Mind Games: The Ups and Downs of Life and Football cover art

Mind Games: The Ups and Downs of Life and Football

The Ups and Downs of Life and Football

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Mind Games: The Ups and Downs of Life and Football

By: Neville Southall
Narrated by: Anne-Marie Silbiger
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About this listen

In this unique book, one of football’s greatest cult players reflects on the travails of the sport and draws upon his own experience to offer an honest assessment on one of its final remaining taboos: mental health.

The most difficult position in football? Being a goalkeeper. That’s what they say, right? You must be mad to stand between those posts and bat away shots and crosses all game long.

Neville Southall should know. He was the goalkeeper for one of the best teams of the 1980s and became an icon of the game during his 20-year career between the sticks. But what did it take to prepare himself mentally for the difficulties of the position? How did he dig so deep on the biggest occasions and in the highest-pressured moments? What scars were left at the end of his long career – a tenure that saw the highs of winning trophies, but also the lows of losing games, making mistakes and feeling the full weight of club and country on your shoulders. And how has he used his post-playing career to campaign for a better future for the next generation?

In this unique book, one of football’s greatest cult players reflects on the travails of the modern game, how some of society’s problems are reflected within it and draws upon his own experience to tackle one of its final remaining taboos: mental health. On fear of failure, confidence, sexuality and homophobia, suicide, social media and many other talking points – Neville doesn’t hold back on the biggest subjects and gets stuck in to some of the most important topics surrounding the beautiful game.

Emotions Football (American) Mental Health Personal Development Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Sports Game Health Career Thought-Provoking

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All stars
Most relevant
A brilliant listen, Big Nev always has been a class act and this book is no different. Truly thought provoking and inspiring. What an absolute gent! Proud to say hes part of the royal blue family!!

Thoroughly enjoyed that!

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I didn't expect to see this kind of book written by an ex-footballer, but it's exactly what the sport needs. It tackles mental and social issues both related to football and society in general.

Unfortunately, it is narrated by the author himself, whose accent (while lovely in a way) is horrible for understanding. I realized late in the book that turning the speed down a bit makes it better. I used 0.9, but you could try even lower.

Great book, but difficult narration

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Fantastic insight into both parts of Nev’s career, obviously as a footballer but now as an advocate for mental health and standing up for people who are persecuted just for being themselves. A great man 💙

Fantastic insight

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It normally takes me a while to finish a book, but I listened to this in a day. There is a great mix of real life lessons, football analogies and food for thought. It is narrated by Big Nev as well which delivers a great matter of fact style and feels like he’s speaking to you in conversation instead of simply narrating a book.

Loved it!

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Politicians please read.
I expect they will not.Truth hurts them.More please nev. Please

Honest

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