A must read for the genuine football fan:, 28 Nov 2008
Carra writes as he plays his football. Honest, uncomprimising, blunt, confident & not afraid to share his opinions.
He is in a unique position as he was brought up in a tough working class area as a die hard blue but went through a slow & difficult transition from a blue to someone who is now totally committed to the cause of the reds.
He is honest in his assessment of his greater loyalty to Liverpool over England notwithstanding his total committment to the national side when donning the three lions shirt.
There is a touch of arrogance(fully justified)about his belief that he is a more skilful player than he is given credit for as he is genuinally regarded as a player who is reliable & always gives 100% but perhaps lacks that 'extra bit of class'. Any true red who has supported Liverpool over the last 10 years will confirm that Carra has contributed as much to the team as his great mate Gerrard, not by scoring important goals but by organising the defence & by completing many, many last ditch tackles preventing certain goals(Istanbul being the pinnacle).
A future Liverpool manager in the making, hopefully after adding a richly deserved League title to his many achievements.

Real footballer writes real book, 11 Nov 2008
At last a real footballer has written an interesting book. Jamie Carragher has become a Liverpool legend, but if you think this book is all about Saint Jamie then you are wrong. There are sides to his character thta come out in his book, that I am not comfortable with. He admits he could have gone dwon the wrong path, and was hardly an angel in his early days at Liverpool. He is honest enough to say what he thinks about players and what he thought of the football prowess. He is not perfec and hs views may not be your cup of tea, but it gives a fairer reflection of his character and career, then most autobiographies.

Jamie Carragher puts your faith back in football, a throwback to the type of players and values that Modern Football is Rubbish talks about.Modern Football Is Rubbish: An A-Z of All That Is Wrong with the Beautiful Game The sublime Modern Football is Rubbish reminds you that football culture has always been alive through players like Carragher, who identifies with fans and wears his heart on his sleeve.

Buy both of these books and you won't be disappointed. Full of humour and honest soundbites.

Sour and sad, 18 Sep 2008
I'm not a Manchester United supporter, but I read Alex Ferguson's autobiography, and enjoyed it. I'm not a Liverpool supporter, but I read Robbie Fowler's autobiography, and enjoyed it. I read Shane Warne's autobiography, but I'm certainly not an Australian. In short, I read a lot of autobiographies about sportsmen whose teams I have no allegiance to, and I read them without prejudice.
I suppose if you are a Liverpool supporter you might enjoy this book, but if you're not then don't bother, it wasn't written for your benefit anyway. Basically, Carragher does not have a good word to say about any one or anything outside the boundaries of Liverpool. Apparently he hated playing for England, hated even travelling to London, and doesn't feel even a passing allegiance to England. Well no wonder he never made the grade playing for England, although, I do wonder if he would have been quite so sour if he was still being selected for England.
I genuinely regret ever having read this book, for it has tainted my opinion of the people and the city and the club of Liverpool. I just hope most of the inhabitants of Liverpool are not as bitter and resentful as this book suggests they might be.


A Decent Effort, 07 Sep 2008
This book was written by Jamie "Jimmy" Carragher and features his life story even though he's still playing football. I'm sure he will bring out an exciting second book when he's older. It's a good read about him growing up in Liverpool as an Everton fan waving blue flags out of his window and then going on to play for the Reds. Charting his fall-outs with other players and his refusal to play for England under Steve McClaren whom he labels a "wally with a brolly", this is an excellent purchase - also available in English.

Has Jamie's page been hacked?, 06 Sep 2008
Read my discussion at the bottom of the page. Somebody at Amazon has added "18 Years of Failure" to the book title. I don't think Jamie or the publishers will be best pleased!

A must read for the genuine football fan:, 28 Nov 2008
Carra writes as he plays his football. Honest, uncomprimising, blunt, confident & not afraid to share his opinions.
He is in a unique position as he was brought up in a tough working class area as a die hard blue but went through a slow & difficult transition from a blue to someone who is now totally committed to the cause of the reds.
He is honest in his assessment of his greater loyalty to Liverpool over England notwithstanding his total committment to the national side when donning the three lions shirt.
There is a touch of arrogance(fully justified)about his belief that he is a more skilful player than he is given credit for as he is genuinally regarded as a player who is reliable & always gives 100% but perhaps lacks that 'extra bit of class'. Any true red who has supported Liverpool over the last 10 years will confirm that Carra has contributed as much to the team as his great mate Gerrard, not by scoring important goals but by organising the defence & by completing many, many last ditch tackles preventing certain goals(Istanbul being the pinnacle).
A future Liverpool manager in the making, hopefully after adding a richly deserved League title to his many achievements.

Real footballer writes real book, 11 Nov 2008
At last a real footballer has written an interesting book. Jamie Carragher has become a Liverpool legend, but if you think this book is all about Saint Jamie then you are wrong. There are sides to his character thta come out in his book, that I am not comfortable with. He admits he could have gone dwon the wrong path, and was hardly an angel in his early days at Liverpool. He is honest enough to say what he thinks about players and what he thought of the football prowess. He is not perfec and hs views may not be your cup of tea, but it gives a fairer reflection of his character and career, then most autobiographies.

Jamie Carragher puts your faith back in football, a throwback to the type of players and values that Modern Football is Rubbish talks about.Modern Football Is Rubbish: An A-Z of All That Is Wrong with the Beautiful Game The sublime Modern Football is Rubbish reminds you that football culture has always been alive through players like Carragher, who identifies with fans and wears his heart on his sleeve.

Buy both of these books and you won't be disappointed. Full of humour and honest soundbites.

Sour and sad, 18 Sep 2008
I'm not a Manchester United supporter, but I read Alex Ferguson's autobiography, and enjoyed it. I'm not a Liverpool supporter, but I read Robbie Fowler's autobiography, and enjoyed it. I read Shane Warne's autobiography, but I'm certainly not an Australian. In short, I read a lot of autobiographies about sportsmen whose teams I have no allegiance to, and I read them without prejudice.
I suppose if you are a Liverpool supporter you might enjoy this book, but if you're not then don't bother, it wasn't written for your benefit anyway. Basically, Carragher does not have a good word to say about any one or anything outside the boundaries of Liverpool. Apparently he hated playing for England, hated even travelling to London, and doesn't feel even a passing allegiance to England. Well no wonder he never made the grade playing for England, although, I do wonder if he would have been quite so sour if he was still being selected for England.
I genuinely regret ever having read this book, for it has tainted my opinion of the people and the city and the club of Liverpool. I just hope most of the inhabitants of Liverpool are not as bitter and resentful as this book suggests they might be.


A Decent Effort, 07 Sep 2008
This book was written by Jamie "Jimmy" Carragher and features his life story even though he's still playing football. I'm sure he will bring out an exciting second book when he's older. It's a good read about him growing up in Liverpool as an Everton fan waving blue flags out of his window and then going on to play for the Reds. Charting his fall-outs with other players and his refusal to play for England under Steve McClaren whom he labels a "wally with a brolly", this is an excellent purchase - also available in English.

Has Jamie's page been hacked?, 06 Sep 2008
Read my discussion at the bottom of the page. Somebody at Amazon has added "18 Years of Failure" to the book title. I don't think Jamie or the publishers will be best pleased!

More England than Bobby, 21 Nov 2008
This is the second part of Sir Bobby Charlton's fascinating autobiography. In the first, "My Manchester United Years", he provided a lot of moving personal insight into, for example, his trauma post-Munich air disaster, how the club dealt with the other surviving players and their families, and his, at times, difficult relationship with his mother and brother. In other words it was a personally revealing book. This second part, by comparison, is in many ways more typical of a footballer's autobiography, focusing on match details and brief, albeit personal, pen pictures of the characters involved. For regular consumers of books covering this era of football there is little new or surprising here.

Despite this, the book is well-written, thoughful and informative. Here this great footballer leaves aside the pain and angst of Munich and transmits something of the sheer quality and competitiveness of football at the highest level. His convictions about teamwork are clear and here you feel is where he was most comfortable, immersed in what he did best alongside others of the same kind, where the only questions were how to play and how to win.

Finally, there are some striking glances into just how accessible top footballers used to be. For example, this most famous of Englishmen popped out to do some shopping on the morning of playing in the World Cup Final, in the capital city of his own country. I can vouch for this as I once wandered up his front drive, after he was a World and European Cup winner, and while he was hoovering the inside of his car I had a chat and obtained an autograph. For anyone who grew up watching Sir Bobby and remembers the era when he was simply the best English player alive then this book is a must-buy complement to volume one.

A must have 2-part autobiography for any serious sports fan, 15 Nov 2008
Nothing annoys me more than sports men and women writing their autobiography's after some brief initial success before disappearing into the abyss of the unsustainables...... Bobby Charlton 'scores' again firstly by employing an award winning ghost writer making the reading a real pleasure but also by having enough great stories to tell having had long and eventful sporting life. This book, as the cover suggests, chronicles Mr. Charlton's England career. The book is also not without humour and without spoiling it for you, his first confrontation with Pele is laugh out loud funny!

An Excellent Sequel, 10 Nov 2008
The original "United Years" did not leave much to be desired as an extraordinary account of the life an extraordinary man. However, the "England Years" proved to be just as compelling and interesting, the book provides the fascinating insight of a hugely influential player on a volatile period of English football and really shouldn't be missed. A great read for any sports fan.

An insiders view of the England football team 1958 to 1970, 07 Nov 2008
Although this is the second part of Bobby Charltons autobiography, it would be more accurate to think of it as being Bobby Charltons biography of the England football team from 1958, when he made his debut, to 1970, when he played his final England game, in the cruel defeat to West Germany in the Mexico World Cup.

As most of his autobiographical details were dealt with in the first book, the Manchester United Years, this book is almost totally devoted to football and there is very little of Bobby Charlton the man (as opposed to Bobby Charlton the footballer) in it. This is not meant as a critism because, like the first one, this is an excellent book.

It is largely forgotten now but fifty years ago the England football team was in a bit of the mess. At one stage - between 1958 & 1959 - they only won one game in eleven, and that was against an extremely weak USA team. As this book explains, the then manager, Walter Winterbottom, tried his best to build a winning team but he had an impossible task because in those days the England manager had very limited powers, having to refer most things, even team selection, to an FA committee. It was only after the arrival of the single-minded Alf Ramsey, in 1963, that things started to change for the better.

Being an integral part of Ramseys team (even if Sir Alf made sure that Charlton was aware that not even his place in the team was guaranteed)Bobby Charlton was well placed to cast judgement on his role in turning England into World Champions in 1966. He explains that to win the World Cup, Ramsey built a team containing not the eleven best English players but instead the eleven players who one do the best job as a TEAM. This is why the free scoring Jimmy Greaves did not play in the World Cup Final but instead the lesser talented Geoff Hurst did.

Although, quite rightly, the bulk of the book is about the 1966 World Cup and the build up towards it, Bobby Charltons two other World Cup campaigns, in 1962 & 1970, are well covered. The story of Englands quarter final defeat to West Germany after being two goals up and coasting is particuarly absorbing reading as there were many interesting side stories - Franz Beckenbauers marking job on Charlton, Gordon Banks's bad stomach, Englands capitulation after Charlton was substituted, Bobby Moore being accused of theft - involved.

A very good book, and together with 'The Manchester United Years' surely amongst the best fooball autobiographies ever written.

A must read for the genuine football fan:, 28 Nov 2008
Carra writes as he plays his football. Honest, uncomprimising, blunt, confident & not afraid to share his opinions.
He is in a unique position as he was brought up in a tough working class area as a die hard blue but went through a slow & difficult transition from a blue to someone who is now totally committed to the cause of the reds.
He is honest in his assessment of his greater loyalty to Liverpool over England notwithstanding his total committment to the national side when donning the three lions shirt.
There is a touch of arrogance(fully justified)about his belief that he is a more skilful player than he is given credit for as he is genuinally regarded as a player who is reliable & always gives 100% but perhaps lacks that 'extra bit of class'. Any true red who has supported Liverpool over the last 10 years will confirm that Carra has contributed as much to the team as his great mate Gerrard, not by scoring important goals but by organising the defence & by completing many, many last ditch tackles preventing certain goals(Istanbul being the pinnacle).
A future Liverpool manager in the making, hopefully after adding a richly deserved League title to his many achievements.

Real footballer writes real book, 11 Nov 2008
At last a real footballer has written an interesting book. Jamie Carragher has become a Liverpool legend, but if you think this book is all about Saint Jamie then you are wrong. There are sides to his character thta come out in his book, that I am not comfortable with. He admits he could have gone dwon the wrong path, and was hardly an angel in his early days at Liverpool. He is honest enough to say what he thinks about players and what he thought of the football prowess. He is not perfec and hs views may not be your cup of tea, but it gives a fairer reflection of his character and career, then most autobiographies.

Jamie Carragher puts your faith back in football, a throwback to the type of players and values that Modern Football is Rubbish talks about.Modern Football Is Rubbish: An A-Z of All That Is Wrong with the Beautiful Game The sublime Modern Football is Rubbish reminds you that football culture has always been alive through players like Carragher, who identifies with fans and wears his heart on his sleeve.

Buy both of these books and you won't be disappointed. Full of humour and honest soundbites.

Sour and sad, 18 Sep 2008
I'm not a Manchester United supporter, but I read Alex Ferguson's autobiography, and enjoyed it. I'm not a Liverpool supporter, but I read Robbie Fowler's autobiography, and enjoyed it. I read Shane Warne's autobiography, but I'm certainly not an Australian. In short, I read a lot of autobiographies about sportsmen whose teams I have no allegiance to, and I read them without prejudice.
I suppose if you are a Liverpool supporter you might enjoy this book, but if you're not then don't bother, it wasn't written for your benefit anyway. Basically, Carragher does not have a good word to say about any one or anything outside the boundaries of Liverpool. Apparently he hated playing for England, hated even travelling to London, and doesn't feel even a passing allegiance to England. Well no wonder he never made the grade playing for England, although, I do wonder if he would have been quite so sour if he was still being selected for England.
I genuinely regret ever having read this book, for it has tainted my opinion of the people and the city and the club of Liverpool. I just hope most of the inhabitants of Liverpool are not as bitter and resentful as this book suggests they might be.


A Decent Effort, 07 Sep 2008
This book was written by Jamie "Jimmy" Carragher and features his life story even though he's still playing football. I'm sure he will bring out an exciting second book when he's older. It's a good read about him growing up in Liverpool as an Everton fan waving blue flags out of his window and then going on to play for the Reds. Charting his fall-outs with other players and his refusal to play for England under Steve McClaren whom he labels a "wally with a brolly", this is an excellent purchase - also available in English.

Has Jamie's page been hacked?, 06 Sep 2008
Read my discussion at the bottom of the page. Somebody at Amazon has added "18 Years of Failure" to the book title. I don't think Jamie or the publishers will be best pleased!

More England than Bobby, 21 Nov 2008
This is the second part of Sir Bobby Charlton's fascinating autobiography. In the first, "My Manchester United Years", he provided a lot of moving personal insight into, for example, his trauma post-Munich air disaster, how the club dealt with the other surviving players and their families, and his, at times, difficult relationship with his mother and brother. In other words it was a personally revealing book. This second part, by comparison, is in many ways more typical of a footballer's autobiography, focusing on match details and brief, albeit personal, pen pictures of the characters involved. For regular consumers of books covering this era of football there is little new or surprising here.

Despite this, the book is well-written, thoughful and informative. Here this great footballer leaves aside the pain and angst of Munich and transmits something of the sheer quality and competitiveness of football at the highest level. His convictions about teamwork are clear and here you feel is where he was most comfortable, immersed in what he did best alongside others of the same kind, where the only questions were how to play and how to win.

Finally, there are some striking glances into just how accessible top footballers used to be. For example, this most famous of Englishmen popped out to do some shopping on the morning of playing in the World Cup Final, in the capital city of his own country. I can vouch for this as I once wandered up his front drive, after he was a World and European Cup winner, and while he was hoovering the inside of his car I had a chat and obtained an autograph. For anyone who grew up watching Sir Bobby and remembers the era when he was simply the best English player alive then this book is a must-buy complement to volume one.

A must have 2-part autobiography for any serious sports fan, 15 Nov 2008
Nothing annoys me more than sports men and women writing their autobiography's after some brief initial success before disappearing into the abyss of the unsustainables...... Bobby Charlton 'scores' again firstly by employing an award winning ghost writer making the reading a real pleasure but also by having enough great stories to tell having had long and eventful sporting life. This book, as the cover suggests, chronicles Mr. Charlton's England career. The book is also not without humour and without spoiling it for you, his first confrontation with Pele is laugh out loud funny!

An Excellent Sequel, 10 Nov 2008
The original "United Years" did not leave much to be desired as an extraordinary account of the life an extraordinary man. However, the "England Years" proved to be just as compelling and interesting, the book provides the fascinating insight of a hugely influential player on a volatile period of English football and really shouldn't be missed. A great read for any sports fan.

An insiders view of the England football team 1958 to 1970, 07 Nov 2008
Although this is the second part of Bobby Charltons autobiography, it would be more accurate to think of it as being Bobby Charltons biography of the England football team from 1958, when he made his debut, to 1970, when he played his final England game, in the cruel defeat to West Germany in the Mexico World Cup.

As most of his autobiographical details were dealt with in the first book, the Manchester United Years, this book is almost totally devoted to football and there is very little of Bobby Charlton the man (as opposed to Bobby Charlton the footballer) in it. This is not meant as a critism because, like the first one, this is an excellent book.

It is largely forgotten now but fifty years ago the England football team was in a bit of the mess. At one stage - between 1958 & 1959 - they only won one game in eleven, and that was against an extremely weak USA team. As this book explains, the then manager, Walter Winterbottom, tried his best to build a winning team but he had an impossible task because in those days the England manager had very limited powers, having to refer most things, even team selection, to an FA committee. It was only after the arrival of the single-minded Alf Ramsey, in 1963, that things started to change for the better.

Being an integral part of Ramseys team (even if Sir Alf made sure that Charlton was aware that not even his place in the team was guaranteed)Bobby Charlton was well placed to cast judgement on his role in turning England into World Champions in 1966. He explains that to win the World Cup, Ramsey built a team containing not the eleven best English players but instead the eleven players who one do the best job as a TEAM. This is why the free scoring Jimmy Greaves did not play in the World Cup Final but instead the lesser talented Geoff Hurst did.

Although, quite rightly, the bulk of the book is about the 1966 World Cup and the build up towards it, Bobby Charltons two other World Cup campaigns, in 1962 & 1970, are well covered. The story of Englands quarter final defeat to West Germany after being two goals up and coasting is particuarly absorbing reading as there were many interesting side stories - Franz Beckenbauers marking job on Charlton, Gordon Banks's bad stomach, Englands capitulation after Charlton was substituted, Bobby Moore being accused of theft - involved.

A very good book, and together with 'The Manchester United Years' surely amongst the best fooball autobiographies ever written.





Legendary goalscorer, mediocre book, 04 Oct 2008
This book suffers from being badly written, which is a shame because Ian Rush was a hero to me when I was growing up. I was looking forward to this book and to be fair the first few chapters were reasonably entertaining, but before long it became the cliched football autobiography and there are long sections explaining the fine details of certain games. As a Liverpool fan, I am aware of these games and I can watch them on DVD if need be; there is nothing more boring than a running commentary of runs, dribbles and passes. Maybe it's because Rushy was naturally a quiet person that there doesn't seem to be too many really interesting anecdotes in this book, however his revelations about not originally warming to Kenny Dalglish and his opinions of his team mates at Juventus are quite interesting. One more thing, the chronology of some of the events are a bit perplexing at times (obviously the proof reading was a bit lax), one passage that springs to mind has Rushy being in Australia playing for Sydney Olympic and getting a call from Rick Parry asking if he'd like to help Rafa with the coaching. Given that Rushy was in Australia until 2000 and Rafa didn't come to Liverpool until 2004....

Bad editing aside, it's still an average read I'm afraid, but thanks Rushy for your 346 goals and lots more besides, you're still and always will be a Legend!


Disappointing, 16 Sep 2008
This should have been good, actually it should have been better than good, when you think of the games and times that Ian Rush played in for Liverpool. Lets not beat around the bush Ian Rush is the greatest striker Liverpool have ever known who played in some of the great teams and great games of his time. Unfortunately this book does not measure up to the career of the player

More than anything I think he has been let down by the people who worked on the book with him. I lost count of the number of grammatical errors, misspelt words and in some cases names of players (Stevie NicHol????, Neil Macdonald in the 86 Cup Final Liverpool team (didn't he play for Everton, as opposed to Kevin Macdonald). Also according to this book Robbie Fowler made his name by scoring 5 against Ipswich rather than Fulham in the League cup.

Now spelling and historical facts aren't everything, but the other main disappointment was the lack of detail (Hillsborough, relationships with other players/managers etc.). Perhaps Hillsborough is too painful and has been covered by others but I thought he may have gone a little deeper with regards to how it affected him personally

Overall Ian comes across as a thoroughly nice guy, very level headed and perhaps too nice to write a book which reveals anything much that isn't already known.

The Player, The Legend, The man, all in one gripping story, 24 Aug 2008
This is one of the best bio`s that you will ever read, not only because it is written by a true football legend, but also because of the honesty within. Some of the recent bios (Rooney for example) are rubbish and skate around issues, never really telling the honest truth. Rush bares all in this bio, the fun, the laughter and the tears. The only surprise is why it has taken him so long to write his memoirs.In 2006, Liverpool fans voted Ian Rush among the top three all-time greatest players in the history of the club. Taking his place alongside Kenny Dalglish and Steven Gerrard, he surpassed legends such as Fowler, Keegan, Owen, Smith, Carragher and Hansen, which speaks volumes of the passion for the man, and the high esteem that Liverpool fans, and football fans alike hold him in.
Ian Rush is quite simply Liverpool's greatest goalscorer and, along with Jimmy Greaves and Denis Law, one of the finest natural penalty-box predators the game has ever seen. We can only hope that Keene and Kuyt, Babel and Torres can stand in his very substancial shadow!!
Thee story tells of the rough-edged Welsh teenager who was thrust into the ranks of an already great side, but who didn't feel he belonged in their company. It tells how he learned to keep his head down and grow as a player, turning into the man that became the most devastating finisher in English football.Rush's story is bursting with honesty and insight, emotional turmoil and tragedy, and hilarious tales and asides. It is a near-mythical tale of triumph and tragedy. Of an era when Liverpool became nigh on invincible, made the League title their own, and rode the highs of European and FA Cup Finals alongside the devastating tragedies of Heysel and Hillsborough.
Such stories are the stuff of dreams and nightmares for every football fan, the drama of Rush's time at Liverpool during the 80s - the decade that defined the club more than any other - is thrillingly captured in this autobiography, which takes you into the thick of the action, as well as offering a frank and insightful analysis of the game today. There have been some good reads from Liverpool authors recently, `We go gathering cups in may`, `43 Years with the same Bird` by Brian Reede is excellent, the `Soft Target` thrillers by Conrad Jones (set at Anfield), `Gangs of Liverpool` parts one and two are all well worth a read.
Rush is a ten out of ten.

A must read for the genuine football fan:, 28 Nov 2008
Carra writes as he plays his football. Honest, uncomprimising, blunt, confident & not afraid to share his opinions.
He is in a unique position as he was brought up in a tough working class area as a die hard blue but went through a slow & difficult transition from a blue to someone who is now totally committed to the cause of the reds.
He is honest in his assessment of his greater loyalty to Liverpool over England notwithstanding his total committment to the national side when donning the three lions shirt.
There is a touch of arrogance(fully justified)about his belief that he is a more skilful player than he is given credit for as he is genuinally regarded as a player who is reliable & always gives 100% but perhaps lacks that 'extra bit of class'. Any true red who has supported Liverpool over the last 10 years will confirm that Carra has contributed as much to the team as his great mate Gerrard, not by scoring important goals but by organising the defence & by completing many, many last ditch tackles preventing certain goals(Istanbul being the pinnacle).
A future Liverpool manager in the making, hopefully after adding a richly deserved League title to his many achievements.

Real footballer writes real book, 11 Nov 2008
At last a real footballer has written an interesting book. Jamie Carragher has become a Liverpool legend, but if you think this book is all about Saint Jamie then you are wrong. There are sides to his character thta come out in his book, that I am not comfortable with. He admits he could have gone dwon the wrong path, and was hardly an angel in his early days at Liverpool. He is honest enough to say what he thinks about players and what he thought of the football prowess. He is not perfec and hs views may not be your cup of tea, but it gives a fairer reflection of his character and career, then most autobiographies.

Jamie Carragher puts your faith back in football, a throwback to the type of players and values that Modern Football is Rubbish talks about.Modern Football Is Rubbish: An A-Z of All That Is Wrong with the Beautiful Game The sublime Modern Football is Rubbish reminds you that football culture has always been alive through players like Carragher, who identifies with fans and wears his heart on his sleeve.

Buy both of these books and you won't be disappointed. Full of humour and honest soundbites.

Sour and sad, 18 Sep 2008
I'm not a Manchester United supporter, but I read Alex Ferguson's autobiography, and enjoyed it. I'm not a Liverpool supporter, but I read Robbie Fowler's autobiography, and enjoyed it. I read Shane Warne's autobiography, but I'm certainly not an Australian. In short, I read a lot of autobiographies about sportsmen whose teams I have no allegiance to, and I read them without prejudice.
I suppose if you are a Liverpool supporter you might enjoy this book, but if you're not then don't bother, it wasn't written for your benefit anyway. Basically, Carragher does not have a good word to say about any one or anything outside the boundaries of Liverpool. Apparently he hated playing for England, hated even travelling to London, and doesn't feel even a passing allegiance to England. Well no wonder he never made the grade playing for England, although, I do wonder if he would have been quite so sour if he was still being selected for England.
I genuinely regret ever having read this book, for it has tainted my opinion of the people and the city and the club of Liverpool. I just hope most of the inhabitants of Liverpool are not as bitter and resentful as this book suggests they might be.


A Decent Effort, 07 Sep 2008
This book was written by Jamie "Jimmy" Carragher and features his life story even though he's still playing football. I'm sure he will bring out an exciting second book when he's older. It's a good read about him growing up in Liverpool as an Everton fan waving blue flags out of his window and then going on to play for the Reds. Charting his fall-outs with other players and his refusal to play for England under Steve McClaren whom he labels a "wally with a brolly", this is an excellent purchase - also available in English.

Has Jamie's page been hacked?, 06 Sep 2008
Read my discussion at the bottom of the page. Somebody at Amazon has added "18 Years of Failure" to the book title. I don't think Jamie or the publishers will be best pleased!

More England than Bobby, 21 Nov 2008
This is the second part of Sir Bobby Charlton's fascinating autobiography. In the first, "My Manchester United Years", he provided a lot of moving personal insight into, for example, his trauma post-Munich air disaster, how the club dealt with the other surviving players and their families, and his, at times, difficult relationship with his mother and brother. In other words it was a personally revealing book. This second part, by comparison, is in many ways more typical of a footballer's autobiography, focusing on match details and brief, albeit personal, pen pictures of the characters involved. For regular consumers of books covering this era of football there is little new or surprising here.

Despite this, the book is well-written, thoughful and informative. Here this great footballer leaves aside the pain and angst of Munich and transmits something of the sheer quality and competitiveness of football at the highest level. His convictions about teamwork are clear and here you feel is where he was most comfortable, immersed in what he did best alongside others of the same kind, where the only questions were how to play and how to win.

Finally, there are some striking glances into just how accessible top footballers used to be. For example, this most famous of Englishmen popped out to do some shopping on the morning of playing in the World Cup Final, in the capital city of his own country. I can vouch for this as I once wandered up his front drive, after he was a World and European Cup winner, and while he was hoovering the inside of his car I had a chat and obtained an autograph. For anyone who grew up watching Sir Bobby and remembers the era when he was simply the best English player alive then this book is a must-buy complement to volume one.

A must have 2-part autobiography for any serious sports fan, 15 Nov 2008
Nothing annoys me more than sports men and women writing their autobiography's after some brief initial success before disappearing into the abyss of the unsustainables...... Bobby Charlton 'scores' again firstly by employing an award winning ghost writer making the reading a real pleasure but also by having enough great stories to tell having had long and eventful sporting life. This book, as the cover suggests, chronicles Mr. Charlton's England career. The book is also not without humour and without spoiling it for you, his first confrontation with Pele is laugh out loud funny!

An Excellent Sequel, 10 Nov 2008
The original "United Years" did not leave much to be desired as an extraordinary account of the life an extraordinary man. However, the "England Years" proved to be just as compelling and interesting, the book provides the fascinating insight of a hugely influential player on a volatile period of English football and really shouldn't be missed. A great read for any sports fan.

An insiders view of the England football team 1958 to 1970, 07 Nov 2008
Although this is the second part of Bobby Charltons autobiography, it would be more accurate to think of it as being Bobby Charltons biography of the England football team from 1958, when he made his debut, to 1970, when he played his final England game, in the cruel defeat to West Germany in the Mexico World Cup.

As most of his autobiographical details were dealt with in the first book, the Manchester United Years, this book is almost totally devoted to football and there is very little of Bobby Charlton the man (as opposed to Bobby Charlton the footballer) in it. This is not meant as a critism because, like the first one, this is an excellent book.

It is largely forgotten now but fifty years ago the England football team was in a bit of the mess. At one stage - between 1958 & 1959 - they only won one game in eleven, and that was against an extremely weak USA team. As this book explains, the then manager, Walter Winterbottom, tried his best to build a winning team but he had an impossible task because in those days the England manager had very limited powers, having to refer most things, even team selection, to an FA committee. It was only after the arrival of the single-minded Alf Ramsey, in 1963, that things started to change for the better.

Being an integral part of Ramseys team (even if Sir Alf made sure that Charlton was aware that not even his place in the team was guaranteed)Bobby Charlton was well placed to cast judgement on his role in turning England into World Champions in 1966. He explains that to win the World Cup, Ramsey built a team containing not the eleven best English players but instead the eleven players who one do the best job as a TEAM. This is why the free scoring Jimmy Greaves did not play in the World Cup Final but instead the lesser talented Geoff Hurst did.

Although, quite rightly, the bulk of the book is about the 1966 World Cup and the build up towards it, Bobby Charltons two other World Cup campaigns, in 1962 & 1970, are well covered. The story of Englands quarter final defeat to West Germany after being two goals up and coasting is particuarly absorbing reading as there were many interesting side stories - Franz Beckenbauers marking job on Charlton, Gordon Banks's bad stomach, Englands capitulation after Charlton was substituted, Bobby Moore being accused of theft - involved.

A very good book, and together with 'The Manchester United Years' surely amongst the best fooball autobiographies ever written.





Legendary goalscorer, mediocre book, 04 Oct 2008
This book suffers from being badly written, which is a shame because Ian Rush was a hero to me when I was growing up. I was looking forward to this book and to be fair the first few chapters were reasonably entertaining, but before long it became the cliched football autobiography and there are long sections explaining the fine details of certain games. As a Liverpool fan, I am aware of these games and I can watch them on DVD if need be; there is nothing more boring than a running commentary of runs, dribbles and passes. Maybe it's because Rushy was naturally a quiet person that there doesn't seem to be too many really interesting anecdotes in this book, however his revelations about not originally warming to Kenny Dalglish and his opinions of his team mates at Juventus are quite interesting. One more thing, the chronology of some of the events are a bit perplexing at times (obviously the proof reading was a bit lax), one passage that springs to mind has Rushy being in Australia playing for Sydney Olympic and getting a call from Rick Parry asking if he'd like to help Rafa with the coaching. Given that Rushy was in Australia until 2000 and Rafa didn't come to Liverpool until 2004....

Bad editing aside, it's still an average read I'm afraid, but thanks Rushy for your 346 goals and lots more besides, you're still and always will be a Legend!


Disappointing, 16 Sep 2008
This should have been good, actually it should have been better than good, when you think of the games and times that Ian Rush played in for Liverpool. Lets not beat around the bush Ian Rush is the greatest striker Liverpool have ever known who played in some of the great teams and great games of his time. Unfortunately this book does not measure up to the career of the player

More than anything I think he has been let down by the people who worked on the book with him. I lost count of the number of grammatical errors, misspelt words and in some cases names of players (Stevie NicHol????, Neil Macdonald in the 86 Cup Final Liverpool team (didn't he play for Everton, as opposed to Kevin Macdonald). Also according to this book Robbie Fowler made his name by scoring 5 against Ipswich rather than Fulham in the League cup.

Now spelling and historical facts aren't everything, but the other main disappointment was the lack of detail (Hillsborough, relationships with other players/managers etc.). Perhaps Hillsborough is too painful and has been covered by others but I thought he may have gone a little deeper with regards to how it affected him personally

Overall Ian comes across as a thoroughly nice guy, very level headed and perhaps too nice to write a book which reveals anything much that isn't already known.

The Player, The Legend, The man, all in one gripping story, 24 Aug 2008
This is one of the best bio`s that you will ever read, not only because it is written by a true football legend, but also because of the honesty within. Some of the recent bios (Rooney for example) are rubbish and skate around issues, never really telling the honest truth. Rush bares all in this bio, the fun, the laughter and the tears. The only surprise is why it has taken him so long to write his memoirs.In 2006, Liverpool fans voted Ian Rush among the top three all-time greatest players in the history of the club. Taking his place alongside Kenny Dalglish and Steven Gerrard, he surpassed legends such as Fowler, Keegan, Owen, Smith, Carragher and Hansen, which speaks volumes of the passion for the man, and the high esteem that Liverpool fans, and football fans alike hold him in.
Ian Rush is quite simply Liverpool's greatest goalscorer and, along with Jimmy Greaves and Denis Law, one of the finest natural penalty-box predators the game has ever seen. We can only hope that Keene and Kuyt, Babel and Torres can stand in his very substancial shadow!!
Thee story tells of the rough-edged Welsh teenager who was thrust into the ranks of an already great side, but who didn't feel he belonged in their company. It tells how he learned to keep his head down and grow as a player, turning into the man that became the most devastating finisher in English football.Rush's story is bursting with honesty and insight, emotional turmoil and tragedy, and hilarious tales and asides. It is a near-mythical tale of triumph and tragedy. Of an era when Liverpool became nigh on invincible, made the League title their own, and rode the highs of European and FA Cup Finals alongside the devastating tragedies of Heysel and Hillsborough.
Such stories are the stuff of dreams and nightmares for every football fan, the drama of Rush's time at Liverpool during the 80s - the decade that defined the club more than any other - is thrillingly captured in this autobiography, which takes you into the thick of the action, as well as offering a frank and insightful analysis of the game today. There have been some good reads from Liverpool authors recently, `We go gathering cups in may`, `43 Years with the same Bird` by Brian Reede is excellent, the `Soft Target` thrillers by Conrad Jones (set at Anfield), `Gangs of Liverpool` parts one and two are all well worth a read.
Rush is a ten out of ten.


A fascinating rounded read, 16 Oct 2008
For all the shenanigans that went on over the past 15 years or so at the FA this is brilliant. David Davies seems like a pretty decent bloke, Sven and Terry too, despite the dodginess. Its the others that need lining up against the wall. This is at times frustrating, at times hilarious, at times it makes you angry... bit like what it must have been like working there. But you really get a sense of what went on, and why we haven't won anything for so long. Not like your typical dull football autobiog. I really enjoyed it!

A must read for the genuine football fan:, 28 Nov 2008
Carra writes as he plays his football. Honest, uncomprimising, blunt, confident & not afraid to share his opinions.
He is in a unique position as he was brought up in a tough working class area as a die hard blue but went through a slow & difficult transition from a blue to someone who is now totally committed to the cause of the reds.
He is honest in his assessment of his greater loyalty to Liverpool over England notwithstanding his total committment to the national side when donning the three lions shirt.
There is a touch of arrogance(fully justified)about his belief that he is a more skilful player than he is given credit for as he is genuinally regarded as a player who is reliable & always gives 100% but perhaps lacks that 'extra bit of class'. Any true red who has supported Liverpool over the last 10 years will confirm that Carra has contributed as much to the team as his great mate Gerrard, not by scoring important goals but by organising the defence & by completing many, many last ditch tackles preventing certain goals(Istanbul being the pinnacle).
A future Liverpool manager in the making, hopefully after adding a richly deserved League title to his many achievements.

Real footballer writes real book, 11 Nov 2008
At last a real footballer has written an interesting book. Jamie Carragher has become a Liverpool legend, but if you think this book is all about Saint Jamie then you are wrong. There are sides to his character thta come out in his book, that I am not comfortable with. He admits he could have gone dwon the wrong path, and was hardly an angel in his early days at Liverpool. He is honest enough to say what he thinks about players and what he thought of the football prowess. He is not perfec and hs views may not be your cup of tea, but it gives a fairer reflection of his character and career, then most autobiographies.

Jamie Carragher puts your faith back in football, a throwback to the type of players and values that Modern Football is Rubbish talks about.Modern Football Is Rubbish: An A-Z of All That Is Wrong with the Beautiful Game The sublime Modern Football is Rubbish reminds you that football culture has always been alive through players like Carragher, who identifies with fans and wears his heart on his sleeve.

Buy both of these books and you won't be disappointed. Full of humour and honest soundbites.

Sour and sad, 18 Sep 2008
I'm not a Manchester United supporter, but I read Alex Ferguson's autobiography, and enjoyed it. I'm not a Liverpool supporter, but I read Robbie Fowler's autobiography, and enjoyed it. I read Shane Warne's autobiography, but I'm certainly not an Australian. In short, I read a lot of autobiographies about sportsmen whose teams I have no allegiance to, and I read them without prejudice.
I suppose if you are a Liverpool supporter you might enjoy this book, but if you're not then don't bother, it wasn't written for your benefit anyway. Basically, Carragher does not have a good word to say about any one or anything outside the boundaries of Liverpool. Apparently he hated playing for England, hated even travelling to London, and doesn't feel even a passing allegiance to England. Well no wonder he never made the grade playing for England, although, I do wonder if he would have been quite so sour if he was still being selected for England.
I genuinely regret ever having read this book, for it has tainted my opinion of the people and the city and the club of Liverpool. I just hope most of the inhabitants of Liverpool are not as bitter and resentful as this book suggests they might be.


A Decent Effort, 07 Sep 2008
This book was written by Jamie "Jimmy" Carragher and features his life story even though he's still playing football. I'm sure he will bring out an exciting second book when he's older. It's a good read about him growing up in Liverpool as an Everton fan waving blue flags out of his window and then going on to play for the Reds. Charting his fall-outs with other players and his refusal to play for England under Steve McClaren whom he labels a "wally with a brolly", this is an excellent purchase - also available in English.

Has Jamie's page been hacked?, 06 Sep 2008
Read my discussion at the bottom of the page. Somebody at Amazon has added "18 Years of Failure" to the book title. I don't think Jamie or the publishers will be best pleased!

More England than Bobby, 21 Nov 2008
This is the second part of Sir Bobby Charlton's fascinating autobiography. In the first, "My Manchester United Years", he provided a lot of moving personal insight into, for example, his trauma post-Munich air disaster, how the club dealt with the other surviving players and their families, and his, at times, difficult relationship with his mother and brother. In other words it was a personally revealing book. This second part, by comparison, is in many ways more typical of a footballer's autobiography, focusing on match details and brief, albeit personal, pen pictures of the characters involved. For regular consumers of books covering this era of football there is little new or surprising here.

Despite this, the book is well-written, thoughful and informative. Here this great footballer leaves aside the pain and angst of Munich and transmits something of the sheer quality and competitiveness of football at the highest level. His convictions about teamwork are clear and here you feel is where he was most comfortable, immersed in what he did best alongside others of the same kind, where the only questions were how to play and how to win.

Finally, there are some striking glances into just how accessible top footballers used to be. For example, this most famous of Englishmen popped out to do some shopping on the morning of playing in the World Cup Final, in the capital city of his own country. I can vouch for this as I once wandered up his front drive, after he was a World and European Cup winner, and while he was hoovering the inside of his car I had a chat and obtained an autograph. For anyone who grew up watching Sir Bobby and remembers the era when he was simply the best English player alive then this book is a must-buy complement to volume one.

A must have 2-part autobiography for any serious sports fan, 15 Nov 2008
Nothing annoys me more than sports men and women writing their autobiography's after some brief initial success before disappearing into the abyss of the unsustainables...... Bobby Charlton 'scores' again firstly by employing an award winning ghost writer making the reading a real pleasure but also by having enough great stories to tell having had long and eventful sporting life. This book, as the cover suggests, chronicles Mr. Charlton's England career. The book is also not without humour and without spoiling it for you, his first confrontation with Pele is laugh out loud funny!

An Excellent Sequel, 10 Nov 2008
The original "United Years" did not leave much to be desired as an extraordinary account of the life an extraordinary man. However, the "England Years" proved to be just as compelling and interesting, the book provides the fascinating insight of a hugely influential player on a volatile period of English football and really shouldn't be missed. A great read for any sports fan.

An insiders view of the England football team 1958 to 1970, 07 Nov 2008
Although this is the second part of Bobby Charltons autobiography, it would be more accurate to think of it as being Bobby Charltons biography of the England football team from 1958, when he made his debut, to 1970, when he played his final England game, in the cruel defeat to West Germany in the Mexico World Cup.

As most of his autobiographical details were dealt with in the first book, the Manchester United Years, this book is almost totally devoted to football and there is very little of Bobby Charlton the man (as opposed to Bobby Charlton the footballer) in it. This is not meant as a critism because, like the first one, this is an excellent book.

It is largely forgotten now but fifty years ago the England football team was in a bit of the mess. At one stage - between 1958 & 1959 - they only won one game in eleven, and that was against an extremely weak USA team. As this book explains, the then manager, Walter Winterbottom, tried his best to build a winning team but he had an impossible task because in those days the England manager had very limited powers, having to refer most things, even team selection, to an FA committee. It was only after the arrival of the single-minded Alf Ramsey, in 1963, that things started to change for the better.

Being an integral part of Ramseys team (even if Sir Alf made sure that Charlton was aware that not even his place in the team was guaranteed)Bobby Charlton was well placed to cast judgement on his role in turning England into World Champions in 1966. He explains that to win the World Cup, Ramsey built a team containing not the eleven best English players but instead the eleven players who one do the best job as a TEAM. This is why the free scoring Jimmy Greaves did not play in the World Cup Final but instead the lesser talented Geoff Hurst did.

Although, quite rightly, the bulk of the book is about the 1966 World Cup and the build up towards it, Bobby Charltons two other World Cup campaigns, in 1962 & 1970, are well covered. The story of Englands quarter final defeat to West Germany after being two goals up and coasting is particuarly absorbing reading as there were many interesting side stories - Franz Beckenbauers marking job on Charlton, Gordon Banks's bad stomach, Englands capitulation after Charlton was substituted, Bobby Moore being accused of theft - involved.

A very good book, and together with 'The Manchester United Years' surely amongst the best fooball autobiographies ever written.





Legendary goalscorer, mediocre book, 04 Oct 2008
This book suffers from being badly written, which is a shame because Ian Rush was a hero to me when I was growing up. I was looking forward to this book and to be fair the first few chapters were reasonably entertaining, but before long it became the cliched football autobiography and there are long sections explaining the fine details of certain games. As a Liverpool fan, I am aware of these games and I can watch them on DVD if need be; there is nothing more boring than a running commentary of runs, dribbles and passes. Maybe it's because Rushy was naturally a quiet person that there doesn't seem to be too many really interesting anecdotes in this book, however his revelations about not originally warming to Kenny Dalglish and his opinions of his team mates at Juventus are quite interesting. One more thing, the chronology of some of the events are a bit perplexing at times (obviously the proof reading was a bit lax), one passage that springs to mind has Rushy being in Australia playing for Sydney Olympic and getting a call from Rick Parry asking if he'd like to help Rafa with the coaching. Given that Rushy was in Australia until 2000 and Rafa didn't come to Liverpool until 2004....

Bad editing aside, it's still an average read I'm afraid, but thanks Rushy for your 346 goals and lots more besides, you're still and always will be a Legend!


Disappointing, 16 Sep 2008
This should have been good, actually it should have been better than good, when you think of the games and times that Ian Rush played in for Liverpool. Lets not beat around the bush Ian Rush is the greatest striker Liverpool have ever known who played in some of the great teams and great games of his time. Unfortunately this book does not measure up to the career of the player

More than anything I think he has been let down by the people who worked on the book with him. I lost count of the number of grammatical errors, misspelt words and in some cases names of players (Stevie NicHol????, Neil Macdonald in the 86 Cup Final Liverpool team (didn't he play for Everton, as opposed to Kevin Macdonald). Also according to this book Robbie Fowler made his name by scoring 5 against Ipswich rather than Fulham in the League cup.

Now spelling and historical facts aren't everything, but the other main disappointment was the lack of detail (Hillsborough, relationships with other players/managers etc.). Perhaps Hillsborough is too painful and has been covered by others but I thought he may have gone a little deeper with regards to how it affected him personally

Overall Ian comes across as a thoroughly nice guy, very level headed and perhaps too nice to write a book which reveals anything much that isn't already known.

The Player, The Legend, The man, all in one gripping story, 24 Aug 2008
This is one of the best bio`s that you will ever read, not only because it is written by a true football legend, but also because of the honesty within. Some of the recent bios (Rooney for example) are rubbish and skate around issues, never really telling the honest truth. Rush bares all in this bio, the fun, the laughter and the tears. The only surprise is why it has taken him so long to write his memoirs.In 2006, Liverpool fans voted Ian Rush among the top three all-time greatest players in the history of the club. Taking his place alongside Kenny Dalglish and Steven Gerrard, he surpassed legends such as Fowler, Keegan, Owen, Smith, Carragher and Hansen, which speaks volumes of the passion for the man, and the high esteem that Liverpool fans, and football fans alike hold him in.
Ian Rush is quite simply Liverpool's greatest goalscorer and, along with Jimmy Greaves and Denis Law, one of the finest natural penalty-box predators the game has ever seen. We can only hope that Keene and Kuyt, Babel and Torres can stand in his very substancial shadow!!
Thee story tells of the rough-edged Welsh teenager who was thrust into the ranks of an already great side, but who didn't feel he belonged in their company. It tells how he learned to keep his head down and grow as a player, turning into the man that became the most devastating finisher in English football.Rush's story is bursting with honesty and insight, emotional turmoil and tragedy, and hilarious tales and asides. It is a near-mythical tale of triumph and tragedy. Of an era when Liverpool became nigh on invincible, made the League title their own, and rode the highs of European and FA Cup Finals alongside the devastating tragedies of Heysel and Hillsborough.
Such stories are the stuff of dreams and nightmares for every football fan, the drama of Rush's time at Liverpool during the 80s - the decade that defined the club more than any other - is thrillingly captured in this autobiography, which takes you into the thick of the action, as well as offering a frank and insightful analysis of the game today. There have been some good reads from Liverpool authors recently, `We go gathering cups in may`, `43 Years with the same Bird` by Brian Reede is excellent, the `Soft Target` thrillers by Conrad Jones (set at Anfield), `Gangs of Liverpool` parts one and two are all well worth a read.
Rush is a ten out of ten.


A fascinating rounded read, 16 Oct 2008
For all the shenanigans that went on over the past 15 years or so at the FA this is brilliant. David Davies seems like a pretty decent bloke, Sven and Terry too, despite the dodginess. Its the others that need lining up against the wall. This is at times frustrating, at times hilarious, at times it makes you angry... bit like what it must have been like working there. But you really get a sense of what went on, and why we haven't won anything for so long. Not like your typical dull football autobiog. I really enjoyed it!

Brilliant , 28 Oct 2008
Brilliant read from the start especially for any Liverpool/Gerrard fans, really good read and is quite addicting as he relives hes journey from Ironside to istanbul and how he broke through the liverpool ranks and pushed into the england squad

Definite Purchase

Gerrard: My Autobiography, 15 Aug 2008
As far as autobiographies of young people go this one is not too bad.

One thing that does spoil it is the bad language, it was not neccessary in such volume.

It was a typical autobiography of a footballer If only this, I did that, but it was a good read.

A cracking read., 01 Aug 2008
While most autobiographies are dull and faceless you can't accuse this one of anything. It's such an engaging and entertaining book that you'll be through it in no time and will want to read it again. Being a Liverpool fan, and of course a fan of Stevie G, I was hopng this would be a good one. You never hear anything about him in the press apart from his footballing and he keeps himself to himself but here he opens up and what you get feels genuine and from the heart.

While there is a bit of 'date and event' feel now and again, this is almost all how Gerrard sees things and that can only be a good thing in a biog. This is as close to warts n' all that I've come across in a book for a long time and you get the good times, the bad times and the times that he or his team struggled but came through, and his thoughts and feeling on everything he mentions. There's also a fair bit about his family, but it's not invasive and so you don't feel uncomfortable at any time. It really is that good a book and as a result it's highly recommended. Be warned: there is a fair bit of swearing but take it with a pinch of salt and you'll enjoy it.

Inspirational, 13 Jun 2008
I bought this for my liverpool/footy mad son, he loved it so he lent it to every other liverpool fan he knows, even I ended up reading it.
It is a really good, interesting read. It show's how his commitment from a youngster has influenced his life.
It's written like Steven speaks so in my head he could have been narrating the book.

from a man united fan, 07 Apr 2008
i finished reading this book and was recommending it to anyone i knew that read books . i am a united fan anything good i have to say and write about liverpool football club would fit on the back of a stamp. i grew up from the mid 70s thru the 80s supporting man utd while my whole family cheered on the success of liverpool and delivered me with loads of stick so i cant stand the club. BUT

i bought this book to read the life and times of one of the best central midfielders in the world. I admired steven gerrard as a great player and of his decision to stay at liverpool (at last someone who plays for the shirt, passion and pride for his team and not about the money/shops)

steven gerrard now has my respect as a person as well as a professional footballer he dosent hold back in this book he says what he feels about players,press,refs and managers, He even gives some liverpool fc staff and players a not very good mention. this is a book that gives you the lot he even tells you his wages and the trouble he had to get them.....
........................................................................
STILL,I WISH HE HAD SIGNED FOR UNITED

if you like football,liverpool,stevie g or just a good autobiography this is the book to buy............

A must read for the genuine football fan:, 28 Nov 2008
Carra writes as he plays his football. Honest, uncomprimising, blunt, confident & not afraid to share his opinions.
He is in a unique position as he was brought up in a tough working class area as a die hard blue but went through a slow & difficult transition from a blue to someone who is now totally committed to the cause of the reds.
He is honest in his assessment of his greater loyalty to Liverpool over England notwithstanding his total committment to the national side when donning the three lions shirt.
There is a touch of arrogance(fully justified)about his belief that he is a more skilful player than he is given credit for as he is genuinally regarded as a player who is reliable & always gives 100% but perhaps lacks that 'extra bit of class'. Any true red who has supported Liverpool over the last 10 years will confirm that Carra has contributed as much to the team as his great mate Gerrard, not by scoring important goals but by organising the defence & by completing many, many last ditch tackles preventing certain goals(Istanbul being the pinnacle).
A future Liverpool manager in the making, hopefully after adding a richly deserved League title to his many achievements.

Real footballer writes real book, 11 Nov 2008
At last a real footballer has written an interesting book. Jamie Carragher has become a Liverpool legend, but if you think this book is all about Saint Jamie then you are wrong. There are sides to his character thta come out in his book, that I am not comfortable with. He admits he could have gone dwon the wrong path, and was hardly an angel in his early days at Liverpool. He is honest enough to say what he thinks about players and what he thought of the football prowess. He is not perfec and hs views may not be your cup of tea, but it gives a fairer reflection of his character and career, then most autobiographies.

Jamie Carragher puts your faith back in football, a throwback to the type of players and values that Modern Football is Rubbish talks about.Modern Football Is Rubbish: An A-Z of All That Is Wrong with the Beautiful Game The sublime Modern Football is Rubbish reminds you that football culture has always been alive through players like Carragher, who identifies with fans and wears his heart on his sleeve.

Buy both of these books and you won't be disappointed. Full of humour and honest soundbites.

Sour and sad, 18 Sep 2008
I'm not a Manchester United supporter, but I read Alex Ferguson's autobiography, and enjoyed it. I'm not a Liverpool supporter, but I read Robbie Fowler's autobiography, and enjoyed it. I read Shane Warne's autobiography, but I'm certainly not an Australian. In short, I read a lot of autobiographies about sportsmen whose teams I have no allegiance to, and I read them without prejudice.
I suppose if you are a Liverpool supporter you might enjoy this book, but if you're not then don't bother, it wasn't written for your benefit anyway. Basically, Carragher does not have a good word to say about any one or anything outside the boundaries of Liverpool. Apparently he hated playing for England, hated even travelling to London, and doesn't feel even a passing allegiance to England. Well no wonder he never made the grade playing for England, although, I do wonder if he would have been quite so sour if he was still being selected for England.
I genuinely regret ever having read this book, for it has tainted my opinion of the people and the city and the club of Liverpool. I just hope most of the inhabitants of Liverpool are not as bitter and resentful as this book suggests they might be.


A Decent Effort, 07 Sep 2008
This book was written by Jamie "Jimmy" Carragher and features his life story even though he's still playing football. I'm sure he will bring out an exciting second book when he's older. It's a good read about him growing up in Liverpool as an Everton fan waving blue flags out of his window and then going on to play for the Reds. Charting his fall-outs with other players and his refusal to play for England under Steve McClaren whom he labels a "wally with a brolly", this is an excellent purchase - also available in English.

Has Jamie's page been hacked?, 06 Sep 2008
Read my discussion at the bottom of the page. Somebody at Amazon has added "18 Years of Failure" to the book title. I don't think Jamie or the publishers will be best pleased!

More England than Bobby, 21 Nov 2008
This is the second part of Sir Bobby Charlton's fascinating autobiography. In the first, "My Manchester United Years", he provided a lot of moving personal insight into, for example, his trauma post-Munich air disaster, how the club dealt with the other surviving players and their families, and his, at times, difficult relationship with his mother and brother. In other words it was a personally revealing book. This second part, by comparison, is in many ways more typical of a footballer's autobiography, focusing on match details and brief, albeit personal, pen pictures of the characters involved. For regular consumers of books covering this era of football there is little new or surprising here.

Despite this, the book is well-written, thoughful and informative. Here this great footballer leaves aside the pain and angst of Munich and transmits something of the sheer quality and competitiveness of football at the highest level. His convictions about teamwork are clear and here you feel is where he was most comfortable, immersed in what he did best alongside others of the same kind, where the only questions were how to play and how to win.

Finally, there are some striking glances into just how accessible top footballers used to be. For example, this most famous of Englishmen popped out to do some shopping on the morning of playing in the World Cup Final, in the capital city of his own country. I can vouch for this as I once wandered up his front drive, after he was a World and European Cup winner, and while he was hoovering the inside of his car I had a chat and obtained an autograph. For anyone who grew up watching Sir Bobby and remembers the era when he was simply the best English player alive then this book is a must-buy complement to volume one.

A must have 2-part autobiography for any serious sports fan, 15 Nov 2008
Nothing annoys me more than sports men and women writing their autobiography's after some brief initial success before disappearing into the abyss of the unsustainables...... Bobby Charlton 'scores' again firstly by employing an award winning ghost writer making the reading a real pleasure but also by having enough great stories to tell having had long and eventful sporting life. This book, as the cover suggests, chronicles Mr. Charlton's England career. The book is also not without humour and without spoiling it for you, his first confrontation with Pele is laugh out loud funny!

An Excellent Sequel, 10 Nov 2008
The original "United Years" did not leave much to be desired as an extraordinary account of the life an extraordinary man. However, the "England Years" proved to be just as compelling and interesting, the book provides the fascinating insight of a hugely influential player on a volatile period of English football and really shouldn't be missed. A great read for any sports fan.

An insiders view of the England football team 1958 to 1970, 07 Nov 2008
Although this is the second part of Bobby Charltons autobiography, it would be more accurate to think of it as being Bobby Charltons biography of the England football team from 1958, when he made his debut, to 1970, when he played his final England game, in the cruel defeat to West Germany in the Mexico World Cup.

As most of his autobiographical details were dealt with in the first book, the Manchester United Years, this book is almost totally devoted to football and there is very little of Bobby Charlton the man (as opposed to Bobby Charlton the footballer) in it. This is not meant as a critism because, like the first one, this is an excellent book.

It is largely forgotten now but fifty years ago the England football team was in a bit of the mess. At one stage - between 1958 & 1959 - they only won one game in eleven, and that was against an extremely weak USA team. As this book explains, the then manager, Walter Winterbottom, tried his best to build a winning team but he had an impossible task because in those days the England manager had very limited powers, having to refer most things, even team selection, to an FA committee. It was only after the arrival of the single-minded Alf Ramsey, in 1963, that things started to change for the better.

Being an integral part of Ramseys team (even if Sir Alf made sure that Charlton was aware that not even his place in the team was guaranteed)Bobby Charlton was well placed to cast judgement on his role in turning England into World Champions in 1966. He explains that to win the World Cup, Ramsey built a team containing not the eleven best English players but instead the eleven players who one do the best job as a TEAM. This is why the free scoring Jimmy Greaves did not play in the World Cup Final but instead the lesser talented Geoff Hurst did.

Although, quite rightly, the bulk of the book is about the 1966 World Cup and the build up towards it, Bobby Charltons two other World Cup campaigns, in 1962 & 1970, are well covered. The story of Englands quarter final defeat to West Germany after being two goals up and coasting is particuarly absorbing reading as there were many interesting side stories - Franz Beckenbauers marking job on Charlton, Gordon Banks's bad stomach, Englands capitulation after Charlton was substituted, Bobby Moore being accused of theft - involved.

A very good book, and together with 'The Manchester United Years' surely amongst the best fooball autobiographies ever written.





Legendary goalscorer, mediocre book, 04 Oct 2008
This book suffers from being badly written, which is a shame because Ian Rush was a hero to me when I was growing up. I was looking forward to this book and to be fair the first few chapters were reasonably entertaining, but before long it became the cliched football autobiography and there are long sections explaining the fine details of certain games. As a Liverpool fan, I am aware of these games and I can watch them on DVD if need be; there is nothing more boring than a running commentary of runs, dribbles and passes. Maybe it's because Rushy was naturally a quiet person that there doesn't seem to be too many really interesting anecdotes in this book, however his revelations about not originally warming to Kenny Dalglish and his opinions of his team mates at Juventus are quite interesting. One more thing, the chronology of some of the events are a bit perplexing at times (obviously the proof reading was a bit lax), one passage that springs to mind has Rushy being in Australia playing for Sydney Olympic and getting a call from Rick Parry asking if he'd like to help Rafa with the coaching. Given that Rushy was in Australia until 2000 and Rafa didn't come to Liverpool until 2004....

Bad editing aside, it's still an average read I'm afraid, but thanks Rushy for your 346 goals and lots more besides, you're still and always will be a Legend!


Disappointing, 16 Sep 2008
This should have been good, actually it should have been better than good, when you think of the games and times that Ian Rush played in for Liverpool. Lets not beat around the bush Ian Rush is the greatest striker Liverpool have ever known who played in some of the great teams and great games of his time. Unfortunately this book does not measure up to the career of the player

More than anything I think he has been let down by the people who worked on the book with him. I lost count of the number of grammatical errors, misspelt words and in some cases names of players (Stevie NicHol????, Neil Macdonald in the 86 Cup Final Liverpool team (didn't he play for Everton, as opposed to Kevin Macdonald). Also according to this book Robbie Fowler made his name by scoring 5 against Ipswich rather than Fulham in the League cup.

Now spelling and historical facts aren't everything, but the other main disappointment was the lack of detail (Hillsborough, relationships with other players/managers etc.). Perhaps Hillsborough is too painful and has been covered by others but I thought he may have gone a little deeper with regards to how it affected him personally

Overall Ian comes across as a thoroughly nice guy, very level headed and perhaps too nice to write a book which reveals anything much that isn't already known.

The Player, The Legend, The man, all in one gripping story, 24 Aug 2008
This is one of the best bio`s that you will ever read, not only because it is written by a true football legend, but also because of the honesty within. Some of the recent bios (Rooney for example) are rubbish and skate around issues, never really telling the honest truth. Rush bares all in this bio, the fun, the laughter and the tears. The only surprise is why it has taken him so long to write his memoirs.In 2006, Liverpool fans voted Ian Rush among the top three all-time greatest players in the history of the club. Taking his place alongside Kenny Dalglish and Steven Gerrard, he surpassed legends such as Fowler, Keegan, Owen, Smith, Carragher and Hansen, which speaks volumes of the passion for the man, and the high esteem that Liverpool fans, and football fans alike hold him in.
Ian Rush is quite simply Liverpool's greatest goalscorer and, along with Jimmy Greaves and Denis Law, one of the finest natural penalty-box predators the game has ever seen. We can only hope that Keene and Kuyt, Babel and Torres can stand in his very substancial shadow!!
Thee story tells of the rough-edged Welsh teenager who was thrust into the ranks of an already great side, but who didn't feel he belonged in their company. It tells how he learned to keep his head down and grow as a player, turning into the man that became the most devastating finisher in English football.Rush's story is bursting with honesty and insight, emotional turmoil and tragedy, and hilarious tales and asides. It is a near-mythical tale of triumph and tragedy. Of an era when Liverpool became nigh on invincible, made the League title their own, and rode the highs of European and FA Cup Finals alongside the devastating tragedies of Heysel and Hillsborough.
Such stories are the stuff of dreams and nightmares for every football fan, the drama of Rush's time at Liverpool during the 80s - the decade that defined the club more than any other - is thrillingly captured in this autobiography, which takes you into the thick of the action, as well as offering a frank and insightful analysis of the game today. There have been some good reads from Liverpool authors recently, `We go gathering cups in may`, `43 Years with the same Bird` by Brian Reede is excellent, the `Soft Target` thrillers by Conrad Jones (set at Anfield), `Gangs of Liverpool` parts one and two are all well worth a read.
Rush is a ten out of ten.


A fascinating rounded read, 16 Oct 2008
For all the shenanigans that went on over the past 15 years or so at the FA this is brilliant. David Davies seems like a pretty decent bloke, Sven and Terry too, despite the dodginess. Its the others that need lining up against the wall. This is at times frustrating, at times hilarious, at times it makes you angry... bit like what it must have been like working there. But you really get a sense of what went on, and why we haven't won anything for so long. Not like your typical dull football autobiog. I really enjoyed it!

Brilliant , 28 Oct 2008
Brilliant read from the start especially for any Liverpool/Gerrard fans, really good read and is quite addicting as he relives hes journey from Ironside to istanbul and how he broke through the liverpool ranks and pushed into the england squad

Definite Purchase

Gerrard: My Autobiography, 15 Aug 2008
As far as autobiographies of young people go this one is not too bad.

One thing that does spoil it is the bad language, it was not neccessary in such volume.

It was a typical autobiography of a footballer If only this, I did that, but it was a good read.

A cracking read., 01 Aug 2008
While most autobiographies are dull and faceless you can't accuse this one of anything. It's such an engaging and entertaining book that you'll be through it in no time and will want to read it again. Being a Liverpool fan, and of course a fan of Stevie G, I was hopng this would be a good one. You never hear anything about him in the press apart from his footballing and he keeps himself to himself but here he opens up and what you get feels genuine and from the heart.

While there is a bit of 'date and event' feel now and again, this is almost all how Gerrard sees things and that can only be a good thing in a biog. This is as close to warts n' all that I've come across in a book for a long time and you get the good times, the bad times and the times that he or his team struggled but came through, and his thoughts and feeling on everything he mentions. There's also a fair bit about his family, but it's not invasive and so you don't feel uncomfortable at any time. It really is that good a book and as a result it's highly recommended. Be warned: there is a fair bit of swearing but take it with a pinch of salt and you'll enjoy it.

Inspirational, 13 Jun 2008
I bought this for my liverpool/footy mad son, he loved it so he lent it to every other liverpool fan he knows, even I ended up reading it.
It is a really good, interesting read. It show's how his commitment from a youngster has influenced his life.
It's written like Steven speaks so in my head he could have been narrating the book.

from a man united fan, 07 Apr 2008
i finished reading this book and was recommending it to anyone i knew that read books . i am a united fan anything good i have to say and write about liverpool football club would fit on the back of a stamp. i grew up from the mid 70s thru the 80s supporting man utd while my whole family cheered on the success of liverpool and delivered me with loads of stick so i cant stand the club. BUT

i bought this book to read the life and times of one of the best central midfielders in the world. I admired steven gerrard as a great player and of his decision to stay at liverpool (at last someone who plays for the shirt, passion and pride for his team and not about the money/shops)

steven gerrard now has my respect as a person as well as a professional footballer he dosent hold back in this book he says what he feels about players,press,refs and managers, He even gives some liverpool fc staff and players a not very good mention. this is a book that gives you the lot he even tells you his wages and the trouble he had to get them.....
........................................................................
STILL,I WISH HE HAD SIGNED FOR UNITED

if you like football,liverpool,stevie g or just a good autobiography this is the book to buy............





Who can forget 4/1/1992?, 22 Sep 2008
This is a thoroughly enjoyable read from beginning to end, detailing Noddy's exploits - so far!

From his humble beginnings in Mochdre to the breakthrough at Wrexham in January 1972 and the first of his 51 international caps for Wales against West Germany in October 1976, through his spells at Old Trafford, Goodison Park, the Goldstone Ground, the Victoria Ground, Stamford Bridge, The Hawthorns, the Baseball Ground, the Kansas Coliseum, Gay Meadow, Elland Road, the Victoria Ground (again) and back full circle to the Racecourse.

He achieved the height of his fame after his wonder goal for Wrexham against Arsenal on the 4th of January 1992 and then, a mere seven days later, he was arrested at his mum's house in Colwyn Bay and faced incarceration at Her Majesty's Pleasure for distributing forged tenners to trainees at Wrexham football club.

And as if that wasn't enough, there's also the tale of a secluded country lane, his sister-in-law, her husband, some screwdrivers and some hammers. Oh, and there are a few chefs dotted around as well.

Also comes with forewords by Mark Hughes and Ryan Giggs.

With a paperback version due out in May 2009, I can only hope that the obvious mistakes - Amlwch not Amlych, Clwyd not Clywd, Brian Flynn not Brian Fian, and Ian Rush was brought up in Flint not Ruabon - are corrected.

Nice one Mickey, and good luck for the future.

kickups,hickups ,lockups, mickey Thomas, 11 Sep 2008
What a fantastic book to read, once you start you will not put it down,this guy is the most lucky & unluckiest bloke you could ever meet, who has & never will forget his roots, played for most of all football teams, will share or ever give his last penny, wears his heart on his sleeve at all times, read this book & you will agree with me,,,,,,, best of luck for the future mickey, love yer,,,,x

s walsh

There's only one Mickey Thomas!!!, 10 Sep 2008
A great book, by a great guy! On the book launch we had a great weekend! I hope Mickey does really well out of the new book!!!

Daniel Walsh.
North Wales.

A must read for the genuine football fan:, 28 Nov 2008
Carra writes as he plays his football. Honest, uncomprimising, blunt, confident & not afraid to share his opinions.
He is in a unique position as he was brought up in a tough working class area as a die hard blue but went through a slow & difficult transition from a blue to someone who is now totally committed to the cause of the reds.
He is honest in his assessment of his greater loyalty to Liverpool over England notwithstanding his total committment to the national side when donning the three lions shirt.
There is a touch of arrogance(fully justified)about his belief that he is a more skilful player than he is given credit for as he is genuinally regarded as a player who is reliable & always gives 100% but perhaps lacks that 'extra bit of class'. Any true red who has supported Liverpool over the last 10 years will confirm that Carra has contributed as much to the team as his great mate Gerrard, not by scoring important goals but by organising the defence & by completing many, many last ditch tackles preventing certain goals(Istanbul being the pinnacle).
A future Liverpool manager in the making, hopefully after adding a richly deserved League title to his many achievements.

Real footballer writes real book, 11 Nov 2008
At last a real footballer has written an interesting book. Jamie Carragher has become a Liverpool legend, but if you think this book is all about Saint Jamie then you are wrong. There are sides to his character thta come out in his book, that I am not comfortable with. He admits he could have gone dwon the wrong path, and was hardly an angel in his early days at Liverpool. He is honest enough to say what he thinks about players and what he thought of the football prowess. He is not perfec and hs views may not be your cup of tea, but it gives a fairer reflection of his character and career, then most autobiographies.

Jamie Carragher puts your faith back in football, a throwback to the type of players and values that Modern Football is Rubbish talks about.Modern Football Is Rubbish: An A-Z of All That Is Wrong with the Beautiful Game The sublime Modern Football is Rubbish reminds you that football culture has always been alive through players like Carragher, who identifies with fans and wears his heart on his sleeve.

Buy both of these books and you won't be disappointed. Full of humour and honest soundbites.

Sour and sad, 18 Sep 2008
I'm not a Manchester United supporter, but I read Alex Ferguson's autobiography, and enjoyed it. I'm not a Liverpool supporter, but I read Robbie Fowler's autobiography, and enjoyed it. I read Shane Warne's autobiography, but I'm certainly not an Australian. In short, I read a lot of autobiographies about sportsmen whose teams I have no allegiance to, and I read them without prejudice.
I suppose if you are a Liverpool supporter you might enjoy this book, but if you're not then don't bother, it wasn't written for your benefit anyway. Basically, Carragher does not have a good word to say about any one or anything outside the boundaries of Liverpool. Apparently he hated playing for England, hated even travelling to London, and doesn't feel even a passing allegiance to England. Well no wonder he never made the grade playing for England, although, I do wonder if he would have been quite so sour if he was still being selected for England.
I genuinely regret ever having read this book, for it has tainted my opinion of the people and the city and the club of Liverpool. I just hope most of the inhabitants of Liverpool are not as bitter and resentful as this book suggests they might be.


A Decent Effort, 07 Sep 2008
This book was written by Jamie "Jimmy" Carragher and features his life story even though he's still playing football. I'm sure he will bring out an exciting second book when he's older. It's a good read about him growing up in Liverpool as an Everton fan waving blue flags out of his window and then going on to play for the Reds. Charting his fall-outs with other players and his refusal to play for England under Steve McClaren whom he labels a "wally with a brolly", this is an excellent purchase - also available in English.

Has Jamie's page been hacked?, 06 Sep 2008
Read my discussion at the bottom of the page. Somebody at Amazon has added "18 Years of Failure" to the book title. I don't think Jamie or the publishers will be best pleased!

More England than Bobby, 21 Nov 2008
This is the second part of Sir Bobby Charlton's fascinating autobiography. In the first, "My Manchester United Years", he provided a lot of moving personal insight into, for example, his trauma post-Munich air disaster, how the club dealt with the other surviving players and their families, and his, at times, difficult relationship with his mother and brother. In other words it was a personally revealing book. This second part, by comparison, is in many ways more typical of a footballer's autobiography, focusing on match details and brief, albeit personal, pen pictures of the characters involved. For regular consumers of books covering this era of football there is little new or surprising here.

Despite this, the book is well-written, thoughful and informative. Here this great footballer leaves aside the pain and angst of Munich and transmits something of the sheer quality and competitiveness of football at the highest level. His convictions about teamwork are clear and here you feel is where he was most comfortable, immersed in what he did best alongside others of the same kind, where the only questions were how to play and how to win.

Finally, there are some striking glances into just how accessible top footballers used to be. For example, this most famous of Englishmen popped out to do some shopping on the morning of playing in the World Cup Final, in the capital city of his own country. I can vouch for this as I once wandered up his front drive, after he was a World and European Cup winner, and while he was hoovering the inside of his car I had a chat and obtained an autograph. For anyone who grew up watching Sir Bobby and remembers the era when he was simply the best English player alive then this book is a must-buy complement to volume one.

A must have 2-part autobiography for any serious sports fan, 15 Nov 2008
Nothing annoys me more than sports men and women writing their autobiography's after some brief initial success before disappearing into the abyss of the unsustainables...... Bobby Charlton 'scores' again firstly by employing an award winning ghost writer making the reading a real pleasure but also by having enough great stories to tell having had long and eventful sporting life. This book, as the cover suggests, chronicles Mr. Charlton's England career. The book is also not without humour and without spoiling it for you, his first confrontation with Pele is laugh out loud funny!

An Excellent Sequel, 10 Nov 2008
The original "United Years" did not leave much to be desired as an extraordinary account of the life an extraordinary man. However, the "England Years" proved to be just as compelling and interesting, the book provides the fascinating insight of a hugely influential player on a volatile period of English football and really shouldn't be missed. A great read for any sports fan.

An insiders view of the England football team 1958 to 1970, 07 Nov 2008
Although this is the second part of Bobby Charltons autobiography, it would be more accurate to think of it as being Bobby Charltons biography of the England football team from 1958, when he made his debut, to 1970, when he played his final England game, in the cruel defeat to West Germany in the Mexico World Cup.

As most of his autobiographical details were dealt with in the first book, the Manchester United Years, this book is almost totally devoted to football and there is very little of Bobby Charlton the man (as opposed to Bobby Charlton the footballer) in it. This is not meant as a critism because, like the first one, this is an excellent book.

It is largely forgotten now but fifty years ago the England football team was in a bit of the mess. At one stage - between 1958 & 1959 - they only won one game in eleven, and that was against an extremely weak USA team. As this book explains, the then manager, Walter Winterbottom, tried his best to build a winning team but he had an impossible task because in those days the England manager had very limited powers, having to refer most things, even team selection, to an FA committee. It was only after the arrival of the single-minded Alf Ramsey, in