Walk on: My Life in Red. by Ronnie Whelan with Tommy Conlon

by Ronnie Whelan

Ronnie Whelan was a mainstay of the iconic 1980s Liverpool FC side that won six League Championships, two FA Cups, three League Cups as well an unforgettable European Cup. Under the management of Kenny Dalglish, Whelan and his club team mates, including Alan Hansen, John Barnes and Bruce Grobbelaar, formed one of the finest club sides in English football history - a side that is dear to the hearts of Liverpool fans to this day. It was also, though, a time of great tragedy; when the twin disasters of Heysel and Hillsborough devastated the club and its supporters. In this frank and full-hearted autobiography, Ronnie Whelan tells the story of the good and the bad times at the club, as well as his international career with Ireland.

Genres: Football, Biography, Irish Literature, Sports

352 pages, Hardcover

First published September 1, 2011

Reviews

[Johnboy Somerville · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was too young to remember Whelan as a player (he signed his 1st contract in the year I was born) but I got bits of his story over the years.

I never knew, for example that he was captain on that fateful day at Hillsborough. I also didn't know that he retained the captaincy for the cup final in spite of Hansen's return - classy touch from Hansen and Dalglish.

An interesting read from a great servant. Walk on Ronnie, walk on

[Paul Foley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story of someone who obviously loved football from a very early age and went on to be very successful at it. Nothing spectacular or revealing about the book, its a bit like Whelan as a player, neat and efficient and getting the job done.

[Gra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good story of an Anfield legend. Remember him breaking through and scoring those league cup final goals. Went on to be one of great double act in midfield with Macca. Good read and spot on about the prima donnas who now take to the field with more interest in money than winning.

[Tommo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant!👍🔴

[Anthony Feighery · Rating 3 out of 5]

A decent book with some good anecdotes.

[Ben Twoonezero · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book which is 99% about playing for Liverpool. I would have liked more about his post playing management experiences.

[Jamie Robertson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good honest autobiography for an important player in one of Liverpool’s highest achievement periods.

[Maurice · Rating 4 out of 5]

The story is straightforward and honest, the style is simple and perfectly structured. Whelan was the consummate professional and this book (co-written with the Irish Independent's Tommy Conlon)is,to my mind, the perfect example of good sports writing.

[Frances · Rating 2 out of 5]

Whelan admits that he is not the most dynamic or outgoing of characters. His book is a fair depiction of Liverpool's glory years, but is most interesting when he recalls his relationship with more charismatic players such as Dalglish or Souness.

[Gregg Hunt · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Ronnie Whelan. He was, for a time, my brother's fav player, and one of mine. He had an amazing career at Liverpool and I love the stories from that generation. A proper captain and Liverpool legend.