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Back From the Brink: The Autobiography
The autobiography of this Irish soccer player is not a football story but a human story that goes from a hard, hidden childhood in Dublin’s orphanages to a public struggle with alcoholism and a life lived on the edge of chaos.
464 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2006
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
June 26, 2021
I have read many football autobiographies. Paul McGrath's story is a harrowing tale of deep depression. Paul was a great centre back for both Aston Villa and Manchester United and also international football for the Republic Of Ireland. He was a stalwart of a player both at defending and a creative ball playing defender. Paul suffered with deep depression; a feeling that I can relate to, and he was also a functioning alcoholic. Paul played most of his football back in the 1980's and 1990's and experienced racism when it was prevalent in our beautiful game at the time. Suicide attempts and chronic up and down emotions hampered what was a really good football career. Paul suffered in silence and it was not until way after he had retired he bucked up the courage to lay it all out in the open. Respect to you Paul. It is people like Paul McGrath who have brought about the awareness of mental health. Even famous and well off people suffer, after all we are all human. This book is well worth the read and I recommend it.
September 7, 2021
Paul McGrath was no ordinary sportsman in any sense of the words, a very talented footballer who battled against both injury and addiction. There were times when he could hardly walk yet for 90 minutes on the football pitch he amazed the fans with his guile. He was a hero wherever he played, a true iconic player that the paying public worshipped. Played at the top in World Cups, European Championships and premier league, yet all the time he battled his demons and injuries. How he ever made it on to the pitch never mind at the level he did is a miracle itself.
This is more than a football story, Paul McGrath suffered, spent much of his childhood in Dublin’s orphanages after being given up by his single mother. Had two marriage break-ups and the struggled to cope with life after football. All the time he battled alcoholism, which almost resulted in him dying. reaching unbelievable heights while at the same time living close to the edge on a personal level. This makes compelling reading as the book follows his life, with many chapters from the POV of friends and colleagues relating moments that remain blurred in Paul’s memory.
This is so much more than a sports biography, it’s an extraordinary human story that tells it how it is.
This is more than a football story, Paul McGrath suffered, spent much of his childhood in Dublin’s orphanages after being given up by his single mother. Had two marriage break-ups and the struggled to cope with life after football. All the time he battled alcoholism, which almost resulted in him dying. reaching unbelievable heights while at the same time living close to the edge on a personal level. This makes compelling reading as the book follows his life, with many chapters from the POV of friends and colleagues relating moments that remain blurred in Paul’s memory.
This is so much more than a sports biography, it’s an extraordinary human story that tells it how it is.
January 24, 2012
This is remarkable. For those of you who don’t know, Paul McGrath played at centre back for Manchester United and Aston Villa in the 80’s and 90’s, and for Ireland at numerous international tournaments in the same period. At the 1990 World Cup, he was voted into the team of the tournament. Whilst playing for Villa, he was voted supporters’ player of the year four years running, and PFA Footballer of the Year in 1997. McGrath was one of the best players of his generation, someone who made the game look easy. This is his autobiography.
But it’s no ordinary autobiography because McGrath reveals – in excruciating detail – the extent of the alcoholism that has scarred his adult life. From the dependency on tranquilisers as a ‘safe’ alternative to booze at the end of his career, to drinking a bottle of Domestos at home after just having retired, McGrath probably should be dead by now. The fact that he isn't, and was able to play professional sport to such a high level whilst hopelessly addicted to alcohol, is truly extraordinary. Throughout his career, McGrath regularly went on benders that ended up with him going missing for days, unable to recall why, for instance, he had woken up in a caravan on a beach in Wales, or face down in the gutter surrounded by down and outs. Various managers and players attempted to literally barricade McGrath into hotel rooms to stop him drinking, sometimes leading him to shin down drainpipes to escape.
It all began in Manchester, where McGrath would regularly drink with Bryan Robson and Norman Whiteside from the end of training on a Tuesday into the early hours of Wednesday morning. This was a time when football in England hadn’t yet embraced the continental trappings of a healthy diet and not drinking for 12 hours straight. But alcoholics don’t drink like other people. And Paul McGrath had more baggage than most.
Because the most striking thing about this book is not the tales of surreptitiously drinking, or the (admittedly occasional) games McGrath played whilst completely pissed, but the first section of the book. Paul McGrath was an orphan, institutionalised from a young age, although his mother was still alive (she couldn’t look after him but still raised a severely disabled daughter). To compound things, McGrath is of mixed race. So on top of rampant feelings of fear and betrayal, throw racism into the mix and it’s not surprising that McGrath grows up with such low self-esteem that only by drinking can he lose the panic attacks and sense of inner worthlessness. Even now, he finds queuing up in the supermarket a nerve-wracking experience.
The book works so well because, as well as McGrath’s perspective, each chapter is layered with the views of the people in McGrath’s life; from managers and physios (McGrath was notorious for having bad knees which required constant attention between matches) to friends and family. And the impression is enforced that Paul McGrath is a shy and extremely vulnerable man in the grip of a horribly vicious circle of self-abuse. He’s no saint, and his drinking has destroyed two marriages as well as betrayed the trust of dozens of friends and colleagues, but people have stuck with him because they could see the man beneath. Or rather, the child beneath. There is a sense throughout that McGrath was indulged for two reasons: firstly, he made the teams he played for much, much better; and two, people felt the need to look after him.
It’s an amazingly honest account, and after finishing it I wondered how Paul McGrath is today (it was written in 2006). Not every ex-sportsman can become a pundit, or go into coaching, and they don’t tend to run pubs anymore (that would be a bad idea in McGrath's case anyway). One ex-footballer, Dean Windass, recently admitted to attempting suicide soon after retiring from the game. So, I wish McGrath well. And I hope that the writing of this book helped him to understand more why he drinks, and opened the door to getting better.
But it’s no ordinary autobiography because McGrath reveals – in excruciating detail – the extent of the alcoholism that has scarred his adult life. From the dependency on tranquilisers as a ‘safe’ alternative to booze at the end of his career, to drinking a bottle of Domestos at home after just having retired, McGrath probably should be dead by now. The fact that he isn't, and was able to play professional sport to such a high level whilst hopelessly addicted to alcohol, is truly extraordinary. Throughout his career, McGrath regularly went on benders that ended up with him going missing for days, unable to recall why, for instance, he had woken up in a caravan on a beach in Wales, or face down in the gutter surrounded by down and outs. Various managers and players attempted to literally barricade McGrath into hotel rooms to stop him drinking, sometimes leading him to shin down drainpipes to escape.
It all began in Manchester, where McGrath would regularly drink with Bryan Robson and Norman Whiteside from the end of training on a Tuesday into the early hours of Wednesday morning. This was a time when football in England hadn’t yet embraced the continental trappings of a healthy diet and not drinking for 12 hours straight. But alcoholics don’t drink like other people. And Paul McGrath had more baggage than most.
Because the most striking thing about this book is not the tales of surreptitiously drinking, or the (admittedly occasional) games McGrath played whilst completely pissed, but the first section of the book. Paul McGrath was an orphan, institutionalised from a young age, although his mother was still alive (she couldn’t look after him but still raised a severely disabled daughter). To compound things, McGrath is of mixed race. So on top of rampant feelings of fear and betrayal, throw racism into the mix and it’s not surprising that McGrath grows up with such low self-esteem that only by drinking can he lose the panic attacks and sense of inner worthlessness. Even now, he finds queuing up in the supermarket a nerve-wracking experience.
The book works so well because, as well as McGrath’s perspective, each chapter is layered with the views of the people in McGrath’s life; from managers and physios (McGrath was notorious for having bad knees which required constant attention between matches) to friends and family. And the impression is enforced that Paul McGrath is a shy and extremely vulnerable man in the grip of a horribly vicious circle of self-abuse. He’s no saint, and his drinking has destroyed two marriages as well as betrayed the trust of dozens of friends and colleagues, but people have stuck with him because they could see the man beneath. Or rather, the child beneath. There is a sense throughout that McGrath was indulged for two reasons: firstly, he made the teams he played for much, much better; and two, people felt the need to look after him.
It’s an amazingly honest account, and after finishing it I wondered how Paul McGrath is today (it was written in 2006). Not every ex-sportsman can become a pundit, or go into coaching, and they don’t tend to run pubs anymore (that would be a bad idea in McGrath's case anyway). One ex-footballer, Dean Windass, recently admitted to attempting suicide soon after retiring from the game. So, I wish McGrath well. And I hope that the writing of this book helped him to understand more why he drinks, and opened the door to getting better.
September 14, 2012
I was aware of Paul McGrath's reputation before I picked this book up: great footballer, but a drink problem which was never deeply hidden.
Anyone (I hope) would admire his unflinching and candid writing here. There are no attempts to gloss over the dreadful things that happened and no excuses provided.
I was unaware of his troubled background and childhood before I started reading, and that part of the book makes for particularly uncomfortable reading, but these are tales from a dark and different era.
Despite the apparent deficient childhood, Paul doesn't apportion blame or regret, merely reflects on what could have been and what he did enjoy growing up like that. Such an attitude seems remarkable, but at no point does it feel like a "poor me" sob story, just a stoical approach to a childhood few could understand and comprehend.
Aside from the obvious tales of alcohol, there are some witty and insightful tales of the explosion of football as the Sky money tumbled into it. There are lots of anecdotes about the different methods employed by different managers, the growth of player power and the drinking culture behind some of the great players.
You don't need to be a football fan to enjoy this, simply have an interest in other people's lives, how they cope with adversity and deal with a problem that will never leave them.
Anyone (I hope) would admire his unflinching and candid writing here. There are no attempts to gloss over the dreadful things that happened and no excuses provided.
I was unaware of his troubled background and childhood before I started reading, and that part of the book makes for particularly uncomfortable reading, but these are tales from a dark and different era.
Despite the apparent deficient childhood, Paul doesn't apportion blame or regret, merely reflects on what could have been and what he did enjoy growing up like that. Such an attitude seems remarkable, but at no point does it feel like a "poor me" sob story, just a stoical approach to a childhood few could understand and comprehend.
Aside from the obvious tales of alcohol, there are some witty and insightful tales of the explosion of football as the Sky money tumbled into it. There are lots of anecdotes about the different methods employed by different managers, the growth of player power and the drinking culture behind some of the great players.
You don't need to be a football fan to enjoy this, simply have an interest in other people's lives, how they cope with adversity and deal with a problem that will never leave them.
January 24, 2015
An extraordinary memoir, one of the most painfully honest I have ever read. So honest it's difficult to read at times. Who should read this ? Anyone who is Irish and has ever kicked a ball for pleasure or watched people kick a ball for pleasure, that's who.
March 22, 2019
I have no interest in football but read the early chapters and skimmed much of the rest. The early part explains that a footballer in England with repeated knee injuries had become heavily dependent on drink and prescription drugs and broken up two marriages.
We go back to his earliest days, and his Irish mum is interviewed; she was in college and her boyfriend slammed the door on her when she told him she was expecting. As Ireland was a horrible place at the time for women, she had to emigrate, but refused to let the nuns have her baby adopted (we know now that babies were sold) so he was fostered. Much later she had another baby girl, who developed a debilitating illness, but kept this girl to raise while visiting her son in an orphanage. Talk about confusing. Also confusing was that the son and daughter were biracial, not at all common at the time in Ireland.
Football became a way out and ended up paying quite well. I was interested to see that while some teams trained twice a day and it kept the players out of trouble, other teams just played a five a side game a couple of times a week. Some players drank heavily midweek - their games were at weekends - while other serious players did not drink noticeably. The wives and kids needed support, but of course someone from an orphanage did not have a role model father. The player acknowledges his faults.
Make of the sad story what you wish, this is a cautionary tale in many ways including the warning that you need to have a second string to your bow because retiring early does you no good.
The story was written up by a journalist and reads easily so even someone with no football knowledge will fly through much of the story.
I see the blurb says the player is 'Ireland's best loved sportsman' - please, no. We have many better examples and better loved.
This is an unbiased review.
We go back to his earliest days, and his Irish mum is interviewed; she was in college and her boyfriend slammed the door on her when she told him she was expecting. As Ireland was a horrible place at the time for women, she had to emigrate, but refused to let the nuns have her baby adopted (we know now that babies were sold) so he was fostered. Much later she had another baby girl, who developed a debilitating illness, but kept this girl to raise while visiting her son in an orphanage. Talk about confusing. Also confusing was that the son and daughter were biracial, not at all common at the time in Ireland.
Football became a way out and ended up paying quite well. I was interested to see that while some teams trained twice a day and it kept the players out of trouble, other teams just played a five a side game a couple of times a week. Some players drank heavily midweek - their games were at weekends - while other serious players did not drink noticeably. The wives and kids needed support, but of course someone from an orphanage did not have a role model father. The player acknowledges his faults.
Make of the sad story what you wish, this is a cautionary tale in many ways including the warning that you need to have a second string to your bow because retiring early does you no good.
The story was written up by a journalist and reads easily so even someone with no football knowledge will fly through much of the story.
I see the blurb says the player is 'Ireland's best loved sportsman' - please, no. We have many better examples and better loved.
This is an unbiased review.
July 11, 2016
Paul McGrath's story is just jaw-dropping. True, the ghost writing could have better here but the story itself just keeps the momentum going.
Probably Ireland's greatest footballing talent - you could argue that someone like Liam Brady was technically better but I don't think it could be argued that any Irish athlete was ever more effective on the pitch than McGrath. To think that he generally only played whilst 60-80% fit, following a vastly reduced training regime due to his knees, and was often tanked up - literally - whilst playing, and still coming out with man-of-the-match and PFA player-of-the-year awards, it all gives a measure of just how much talent he had and how so much of it had gone to waste. Ultimately, though, there is a hint of triumph somewhere in the story - how unbelievably incredible it is that he managed to achieve what he did in spite of the demons he deals with on a daily basis.
Naturally, you find yourself comparing McGrath's story with George Best's. However, and I don't like saying it, with Best there was a whiff that his alcoholism got branded as a badge of honour - a horrible to thing to say, maybe, but Best's disease was married to his antics that he and others appeared to enjoy recounting, and all of that with a very clear impression that Best, whatever his problems, ultimately had a rounded sense of self.
With McGrath, however, his alcoholism is married to a disjointed, difficult and tragic childhood which has left him fragile, lacking self-worth, all of which, in spite of the talent and success he has had, remain rooted in their place.
Paul McGrath - Legend.
Probably Ireland's greatest footballing talent - you could argue that someone like Liam Brady was technically better but I don't think it could be argued that any Irish athlete was ever more effective on the pitch than McGrath. To think that he generally only played whilst 60-80% fit, following a vastly reduced training regime due to his knees, and was often tanked up - literally - whilst playing, and still coming out with man-of-the-match and PFA player-of-the-year awards, it all gives a measure of just how much talent he had and how so much of it had gone to waste. Ultimately, though, there is a hint of triumph somewhere in the story - how unbelievably incredible it is that he managed to achieve what he did in spite of the demons he deals with on a daily basis.
Naturally, you find yourself comparing McGrath's story with George Best's. However, and I don't like saying it, with Best there was a whiff that his alcoholism got branded as a badge of honour - a horrible to thing to say, maybe, but Best's disease was married to his antics that he and others appeared to enjoy recounting, and all of that with a very clear impression that Best, whatever his problems, ultimately had a rounded sense of self.
With McGrath, however, his alcoholism is married to a disjointed, difficult and tragic childhood which has left him fragile, lacking self-worth, all of which, in spite of the talent and success he has had, remain rooted in their place.
Paul McGrath - Legend.
July 2, 2015
I knew Paul McGrath had a reputation, but never really realized his situation was as bad as it was. I was maybe too young to see the issues he had at the time, but reading the book, I can relate to a number of issues Paul explains, as my old man had a similar background growing up and ended up dying due to alcohol abuse.
It is a great insight into the mind of the person with the problem, which I never had before as my old man was a closed book, so to speak.
A great read and Paul seems a great guy. Hope he can be well. Also a great footballer, if managed to be fully fit would defo have played at the very top level, Serie A at the time.
It is a great insight into the mind of the person with the problem, which I never had before as my old man was a closed book, so to speak.
A great read and Paul seems a great guy. Hope he can be well. Also a great footballer, if managed to be fully fit would defo have played at the very top level, Serie A at the time.
August 22, 2015
From the beginning i knew that this book will receive five stars. At first, when i saw the cover i thought that maybe this will not be my cup of tea because to be honest i m not a big fan of soccer so i hoped that this will not be a description of his game tactics or something like that but this was great story that kept me interested the whole time. This book is about him struggling with alcohol, problems in relationship and of course his football career. Nice reading.
January 30, 2015
i met Paul recently and had my copy signed. For any Irish patriot this guy is amazing i person as portrayed in the autobiography. Going from a steel worker to being world famous professional footballer woth many demons in his closet...this is a tough read should you try put yourself in his shoes but definitely well worth a read for every football fan.
May 15, 2007
The man they called God.. Frightening, nearly put me off the drink. The bits from his youth are especially good/feckin tragic. He's from the same place as me and the descriptions of the places and heads are spot on.
April 7, 2011
An in-depth account of Paul McGrath's life as well as his football career. He was a beast on the football pitch, but his life off it was not as successful. Very interesting, but suffers due to being poorly ghostwritten.
July 22, 2011
awesome story - read and re-read this book over and over again
i am an aston villa fan and he is a legend on the field and a troubled man off it
i cry every time i read it
so so honest
i am an aston villa fan and he is a legend on the field and a troubled man off it
i cry every time i read it
so so honest
June 26, 2013
The amazing life story of one of my heroes growing up. Very harrowing and amazing what he achieved once you learn about his history. A must-read for any football fans.
February 27, 2017
It's a very interesting book to anyone who follows football they would find it even more interesting
September 21, 2017
Honest read. Story stands well on its own but an interest in soccer recommended.
May 1, 2025
As an Aston Villa fan and counselling student the story of footballing legend Paul McGrath was a compelling but harrowing read.
It really puts into perspective the impact our childhoods have on us and gave me a new found understanding of the word addiction.
The autobiography gives an in-depth account of Paul’s life including his struggle with alcohol and injuries, the tough upbringing in an orphanage and his successful career with Manchester United, Aston Villa and of course the Ireland national team.
I would recommend this even to those who have little or no interest in football.
It is a very human story which is impossible not to be moved by and that we can all gain greater insight from.
It really puts into perspective the impact our childhoods have on us and gave me a new found understanding of the word addiction.
The autobiography gives an in-depth account of Paul’s life including his struggle with alcohol and injuries, the tough upbringing in an orphanage and his successful career with Manchester United, Aston Villa and of course the Ireland national team.
I would recommend this even to those who have little or no interest in football.
It is a very human story which is impossible not to be moved by and that we can all gain greater insight from.
January 15, 2025
Gripping and utterly gut-wrenching. McGrath is one of Ireland’s greatest ever sportspeople but his life story is truly hard to read at times. The unique structure of this book, drawing in contributions from those he played with, coaches who guided him during his career, and family members, only adds to the enthralling nature of this book. McGrath’s struggles with alcoholism and depression have defined his life but it is clear from the contributions of those around him that he has never ceased to be a warm and rightly beloved man
A sensational read, likely the best sports autobiography I have ever read
A sensational read, likely the best sports autobiography I have ever read
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October 31, 2024As a mature Aston Villa season ticket holder that remembers McGrath's playing career for Manchester United, Ireland and of course the Villa, I was interested in reading this book. His issues, knees and the drink, were known of back then by the fans... but he performed to such a level when he played that his name still reverberates around Villa Park.
The book opens with his difficult childhood and admiration flows as he achieves success from adversity. Things then change: McGrath, plagued by self-doubt, becomes unhinged and turns to the bottle... thus reclaiming adversity from success. This is more a story of that than his football.
How readers will interpret McGrath is down to the individual, as adversity means different things to different people. I just hope he starts to believe in himself... after all, respecting one's self is not so vile a sin as neglecting one's self.
The book opens with his difficult childhood and admiration flows as he achieves success from adversity. Things then change: McGrath, plagued by self-doubt, becomes unhinged and turns to the bottle... thus reclaiming adversity from success. This is more a story of that than his football.
How readers will interpret McGrath is down to the individual, as adversity means different things to different people. I just hope he starts to believe in himself... after all, respecting one's self is not so vile a sin as neglecting one's self.
July 3, 2024
Brillaint
January 22, 2022
I love Paul McGrath!
October 25, 2025
A remarkable story about a remarkable footballer. To go through all he has been through and still be one of the best footballers this country has ever seen shows what an amazing character Paul McGrath is.
February 28, 2018
Searingly honest portrait of a very troubled athlete. Very similar to the best sports biography I have read ('Open' by Agassi). At the core is a deeply private person who was thrust into fame that he was ill prepared for. The bottle let him escape his shyness (temporarily at least) but at a massive cost.
December 29, 2020
Incredible book, unbelievable story. Flies in the face of all modern day sport science and sport psychology.
February 11, 2010
Despite being a massive football fans I rarely read football books, particularly biogs, as they are rarely insightful or interesting. That said I was motivated to read McGrath’s autobiography as I knew he had a story beyond there mere world of football. I just didn’t realise how much of a story he had to tell!
From day one his story is compelling, tragic and unique. I mean, how many kids at an orphanage get to spend weekends with their mum? I was aware that he was an alcoholic and that he’d even tried to kill himself on two occasions, so was surprised to read he tried it a half dozen times.
The story paints the picture of a deeply flawed, yet charming genius (as only applied to football) who everyone likes during the periods he can remain sober. The fact that he managed to play football to the level he did is astounding.
However, it’s shocking the lack of help he received. Even people like Ron Atkinson who helped McGrath’s career did nothing to really try and sort out the underlying problems. McGrath was helped to cover up his indiscretions and falls from grace, which while helpful, did nothing to help him confront his issues. Not once did they sit him down, tell him to take a season off at a clinic and get him self sober because there was too much pragmatic self interest. Just patch him up, keep him away from the press and make sure he’s ready for the big game next week.
I found a lot of the book to be revealing as many of these stories did not make the press prior to publication. However, I would have liked to have known more about his family circumstances with his wife and kids as the book mainly concentrates (understandably) on the football side of things.
From day one his story is compelling, tragic and unique. I mean, how many kids at an orphanage get to spend weekends with their mum? I was aware that he was an alcoholic and that he’d even tried to kill himself on two occasions, so was surprised to read he tried it a half dozen times.
The story paints the picture of a deeply flawed, yet charming genius (as only applied to football) who everyone likes during the periods he can remain sober. The fact that he managed to play football to the level he did is astounding.
However, it’s shocking the lack of help he received. Even people like Ron Atkinson who helped McGrath’s career did nothing to really try and sort out the underlying problems. McGrath was helped to cover up his indiscretions and falls from grace, which while helpful, did nothing to help him confront his issues. Not once did they sit him down, tell him to take a season off at a clinic and get him self sober because there was too much pragmatic self interest. Just patch him up, keep him away from the press and make sure he’s ready for the big game next week.
I found a lot of the book to be revealing as many of these stories did not make the press prior to publication. However, I would have liked to have known more about his family circumstances with his wife and kids as the book mainly concentrates (understandably) on the football side of things.
October 8, 2017
This is the second best "football" book I've read, after A Life Too Short - The Tragedy of Robert Enke. What they both have in common is that neither are really about football. While each made me think about the game on an existential level (and question my blasé dismissal of footballers who don't meet my standards or play for a team I dislike), they are ultimately very human stories.
Paul Mcgrath is very candid in this autobiography. He does not approach it from the POV of a guru someone who has "beaten" addiction. In fact, he admits that he (had) not yet managed to get a good handle on it (I checked with him on Twitter once I completed this, and thankfully he is doing great now and has been for a while). The courage it takes to tell these stories is especially poignant in this light. It's always easy to dismiss your struggles as challenges when you think you're beyond them. But when you're talking as someone still in the midst of the struggle, past behaviour is undoubtedly yours. Mcgrath takes complete ownership of his journey, and makes it okay for others to do the same.
Paul Mcgrath is very candid in this autobiography. He does not approach it from the POV of a guru someone who has "beaten" addiction. In fact, he admits that he (had) not yet managed to get a good handle on it (I checked with him on Twitter once I completed this, and thankfully he is doing great now and has been for a while). The courage it takes to tell these stories is especially poignant in this light. It's always easy to dismiss your struggles as challenges when you think you're beyond them. But when you're talking as someone still in the midst of the struggle, past behaviour is undoubtedly yours. Mcgrath takes complete ownership of his journey, and makes it okay for others to do the same.
November 24, 2011
Along with the bio on Clough, and Adams autobio, this is one of the best soccer books you could pick up. A remarkable life, a remarkably candid account of McGrath's greatness, his vulnerability, his (by his own admission) stupidity. But one thing we must never do is judge him, because few of us ever really understand alcoholism. If I've one criticism it's that the life account is not chronological and I think with sportsmen it needs to be so that their rise and fall can be followed more easily. However, that's a minor gripe on an excellent book. Highly recommended.
February 13, 2022
I really like Paul McGrath and really wanted to like this book but to be honest I found it terribly repetitive and depressing.
Paul was used and abused by pretty much everybody and the fact that some of these people contributed to the book is sad imho. They didn't give a crap about him during his career...as long as he could perform on the pitch everything else was grand.
The constant loop of incidents and the jumping around of the timelines from chapter to chapter made this a very frustrating and ultimately unenjoyable read.
Paul was used and abused by pretty much everybody and the fact that some of these people contributed to the book is sad imho. They didn't give a crap about him during his career...as long as he could perform on the pitch everything else was grand.
The constant loop of incidents and the jumping around of the timelines from chapter to chapter made this a very frustrating and ultimately unenjoyable read.
August 30, 2015
As a fan of Derby County, and as Paul McGrath played for us during the latter stages of his football career, I was particularly interested to read this book. The personal problems the player suffered are very well documented here and given he was such a wonderfully gifted footballer, I couldn't help but wonder how much more he could have achieved all things being equal. It wasn't an easy read but written with a searing honesty.
November 12, 2017
4.5 stars / 9 out of 10.
Not only is this a remarkable life story, it's remarkable that McGrath decided to be so candid.
I have been intending to read this book for quite some time.
I understood whilst in his pomp that Paul McGrath had problems, but reading his life story, it's astonishing to see how he achieved what he did.
although published over a decade ago, still relevant.
highly recommended.
Not only is this a remarkable life story, it's remarkable that McGrath decided to be so candid.
I have been intending to read this book for quite some time.
I understood whilst in his pomp that Paul McGrath had problems, but reading his life story, it's astonishing to see how he achieved what he did.
although published over a decade ago, still relevant.
highly recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews