On The Edge: The Autobiography

by Martin Keown

352 pages, Paperback

Published September 12, 2024

Reviews

[Harrylosborne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting listen from an Arsenal fan’s perspective of a player probably seen more now than when he actually played. I’m always wary of autobiographies being unavoidably one-sided, and I do think Keown’s accounts probably do sometimes only give his point of view (which is in no way me blaming him), but he still tries to be honest and speak about how he truly feels about the game, which I respect.

Oddly enough, not a lot about Thierry Henry (arguably the best player he shared the field with), and the Wenger interview at the end was tricky to make out given it was 1) recorded in an echo chamber, and 2) involved a very softly spoken, heavily accented French man.

Bonus points for confirming that Gary Neville, much like today, was not well liked by others during his playing career, as well as being a massive teacher’s pet and a generally irritating person.

[Paul Johnston · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy-read, Martin is very honest - i.e. you do get some very interesting insights into some of the superstars of the modern game - without ever sensationalising anything. My overall feeling with this book is that he feels he didn't quite get the recognition as a player that he feels he deserves. He clearly idolises Arsene Wenger and rightly so and is Arsenal through and through.

You also get the feeling that he was at times as combative off the field as he was on it, examples being leaving Arsenal for Aston Villa, then moving on to Everton, leaving Arsenal again after toying with being a coach at the end of his career.

He seems to have fallen out with as many people as he got on with, so perhaps he is a bit marmite. However, I think he is a fantastic pundit on the TV nowadays, one of the best, and there was never any danger of me not finishing this book.

The photo on the back cover is hilarious and a classic!

[Stuart Ovington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent insight into the long career of Martin Keown.

[Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Obviously primarily chose to read this as an Arsenal supporter, though Keown includes some nice anecdotes about his time at Villa and Everton.

Keown was never the most exciting of players, though always dependable, and going in to this I did worry he might not be able to fill a book with enough interesting stuff, but I needn’t have worried. It was chock full of a lot of personal and professional stuff, though none of the scandal I’m sure he knew about.

One surprise was just how insecure Keown comes across as, something both Tony Adams and Arsene Wenger comment on, and something that is noticeable in many of his stories.

An entertaining read.

[Malcolm Davis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I remember most of the games he refers to.I just don't have any specific memories of him.He was obviously a fairly tough character having been sent off 6 times.As an Arsenal supporter I found the book of interest.I am not sure that the chapters with Tony Adams and Arsene Wenger added a great deal to the book.Glad he puts the boot in on Gary Neville.

[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read for any Arsenal fan.

Martin battled against challenging circumstances throughout his career but managed to make the best of his talent whilst always maintaining a level of dignity and character that few posses.

Martin is an Arsenal man through and through. God bless.

[Charlie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Extremely honest and fun read, very top level and would love for some more detail in a follow up book

[Vanessa Rooke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting as a fan

[Eddie Hillion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyable. I loved reading the stories that don't get reported on and those that get wrongly reported. Quite revealing!

[David Stimpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a Great read , Keown Had a Wonderful Career in Football . I'm not sure that He is Given enough credit .. Some Great Stories and Well worth a read whether you Liked Arsenal or not

[Craig · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read . Some great stories and some honest comments . Very underated player who was a key member of Wengers title winners .

A must rad if your an Arsenal fan

[Mark Williams · Rating 2 out of 5]

I only gave it two stars because Martin Keown narrated it himself.
I think you have to be a die hard Arsenal / Keown fan to enjoy this book.

[Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smart man. Knows his football. Does seem like a hard guy to have at your team though. Rubbed many people up the wrong way. Luckily Wenger wasn’t one of them.

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice easy read, good insight as a non Arsenal fan looking in