Product Description

As Alan Hansen knows only too well, football is a game of opinions. During his career as a player he faced intense criticism from the media which undermined his confidence and often threatened to overwhelm him. In this work, Hansen looks back on the triumphs and tragedies that marked his career.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #84792 in Books
• Published on: 2000-08-03
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 352 pages

From the Back Cover
Football is a game of opinions. Alan Hansen knows this only too well. In his long, distinguished career as a player he had to face criticism from the media. Now the boot is on the other foot and Hansen earns a living as one of football's most outspoken and popular pundits. His keen tactical understanding of the game has made him a favourite on BBC TV's 'Match of the Day','Grandstand' and 'Sportsnight.'

Alan Hansen is one of the most sucessful British soccer players of all time. In 1986 he captained Liverpool to a historic double, and he is the only person to have won all of the honours available at club level at least twice. In 'A Matter of Opinion' he looks back at fourteen victorious years at Anfield, during which time Liverpool won eight League Cups and three European Cups. Hansen focuses on the highlights and the inspirational characters - Paisley, Fagan, Dalglish, Rush - who were so instrumental in building the club's international success, and on the disappointments, and the darker days at Heysel and Hillsborough, reflecting on the impact both incidents had on his life and on the future for spectators of the game.

Hansen's playing career ended in 1991 with a knee injury. He explains his reasons for not wanting to stay in the game, revealing a surprising lack of self-confidence. He shares his views on the current state of the game, looking at the pressures on players and managers, the influx of overseas players, and salaries and football finance. If he were starting out now, which are the teams he would want to play for? And those he wouldn't? Which managers and players does he respect? Why does he admire Wimbledon above other all home teams?

Alan Hansen's informed commentary and forthright opinions place him perfectly to give an acute perspective on the game today and the future for British football. His autobiography is as uncomprimising as the man himself.

About the Author
Alan Hansen
Alan Hansen was one of Britain's most respected football players and is now one of the most outspoken and popular football pundits.

Customer Reviews

Interesting but needed more
As a Liverpool fan from 1977, i was very interested in this book, as Alan Hansen played with them from the 77/78 season onwards. I got the book for Xmas and finished it almost within a day. The book has some interesting insights in to events such as Hillsborough/Heyisel and been dropped for Scotland for the 1986 world cup by Alex ferguson but I always felf it was a little lightweight. We could have done with more info on games such as Liverpools defeat to the Dons in the 88 cup final and Euro cup finals etc. The book is enjoyable but doesnt really have a whole lot to say except the admiration he has for Kenny Dalglish which he puts on every second page. I really like Alan Hansen as a television pundit but his writing talents arent as good. Even though Im a Liverpool fan , Alex fergusons book was much better, more detail from right thru his career.

Not Enough Opinion
Hansen was the most talented British centre-back of the 80s era. At his peak, he could command games like a midfield player. As far as the book is concerned, I was disappointed that he only superficially touched on the major financial and political issues in football. I expected more from a book with the title 'A Matter of Opinion'. The last reviewer seems to assume that Hansen used a ghost writer. If this is true, then it would not be atypical of famous people, not just in football, but in politics and the media etc.. It doesn't make him look like someone with the courage of his convictions - perhaps he thinks he's only safe criticising footballers who can't 'defend' themselves.

An interesting, yet unsatisfying account of Hansen's career
As a core member of Liverpool's successful teams of the 1970s and 1980s there is a wealth of insights and experiences of enormous interest, especially for a diehard Liverpool fan. Hansen and his ghostwriter have produced a lively and well structured book which links issues, such as the European Cup and players' salaries between the 1970s and 1990s effortlessly. Hansen deals touchingly about Hillsborough giving a vivid view of events from the dressing room on the day. What I found disappointing was that it was so short. I feel that given Hansen is regarded now as a man with forthright views on the game, and the length of time that he enjoyed success, the book should have been longer. A very enjoyable read but I would wait for the paperback!