Dominic Matteo came to football at just the right time - just as players' wages were going through the roof.
As the former Liverpool, Leeds, Blackburn and Stoke player admits himself, he was "just a hard-working player who gave his all" yet ended up making millions from the game.
Such a background provides a good platform for his autobiography, the story arc of which takes in a period of sweeping change in the English game.
Unlike some books penned by bigger names, this one explains the essence of being a footballer in the era and will therefore be of interest to more than just the fans of the clubs he played for.
With Liverpool and Leeds being Matteo's two major clubs, there is plenty for their supporters to take in - from his deep-rooted dislike of Gerard Houllier to the inside story of the Leeds meltdown in the early 'noughties'.
On a more general level, the lengths gone to in order to fight injuries and a £1million gambling loss are able to shock. The tales of drinking exploits may also surprise many - Matteo's fondness for alcohol appears to be the source of his biggest regret.
Written with the help of the Yorkshire Post's chief football writer Richard Sutcliffe - a man who has penned biographies of Don Revie and Billy Bremner - the book certainly offers a very recent - and interesting - insight into what life as a top-flight footballer is like.
One disappointment is the number of incidents recalled in which the participants remain anonymous. With Matteo now working in the media, that is perhaps to be expected, but the book still provides many a tale worth a read.
Source: FOOTYMAD
