Product Description

For more than a decade, people regarded Vinnie Jones as little more than the Hardest Man of Soccer. But people got it wrong. A back-street boy from a broken home, a hod-carrier who became the captain of Wales, a loving husband who has experienced much lonliness and many more tears, the countryman who became a huge film star, Vinnie Jones has never been a one-dimensional character. At last the chance has come for him to tell his story and hit back at his critics. A player like no other, Vinnie's autobiography is like the man himself: open, honest and without fear.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #58075 in Books
• Published on: 1999-09-23
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 384 pages

Amazon.co.uk Review
Ever since Vinnie Jones was pictured squeezing a sensitive handful of Paul Gascoigne in 1987, he has been marked down as one of the hard men of British Football. But the story of how Jones progressed from a hod carrier on a building site to an FA Cup winner and captain of Wales is about more than his willingness to rush in where angels fear to tread. This honest biography covers a troubled upbringing and home life--his anguish at the failure of his parents' marriage and the trials of his own marriage--as well as his exploits on the pitch. From the Gazza incident--"I just moved my left arm backwards and grabbed"--to his seemingly never-ending urge to get involved over and above the call of duty: "I've always identified with the characters like Ian Wright much more than with people like Glenn Hoddle", this is Vinnie in the raw. Jones has now built a career off the pitch, not least as an actor, but whatever the future holds for him, that picture of him and Mr Gascoigne will permanently ensure him a mention, honourable or otherwise, in the story of football. --Nick Wroe

Review
'One of the best things that has happened over the past year is Vinnie's autobiography' (Daily Telegraph )

'Beneath all the brutality there is a love story to rival any in classic literature' (Ian Wooldridge )

'Jones talks as he plays, with a forthright intensity that is never less than shudderingly honest' (Daily Mail )

'Genuinely chilling' (Independent )

About the Author
Vinnie Jones made his league debut with Wimbledon in 1986, gaining an FA Cup winner’s medal in 1988. He then played for Leeds United, Sheffield United and Chelsea, before returning to Wimbledon in 1992. He ended his football career at Queens Park Rangers in 1998. He then starred in the cult classic film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, following it with Gone In 60 Seconds, Snatch, Swordfish and The Mean Machine.

Customer Reviews

Jones is the man
Everyone remembers Vinnie Jones as the lad squezing Gazza's gibblets, however his autobiography shines a light on the tough past of one of England's brightest stars. Taking account his humble origins and traveling just prior to the filming of "Mean Machine," Vinnie: My Life is an insightful read that contains all of Vinnie's humor and emotion. Besides being a striking book, Vinnie's ability to narrate his life is remarkably brilliant. A very fluid read from beginning to end, I highly recommend this book.

What a book!
This book is so good for so many reason. Funny, true, moving and "its been emotional". It describes Jones' childhood through his painful eyes up to the point where he starts his film career. It is very honest about a lot of things and it made me respect Jones as a person and as a player. If you dont like football you should consider reading it as Jones has to overcome a lot of hurdles in his life and he was still portrayed as a monster by the media, which is unjust, he is just a man trying to make the most of a life that was a bit cruel. He's a sensitive man as well which may suprise a lot of people.

entertaining, humorous, enlightening book about the author
The more I read this book, the more tears comes out of my eyes. The author describes his childhood and professional career in a vividly, emotional,triumphing detail. He demystifies the exaggerated image that the media has put upon him when he was a professional soccer player. He's only human. If others were in his predicament, they would have the same reaction. It's an entertainingly humorous book to read. I pick up this book and don't want to put it down. I have not finish reading this book and already I can't wait for his next book...