He was a bit of a mess when I saw him in Brighton. He came across as a charming chap though and if the anecdotes from his book are mainly accurate, he had some gall. Have you read Mr Nice?
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Good people of NSC - recommend me an autobiography
- Thread starter Poojah
- Start date
He was a bit of a mess when I saw him in Brighton. He came across as a charming chap though and if the anecdotes from his book are mainly accurate, he had some gall. Have you read Mr Nice?
Hatterlovesbrighton
something clever
The Paul Merson one. Takes you through his battle against alcohol and gambling as well as football stuff.
mystery_man
Banned
- Jun 7, 2013
- 70
Not everyone's cup of tea but David Batty's autobiography was enjoyable. Not always harping on about the profession of being a footballer. Russell Brand's My Booky Wook was a good non sport related read as were both of Chris Evans' offerings (if you are one of the people who can stand him).
joeinbrighton
New member
Mystery Man's right about Chris Evans' autobiographies. They are both excellent and very honest accounts, albeit he is certainly a Marmite man.
As someone else mentioned cricket, the best autobiography I've read on that sport in recent years is Marcus Trescothick's. Covers his mental health diagnosis and the events that led to him seeking support and explains his thought processes. Really interesting read. Mike Atherton's autobiography is a great read too, although not surprising considering the quality of his work in The Times. There is a particularly good chapter in that book about the test match against South Africa where he gloved the ball but was given not out and where Allan Donald then bowled like a man possessed thereafter.
As someone else mentioned cricket, the best autobiography I've read on that sport in recent years is Marcus Trescothick's. Covers his mental health diagnosis and the events that led to him seeking support and explains his thought processes. Really interesting read. Mike Atherton's autobiography is a great read too, although not surprising considering the quality of his work in The Times. There is a particularly good chapter in that book about the test match against South Africa where he gloved the ball but was given not out and where Allan Donald then bowled like a man possessed thereafter.
mreprice
Active member
Another vote for Agassi's Open.
Also loved Tyler Hamilton's The Secret Race and the Life and Death of Marco Pantani
Also loved Tyler Hamilton's The Secret Race and the Life and Death of Marco Pantani
joeinbrighton
New member
Add me to the list of endorsers of Agassi's 'Open' autobiography. Really excellent read.
ATFC Seagull
Aberystwyth Town FC
Paul McGrath - Back From the Brink.
Probably more about alcoholism than his football career but cracking read.
Edit - just read the original post and you've already read it. But recommended to anyone else!
Probably more about alcoholism than his football career but cracking read.
Edit - just read the original post and you've already read it. But recommended to anyone else!
Nibble
New member
- Jan 3, 2007
- 19,238
I found Peter Kay's autobiog very good. I used to have strong connections to Bolton and recognised a lot of the places he writes of but a damn funny read for anyone.
Michael Caine's one is good, if a little self congratulatory but very interesting.
Stephen Fry's autobiographies are tip top.
Michael Caine's one is good, if a little self congratulatory but very interesting.
Stephen Fry's autobiographies are tip top.
Easy 10
Brain dead MUG SHEEP
That Simon Jordan book is a cracking read. I'm sorry, but it is.
Hotchilidog
Well-known member
- Jan 24, 2009
- 9,136
I had Arnold Schwarzenegger's recommended to me and I have to say it is quite an enjoyable read. It is however a weighty tome.
The Keith Richards one is very good, as is Sussex and BHA support newscaster Jon Snow's autobiography.
The Keith Richards one is very good, as is Sussex and BHA support newscaster Jon Snow's autobiography.
somerset
New member
Nothing to do with football but:
I have been picking off a list published by Author L J Martin, these are the 3 best I have read to date.
Waging Heavy Peace - Neil Young.
Just Kids - Patti Smith
Proof of Heaven - Eben Alexander
I have been picking off a list published by Author L J Martin, these are the 3 best I have read to date.
Waging Heavy Peace - Neil Young.
Just Kids - Patti Smith
Proof of Heaven - Eben Alexander
LargeHadronZugzwang
Active member
Non Footy = Under the Eye of the Clock by Christopher Nolan
A brilliant and hilarious read.
Footy = The Secret Footballer by.........er
Revealing!
A brilliant and hilarious read.
Footy = The Secret Footballer by.........er
Revealing!
LU7 RED
Active member
Sport - Lee Chapman's is very good as is Garry Nelson's. Favourite however is Micky Quinn's 'Who ate all the pies?'
Non sport - Peter Kay, Ricky Tomlinson, Frank Skinner - all very funny.
Non sport - Peter Kay, Ricky Tomlinson, Frank Skinner - all very funny.
dejavuatbtn
Well-known member
Trautmann's Journey (even though he played for Man City).
robinsonsgrin
Well-known member
a superb find in a charity shop, but highly recommended - with albion link too...
Matchday - What Makes Saturday Special by Chris Green
also just read the Johnny Phillips soccer Saturday book, including chapter on Charlie oatway. was ok...
Matchday - What Makes Saturday Special by Chris Green
also just read the Johnny Phillips soccer Saturday book, including chapter on Charlie oatway. was ok...
Bold Seagull
strong and stable with me, or...
Nibble
New member
- Jan 3, 2007
- 19,238
I may be wrong but Howard Matks always struck me as a bit of a fantasist. On the few occasions I have spoken with him he got on my tits to be frank. The book is a good read but I took it all with a barrow of salt.
I heartily recommend any of Henry Rollins' travel/tour diaries. Get In The Van is about as comprehensive a tome on what it must be like to be in a band travelling the world in a van as one is likely to get, also recommend: Do I Come Here Often? and Smile You're Travelling.
I heartily recommend any of Henry Rollins' travel/tour diaries. Get In The Van is about as comprehensive a tome on what it must be like to be in a band travelling the world in a van as one is likely to get, also recommend: Do I Come Here Often? and Smile You're Travelling.