There are few stories that could be written about Joey Barton that haven't already been sensationalised in the tabloids. This one, coming directly from the man himself, is written with painful honesty and a bravery that matches his on field persona.
The story starts with a visit to an incarcerated friend, who had been sentenced for manslaughter after a brawl, in an opening that could so easily have been the fate of Barton himself. There then follows a deeply personal account of his family life and early surroundings that is not for the faint of heart. In particular, Barton's exposure to violence as a youngster makes for an unsettling read.
He documents his fight to make it as a pro despite being written off early as too small and rejected by his boyhood team, Everton before laying bare his experiences in English and French football. His battle with alcohol and personal demons are explored with increasing self-awareness after his involvement with the Sporting Chance clinic prior to relapsing and suffering the indignity of a prison sentence.
Despite his notoriety, he expresses his desire to tackle his problems head-on with the help of his mentor Pete Kay. His love for his children brings a new perspective, and even empathy.
From the book it is often clear that Barton's passion to win football matches brings himself into conflict with friend and foe alike and he appears to feel almost too responsible at times. In several instances his priority seems to be the good of the team at the expense of personal relationships until those relationships become so sour that breakaway is inevitable. It's an all-or-nothing approach that can be both extremely productive, such as securing QPR's promotion or very destructive.
The book is both very entertaining - in places being laced with his trademark acerbic wit - and fascinating, as the inner workings of the football world are revealed.
Overall the book is extremely well written and shines a light on a troubled professional who has often been dehumanised, not only by his own alcohol-fuelled behaviour, but also by media vampires as George Best and Paul Gascoigne before him.
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Superb, brilliant, with a capital B
Joey Barton, not only a super football player with a great football brain, but some of the topics in his book are absolutely brilliantfantastic reading just a completely different side to his outward Character his book draws you in and the read just becomes compelling so interesting, brilliant all round book so pleased I've added it to my collection totally surprised, worth every penny.
