Product Description

Broken bones, studs in the face, a seized back - as a goalkeeping legend with Aberdeen, Norwich City, Hibernian and Scotland, Bryan Gunn knew all about pain. But nothing could prepare him for the discovery that his one year-old daughter Francesca was critically ill with leukaemia. "In Where it Hurts" is the candid and moving story of Bryan Gunn's life. From a tough upbringing in the far north of Scotland, and an apprenticeship under Alex Ferguson at Aberdeen (which included regular babysitting duties for 'the boss'), to a spectacular career at Norwich City, and a spell as Scotland's number 1, on the pitch his career was a triumph. Off it his world was shattered by the tragedy of losing Francesca in 1992, but her memory lives proudly on through the phenomenal success of Bryan Gunn's Appeal, which has now raised more than GBP800,000 for pioneering child leukaemia projects.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #297145 in Books
• Published on: 2007-06-07
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 400 pages

Customer Reviews

Surprisingly revealing story of a top premiership 'keeper
Goalkeepers seem to write the best football autobiographies. Perhaps because they stand slightly apart, unable to influence the game beyond their penalty area, except by bellowing at the back four. Maybe they get to think a bit more.

Bryan Gunn started his career at Aberdeen with Alex Ferguson, but spent most of it at Norwich City when they were - briefly! - a real force in Premier League during the early nineties. He was a Scottish international and at his peak, probably one of the best two or three goalkeepers in the English top flight.

His autobiography is in some ways a typical footballer's story - humble beginnings, hard work, discovery and an inspirational gaffer leading to an exciting career at the top level. It's journalistic, rather than literary, in style and packed with a startling number of drinking anecdotes (were the Norwich team ever sober the night before a big match? Or after?). But alongside the inevitable hero-worship and score-settling, it is funny, eye-opening and ultimately very poignant, as Gunny describes his daughter's battle with leukaemia. (Part of the proceeds from the sale of the book go to the charity he set up after her death.)

It will obviously be enjoyed by canaries fans who, like me, stood behind him in the River End and yelled `Gunny, Gunny what's the score?' but I think Manchester United fans will find the inside track on Fergie revealing, and anyone who loves great goalkeepers will definitely appreciate `In Where It Hurts'.