Hard Case

by Jimmy Case

Packed with incident and anecdotes, usually funny - but occasionally sad - this is the true story of Jimmy Case, a true football legend.

Genres: Football, Biography

288 pages, Hardcover

First published October 2, 2014

Reviews

[Ken · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really fascinating autobiography, a great insight into the game during a different era.
I was pleased to see that Brighton and Hove Albion also featured heavily.

[Terry Clague · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve not read many footballer’s autobiographies. Usually ghost-written and released in time for the Christmas period, one wonders about the economics of this genre. The titles that do good business seem to abide by a set of golden rules – controversial character; playing career that includes a long stint for a club with a huge fan-base; national heroic status; mates in the media to help with promotion; genuinely interesting narrative arc.

A folksy style emerges as this book progresses – a tally of “fella/bloke/chap by the name of” introductions to star players was difficult to keep up. The obligatory totting up of friends (Ray Kennedy, Tommy Smith, Joe Jordan) and enemies (Kenny Sansom, Peter Shilton, Ian Branfoot, and the “London media”) includes good anecdotage. A foreword from Kevin Keegan, apparently channelling Alan Partridge, adds to the effect, whilst the final section indulges in some enjoyable name-dropping as Case appears backstage at a Coldplay gig. We’re left with a picture of Case as a significant reflection of the 70’s/80’s English football scene.

A longer, "nice, affectionate" - Kevin Sampson, review is on this blog: http://thetwounfortunates.com/book-re... - didn't find space to mention the story of Bob Paisley blaming a poor run of form not on beer or women but on "bloody golf!"

[Sue Devenney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hero ever since I can remember

I waited a long time for this book. A huge fan of Liverpool since childhood and Jimmy in particular. His description of the 77 Cup Final goal is exactly my memory of it. What a player and what a man.

[Gary Varga · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing read. Yes, it was more interesting for me as a Brighton fan (as it would be for Liverpool and Saints fans too).

The only thing that seemed a little awry was the chapter titles. They didn't quite seem to match up with the content. They weren't a million miles off but the authors (Jimmy Case being an honest man isn't the sort to use an unnamed ghost writer) chose to make the chapters cohesive and a better read than fit the tight structure that chapter titles can give.

It is a very humourous, entertaining and informative read. Having bought the book directly from the hands of the man himself at an evening where he was guest speaker, I can absolutely say that the description totally matches the man.

An absolute pleasure of a read.

[Jason Cotton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I see Jimmy Case as a bit of an unsung hero and this book lifts the lid on what was a glittering career. From non league to Liverpool, from Brighton to Southampton and then Bournemouth, its all here. With funny anecdotes and recollections this is a fantastic read from start to finish. Having the reputation as a hard man was only the tip of the iceberg. Jimmy Case was undoubtedly one of the best midfielders of his day.

[Steve Parcell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Disappointing to be honest and a poorly organised read.

Jimmy Case was a great footballer and Liverpool icon but I just felt the book was formulaic and a little too bitter towards his lack of caps for England.

A Liverpool fan would love it but it is not neutral enough for fans of another club to find interesting.

[Ian Curragh · Rating 4 out of 5]

4stars

A good read about a local lad who made it big at Liverpool. He speaks honestly about his career in football and his remarkable longevity. A true legend of the kop.

[Ben Twoonezero · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book about a very good player. He also played for Halifax So i
s a goodnight my eyes. !