Customer Reviews
Takes tedium to a whole new level - By: Sam Hispam, 01 Aug 2007 
Even by the standards of footballl autobiography this is very dull. There is nothing juicy or interesting here. I expected Ferguson to be a bit more of a feisty character: instead of which he's just dull. You won't get any insights into management technique or any behind the scenes stories here.
Great Book About a Great Manager - By: Jay, 22 Mar 2007 
Despite not being an avid supporter of Manchester United I have always been very keen to have an insight into the life & times of club's greatest ever manager.
The book clearly portrays the great mans early days & his tough upbringing in Govan, Glasgow. Uniquely, in a city which had major religous differences Alex's parents were from a mixed marriage. We get a great insight into Alex's early footballling life & the tough times that his family endured in surviving.
A fascinating discussion about Alex Ferguson's time as a player were amongst other clubs represented Glasgow Rangers. Even as a player we could to realize that he had a volatile temperament which would continue to serve him as a natural footballl leader.
From success at the unfashionable Aberdeen footballl Club to the pressures of managing one of the biggest sports clubs in the world Alex remains how much his childhood upbringing continues to be a major backbone of his life.
A truly great read into the one of soccers most respected characters.
Read Between The Lines - By: , 21 May 2003 
There is a genre of British autobiographies you could calll "man from tough working class background makes good". To begin with I was frightened that Alex Ferguson had placed his own autobiography so firmly in this genre that it would contain little of any value.
However, as you get into it, & as long as you have your 'between the lines' head on, it has quite a lot to offer.
From a footballling point of view I became more into it once it reached an era I could remember (late sixties).
Particularly fascinating is the effect senior school had on Alex, due to his being older than his peers. I find myself wondering if this was a major influence in forming the aggression, expectation of extreme loyalty, & paternalism that are clearly major parts of his make-up, & so common in successful leaders.
I am now thinking of reading Michael Crick's book, although, despite Alex's obvious attempts to hide much about himself, I think most comes through if you look for it.
What Makes Him Tick - By: Mrs K Jarvis, 17 Dec 2002 A lot of people myself included do not know of Alex Fergusons early beginnings. It was interesting to read how he started at the bottom & worked his way up through sheer grit, determination & being able to nurture his players.
Comprehensive , triumphant autobiography - By: L. Davidson, 11 Nov 2002 This book is not exactly a "page turner" , but it is well worth reading. Sir Alex Ferguson emerges from it not only as a phenomenallly successful footballl manager , but as a genuinely impressive human being. I enjoyed his early life story in particular , probably because his later life is now so familiar. My first recollections of Ferguson were when he managed St Mirren to some successes in the 70's & was largely unaware of his relatively successful playing career with St Johnstone , Dunfermline, Rangers et al.The novel traces his playing career & skilfully interweaves it with details of his personal life & comments & opinions on the people he encounted along the way.His full life included stints as a toolmaker & pub manager in Glasgow. A picture develops of an energetic ,determined,competitive, tacticallly skilful & honest man who commands & displays loyalty & is a master motivator. Ferguson watched & learned from people like Jock Stein over the years & acknowledges such influences throughout the book.
"The Treble" Man.Utd. achieved in 1999 begins & ends the story & will always be the highpoint of Ferguson's career & the Man Utd success story of the past decade is covered in detail with interesting insights into his dealings with Ince , Kanchelskis , Cantona etc.
Sir Alex Ferguson emerges from this book as an impressive figure. There is no trace of arrogance in the story, from a man who came up through the lowliest ranks of Scottish clubs in his playing & management career. As his management career draws to an end this well-written book is a worthy tribute.
