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Football and How to Survive It
'The good news for those who loved THE ACCIDENTAL this new book is even better. There were times as I read Pat Nevin's account of his years running - or, trying to run - Motherwell, I had to remind myself to breathe. It's a thrilling read - funny, nerve-wracking, precise and very, very human' - Roddy Doyle
So, you fell into football by accident. You've played for Chelsea, Everton and your country at an international level. But what happens when you discover you're in so deep that football has taken over your whole life?
In his brilliant new memoir, Pat Nevin takes us on a journey to the less glamorous side of football. From Tranmere to Kilmarnock, he plays some of the best football he's ever played. Then, in an unprecedented twist of fate, finds himself both player and Chief Executive of Scottish First Division club Motherwell.
What follows is an entertaining and revealing tale of the side of football that you rarely see as Pat tries to keep the lid on simmering tensions between owner and the manager; travels in Lear jets one moment, but has to sell off half the team, the next. So much is madness, like being the manager's boss, and his player at the same time; or discovering that the ground's goalposts are higher on one side than on the other!
And with impossible challenges at every corner, such as learning that their son is autistic, and the club hurtling towards administration, Pat strives to walk the impossible line between player, parent and boss.
FOOTBALL AND HOW TO SURVIVE IT is a real one-off, uncovering the sport in all its complex, confusing and calamitous glory. Once you've read it, you may never look at the game in the same way again.
So, you fell into football by accident. You've played for Chelsea, Everton and your country at an international level. But what happens when you discover you're in so deep that football has taken over your whole life?
In his brilliant new memoir, Pat Nevin takes us on a journey to the less glamorous side of football. From Tranmere to Kilmarnock, he plays some of the best football he's ever played. Then, in an unprecedented twist of fate, finds himself both player and Chief Executive of Scottish First Division club Motherwell.
What follows is an entertaining and revealing tale of the side of football that you rarely see as Pat tries to keep the lid on simmering tensions between owner and the manager; travels in Lear jets one moment, but has to sell off half the team, the next. So much is madness, like being the manager's boss, and his player at the same time; or discovering that the ground's goalposts are higher on one side than on the other!
And with impossible challenges at every corner, such as learning that their son is autistic, and the club hurtling towards administration, Pat strives to walk the impossible line between player, parent and boss.
FOOTBALL AND HOW TO SURVIVE IT is a real one-off, uncovering the sport in all its complex, confusing and calamitous glory. Once you've read it, you may never look at the game in the same way again.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2023
23 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 16, 2023
thanks to the publishers and netgalley for a free copy in return for an open and honest review
This is frank look at the football world through the eyes of a former footballer and his latter career and move into directorship with the highs and lows of the footballing world.
This is frank look at the football world through the eyes of a former footballer and his latter career and move into directorship with the highs and lows of the footballing world.
July 25, 2023
I like Nevin. Like his taste in music , politics and he has an interesting take on football . Positives it's a look at the sharper end of football , it has a clear view of right and wrong . Negatives sometimes Nevin appears almost sanctimonious, he also pulls punches . That said it covers interesting and nit always covered areas of football .
May 19, 2024
In the first part of his autobiography’The Accidental Footballer’, Pat Nevin related the story of how he ‘accidentally’ became a professional footballer and told of his time at Chelsea and Everton. In this the second instalment, Nevin tells of his time at Tranmere Rovers, Kilmarnock and Motherwell and where as well as playing, he took on the role of C.E.O. for new club owner John Boyle.
This book was of a particular interest to myself, being Scottish and having a particular interest in Scottish football. Pat goes into all the gory details of not only playing the game in Scotland but also of the workings of how football clubs are run. It was a real eye opener of a book as I couldn’t believe how things at Motherwell seemed to hinge on not only the whims of the owner but also on the financial health of his other businesses. Pat, although struggling to spend quality time with his family, sticks with the role he has taken with the club, through particularly difficult times, until matters are eventually taken out of his hands. There are also personal tragedies that occur during this period of Pat’s life and the description of these events are both moving and uplifting. There is very little time in this instalment for Pat’s other passion, which is music and which seems to take a backseat, albeit all the chapters are named once again after song titles. Pat also starts to take on media work with newspapers, radio and tv and I’m hoping if there is to be a sequel, Pat goes on to relate his adventures in this side of his career.
This book was of a particular interest to myself, being Scottish and having a particular interest in Scottish football. Pat goes into all the gory details of not only playing the game in Scotland but also of the workings of how football clubs are run. It was a real eye opener of a book as I couldn’t believe how things at Motherwell seemed to hinge on not only the whims of the owner but also on the financial health of his other businesses. Pat, although struggling to spend quality time with his family, sticks with the role he has taken with the club, through particularly difficult times, until matters are eventually taken out of his hands. There are also personal tragedies that occur during this period of Pat’s life and the description of these events are both moving and uplifting. There is very little time in this instalment for Pat’s other passion, which is music and which seems to take a backseat, albeit all the chapters are named once again after song titles. Pat also starts to take on media work with newspapers, radio and tv and I’m hoping if there is to be a sequel, Pat goes on to relate his adventures in this side of his career.
August 25, 2024
Another enjoyable book from Pat Nevin who writes much better than most football players.
The part about Motherwell’s fall into administration while he was their unlikely CEO was particularly fascinating.
The part about Motherwell’s fall into administration while he was their unlikely CEO was particularly fascinating.
September 9, 2023
Normally biographies of football players can be very wishy washy but this was the total opposite. A very good and open book especially regarding his time at Motherwell. Definitely a book to recommend for a football fan.
June 19, 2025
Nevin is one of my favourite writers in the football genre. He tells many humorous and enlightening stories, particularly about the management and organisation of a modern (but less glamorous) football club, which seem to have aspects of the soap opera about them.
July 9, 2023
Pat Nevin's first book - The Accidental Footballer - is my favourite football autobiography so I was chuffed to see a sequel. This second volume deals with the end of his playing career and a move into running a Scottish club. As such it's less anecdotal and more businesslike in its subject matter, but still it's an entertaining and eye-opening read, if a bit niche.
September 20, 2023
A great and rather different football biography.
I was aware of Pat Nevin but didn't really know much about him or Scottish football in this era. He's clearly more intelligent than your average footballer and has a considered perspective on things.
This book is different from the usual football bios as Pat never wanted to be a footballer, and he certainly didn't want to be in the real mess of saving Motherwell from relegation! There's also a playlist for each chapter at the back which I wish I'd noticed earlier.
I loved that he never wrote about his autistic son until his son was grown up and could consent to being written about. And that's how Pat comes across - trying to do the right thing despite the chaos of the football industry.
There's some hilarious bits in here, as well as sad, informative and shocking. It was really sad to read about the extent of sectarianism in the modern day.
One of the books where you'll keep on reading bits out to whoever is near you! I hope it does really well.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I was aware of Pat Nevin but didn't really know much about him or Scottish football in this era. He's clearly more intelligent than your average footballer and has a considered perspective on things.
This book is different from the usual football bios as Pat never wanted to be a footballer, and he certainly didn't want to be in the real mess of saving Motherwell from relegation! There's also a playlist for each chapter at the back which I wish I'd noticed earlier.
I loved that he never wrote about his autistic son until his son was grown up and could consent to being written about. And that's how Pat comes across - trying to do the right thing despite the chaos of the football industry.
There's some hilarious bits in here, as well as sad, informative and shocking. It was really sad to read about the extent of sectarianism in the modern day.
One of the books where you'll keep on reading bits out to whoever is near you! I hope it does really well.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2023
Every now and then I like to read something a little bit different to my usual read,so I decided to give this book a go and I'm very pleased that I did.
It was a very interesting read focusing on the later years of the footballer Pat Nevin who achieved a good level of football even into his late 30's and then it went on to him working behind the scenes at Motherwell Football Club in a director's role.
What I found interesting was the least known parts about what fans don't know much about which is what goes on within a club,firstly getting a team out every week and trying to hold on to them when things are not going well. Motherwell fought hard to not sell everything to keep going but sadly it was not enough and the club went into administration.
A very good read
Thanks to Netgalley and Octopus Publishing for the ARC.
It was a very interesting read focusing on the later years of the footballer Pat Nevin who achieved a good level of football even into his late 30's and then it went on to him working behind the scenes at Motherwell Football Club in a director's role.
What I found interesting was the least known parts about what fans don't know much about which is what goes on within a club,firstly getting a team out every week and trying to hold on to them when things are not going well. Motherwell fought hard to not sell everything to keep going but sadly it was not enough and the club went into administration.
A very good read
Thanks to Netgalley and Octopus Publishing for the ARC.
July 15, 2023
I really enjoyed Football and How to Survive It - whenever I hear Pat Nevin speak, he's unfailingly interesting, passionate, and insightful, and this book was no different.
It was fascinating to see the realities of life at less glamorous clubs - from the fact that Tranmere for example was a more fun period in his career than Everton or Chelsea, to the difficulties in running a struggling club.
However I was most interested in the chapters regarding his (and his wife's) realisation that his son Simon was neurodiverse, the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, and the struggled to cope and get help for Simon - it's a struggle we're also currently going through, and I can imagine it being even harder 25 years ago than it is now.
Altogether, an honest, interesting read.
It was fascinating to see the realities of life at less glamorous clubs - from the fact that Tranmere for example was a more fun period in his career than Everton or Chelsea, to the difficulties in running a struggling club.
However I was most interested in the chapters regarding his (and his wife's) realisation that his son Simon was neurodiverse, the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, and the struggled to cope and get help for Simon - it's a struggle we're also currently going through, and I can imagine it being even harder 25 years ago than it is now.
Altogether, an honest, interesting read.
May 17, 2024
I love Pat Nevin's writing and he comes across as a really interesting and intelligent individual. This covers his time at Tranmere, Kilmarnock and Motherwell, where he ends up as the CEO of the club, with the massive challenges that that brings.
Full of insight and incident, he tells his story with warmth and wit. Very recommended, especially for any football fan. This is SO much better than most footballer fodder.
The only thing that would have improved this? A Spotify playlist of songs featured in the book (mainly as chapter titles).
Full of insight and incident, he tells his story with warmth and wit. Very recommended, especially for any football fan. This is SO much better than most footballer fodder.
The only thing that would have improved this? A Spotify playlist of songs featured in the book (mainly as chapter titles).
August 13, 2025
With thanks to the author Pat Nevin, publishers Octopus Publishing, and NetGalley for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I always enjoyed watching Pat Nevin as a player when I was growing up, remembering him as a tricky winger primarily for English clubs Everton, Chelsea and sometimes Tranmere, but outside of that didn’t know much about him so really enjoyed learning more in this book.
It was different from other footballer biographies I have read. It covers his footballing career from the point when he joined Tranmere Rovers until his eventual retirement, but also focuses largely on his footballing activities off the pitch, from his role as reluctant chairman of the English Professional Footballler’s Association (PFA) to being chief executive of Motherwell.
The story he tells is undoubtedly a bit of a rollercoaster of highs and lows, both on and off the pitch. However, what shines through throughout is Pat’s inherent decency as a human being who always treated people with respect and always tried to do what he felt was right in every situation, even if it was sometimes to the detriment of his own career progression.
A very enjoyable read and recommended for anyone who was a follower of English and Scottish football in the 80s and 90s. I’ll be picking up his previous book “The Accidental Footballer” which covers his development as a footballer prior to his Tranmere days after reading this one.
I always enjoyed watching Pat Nevin as a player when I was growing up, remembering him as a tricky winger primarily for English clubs Everton, Chelsea and sometimes Tranmere, but outside of that didn’t know much about him so really enjoyed learning more in this book.
It was different from other footballer biographies I have read. It covers his footballing career from the point when he joined Tranmere Rovers until his eventual retirement, but also focuses largely on his footballing activities off the pitch, from his role as reluctant chairman of the English Professional Footballler’s Association (PFA) to being chief executive of Motherwell.
The story he tells is undoubtedly a bit of a rollercoaster of highs and lows, both on and off the pitch. However, what shines through throughout is Pat’s inherent decency as a human being who always treated people with respect and always tried to do what he felt was right in every situation, even if it was sometimes to the detriment of his own career progression.
A very enjoyable read and recommended for anyone who was a follower of English and Scottish football in the 80s and 90s. I’ll be picking up his previous book “The Accidental Footballer” which covers his development as a footballer prior to his Tranmere days after reading this one.
April 17, 2024
Ok - and really interesting on the challenges at Motherwell, Scottish football and the individuals who invest in the sport. What is frustrating is the continuous goodie 2 shoes, sanctimonious approach and failing to reveal the really juicy details. I'm sure the real Pat Nevin is a lot more interesting and fun than the character in his autobiography - perhaps impossible to tell the complete stories for legal and current media job reasons.
December 31, 2023
A second enjoyable volume of memoirs from “Saint F***ing Patrick” - the authenticity of his writing is reflected in the slightly sanctimonious tone, always justified! I like the man and much of his approach to life. The insights into being a football CEO in a context with so many uncontrollable contextual factors are especially interesting
July 1, 2024
As a massive Chelsea fan and Pat being one of my favourite ex players, I was looking forward to reading this. It didn't disappoint. The book starts after he's left Everton and ends up with the administration of Motherwell where he was chief executive.
Very well written and with some great insights, I'll have to try and find his first book, the accidental footballer. Recommended.
Very well written and with some great insights, I'll have to try and find his first book, the accidental footballer. Recommended.
January 26, 2025
Not being a Motherwell fan I was aware of the financial predicament of the team but not the ins and outs. Covered comprehensively in here where Pat Nevin found himself a squad member and club CEO at the same time. Definitely not your average football autobiography but Nevin was far from your average player.
January 24, 2024
Highly entertaining. A must read if you enjoyed the Accidental Footballer or want a peek behind the scenes from the perspective of a player turned chief executive running a football club on shaky financial grounds.
June 18, 2024
Fantastic sequel
Pat Nevin writes so well in an honest and interesting way that keeps you wanting to turn the next page. Even non football readers will enjoy the on and off field candid stories of his life in football. Thoroughly recommended!
Pat Nevin writes so well in an honest and interesting way that keeps you wanting to turn the next page. Even non football readers will enjoy the on and off field candid stories of his life in football. Thoroughly recommended!
July 5, 2024
Pluses: Pat Nevin writes very well; he's an interesting character; he has a wide range of football experience both on the playing side and also as a union leader and chief executive.
The one big minus: The Saint Pat attitude.
The one big minus: The Saint Pat attitude.
September 6, 2024
One of the most articulate (ex) footballers out there, Nevin tells the story of the latter part of his career in this second autobiography.
Better than your standard "then I played this game and the boys done good" books written by footballers.
Better than your standard "then I played this game and the boys done good" books written by footballers.
April 15, 2025
Part 2 of a refreshing look at football
Young Nevin gives his (at times brutally) honest account of the second part of his playing career and his time at Motherwell. Very entertaining and informative
Young Nevin gives his (at times brutally) honest account of the second part of his playing career and his time at Motherwell. Very entertaining and informative
June 18, 2023
Smashed it yesterday evening. Brilliant again from Nevin.
July 6, 2023
An enjoyable read about the second, less glamorous part of Pat Nevin's football career
March 11, 2024
Really enjoyable read of the trials and tribulations of Motherwell during a challenging time for the club and industry
August 1, 2024
Pat is just a tremendous writer. He had a fascinating career in Scotland (both as a player and CEO) that I knew little of. Written in an entertaining and honest way - a brilliant read.
August 20, 2024
Imagine footballers being real people with feelings and morals. Nevin explains the intricacies of life outside the English Prem and the minefield of Scottish football from a player and CEO.
May 23, 2025
Enjoyed it, but I think the first was more interesting.
August 1, 2024
I preferred this to 'The accidental footballer'. It was interesting to see the range of possible post football career routes and their pitfalls.
September 14, 2023
Good second book. An eye opener with regard to how some football clubs are run.
July 27, 2024
A cracking read! Pat was a footballer different to all the others and as a result his tales of a life as a player and a CEO ( at the same time when at Motherwell) are well worth reading. I loved watching him play at Chelsea but didn’t really follow his career afterwards so I had no idea how successful he was during his amazing career. Brilliant book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews