By 4two
January 24 2004

We review the Paul Merson book - Hero and Villain in our first book review. This is a new feature which will be a regular on the site from now on.

Title - Hero and Villain: A Year in the Life of Paul Merson  

Author(s) - Paul Merson  & Ian Ridley

Publisher - HarperCollinsWillow

ISBN - 0002188961

Released - September 2000. 

Price - £7.99

Available - Amazon, Ottakers (Walsall). 

Review - Paul Merson documents the 1998 World Cup and the following season in the format of a diary which is a great read for football fans in general.  

The day to day format of the book gives you an insight in to an addicts struggle to perform at the highest level. You get a feel for Paul's out look on life and his attitude towards the game. 

The highs and lows of his personal life appear to be inextricably linked to those of his professional life. The binges and the relapses are explained in graphic detail, along with the guilt and shame that accompanies them.

He gives a no holds bar account of the relationships he has with his managers, and doesn't shy away from criticising his then manager John Gregory. He also shares his views on Bosnich, Collymore and more of his team mates. 

A must read for any fan seeking an insight in to the mind of Paul Merson. 

What they say -

Amazon -"His insider's view of the England camp makes interesting reading: consoling an angry Gazza; the ribbing of Hoddle; witnessing the dropping of David Beckham and the rise of Michael Owen"

The Times - "In his fine book, Hero and Villain, he details his breaking of rehab with terrifying punts on rugby league and American football. He had scarcely heard of the teams he bet on"

The Mirror - "His personal crisis brought to a head, in one complete package, all the social ills surrounding professional football.

Your View - If you have read this book, we want your comments. E-Mail TheSaddlersFC@aol.com to get your comments on this page.