The top three football autobiographies: Telling it like it is

Football is full of controversial and emotive characters, from those who were considered to be the worlds’ greatest players to others who became living legends for all of the wrong reasons. Regardless of how a player or manager has made their name, however, their narratives and unique tales of achievement can offer inspiration to others who long to become renowned in the field of football. With this in mind, here is a look at three of the most famous and impactful football biographies of modern times:

Full Time: The Secret Life of Tony Cascarino by Tony Cascarino

A good footballing biography must be both entertaining and emotive in equal measure, and the story of former Republic of Ireland striker Tony Cascarino achieves both in abundance. Essentially, it told the story behind the much admired and capable centre forward, and he struggles that he faced in terms of alcoholism and meeting the expectations of an adoring public.

No piece of football literature goes into detail quite like Cascarino’s work, as he and writer Paul Kimmage even revealed the prevailing wages of the time and delved into the politics that underpinned English league football.

My Autobiography by Sir Alex Ferguson

When Sir Alex Ferguson released his highly anticipated auto biography last season, the fall-out was as spectacular as it was unexpected. While exposing the truth about his disagreements with high profile players such as David Beckham, Roy Keane and Ruud Van Nistelrooy, Manchester United’s most successful manager also offers a unique insight into why he was so successful for such a sustained period of time. While it is a book that may lack the broad scope and depth of his original auto biography Managing: My Life, his latest offering is certainly more action-packed, controversial and no less fascinating.

The Second Half by Roy Keane

In terms of contemporary book launches, few can rival the drama and impact of Roy Keane’s latest literary efforts. The Second Half explores the fiery midfielder’s life after his acrimonious departure from Manchester United, including his often controversial stints as manager of Sunderland and Ipswich Town.

It is Keane’s appraisal of his feud with Sir Alex Ferguson that is most interesting, however, as this narrates the breakdown of one of English footballs most successful partnerships ever. Keane’s book also illuminates a time when the Red Devils were at the very top of their game and is therefore a must read for die-hard fans.

The editorial unit