Reviews

Alex Ferguson: My Autobiography by Alex Ferguson

thatonewhoreads's review

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3.0

it's a light autobiography if I'm gonna be honest. the other autobiographies that I have read are more personal, but this one seems very distant at times. as I was reading this book I could SAF bitterness towards certain players. it was a bit jumpy at times, it doesn't follow a chronicle order of events. at times the book just gets his opinion on certain things but I wanted more.

bookish_cahdii's review

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4.0

Interesting insight into the world of football from one of the greatest managers in England. It was a bit wishy washy at times, jumping back and forth time-wise. But all in all, it's a good book.

zbrox's review

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medium-paced

4.0

jakeynorris's review

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3.0

excellent read, offers a good insight on the life of fergie

readwithshashank's review against another edition

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4.0

Sir Alex Ferguson is someone millions would admire, even if they are not Manchester United fans. He is one of the most distinguished managers, and handled some of the best players/ strong personalities such as Cantona, Keane, Beckham, Schmeichel, Neville, Rooney, Ronaldo and many more.

This book covers his journey from Glasgow to Manchester and culminates with his last season and final premier league trophy in 2012-13. I loved the book for its simplicity, the humility of the person and how he’s called a spade a spade without ever sounding rude or pompous. There is also not an overdose of the footballing side which should make it an interesting read for all. Consider this as a self help book that isn’t preachy and has real-life examples of dealing with difficult situations.

For non-sports people, he’s confessed being a reader and said: “I’m glad to say that the simple act of reading is a marvellous release from the hassles of work and life.”

This book isn’t just a memoir, it is also a compendium of lessons in people management, and Sir Alex’s inputs seem valid for achieving success in any field. Some of my favourites being:

- A central component of the manager-player relationship is that you have to make them take responsibility for their actions, their mistakes, their performance level and finally the result

- I’ve always found that you have to take the hard road all the time, whether it’s popular or not

- No matter how good your CV, there are moments when you feel vulnerable

- The player can spill his resentments to anyone who’s willing to listen, but the manager cannot do that, as he has wider responsibilities

- When you’re leading the country (or a team or a company), there is vast responsibility and a certain loneliness; there is a vacuum attached to the job that others don’t want to break into

- When you’re young, the 14-hour days are necessary, because you have to establish yourself, and the only way to do that is by working hard; by establishing a work ethic

- I admire people who show you their emotions. It shows you they care

fnazmul's review

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adventurous funny informative lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

5.0

pulp_fiction_books's review

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informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0

The greatest to ever do it. Don't anybody dare come at me with Pep Guardiola.

8797999's review

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4.0

A very interesting read, biased as to be expected. Although I am a Liverpool fan and despise the manager, I find the man very interesting and his story also interesting. Enjoyed it nonetheless, regardless of some of his nonsense criticisms of non-MUFC figures. Only to a Manc is Gerrard not a top top player, whereas Nick Powell is the future of England ....

Glad to see old cherry nose on the mend after some recent health issues.

A book for football fans but a wee bit heavy on the bias. As to be expected.

nmims24's review

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informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

dettereads's review

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4.0

More than a successful story of one of the greatest football managers of all time, this book is also a good source of leadership and management skills and lessons.