Reviews

Footballer: My Story by Kelly Smith

coops456's review

2.0

This is far from great literature, but if you're a football fan then you'll appreciate Kelly's career and also her journey through alcohol abuse and self-harm. Despite this, the book is oddly devoid of emotional context and any mention of personal relationships. With over 100 appearances for England, she offers some insight into international tournaments although the book ends before the London Olympics, a unique occasion for Kelly to represent GB and beat Brazil in front of 70,000 people at Wembley stadium.

Edited to add: Maybe the above is a little harsh; on reflection the following review sums up my feelings rather well http://fromaleftwing.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/kelly-smith-its-always-quiet-ones.html

elj_ne's review

medium-paced

3.75

Not the most poetic memoir but if you're interested in the history of women's football I'd recommend. Have been a fan of Kelly's as an Arsenal legend but didn't know much about her journey - this filled in a lot of the gaps. Would love for it to be brought more up to date as it finishes just before the London Olympics in 2012 which seems a long time ago now, and doesn't cover her post playing career or anything. Interesting that she's now gone into both pundritry and coaching considering she used to be shy and wasn't convinced coaching was for her. Very cool that she's now mates with Wrighty considering he was her childhood hero! A good read.

ev_'s review

3.0

An interesting insight to the background and history of women’s football over the last 25 years, the challenges faced behind the big games and tournaments too. An easy read