Product Description

Dave Jones is one of the most respected managers in football, who took Cardiff to the FA Cup final, Wolves to the Premier League and Stockport to their highest ever league position. But few fans, if any, could possibly identify with the anguish and turmoil that blighted his life. A staunch family man and loving father of four children, Dave's world was turned upside down when, while manager of Premier League Southampton, out of the blue he was charged with child abuse relating to his time working as a care worker.As he fought to clear his name from these totally false allegations, supported by his loyal wife Ann, who will also reveal her thoughts, Dave lost his job and, tragically, his father. What he didn't lose was his determination to tell his side of the story, even in the face of threats from those who sought to finish him. Now, in unprecedented detail, Dave reveals the effect the traumatic episode had on him and his family, identifies those he believes were responsible - and explains how, against all the odds, he picked up the pieces and resumed a highly successful managerial career.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #28544 in Books
• Published on: 2009-06-30
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 320 pages

Review
This is a story both terrifying - there, but for the grace of God, go any of us - and inspiring. Dave Jones, a manager gifted enough to be on course for a glittering career, found himself cast into a nightmare by unfounded allegations from the past. Aided by heart-wrenching contributions from his loyal wife Ann, a tale of how deep cynicism was ultimately defeated by justice is brilliantly told by Jones, now back in the game and confirming the potential that was so cruelly hampered, in long and riveting conversations with his trusted confidant, the journalist Andrew Warshaw. --Patrick Barclay, chief football commentator, The Times.

David Jones suffered an injustice that not only destroyed his blossoming football career, it did its damndest to destroy his life, his family and even his freedom. This is a compelling story of how a decent, dignified and honourable man can be taken to the abyss through no fault of his own but somehow find the strength, courage and sheer belief to fight back against all the odds. It's a story of evil accusation, rumour, innuendo and then ultimately defiance that strikes right at the heart of football and humanity in equal measure. Its telling is long overdue. David Jones is the sort of person who would want his experience to act as a deterrent for the future, a lesson for police authorities and social services to think twice before hurtling headlong into the twisted persecution of an innocent man. For David Jones' sake, read his harrowing story and judge for yourself how the system betrayed him - but mercifully failed to crush one of life's true gentlemen. --Mike Dunn, Sports Editor, The Sun.

The way the book is written with both Dave and his wife Ann giving their thoughts and feelings makes their story even an more heartwarming account of an incredible journey. It is definitely not a normal football book, but well worth a read. --Gabby Logan, BBC Radio 5Live

Customer Reviews

no smoke no fire
No Smoke, No Fire: The Autobiography of Dave Jones
A very moving account of the sheer hell a very decent and honest man and his family endured. Very readable I couldn't put it down, although it moved me to tears. Written with honesty it is also humorous in parts. Highly recommended I loved it. I hope the success of this book will bring the writer the respect he so deserves.

Courage and dignity in the face of erroneous allegations
Although far from being a literary masterpiece, Dave Jones's book (ghost written by Andrew Warshaw, who is one of the UK's top freelance football journalists) presents a no-holds-barred personal account of the total upheaval suffered by Jones and his family following the ultimately discredited allegations of child abuse brought against him.

Dave's wife Ann also makes a significant contribution to the telling of the story, and adds her views on the turmoil and upset including press intrusion, family bereavement and difficult relationships with management of Southapton football club, the police and social services.

The book contains moving moments of black humour from Jones's players, as well as an insight into the support and camaraderie received from his fellow managers including Sir Alex Ferguson.

Readers of the book will probably inevitably know the outcome of the story, but the colour and detail provided throughout the book paint a very honest and moving picture of an innocent man whose life is torn apart by groundless allegations.

It must take guts and determination to survive such a trial, and possibly require the same to commit the facts to print to ensure that the record is put straight. Jones emerges as a man of dignity and courage

this book wil inspire others
i throughley enjoyed this book and could not put it down .if dave jones wasnt the man he was he would not have one is case a case that should never have come to court that part of his life that he writes about was quite frightening at times for him and his family and his friends .He also writes about his love of everton and still loves them to this day and all the great players he played with and against and tells some nice stories about his time there .i am so glad that i read this book i think its a book which that will inspire many people .