Robin Friday

[Mexicano Rojo]

high fidelity? i like that one, in fact quite like fever pitch. about a boy is one of the only books i have read where i reckon the film is better.

[juddie]

Fever Pitch is decent. Also the Glory Game by Hunter Davies.

All the autobiogs of current players are drivel. Most of them have achieved fuck all, they have nothing in common with the man in the street = bilge.

[Bob's Orange]

I watched a 'where are they now' feature about ex Chelsea and Reading player Paul Canonville and he sounded like he had a hellish time of it. His autobiography sounds like a harrowing but interesting read.

From Amazon

Paul Canovilles story is one of extreme racist bigotry, shattering career-ending injury, a decline into drug abuse, battles against cancer, family tragedy and a determination to beat the odds. Canoville was Chelseas first black first-team player, making his debut in 1982. But as he warmed up on the touchline, his own supporters began chanting 'We dont want the ******!' The racist bile continued whenever he played, but within a year he had won over the terraces with his explosive pace and skill. Canoville fell out with the Chelsea board and moved to Reading in 1986, where injury suddenly ended his career at the age of 24. This started a downward spiral including the death of his baby in his arms, two bouts of life-threatening lymph cancer, drug abuse and homelessness. But Canoville fought back. In this explosive and shocking story, Paul finally explains why, despite everything, he is more positive than ever and has remained a fervent Chelsea fan all his life. This is a story of hope - eventually - overcoming adversity

[sonicyouth]

anyone else read football against the enemy? i'm reading it atm, quite enjoying it - very dated now though

[juddie]

that by simon kuiper (sp) is it?

[sonicyouth]

kuper, yeah.

[bigbobjoylove]

Tony Cascarino's Small Talk is very good. Interesting career he had in the end, although strangely didn't go into detail about the Playoff Final at Selhurst