Product Description

Roy Keane is one of the most notorious figures in modern football. On and off the pitch, he's a huge presence - outspoken, determined, talented, respected - and wherever he goes he's always creating fireworks. His career has seen more than it's far share of thrills and spills, with ferocious tackles, inspired leadership, bust-ups and brilliant goals just everyday occurrences in Roy's world. From the early days of his growing reputation at Nottingham Forest, to his enduring brilliance as the midfield engine of the record-breaking Manchester United side under Sir Alex Ferguson, he's kept the crowds' and critics' attention as perhaps the most dominant force in British football. Throughout his fantastic carer, his trademark aggression and determination on the pitch have meant that he can turn a game around in seconds. It is these same qualities, however, that have often led to him hitting the headlines. Keane has always courted controversy - his robust attitude on and off the pitch have kept him in the spotlight for much of his life in football but, as this book shows, he is also an honourable man dedicated to doing the right thing by himself and others. For his beloved Ireland, too, his presence was at turns talismanic and troubled. His dramatic exit from World Cup 2002 found him in the glare of publicity once more, sent home before Ireland had even finished training. Keane's disputes with the Ireland manager forced him to miss the chance to captain his country in football's greatest tournament. Despite being marred by a long-standing hip injury, a spell at Scottish champions Celtic in the 2005-6 season confirmed his desire to remain involved in the top flight of football. But for Keane, new challenges came in the form of management and his now managing the resurgent Sunderland AFC. This fully up-to-date book reveals all about both man and football player; with insider details from those closest to Roy, as well as members of the public who have encountered him in their everyday lives.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #478237 in Books
• Published on: 2007-04-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 288 pages

About the Author
Stafford Hildred is a former sports reporter who has become one of Britain's best-know TV critics and authors. He is a lifelong fan of Grimsby Town FC yet, remarkably, he still appreciates football at the highest level. Tim Ewbank first began reporting football for The Kentish Observer in Canterbury; since then together with Stafford they have collaborated on several international bestsellers.

Customer Reviews

English football's most influential player
Since his £3.75 million (the synopsis above has the figure wrong) move from Nottingham Forest to Manchester United, Roy Keane has probably been the most influential player in English football - it is Keane's extraordinary "engine" (the word comes up a lot in the interviews in the book) and ability to read the opposition that allows Manchester United to have played Paul Scholes in such a forward role). Hildred and Ewbank have written a pacey biography telling the story of Keane's rise from schoolboy football in Cork to be captain of the world's richest club side, but they never really pin down the Keane phenomenon, either in footballing terms (the growing importance of fitness and pace; Keane's switch to a deeper role than he played at Forest; the needs of European football) or in its psychological dimensions (the relationship between the competitiveness at the heart of Keane's game and his record of boiling over). Nonetheless, much food for thought, including Keane's wish to play for Celtic before he retires.

A great read for ALL football fans
Whilst the obvious readership for this book would be Manchester United fans -- don't be put off if you are not among the loyal legions. As a Brighton supporter -- this seemed a strange birthday present and i was tempted to pass it on to a friend.However , once i started reading i soon became hooked. This is no ordinary sports biography and gives a real insight in to the life ( an interesting life at that ) of one of the games biggest stars. Forest and United fans will obviously gain the greatest interest from this book -- but it is also full of revealing information about who actually runs the game -- from the money men to the greatest tacticians of the game. If there was one criticism it would be that there is possibly too much about his early career / life -- although the quotes from family and friends perhaps go some way to explaining the nature of Keane's aggression on the pitch. Supporters of any team will find this book hugely entertaining -- giving an insight in to the game which i have only come across before in Gary Nelson's fantastic Left Foot Forward and Left Foot In The Grave.

Very detailed biography
What an enjoyable biography of one of footballs most fiercesome characters. However, maybe hated by many football fans but this book proves how hard Roy Keane had to work to gain his status. Roy had many bad times and difficult times and the book is quite personal unlike many biographys. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, it gives an indetail descripition of what is required to become a professional and what it is like being one, in the eyes of a world great. Roy Keane's lifestyle was never been straight forward. Fighting as a youngster in a public bus to lashing out at hero's such as Alan Shearer. Roy Keane fans or football purists this is a must read, one of the best biographys available.