket science but coming from a footballing name you would hope it could carry more clout.
A book that gets you thinking and maybe challenge some of your opinions.
October 3, 2021
What a man, what a book! We tend to know him as one of the great goalkeepers, and he delivers on the tales of football life at the top level in those days. We also get Neville's wonderful take on the world and his mission to support and give voice to minority groups and communities.
It's split up almost like a kind of self-help book, too, with each chapter being about a different aspect of life we all have to overcome.
It's a very easy book to read, and his voice comes through loud and clear. The audio version is read by him, and though we really get the feel of him through this, his accent and pronunciation occasionally make the odd word hard to hear.
He also mentions in the book his support for those who suffer abuse for being different or are just struggling, in general, and makes it a breath of fresh air to hear. Neville's handing over his Twitter to LGBTQ+ groups or to those championing rights and safety for sex workers is right up there when it comes to innovative ways to get involved.
It's a good book written by a man clearly driven to make a difference, whether between the goalposts or different communites and individuals who face problems in their lives.
It's split up almost like a kind of self-help book, too, with each chapter being about a different aspect of life we all have to overcome.
It's a very easy book to read, and his voice comes through loud and clear. The audio version is read by him, and though we really get the feel of him through this, his accent and pronunciation occasionally make the odd word hard to hear.
He also mentions in the book his support for those who suffer abuse for being different or are just struggling, in general, and makes it a breath of fresh air to hear. Neville's handing over his Twitter to LGBTQ+ groups or to those championing rights and safety for sex workers is right up there when it comes to innovative ways to get involved.
It's a good book written by a man clearly driven to make a difference, whether between the goalposts or different communites and individuals who face problems in their lives.
March 8, 2021
Very interesting book primarily reflecting on a wide range of mental health topics, at times it does this through the lens of Southall's experience in football especially when looking at addiction, anxiety or the impact of celebrity but it also tackles issues from a wider societal standpoint as well.
The key to the whole thing is Southall's desire to inform himself and keep an open mind when it comes to areas he his little previous knowledge or experience with. As a white male in his 60s it would be easy for Southall to have a blinkered world view and to remain so but desire to step outside his bubble and educate himself on topics such as sex workers or LGBTQIA+ people and the issues affecting them is admirable and sorely lacking in a lot of others in his demographic.
The key to the whole thing is Southall's desire to inform himself and keep an open mind when it comes to areas he his little previous knowledge or experience with. As a white male in his 60s it would be easy for Southall to have a blinkered world view and to remain so but desire to step outside his bubble and educate himself on topics such as sex workers or LGBTQIA+ people and the issues affecting them is admirable and sorely lacking in a lot of others in his demographic.
November 22, 2020
A fantastic book, which focuses on some of the big issues we face in life and how these impact upon society as a whole, referring to his experiences in football and in his post footballing career to frame these discussions.
I always admired Big Nev as a player, but this book is different class. What is especially impressive is how Southall manages to do this in a manner that is easily accessible and far removed from the sort of highfalutin language beloved of the chattering classes when covering such matters. Highly recommended!
I always admired Big Nev as a player, but this book is different class. What is especially impressive is how Southall manages to do this in a manner that is easily accessible and far removed from the sort of highfalutin language beloved of the chattering classes when covering such matters. Highly recommended!
February 24, 2021
Big Nev has been something of a Big Deal over on the old twittersphere for a while. His book consists of part memoir of a life in football, part guide for a young football player, and part leftist manifesto. A little repetitive in some of the football parts (although that is what he knows best, so not unforgivably so), his Big Heart shines through in his committment to helping people - and in acknowledging he really doesn't know everything. More people could take note of his approach.
March 5, 2021
Really enjoyable book, which provokes lots of thoughts. Neville is clearly a thoughtful, considerate, and caring person. His stellar attitude shines through the book, and if the world was filled with more Neville Southalls it would be a better place.
It’s not filled with footballing anecdotes, those that are there demonstrate the point he’s trying to make.
A book that everyone should read, to live and learn more.
It’s not filled with footballing anecdotes, those that are there demonstrate the point he’s trying to make.
A book that everyone should read, to live and learn more.
June 7, 2022
Probably the worst book by a sportsman I have read. Tells you nothing, unless you are a goalkeeping coach, and even then if you don't know what he tells you, you shouldn't be doing it. The chapter on racism is the worst chapter I have ever had the misfortune to read, his take on racism and calling people racists who clearly are not, waters down real racism. If I hadn't been on holiday, and having read all my other books, this one wouldn't have lasted a chapter.
January 22, 2023
If anyone can explain social issues ranging from mental health to the importance community, it's Nev. He uses lessons from his football career (see The Binman Chronicles too) and jumps from that into his second life in PRUs and as a sort of independent activist. Lots of common sense, but a star knocked off for all the blank pages to accommodate the four-line verses that bookend each chapter. Worthy.
December 13, 2024
Old man shouts into void…
…though I do agree with just about everything he says.
This gets a bit repetitive, but big Nev comes across as a really genuine bloke with a lot of compassion for everyone. Hopefully he has changed a lot of minds.
A much more worthwhile read than his autobiography… the highlights of which are touched on here
…though I do agree with just about everything he says.
This gets a bit repetitive, but big Nev comes across as a really genuine bloke with a lot of compassion for everyone. Hopefully he has changed a lot of minds.
A much more worthwhile read than his autobiography… the highlights of which are touched on here
January 17, 2021
Big Nev is my all time favourite player and it is clear to see he is an even better human being than he was goalkeeper. Absolutely brilliant outlook he has on life, the world would a much better place if there were more like Neville.
July 16, 2023
I read the book Binman Chronicles and looked forward to reading this book. I don’t agree with everything in the book and it does contain some bad language for those easily offended. I found this a thought provoking book, which was challenging and informative
August 13, 2024
I've grown up as an Everton fan which brought my attention to this book. However, whether you like football or not this book is well worth a read. Southall covers many hard topics that we all should be thinking about and does so eloquently and with purpose.
February 15, 2021
Fantastic, interesting and inspirational! Just the book the world needs in the age we’re living in.
June 9, 2021
Brilliant book, really thought provoking. Every football fan, social media user and armchair critic should be forced to read or listen to this. Great work Big Nev.
April 3, 2024
Interesting book addressing some societal issues surrounding football, offers an insiders perspective into mens football.
January 10, 2022
First of all, if you are expecting this to be a typical footballer’s autobiography then you are going to be bitterly disappointed. Any followers of Neville Southall on Twitter will know that while he certainly still has an interest in football, his social media platform has, in recent years, been used to highlight inequality in society, regularly using experts in certain issues to host ’Twitter Takeovers’.
Mind Games is a more in depth look at these issues, linking them, at times, to things that he has witnessed during his footballing career. Discussing topics such as racism, homophobia, alcoholism and mental health, this is an honest and candid book, highlighting things that have often been taboo subjects in the footballing world.
The former Everton and Wales goalkeeper does also talk about issues affecting footballers and it is here where we get an insight into what goes on behind closed doors, Southall recounting stories from his own time in the sport that will delight fans of both his club and national career.
This is a well-written, honest book that will appeal to all, not just football fans.
Mind Games is a more in depth look at these issues, linking them, at times, to things that he has witnessed during his footballing career. Discussing topics such as racism, homophobia, alcoholism and mental health, this is an honest and candid book, highlighting things that have often been taboo subjects in the footballing world.
The former Everton and Wales goalkeeper does also talk about issues affecting footballers and it is here where we get an insight into what goes on behind closed doors, Southall recounting stories from his own time in the sport that will delight fans of both his club and national career.
This is a well-written, honest book that will appeal to all, not just football fans.
February 15, 2021
Love me an autobiography, I do. The last couple I read were Nawal el Saadawi and Azar Nafisi. Both, now I come to think of it, similar in that they're women talking about being writers and women in times and places that weren't necessarily that hospitable to women writing - but also massively different in that revolutionary Iran is nothing like post-war Egypt. Anyway.
This is lush. Football isn't my sport but big Nev's clearly got the right idea about stuff. He's a plain man with a plain way of thinking about things and, uncharacteristically for men in general, has this gorgeous humility where he goes 'I don't know what that's about, let's find out' and then uses his not insubstantial platform to amplify marginal voices - sex workers, transfolk, folk with mental health issues. This being a footballer's autobiography there's a lot about the sport but he's got a real sensitivity - this is like a case study in male fragility and how bad men, even super successful, rich sportsmen, are at dealing with their emotional well being.
Just lovely, frankly. And so nice to read something from someone in this world where you just want to sit down and have a pint and a natter with him because he just seems massively sound.
This is lush. Football isn't my sport but big Nev's clearly got the right idea about stuff. He's a plain man with a plain way of thinking about things and, uncharacteristically for men in general, has this gorgeous humility where he goes 'I don't know what that's about, let's find out' and then uses his not insubstantial platform to amplify marginal voices - sex workers, transfolk, folk with mental health issues. This being a footballer's autobiography there's a lot about the sport but he's got a real sensitivity - this is like a case study in male fragility and how bad men, even super successful, rich sportsmen, are at dealing with their emotional well being.
Just lovely, frankly. And so nice to read something from someone in this world where you just want to sit down and have a pint and a natter with him because he just seems massively sound.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 31 reviews