Title: My Autobiography
Genre: Autobiography
Year: 2013
Pages: 390
Origin: bought in Waterstone’s
Nod Rating: 2 nods out of 5
The man, the myth, the legend. This is true to the many
millions who support Manchester United. The agitator, the crook, and the
villain to countless others. There is no doubt that Sir Alex Ferguson is a
divisive person; for three decades he has watched over and commented on football
and been a looming figure. His retirement in 2013 marked the end of an era,
whilst his autobiography was released a handful of months later to loud noises
within the book publishing community.
It is rare for the Worm to part with his coins of gold and
silver for a newly printed hardback book. For a long time the Worm has
preferred the cheaper paperbacks, due to their lighter weight for
transportability issues. Therefore it is a testament to the legend of Ferguson
that seventeen gold coins was exchanged in the counter of Waterstone’s, just so
the Worm could get his mitts on what promised to be the definitive
autobiography.
Yes, definitive. This is because due to the longevity of his
career Sir Fergie has released several books at various points of success in
his career (notably in the early nineties and then after the 1999 historic
treble). Because of these earlier incarnations the earlier years of Ferguson ’s life is given short regard (with a brief
chapter on his Glasgow Ferguson
Treated with chapter headings of their own are the likes of
Beckham, Ronaldo, Keane, Van Nistelrooy, and Rooney. Space is also dedicated to
his managerial rivals, such as Mourinho, Wenger, and Benitez (although the
latter does not warrant a chapter title… a final dig?). The main momentum of
the book is about Ferguson’s building of a final great team at the Theatre of
Dreams, a team that was take in a further five Premier League titles, a
Champions League (in 2008, as well as a further two finals), as well as an
assortment of other cups (such as the badly-treated League Cup and the odd
sounding and perceived Club World Cup).
Although newspapers and websites were eager to report on the
“truth revealed” between the bust-ups behind the scenes, the reality is a
little different. There is no in-depth assessment of his relationship with his
key players, rather reminiscing that appears slightly disjointed. Unfortunately,
then, for United fans, there is no engaging reveal of the end of Roy Keane’s
time at Old Trafford, of the boot that cut Beckham’s face, nor of the building
resentment between himself and Wayne Rooney.
Like him, love him, or (as is more probable) loathe him –
none can deny Ferguson
