Watch My Back is the story of one man'fs search for courage. Depressed, bullied, intimidated by life and indoctrinated to believe that this was his lot, Geoff Thompson, on the verge of a breakdown, decided to fight back. In a bid to confront his fears, he took a job as a bouncer in one of Britain∞fs roughest nightclubs. Over the next ten years, he was involved in hundreds of brutal and bloody fights that left two of his friends murdered and many more in prison; he turned himself into a fearsome fighting machine. Geoff reached the top of his trade and became addicted to violence. Then it all changed. After nearly being killed in a gang attack, and almost killing one of his attackers, he was forced to reassess his relationship with violence. After writing down his experiences, Geoff discovered a flair for writing. This is the story of an ordinary man who faced his fears and took himself from bedsit to best-seller but very nearly got killed on the way.
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"'Lenny McLean had the braun, Dave Courtney had the charm, but Geoff Thompson is in a class of his own.' FHM '...it's Trainspotting time all over again. Or maybe make that Clockwork Orange time again.' BRITISH FILM magazine review of Clubbed"
From the Publisher
This is Geoff Thompson's finest book to date.
Watch My Back is the story of one man’s search for courage.
Watch My Back is the story of one man’s search for courage.
Depressed, bullied, intimidated by life and indoctrinated to believe that this was his lot, Geoff Thompson, on the verge of a breakdown, decided to fight back. In a bid to confront his fears, he took a job as a bouncer in one of Britain’s roughest nightclubs. His life was never to be the same again.
Over the next ten years, and after being involved in hundreds of brutal and bloody fights that left two of his friends murdered and many more in prison, the bullied 11 stone youth turned himself into a fearsome fighting machine with an unparalleled reputation as a knockout specialist. Seduced by beautiful women, attacked by maniacs with knives, guns (and a pair of garden shears), chased and locked up by the police and sought after by top establishments to ‘clean up’ their clubs, Geoff reached the top of his trade and became addicted to violence.
Then it all changed.
After being stabbed, glassed and nearly killed in a gang attack, and almost killing one of his attackers in a savage car park match-fight, he was forced to reassess his relationship with violence. After writing down his experiences in an effort to exorcise his demons, Geoff discovered a flair for writing. Within a few short years his work found a cult following all over the world.
This is the story of an ordinary man who faced his fears and took himself from bedsit to bestseller but very nearly got killed on the way. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
An incredable book that takes you on a journey of a boy who was once so afraid of his own shadow to a man who frightened him-self after seeing this monster stareing back at him through the mirror honesty. The adrenaling will pump through your body as your'e standing on the doors with the infamous Mr Thompson. Every page will have you flinching at the sounds of broken bones; laughing at the humour the child within us loves to feed on and crying at the pain he endured. I would say most of the people that choose to read this book, have at one time or another, experianced some kind of a Geoff Thompson experiance. It might be from his school days that gets your'e own blood rushing around the memory bank. It could be the heart rendering pain of a love you once held so close to your soul but whatever you feel, rest assured Mr Thompson felt every single one of them too. This outstanding man came through his like a warrior with a heart made of iron but which was engulfed by a soul of a gentlman. I had never heard of this man before I read "WATCH MY BACK" but I feel like he's a brother to me now. I and I'm sure you too, will have total, 100% respect for this man once you have read the book. If dreams can come true then this book is living proof.
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By J. E. Howe
Format:Paperback
Not being into reading so much myself I was at first reluctant to pick up the rather lengthy book and begin to read it. Saying this after having read the opening chapter I could not put it down! The book revolves around the life of the author - GT and is written biographically. From start to finish Geoff's words are compelling and utterly awe inspiring. He grabs the reader in a head lock taking them on the rough ride of every confrontation and endeavour he has experienced throughout his childhood and career 'working the doors'. The 'Bouncer's' lifestyle, thoughts and experiences are revealed in the gritty, down-to-earth story of one man's mission - to overcome fear, the one thing holding him back in every situation he seems to be faced with.
Hope this helps!
Hope this helps!
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I purchased this book after watching the film 'Clubbed' on which it was based. My first impression whilst reading this book was that it was merely a list of brutally violent acts. However, it was well written and described graphically the danger and fear of 'working the door' at some of Coventry's less desirable clubs and pubs. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Geoff Thompsons story and it developed into one of those books which you don't want to put down.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
A cracking read, recommend for anyone who is lacking in self confidence - some funnies as well.
Geoff Thompson is a guy who inspires me, with his rags to riches story against some adverse odds.
Geoff Thompson is a guy who inspires me, with his rags to riches story against some adverse odds.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By R. bellinger
Format:Paperback
An ispirational book. If you are buying this book to read on holiday then buy another. Because this baby wont last more than a couple of days. If you are going with your wife or girlfriend and want them to still like you after, then i woudn't bother buying it. You can't put it down. Not only does it teach you lessons in life and how to control fear and adrenalin, it does so in an honest way that is funny, inspirational and true to life. Quality book.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By S J Buck
TOP 500 REVIEWER
Format:Paperback
This is the story of Geoff Thompsons life as a bouncer in the 1980's: The fights and aggravation, the Police involvement the wiped video tapes and all the other elements that make this quite unputdownable. You will recognise typical characters from your own experience. The guys who won't move from the bar and who ignore you or just say "make me then". The fear that has to be controlled.
Lets also not forget the dedication and skill required to deal with people like this. Thompson is a very talented martial artist, a 6th Dan at Karate and 1st Dan at Judo not to mention studying many other styles.
His writing style is simple and straightforward. We're not talking Dickens here, but you will get a lot of enjoyment from this if you are interested in martial arts and the psychology of fighting in general. However don't buy this thinking its a instructional book - its not.
'Watch My Back' has now been made into the film 'Clubbed', which is worth seeing, although somewhat fictionalised. Geoff Thompson does appear briefly in the film. In my view the book is the better of the two.
Lets also not forget the dedication and skill required to deal with people like this. Thompson is a very talented martial artist, a 6th Dan at Karate and 1st Dan at Judo not to mention studying many other styles.
His writing style is simple and straightforward. We're not talking Dickens here, but you will get a lot of enjoyment from this if you are interested in martial arts and the psychology of fighting in general. However don't buy this thinking its a instructional book - its not.
'Watch My Back' has now been made into the film 'Clubbed', which is worth seeing, although somewhat fictionalised. Geoff Thompson does appear briefly in the film. In my view the book is the better of the two.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:Hardcover
As a doorman of six years I can thank this book for giving me the courage to start working the doors and for giving me the mental strength to cope with the situations I faced. This book tells it like it is with no punches pulled (pun intended). In todays world of "regesterd door supervisor" most of whome have no clue as to what it takes to work the door Geoff shows how the door should be worked. This book should be required reading for anyone who is thinking of becoming a doorman. Details of pre-emptive strikes may seem controversial and to the uninformed bystanter over the top. They are however the only things that works in the real world. Geoff also gives insight into fear control and what those feelings actually are (adrenaline). This is undoubtibly the best book I have ever read (I have had a copy for eight years and have read it over fifty times) and I would like to thank Geoff for changing my life.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
3.0 out of 5 stars
The Bouncer Game
Somewhat disappointed in this book. Repetitive would sum it up. If you enjoy reading about people punching the lights out of people, or kicking them as they lie on the deck then... Read more
Published 27 days ago by CroydonBoy
5.0 out of 5 stars
the real deal
Excellent book this guy lays his life bare on these pages , tells it as it is on the streets . the realision is incredible and very accurate . Read more
Published 2 months ago by honest geoff
5.0 out of 5 stars
Very Good
Very good book so far, very honest as well, I will be buying some more books that Geoff Thompson has written.
Published 5 months ago by Tommy 666
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fight Stories With a Personal Journey Woven In.
Fights and more fights, this book is basically an account of all of the fights and funny moments that the author experienced whilst working as a doorman. Read more
Published 7 months ago by Mr. N. J. Benger
2.0 out of 5 stars
Great first 50 pages, then same 50 pages repeated x 9 times
I bought this book after reading the favourable reviews and no doubt, first 50 pages or so are FANTASTIC. Read more
Published 8 months ago by I_Like_Juice
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding
Read this book when i was a young, bullied kid. Changed my life and helped me learn about and manage conflict. The lessons are wholly applicable to one's existence. Read more
Published 9 months ago by PureSymmetry
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not Your Normal Everyday Inspirational Book
This book is the true story of the trials and tribulations of Geoff, a night club bouncer. At first he was afraid of his own shadow, but then grew to love the violence, along with... Read more
Published 14 months ago by AW Bradbury
5.0 out of 5 stars
The best self help book ever written ?
Where do I start ? I had previously been steered away from this book by the couple of negative reviews but after reading an insightful, humble and inspiring interview from the man... Read more
Published 20 months ago by Sons Of Odin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Geoff Thompson - Watch my back
Book was in great condition, been meaning to read this for a while and although it describes one man's personal path, there are quite a few areas where comparisons can be drawn,... Read more
Published 20 months ago by Stix
5.0 out of 5 stars
Magnificant, adrenalin packed insight - superb!
This book had me transfixed, from the first page to the last. The descriptions of his fights are superb and his light-hearted banter puntuates the brutality of his infamous KOs in... Read more
Published on 19 May 2011 by drdolittle76
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