Barry Murphy autobiography

Heard it was good and just got it at the bargain price of £2.24 on my Kindle. I think it’s about the same in paperback- big discount. Looking forward to reading it

 

Yes, it’s a decent read. Probably even more so for those that saw more of his playing career. When I started going in 73 he was in his twilight years. I went to his testimonial against Sheff Utd in 75ish (might be a year or so out). It snowed heavily if I remember right.

 

There’s a thing from the past- Testimonials

 

I've got to say, and I know I'm going to get flak for this, but I found it completely flat and uninspiring. But then I've never read a football autobiography that was worth the effort of reading.

 

Did snow mate you correct, was there too that night

 

I did enjoy Carlo Ancelotti’s book but it’s almost as much about management style as it is an autobiography.

 

It’s ghost written by Doug O’Kane - maybe that’s why

 

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Read some cracking football autobiographies to be fair. Barry Murphy’s is like a lot, where it’s just a log of their career and achievements. Only interesting because it’s about BFC. The best ones tend to be those that have a story to tell.
The best ones I’ve read, to name a few, are Paul Ferris, Mike Lake, Paul McGrath, Paul Merson and Adrian Doherty.
There are many more believe me.
Always avoid the obvious modern day success stories of those with countless medals at the big clubs. Just boring….

 

Paul Gascoigne’s biography best I have read for entertainment

 

All I can say OMB is that I've read a few and, without exception, they've been dire. I only bought Barry's because I was hoping it would offer some insight into the club from a time when I was growing up and falling in love with the club. To be honest I could have read the weekly football results from the time and been just as well informed. I don't particularly blame Barry Murphy for that. He was a footballer not a writer and I don't begrudge the cost of buying the book, he deserves the proceeds far more than any modern day footballer. The ghost writers that they uniformly employ though should hang their heads.
The John Dennis book was, at least, far more informative of what was happening at the club in the 60s and 70s.

 

Can’t argue with £2.24 though. I was watching them when he started so it will be of more interest to me than some.

 

I started watching in about 1965. I certainly don't begrudge him the money.

 

I thought that it was poorly written. It read like it was the transcription of a series of interviews.

That said it did provide an insight into the life of a lower league footballer from the 60s and 70s.

 

You need to read “Left Foot Forward” by Garry Nelson then.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Left-Foot-Forward-Journeyman-Footballer/dp/0747251827

 

I always thought it was an odd move for him following Clarkie to Elland Road, along with chief scout Martin Wilkinson. I just didn’t see the Leeds players being coached by Barry. I’ll be interested to read that chapter

 

I’ll put it on the list. Another I forgot to recommend is ‘The Accidental Footballer’ by Pat Nevin.

 

Best one I’ve read though is ‘Boy On The Shed’ by Paul Ferris. Brilliant.

 

Think it got called off in the second half , vaguely remember all the Sheff Utd players diving out of the way of Barry to let him score only for his shot to hit the cross bar

 

Agree. Got it as a Xmas present, couldn't finish it.
Best one I've read was Bobby Robson.

 

Does he still come to Oakwell? I can't remember the last time I saw him on the pitch pre game for a photo with the main match sponsor.