- Hardcover: 384 pages
- Publisher: Century; Reprint edition (5 Oct 2006)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 1846050766
- ISBN-13: 978-1846050763
- Product Dimensions: 23.6 x 15.4 x 3.6 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 157,622 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
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More About the Author
Product Description
Book Description
The autobiography of the greatest defender of the 1980s and 90s
--This text refers to the
Mass Market Paperback
edition.
Product Description
Paul McGrath is Ireland's best loved sportsman and also its least understood. An iconic football presence during a professional career stretching over 14 years, he played for his country in the European Championship finals of 1988 and the World Cup finals of 1990 and 1994. But, behind the implied glamour of life in the employ of great English clubs like Manchester United and Aston Villa, McGrath wrestled with a range of destructive emotions that made his success in the game little short of miraculous. That story has until now never been told. It is a story that runs from a hard, hidden childhood spent in Dublin's orphanages all the way to the pain of two marriage break-ups and the struggle to cope with life after football. Quite apart from his all too public struggle with alcoholism, the story runs through the surreal highs and calamitous lows of a life lived habitually on the edge of chaos. It is not just a football story. It is an extraordinary human story that is certain to surprise with its candour. Here, for the first time, read about the father he never met; the mother whose love never died; the routine loneliness and ritual bullying endured by a black kid growing up behind closed doors in 1960s Dublin; the emotional breakdown suffered on leaving that institution; the recovery that - remarkably - brought him all the way to Old Trafford; the rollercoaster ride that followed. Here, the guilt, fear, self-loathing are all laid bare in a story fired with hope and determination for the future. It may well be the most candid sports book ever written.
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Oooh Aaah Paul McGrath went the chants around Landsdowne Road, Old Trafford and Villa Park in the late '80s and early '90s when one of Ireland's truely outstanding sports personalities was at the peak of his career.
And what a brilliant career it was. Paul McGrath was a rock at the heart of United and Villa's defences and a collosus for Eire particularly in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups. And the amazing thing is that McGrath achieved all this whilst battling alcoholism and inner demons that would undoubtedly have destroyed a lesser man.
The book is a very candid account of McGrath's life, from his tough childhood in Dublin where he suffered because of his skin colour, to his rise to the summit of professional football where he often played whilst under the influence. The book gives an indication of what McGrath's mindset and mental state was like during these halcyon years, and includes some really interesting stories and insights into the some of the top personalities in English and Irish football at the time.
Legend is a word that is certainly used too lightly, but this is not the case with McGrath. He is a true legend and what's more he comes across as a very honest and likeable character. A great read.
Declan Mullan.
And what a brilliant career it was. Paul McGrath was a rock at the heart of United and Villa's defences and a collosus for Eire particularly in the 1990 and 1994 World Cups. And the amazing thing is that McGrath achieved all this whilst battling alcoholism and inner demons that would undoubtedly have destroyed a lesser man.
The book is a very candid account of McGrath's life, from his tough childhood in Dublin where he suffered because of his skin colour, to his rise to the summit of professional football where he often played whilst under the influence. The book gives an indication of what McGrath's mindset and mental state was like during these halcyon years, and includes some really interesting stories and insights into the some of the top personalities in English and Irish football at the time.
Legend is a word that is certainly used too lightly, but this is not the case with McGrath. He is a true legend and what's more he comes across as a very honest and likeable character. A great read.
Declan Mullan.
9 of 10 people found the following review helpful
Format:Mass Market Paperback
I waited till this book came out on paperback, took it on holiday and could not put it down till i had finished it.
I wont go into great detail, but what Paul has gone through in his life is really quite incredible, i remember him as a player , but this book lets you see the troubles the man has had throughout his life.Some may well be self induced, others really heart breaking to read.
For me, one of the best books i have ever read, and i have a lot of respect for Paul after reading this, it is as i see it a very honest book that deals with his problems with drink throughout his life and playing career.
Hope someone makes this into a film.
All the best Paul.
I wont go into great detail, but what Paul has gone through in his life is really quite incredible, i remember him as a player , but this book lets you see the troubles the man has had throughout his life.Some may well be self induced, others really heart breaking to read.
For me, one of the best books i have ever read, and i have a lot of respect for Paul after reading this, it is as i see it a very honest book that deals with his problems with drink throughout his life and playing career.
Hope someone makes this into a film.
All the best Paul.
11 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Writen in the same vain as Tony Adams book.
How on earth he was able to stand up let alone play is utterly amazing. Then to win PFA player awards and represent your country defies all logic and reason.
This is not just a football book, but a journey through his life and his constant struggle with the demon drink and drugs.
Great great book.
How on earth he was able to stand up let alone play is utterly amazing. Then to win PFA player awards and represent your country defies all logic and reason.
This is not just a football book, but a journey through his life and his constant struggle with the demon drink and drugs.
Great great book.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Fantastic
True, honest and what we all suspected but never truly knew or understood. Once started I could not put it down. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Len
Back from the Brink
this is without doubt the best and most honest autobiography I have ever read.
Paul really searches his soul and says it as it is. Read more
Paul really searches his soul and says it as it is. Read more
Published 8 months ago by tricky
Simply the best...
Having watched Paul McGrath towards the end of his career at Derby County, I was intrigued to discover more about a footballer who apparently couldn't train during the week but... Read more
Published 15 months ago by Martin Crowder
great read
I'm not particularly interested in football but I loved this book. It the story of someone who tries to overcome his demons.
Published 19 months ago by anna
The Greatest Defender In The World
An Irish legend, an Aston Villa legend. This book offers a fascinating insight into the workings of a genius.
Published 19 months ago by Donegal
Doing God's work
Many books carry the promise of being 'warts-and-all' and then fail to deliver. Paul McGrath's autobiography is a breed apart. Read more
Published 21 months ago by John Moseley
Once a Red, Always a Red
They say that a child's personality is formed in its first five years... whether you end up rich, poor, shy, or confident. Read more
Published 23 months ago by Darcy
...Not just a football book
I'm not a great lover of footballers autobiographies, however this is not just a football book. It is a remarkable story of a tormented person. Read more
Published on 22 Feb 2010 by Wilson Fisk
one helluva rough ride.
this is a very good autobiography to read , paul had it rough from a very early age and how he became such a brilliant football player is amazing considering his troubles and... Read more
Published on 16 Feb 2010 by BUBS.
Paul McGrath Back From The Brink: The Autobiography
Amazing powerful truthful book.
If I could rate it more than five stars I would.
If I could rate it more than five stars I would.
Published on 3 Jan 2010 by Mr. Dennis P. Collins
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