Paul Ferris was a teenage prodigy, becoming Newcastle United’s youngest-ever player in 1982, only for injury to ensure his promise went unfulfilled. He later returned to the club as a physiotherapist before earning a Master’s degree and beginning a successful quest to qualify as a barrister. But the lure of football was always strong and he went back for a third spell at Newcastle, as Head of the Medical Department, again working closely with a host of big-name players and managers. Paul also became a novelist and now runs a successful health and fitness business.
All men should read this book – important and brilliantly written. -- Alan Shearer A triumph ... A worthy follow-up to The Boy on the Shed. -- Jeff Stelling A difficult and important story beautifully told. -- Mick Harford Genius... A difficult, deeply personal story beautifully told. Paul Ferris is a rare and important author who can write about the darkest of subjects with a warmth and life- affirming honesty few others can match. -- George Caulkin * The Athletic UK * Paul Ferris manages to be brutally honest and very funny about something dark and terrifying. He's also generous, warm and philosophical. -- Kevin Day, writer and comedian A book as brave as it is honest. * Daily Mail * ... a fantastic read… educational and thought-provoking. * ITV News * A powerful, courageous and brave book -- Francis Benali, Southampton FC legend and award-winning charity fundraiser Courageous, life-affirming and beautifully written, it is a memoir that is both deeply moving and rich in humour... a magnificent book and I encourage you to read it. -- Helen McGurk A deeply personal and brutally honest account ... handled with a light tough - and moments of real humour - as Ferris brings that roller coaster road to life. * Irish news * Powerful * Choice Magazine * Unmissable: please read this extraordinary book... Every man, whatever their age, should read this brave and painfully honest book. * Daily Mail * Ferris brings humour to the darkness. This profoundly moving memoir will perhaps be his most important legacy. It will hold the hands of men unfortunate enough to face the same fight and encourage others not to remain silent. Inspirational. * Daily Mail *