For twenty glorious years, Gary Neville has worn his heart on his sleeve. This is his story
No 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, out
For twenty glorious years, Gary Neville has worn his heart on his sleeve. This is his story
No 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.
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Paperback
,
352 pages
Published
September 14th 2011
by Transworld Publishers
(first published September 1st 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 sta
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.'
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.
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 Ga
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.
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This was a pretty enjoyable quick read. Gary was pretty honest through-out it all. Admitted when he overstepped the mark and got carried away with the emotion, but accepted the fact that he had to take the stick from the opposition supporters alongside.
There was annoyances with the book though. How he would refer to everyone using their nickname "Becks" rather than Beckham, or David. "Giggsy", "Scholsey", Butty", "Jammo" for David James, but worst of all was the constant use of "Wazza" for Roone
This was a pretty enjoyable quick read. Gary was pretty honest through-out it all. Admitted when he overstepped the mark and got carried away with the emotion, but accepted the fact that he had to take the stick from the opposition supporters alongside.
There was annoyances with the book though. How he would refer to everyone using their nickname "Becks" rather than Beckham, or David. "Giggsy", "Scholsey", Butty", "Jammo" for David James, but worst of all was the constant use of "Wazza" for Rooney. God that was annoying. It screamed chav.
I would have maybe liked to see him criticise Fergie at times during the book, but he always seemed to be on his side, and I suppose I can see why he would be, Fergie was the manager that guided the club to it's golden era, and Gary wasn't sold, but it would have been nice if he had maybe played devils advocate once in a while.
However, all in all, I enjoyed the book. It's refreshing compared to lots of autobiographies, he didn't spend all his time apologising. He also laid quite heavily in to the FA and with good reason too. It's a shame more players don't seem to have his passion these days, and don't want to just play football, but would rather take a huge payout.
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This was a very good book, however I couldn't feel but a little disappointed about the lack of personal detail , with an autobiography you kind of expect to learn more about the family and the person themselves rather than them in there profession that they do. While this gave an interesting insight to the live at Manchester United and what Gary is like off the pitch when at training and when playing.
I felt that there should of been more insight to how he was as a child rather than straight into
This was a very good book, however I couldn't feel but a little disappointed about the lack of personal detail , with an autobiography you kind of expect to learn more about the family and the person themselves rather than them in there profession that they do. While this gave an interesting insight to the live at Manchester United and what Gary is like off the pitch when at training and when playing.
I felt that there should of been more insight to how he was as a child rather than straight into the football as interesting as it was. I also found the chapter titles pointless because he always drifted of course and spent more time speaking about something else rather than in the correct chapter.
Maybe I was expecting too much but overall I highly enjoyed this book and read in 3 days. Would recommend to massive football fans like myself however, I wouldn't recommend for the high standard of writing or the reading of the book but the insight into the England squad and the united with ferguson.
One thing which annoyed me was when he slagged of the old wembley as being 17 I was highly unfortunate not to see the old wembley but the way Gary was slagging it off along with playing for England highly irritated me throughout the book and several times I thought of putting it down because of them factors
Overall it was okay as a quick read but should be dramatically improved if making future copies and also sort out the index in the future along with better drafting for the chapters
My lowest rating for a book on here ever
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A really good book. Gary Neville is a true red. I love all the small stories from the changing room. It is really interesting to read about all the great players and personalities that he has met through his amazing career. He is couragesly honest, but after reading the book you realize that is just who he is. Admiration is what I sit left with. I have always known that Gary Neville was a loyal player of United, but his love to the club... I have no word. And such an humble person. He is the fir
A really good book. Gary Neville is a true red. I love all the small stories from the changing room. It is really interesting to read about all the great players and personalities that he has met through his amazing career. He is couragesly honest, but after reading the book you realize that is just who he is. Admiration is what I sit left with. I have always known that Gary Neville was a loyal player of United, but his love to the club... I have no word. And such an humble person. He is the first to admit that his talent was not the greatest, and he almost portraits himself as an average player. And that comes from one that has made 85 caps for England and 602 perfomances for Manchester United! It is not like we are talking about a West Brom player... No, he has played for one of the best footballclubs in the world and won about everything there is to win for a club player. This, and his great love and passion for the club, makes him an even bigger legend. So many players would rated themself higher than the club, shout that there will never be anyone as good again. But not Neville. He wants the lub to do so good and be so succesful that he is forgotten. One word: Amazing! A red legend.
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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.
I was going to say that obviously this was a Christmas present, but the truth is that I probably would have bought this myself. Gary Neville first began playing for Manchester United as I started watching them regularly. He’s a Manchester United fan from Manchester (well, Bury) who lived the dream, and he's about my age too. As a kid, Neville used to get to OT at 1am and just sit there watching the pitch whilst his Dad had a pint downstairs.
If I’d been a bit more talented in various facets of t
I was going to say that obviously this was a Christmas present, but the truth is that I probably would have bought this myself. Gary Neville first began playing for Manchester United as I started watching them regularly. He’s a Manchester United fan from Manchester (well, Bury) who lived the dream, and he's about my age too. As a kid, Neville used to get to OT at 1am and just sit there watching the pitch whilst his Dad had a pint downstairs.
If I’d been a bit more talented in various facets of the game, and lived in Bury, it could have been me.
But Gary, bless ‘im, is no raconteur. This is a pretty nuts and bolts précis of what was, in fact, a pretty exceptional career. It’s not exactly dull, but supporting United certainly helps. Whilst its straightforward tone is almost conversational, you probably need to read it in long bouts to find the nuggets of genuine interest. But it’s better than most football autobiographies, and the only cringe worthy moments are when he goes off piste, usually when recounting what someone said. The example drawn to illustrate Paul Scholes’ Wildesque wit had me cowering, as did an excerpt of Neville's best man speech at Beckham's wedding.
The best things about this book are incidents that illustrate Neville's commitment to the sport he plays, including his description of his last game vs WBA, where for once he just wanted the game to be over, and sat in the loo at half time deciding to retire at the end of the game. He also talks engagingly about how different combinations of the England team did or didn’t work, due to the changing regimes he witnessed as a regular member. Neville wasn’t a great player, but he comes across as honest, obsessively professional, and also pretty decent. After playing for England against Maldini, he goes into the victorious dressing room to ask for Maldini’s shirt because he rated him so highly. He also gives due credit to some unlikely figures, asking Stevie G to join United whilst on England duty, and acknowledging defeats fairly. Neville won a lot, but United’s back four have been known to ship goals with him at right back,
I think Gary Neville is pretty articulate, and has a confidence that has carried him perhaps further than he should. He worked on his game so bloody hard. Not initially as gifted as his brother, he would be the more successful of the two, although Phil will perhaps beat him in longevity. But what I loved most about this book, predictably enough, is that Red Nev is United to his core. He also idolises Sir Alex, although it’s funny to hear that Neville told him to fuck off from the pitch once, and Fergie didn’t play him for 3 games as punishment (he calls him ‘Neville’ in any exchange, ever the school master). And interesting, too, to hear that Denis Irwin plays right back is his best United XI, but Neville has been advised not to go to any more United games with his mates like he did at Chelsea – it might be too dangerous. Shame, because standing next to Neville, at least you’d know he wouldn’t leave with 10 minutes to go, as the bloke next to me at Benfica did.
I decided upon reading this book because of the excerpts that had been published on guardian.co.uk. They were quite intriguing. The book in general, is too. The language is quite pedestrian, which is completely fine by me. It feels conversational. Hey, that's the man Neville is. The book is a reflection of him - honest, passionate, loyal. So I don't have any problems with the literary side of the book.
However, I expected more stories, anecdotes, more insights into the life at Old Trafford from a
I decided upon reading this book because of the excerpts that had been published on guardian.co.uk. They were quite intriguing. The book in general, is too. The language is quite pedestrian, which is completely fine by me. It feels conversational. Hey, that's the man Neville is. The book is a reflection of him - honest, passionate, loyal. So I don't have any problems with the literary side of the book.
However, I expected more stories, anecdotes, more insights into the life at Old Trafford from a player who has spend a couple of decades there. The youth team years have been covered decently in that regard, but the senior team, not quite. There are good insights into some personalities, but nearly not enough of these. The England chapters give you interesting enough glimpses at the England managers, but the counterpart Manchester United chapters are just recounting of now historical events, albeit from a personal viewpoint. I'd really have liked to know more about the Manager, the players and especially the legends. Disappointing in that regard. On the hindsight, the book feels like a superficial commentary on the events of the past two decades at Manchester United, nothing more.
Not a man utd fan but Neville has impressed me with his no nonsense but educated appearances on Sky Sports. This book was really interesting for a neutral fan as he tells a lot of interesting stories of his rise through the Man Utd ranks and gives a bit of an insight to what goes on behind closed doors throughout his playing carear. Up there with one of the most interesting footballer autobiographies that I have read, defo recommend.
I found this book very entertaining in parts, especially when he speaks about Sir Alex Ferguson and how he'd motivate the players.
Gary Neville seemed to live a life dominated by regime and consistency.
It was brilliant how he stood up to Mark Palios at the F.A. but he lacked backing from so many quarters that it was a near impossible fight for him to face. So much so, Ferguson talked him out of his stance as he feels it'd be detrimental to his Manchester United career were he to make a stand.
This
I found this book very entertaining in parts, especially when he speaks about Sir Alex Ferguson and how he'd motivate the players.
Gary Neville seemed to live a life dominated by regime and consistency.
It was brilliant how he stood up to Mark Palios at the F.A. but he lacked backing from so many quarters that it was a near impossible fight for him to face. So much so, Ferguson talked him out of his stance as he feels it'd be detrimental to his Manchester United career were he to make a stand.
This book is a great read for showing the actual LACK of player power that exists in the game. You get a feel for how the English F.A. is massively out of touch, especially when Neville rightly questions "would Ferguson allow this at his club?"
Having never read a biography before, I was quite amazed what an enthralling read this turned out to be. However, other factors may also be at work. Gary Neville's story is nothing short of sublime. He was never a star player, but he made it through sheer hard work and dedication. I can't even imagine what it's like to play for a team you've supported all your life. However, the best thing about this book, was the camaraderie that can be sensed throughout. The boys defended and supported each ot
Having never read a biography before, I was quite amazed what an enthralling read this turned out to be. However, other factors may also be at work. Gary Neville's story is nothing short of sublime. He was never a star player, but he made it through sheer hard work and dedication. I can't even imagine what it's like to play for a team you've supported all your life. However, the best thing about this book, was the camaraderie that can be sensed throughout. The boys defended and supported each other at every turn. They told each other their darkest fears, and drank themselves silly. But, most importantly, the young whipper-snappers all made it. A recommended read even for non-United/non-football (soccer fans).
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Read as I really enjoy sports memoirs/autobiographies. Some chapters were good, but I felt that by the last few chapters he had lost interest in writing it and rushed to get it finished.
Good read for a United fan and info on Gary's career and what it is like from a players perspective on events we hear in the media, though could have been more major opinions/infos.
i approached this book with a fair amount of prejudice, Neville has always been a twat. The book did nothing to alter my perception the blokes ego permeates every page.
I being a red I could barely put it down..But what makes this a good auto-biography is the brutal honesty with which he put down the incidents/his feelings towards certain persons then the FA, English National Team etc..,
Then the accptance that he is a very ordinary footballer with not much special skills but made it as one of the greatest right back at one of the biggest clubs in the world in some of its best years in its whole history just by sheer determination,discipline, commitment and most
I being a red I could barely put it down..But what makes this a good auto-biography is the brutal honesty with which he put down the incidents/his feelings towards certain persons then the FA, English National Team etc..,
Then the accptance that he is a very ordinary footballer with not much special skills but made it as one of the greatest right back at one of the biggest clubs in the world in some of its best years in its whole history just by sheer determination,discipline, commitment and most importantly of all passion.I could take a leaf or two out of this.
I've never seen any other red more passionate than Gary.Nev a true Red forever..
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And not a single hint of enthusiasm was shared that day.
On the cover page:
Rich in details and insight... fascinating
~
The Independent
.
I have no objection on that. A great well-written book, but horribly dull. It's definitely a page-turner in that perspective. I couldn't wait to get done with it.
I am not a Manchester United supporter but I do like a good biography. I have recently read the latest biographies by Kevin Pietersen and Roy Keane and was left thoroughly disappointed by the slow and rather boring stories. This however was a very interesting and entertaining read that gives an excellent insight into life behind the scenes at both Manchester United and England. A passionate player with the fight to be successful at the game he loves.
Gary Neville always came across as a through and through red devil and his autobiography captures just that. The anecdotes of the times of Cantona or Fergie's Fledgelings are brilliantly put. Funnily, like his match reviews now, he seems quite balanced and unlike the fervent Utd player on the pitch.. A must read for Utd fans and football lovers..
A good holiday football read. Concise and honest about teammates, club and the failings of England. The only problem I had with it was the proposed strike and indignation regarding Rio's drug test suspension etc. However, overall Gary leaves you feeling he is a role model who worked damn hard for his achievements in the game.
Truly Amazing read for a United fan to see those beautiful moments of the grand history through a player's perspective. Well written and the mood of the book is always been maintained. Though there will be controversial opinions abt certain incidents. I loved and recommend it to all the Red Devils out there :)
This book is just like Gary. No frills but did the job. I enjoyed it and it brought back many good memories. Especially his celebrations for the 1-0 win over Arsenal that my son Paul and I saw from high up in the cantilever stand. I think he got fined for that. It's not mentioned in the book.
This book is just like Gary. No frills but did the job. I enjoyed it and it brought back many good memories. Especially his celebrations for the 1-0 win over Arsenal that my son Paul and I saw from high up in the cantilever stand. I think he got fined for that. It's not mentioned in the book.
An OK book for football fans, obviously will be enjoyed far more by United fans. If you have read Lampard. Gerrard, Keane or similar then do not expect to be amazed or enthralled. Should you be looking for a good sports biography then go for Open by Agassi, Ali, Gazza or Blessed by George Best.