I don’t read a lot of autobiographies and biographies but when I do, I like to read ones of people I admire and also of more unconventional characters and Pat Nevin is certainly not typical of you average professional footballer. In this autobiography Pat tells us of his upbringing in the east end of Glasgow during the 70’s and the numerous school teams and boys teams he played for in his youth, including Celtic Boys Club. When he’s released by them he doesn’t envisage a career in football but commences his studies and expects to become a teacher like his siblings. However he signs part time for Clyde basically as a means to supplement his meagre student grant but his football career takes off from there and he finds himself giving up his studies to move to London to play for Chelsea, with the proviso that if it doesn’t work out he can resume his degree course. Suffice to say he never returned to complete the course !
Pat’s unconventionality comes from the fact that he was a bit more intelligent than the majority of his fellow professionals in that he read, was into ‘indie’ music and the arts in general and didn’t drink alcohol in huge quantities. He also looked after himself physically too, by training long after the other players had departed and he also enjoyed distance and hill running. Pat describes he football career with the usual tales of both the on and off field antics of his fellow professionals and the various managers and coaches he worked under. What makes Pat’s book a bit different is that he also goes onto tell us of his attitudes towards racism and homophobia which he witnessed first hand, in the sport and in society in general. He also writes about the abuse that went on at Celtic Boys Club, which he wasn’t aware of at the time, but reflects on the individuals he knew at the time. On a lighter note Pat also reflects on his love of indie music and his friendship with John Peel and as a note of interest, the chapter titles are all song titles which can be compiled into a playlist too, if you’re so inclined.
A thoroughly entertains and thoughtful biography that concludes with the end of Pat’s playing career but I do hope there is a future volume forthcoming which deals with Pat’s post playing career ?
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The Booker Prize 2022
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