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Left Foot Forward: A Year in the Life of a Journeyman Footballer
Garry Nelson is not one of football's household names yet he made almost 650 League appearances in a career stretching back to 1979. This book describes the 1994-5 season at Charlton Athletic but it could be any in which he reveals the ups and downs of what it is like to be an ordinary professional player.
There are the injuries, the battles for selection, and the worries that age is catching up on him, which would mean the end of his career. But there are also the occasional triumphs, such as when he was appointed captain and scored the winning goal in a televised match.
Written with wit, intelligence and insight, Left Foot Forward reveals far more about what it is really like to be a footballer than any number of ghosted autobiographies by the big stars. It is destined to become a classic of football writing.
There are the injuries, the battles for selection, and the worries that age is catching up on him, which would mean the end of his career. But there are also the occasional triumphs, such as when he was appointed captain and scored the winning goal in a televised match.
Written with wit, intelligence and insight, Left Foot Forward reveals far more about what it is really like to be a footballer than any number of ghosted autobiographies by the big stars. It is destined to become a classic of football writing.
375 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1995
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
August 9, 2011
Probably the best and most honestly realistic football book ever written. An absolute gem, and real food for thought.
February 9, 2010
It does what it says on the back cover: takes you through a year in the life of an average second tier footballer.
It covers an interesting time period: the Cantona kung fu kick, the beginning of the gulf between Premiership and Division 1 (as was).
It's not dated particularly well in some respects: transfer fees of 5 and 7 million are spoken of in wonderment, yet today they are commonplace.
It reveals a lot about the routine and monotony of the footballers' lives. There are some sparkling insights into the intricacies of the transfer and contract system.
Whilst this will appeal to avid football fans, I think there is enough in here for even a casual reader to come away with a feeling that they understand the world of football a little better.
You gain a totally different perspective on some issues, which can't be a bad thing.
It covers an interesting time period: the Cantona kung fu kick, the beginning of the gulf between Premiership and Division 1 (as was).
It's not dated particularly well in some respects: transfer fees of 5 and 7 million are spoken of in wonderment, yet today they are commonplace.
It reveals a lot about the routine and monotony of the footballers' lives. There are some sparkling insights into the intricacies of the transfer and contract system.
Whilst this will appeal to avid football fans, I think there is enough in here for even a casual reader to come away with a feeling that they understand the world of football a little better.
You gain a totally different perspective on some issues, which can't be a bad thing.
July 14, 2012
I really liked this book, it was written really honestly and is so warm. You can relate to Garry and his plight to secure work and provide an income for his family. It hasn't aged and if some modern day footballers read this, then maybe they wouldn't be such dicks. There's only one Garry Nelson...
May 9, 2020
Really worth reading if you love the sport of Football. A more honest book than many others. Give this as a present and you’ll be appreciated forever.... if you can get a copy. Gold dust now. People won’t let them go. Just try to get a copy.
August 16, 2022
A good insight in to the reality of being a professional footballer for most players.
June 24, 2013
In my opinion one of the great football books. Written with brutal honesty and full of humour, it provides a fantastic insight into the life of a journeyman footballer plying their trade in the lower league.
October 6, 2010
A really good account, and in places funny, of what it's to be a footballer who doesn't earn millions.
October 14, 2024
What sets "Left Foot Forward" apart from typical football autobiographies is its focus on the challenges faced by players who are not household names. Nelson sheds light on the uncertainty of contract renewals, the constant struggle with injuries, and the pressure to perform consistently just to stay in the game. He also touches on the personal sacrifices made by footballers and their families—something often overlooked in sports memoirs.
May 21, 2020
A fascinating read about the life of a journeyman footballer. Well worth picking up second hand.
February 18, 2024
Very brief. Journal like. Interesting topic, but doesn't go very deep into anything. Saved by it's brevity.
January 23, 2015
An important sports book, it's the diary of an average season from Gary Nelson, who played for Charlton in the equivalent of League 1 in the mid-90s. There's no glamour here - there's hope and frustration, plans that come to nothing and injuries that ruin season. Intelligently written with an eye for self-criticism and praise in right proportions, this is one to shatter illusions and educate hearts.
December 28, 2013
Again, another good perspective on a professional footballer's life, particularly Nelson's frustrations as his ability diminishes with age. Especially good for Charlton Athletic fans, of course.
October 9, 2016
Very enjoyable. A good insight into the life of an English professional player before the modern era really kicked in.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews