The Second Half - Hardcover

Doyle, Roddy; Keane, Roy

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0297608886 ISBN 13: 9780297608882

Publisher: Orion Publishing, 2014

Synopsis

Memoir by one of the greatest of modern footballers, and former captain of Manchester United and Ireland, Roy Keane - co-written in a unique collaboration with Man Booker Prize-winner Roddy Doyle.

In an eighteen-year playing career for Cobh Ramblers, Nottingham Forest (under Brian Clough), Manchester United (under Sir Alex Ferguson) and Celtic, Roy Keane dominated every midfield he led to glory. Aggressive and highly competitive, his attitude helped him to excel as captain of Manchester United from 1997 until his departure in 2005. Playing at an international level for nearly all his career, he represented the Republic of Ireland for over fourteen years, mainly as team captain, until an incident with national coach Mick McCarthy resulted in Keane's walk-out from the 2002 World Cup. Since retiring as a player, Keane has managed Sunderland and Ipswich and has become a highly respected television pundit.

As part of a tiny elite of football players, Roy Keane has had a life like no other. His status as one of football's greatest stars is undisputed, but what of the challenges beyond the pitch? How did he succeed in coming to terms with life as a former Manchester United and Ireland leader and champion, reinventing himself as a manager and then a broadcaster, and cope with the psychological struggles this entailed?

In a stunning collaboration with Booker Prize-winning author Roddy Doyle, THE SECOND HALF blends anecdote and reflection in Roy Keane's inimitable voice. The result is an unforgettable personal odyssey which fearlessly challenges the meaning of success.

About this title

About the Author:

ROY KEANE was born in Cork in 1971, and is now a television pundit for ITV after an astonishingly successful football career as captain of Manchester United and Ireland. He is currently the assistant manager of the Republic of Ireland and Aston Villa teams.

RODDY DOYLE was born in Dublin in 1958 and still lives there today. He is the author of ten acclaimed novels including THE COMMITMENTS, THE SNAPPER, THE VAN and most recently THE GUTS; two collections of short stories; RORY & ITA, a memoir about his parents; and TWO PINTS, a collection of dialogues. He won the Booker Prize in 1993 for PADDY CLARKE HA HA HA, and his 1991 novel THE VAN was a Booker Prize finalist.

Review:

A thoroughly entertaining rampage―Matt Dickinson, THE TIMES 'Books of the Year'

I've just got my copy of The Second Half and although I'm only a couple of chapters into it, it has not disappointed. People have their own opinions of Roy and some would be fearful of him, given how outspoken he can be. I have always judged people how I find them and I can honestly say I have never found a fault in him ... He had a fabulous career and I know I'm going to enjoy reading about it―Jamie Carragher, DAILY MAIL

I'm surprised how much Roy Keane's second autobiography made me laugh ... More importantly the book told me that Keane should be the next Manchester United manager. The more I read what he had to say, and his reflections on his two jobs as boss, the more I realised how perfect he would be at Old Trafford―Adrian Durham, MAIL ONLINE

I won't name names, but most sporting biographies couldn't set an ashtray on fire, let alone a crowd. The best one I've read of late is Roy Keane's The Second Half, which is actually written by Roddy Doyle, of course; and this is why it's good. It's not just Keano himself that makes the book interesting; it's Doyle's writing―Philip Kerr, author of IF THE DEAD RISE NOT and JANUARY WIDOW

Engrossing... a book that is both an exercise in truth-telling and a piece of literary football writing―Leo Robson, NEW STATESMAN

True star quality... a brilliant insight into Keane's mindset―IRISH EXAMINER

To use a sporting cliché, this blisteringly honest book - written in collaboration with Roddy Doyle - is a tale of two halves. An account of the driven Premier League star's career, then an insight into life as a manager. Roy Keane's self-deprecating wit, combined with a take-no-prisoners approach, make for an entertaining read―i newspaper 'The 10 Best Sporting memoirs'

There is no denying the man is a compelling figure... Keane is a welcome maverick. Football is entertainment and the Irishman is infinitely entertaining. His aura makes his every word worth listening to... Roy Kane is a treasure of the game; love him or hate him, football would the all the poorer without his loveably, uniquely scathing presence―FOOTBALLFANCAST.COM

There is much in Roy Keane's new book that is thoughtful and self-mocking, insightful and funny―George Caulkin, THE TIMES

There are plenty of insightful and entertaining anecdotes, wry asides and sarcastic barbs. It's not unexpected. Keane is a more rounded individual than the cartoon image that's been created around him might suggest... Surprisingly, you might find yourself chuckling as you work your way across a panoramic footballing landscape―THE HERALD (Ireland)

About this edition

• Publisher: Orion Publishing
• Publication date: 2014
• ISBN 10: 0297608886
• ISBN 13: 9780297608882
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 304