Peter Shilton : My Autobiography

by Peter Shilton

Peter Shilton is a legend in football. One of the greatest goalkeepers to play in this country, his 25 clean sheets in one season at Nottingham Forest, and 67 throughout a lengthy international career are landmarks in the modern game. From the 15-year-old who joined Leicester City, to the winner of two European Cups and a League Championship medal, he has played in numerous World Cup campaigns (both successful and unsuccessful), and was the keeper involved with Maradona's 'Hand of God' incident. Even aged 40, Shilton was still playing in the First Division while representing England at Italia '90. This is the full story of one of football's greatest goalkeepers. In addition to detailing the highs and lows of his 31-year career, Shilton is searingly honest about the gambling and related problems which culminated in near bankruptcy, in this most compelling and revealing autobiography.

Genres: Football, Biography, Sports, Autobiography, Nonfiction

312 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published September 1, 2004

Reviews

[Ray Smillie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Addictions are an illness, whatever form it comes in. Alcohol and drug addiction has been recognised for some time but it is only in recent years that gambling has been mooted as an addiction. Starts off with Peter in denial then recognising he did have a problem and dealing with it, thanks to Steph. His career is covered thereafter.

[Gav Johnson · Rating 2 out of 5]

Have read far better autobiographies. Great keeper , however comes across as though even when he makes mistakes in the match there was some reason why.. such as the ball was to light or the pitch wasn't right, the bounce was different. Would have preferred if he has just came out and said something along the lines of " I had a nightmare...my fault no excuses " but never does unfortunately. Credit where it's due he was a fantastic keeper and had an absolutely incredible career.

[Terry · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book of two halves.

The first half looked at the terrible gambling addiction that Pete Shilton had and how his wife and he overcame it. The 2nd half was looking at some home truths behind the vice like grip gambling addiction can hold on the old and young and how very little is being done to help those in this situation. Hopefully this book will help people see that gambling is as dangerous and life threatening as drugs and alcohol if left to overtake. Having never gambled, I can't imagine or understand the obsession and the heartache it causes, but the insight here is powerful stuff .

[Dave B · Rating 2 out of 5]

The most interesting part of this book is when Peter talks about his career. He was without doubt the finest English born keeper. The gambling addiction teaches you nothing. Steph adds nothing to the book in reality other than blowing hers or Peters trumpet. A very average read.

[Duncan Steele · Rating 1 out of 5]

Either the ghost writer is taking the michael or Shilton actually does think of live as nothing more than a series of cliched footballer speak statements that read like a rejected strip for Roy of the Rovers. That his thoughts on Dixon of Dock Green take up more space than the one appearance Shilton made in the FA Cup final tells you all you need to know.

[Alister Betts · Rating 2 out of 5]

Standard footballer fare; I probably only finished it as he was a hero of mine and watched him many times. A shame as there was so much more story to tell here, worth the £2.49 from Oxfam though...

[Gary K · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written. Enjoyed it

[Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, I'm 2/5 of the way through that pack of football bios I found at Half Price Books in Mason...