I just finished the book GERRARD - MY AUTOBIOGRAPHY. Truly an amazing read. No surprise that it was awarded the Sports Book of The Year 2007 in the Galaxy British Book Award. Gerrard brought us through his life from the words of Henry Winter and Paul Joyce. From his humble beginnings in Ironside to his Liverpool debut, from his first cap for England to Istanbul glory. It was so absorbing that I finished the 500-page book in just 2 seatings.

Prior to this, I have read Ryan Gigg's autobiography, equally inspiring and also the official autobiography of David Beckham - who took me through his lavish and much celebrated life.

So, any other good books to read regarding football personalities or even about the beautiful game itself?

Let's share

Hard to be neutral here as I mostly read Liverpool based books. Good to see you aren't biased in your reading unlike me . I personally liked "The Essential Shankly" and Fowler's biography. There is also a book on hooliganism but I can't remember it's title. Gives you a deep insight into the psyche of a hardcore football fan.

Interestingly, after reading Steven Gerrard's biography, he does have a pretty tight relationship with the players from the Big 4 He actually dished out a lot of compliments for people like Henry, Terry, Scholes, Ashley Cole and Lampard. Gerrard also appeared to be idolising Wayne Rooney over and over again in his book! Weird eh?

The way he described THAT NIGHT in Istanbul sent chills down my spine.

This post has been edited by blinky: Oct 7 2008, 07:13 PM

Speaking of being tight, you get to see how the players in the "big four" have drifted apart in recent times when representing England in Fowler's biography. It seems that because managers like Sven and Hoddle do not encourage interaction, there are groups within the group.

For football fans especially United fans, please take time to read Sir Bobby Charlton's Autobiography..


Sir Bobby was asked numerous times about releasing a book, since his life was and is very colourful (Munich Air disaster survivor, his strained relationship with his brother Jack, winning both the European Cup and World Cup etc...) and he is one of the few remaining gentlemen in football... He took some time (a lot of years) to finally release a proper one... and it was a good read to me.

Some touching stories from him such as how Munich effected him and his family relation, stories such as Sir Matt Busby being so sad and grieve (he didn't want to talk to any reporters) after the death of his close friend Bill Shankly and others..

For jersey collectors or fans of football jerseys in English football, grab a book called True Colours.


There are 2 volumes. Volume 1 contains information of jerseys used by current EPL teams like the big 4 (Utd, Arsenal, Chelsea and Liverpool) and other teams while Volume 2 contains information on other teams such as Nottingham Forest, Leeds United and national jerseys of England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and Eire.

Here's a sneak peek preview of the contents in Volume 2:


The three books can be purchased at Kinokuniya at KLCC. Look for the sports section as shown below:


This post has been edited by schmeichel7: Oct 7 2008, 07:28 PM

Gazza: My Story by Hunter Davies is a pretty good read. Interesting lifestyle Gazza has. Giggsy's and Fowler's auto biography are also good. I finished Fowler's book in one sitting at MPH Mid Valley, took me bout 5 hours. It was that good.

I've read Roy Keane's as well. Equally as good. For me, I choose to read players or managers who has achieved something, or at least has bags of experience. I stay clear of autobiographies of players like Ashley Cole, Wayne Rooney etc.. They're in their twenties for god's sake, wait until you're done with your career, then write a book.

Especially the Glen Hoddle part from the Fowler's book.

I like the Fowler's autobiography, i heard that Fever Pitch is quite good as well. Written by an Arsenal fan

carragher autobiography release in msia edi?

wow, sorry out of topic...
does those selling books places allow pictures ?
i remember last time when i wanted to take a picture, they doesnt allow it

I' ve read on Roy Keane and David Beckham.

cara's autobiography... get it from my aunt who is living in uk....

the thing i like on that was what he talked about on his relationship with benitez...

how he looked into the eye of benitez when he was 1st there, sort of challenging him... and gerrard too did the not so welcome attitude to rafa...

he also hails how rafa changed him into a centre-half of European pedigree and how rafa joked around with him before champion league games semi final and constantly gives him advises and support...

overall it is a good book to read on... especially to see how cara had a dig on rafa and the ownership stuff and the secret behind the team...

LOL cudnt agree more!
sigh i cant imagine i can finish an autobiography for 5 hours... but yea go and get a free reading in mph, lol

Where can I get Gerrard's one? And anyone read Mourinho's one? Always fascinated by him.

i been curious on this book i saw at borders.

Picking up a Jose Mourinho biography at the local bookstores is not a difficult feat. There are many which claimed to be most comprehensive and insightful take on Jose's managerial resume but the one definitive publication that stands out to me is 'Jose Mourinho: Made in Portugal'. It entails Jose's rise to managerial success from his humble beginnings as an assistant coach to Sir Bobby Robson at Barca to his UEFA Cup and UCL achievements with Porto.

As this book is authored by his close friend, Luis Lorenco, you can expect to get first hand knowledge on his tactical skils and how he motivates his players to do 'battle and 'die' for him on the pitch. As a bonus, there's a special final chapter written by 'Special One' himself regarding his move to Chelsea. A highly recommended reading for Jose's fans and for someone who would like to know the man himself better.

I got mine from MPH Midvalley. RM49.90 if I'm not mistaken. Good read, thick as a bible!

I guess if you really like Stevie G's book you'll be amazed after you read Fowler's one. Gerrard focuses more into his national career but Fowler had good in-depth stories within the clubs he played especially his affiliations with Liverpool. His goal-line snorting celebration is really an eye opener. 'A Season on the Brink: Rafael Benitez, Liverpool and the Path to European Glory' is also a good read, real info into what went wrong between Rafa & the Valencia boards and towards his first season in charge at Anfield. I'm biased, I know

This post has been edited by easypeasy: Oct 7 2008, 11:20 PM

wow..this one i shud hv..i mean,he's the one who bring chelsea in this state today..must get

i have read FOUL! The Secret World of FIFA: Bribes, Vote Rigging and Ticket Scandals.

The controversial book is based on years of investigation by journalist Andrew Jennings, it's about everything the current corrupted FIFA president, Sepp Blatter and his allies like Jack Warner don't want us to know.

fact or fiction, the book has a huge wow factor and many stunning uncovered secrets!

Could not agree more which is why I never bought Gerrard's one. It was given to me for my birthday. Some of them look more like a journal than an autobiography.

Speaking of autobiographies, has anyone seen one on Bobby Robson? I reckon that would be a good read. I saw one on Pele which was pretty inexpensive. I was also looking at "The Truth" by Phil Scraton but it was a little pricey at the time. Has anyone seen Phil Thompson's one? I believe it's called "Stand Up Pinocchio". Saw it at Kinokuniya sometime back.


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