On the Edge
The Autobiography
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Narrated by:
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Martin Keown
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By:
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Martin Keown
About this listen
Brought to you by Penguin
Over three revolutionary decades, Martin Keown played football at the highest level. He witnessed the birth of the Premier League, the arrival of the millionaire player and was a key player in one of the best sides of all time – Wenger’s Arsenal. So why has he always felt like a man battling on the edge?
In this autobiography, Keown recounts how a son of working-class Irish parents, raised in a hostile England during the unrest of the 1970s, rose to be an automatic and enduring pick for club and country; the outsider who stayed the distance while so many insiders fell away.
Over his career, Keown played alongside some of the world’s finest footballers – including Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Tony Adams, David Beckham – and under inspirational managers – Arsène Wenger, Kevin Keegan, Sven-Göram Eriksson, Howard Kendall. He was the backbone for many years of the invincible Arsenal team that went on to win the 2003/4 Premier League title without losing a match.
Known as “The Rash” by friend and foe alike for the intensity of his man-marking, Keown always played as if he had more to prove. But his teammates knew he was fast, skilful, tough and loyal, a leader on and off the pitch. Fearless too, as you’ll discover – he doesn’t pull any punches here.
On The Edge is the story of one of Arsenal’s all-time greats – a man whose commitment put him at the centre of the pitch, a place he dominated like almost no other footballer of his generation.
It's fair to say Keown, like Steve Jobs, can have a bit of a reality distortion field going on. You get the sense this probably helped him and hindered him. Many funny moments too and probably not all intended. An unexpected classic that should entertain more than just fans due to more obscure parts of football during that time.
Unexpected classic
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Brilliant read: honest and insightful.
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Excellent audio book
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Maybe fewer impressions next time though! Not the greatest French accent 😆
Very enjoyable
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First things first. My main ‘go to’ audiobooks are sporting biographies & I will always look to see if the individual narrates their own book. If they don’t then I don’t bother with it. If they can’t be arsed to narrate their own life & sporting journey then I can’t be arsed to listen to it. That’s why I give those that do massive kudos if they narrate their own audiobook, so well done Martin you were excellent.
Martin played for my club (Villa) between 1986-89 & he always looked like he gave 110% when he played for us & my admiration for his efforts at my club have increased even more after the revelation’s in this book.
The details of his personal & sporting life journey flow nicely through the chapters & keeps you hooked all the way through.
The inserted audio interviews with Tony Adams & Arsene Wenger were a good idea but the execution could’ve & should’ve been better I’m afraid (note: use better audio recording equipment & don’t don’t record with young kids around you kicking up an almighty racket!).
However, the discussions were interesting & insightful so don’t be put off by that slight criticism.
All in all, you don’t have to be an Arsenal fan to enjoy this book, it’s one of the best sporting biographies I’ve listened to & I’ve listened to a few!
Well done Martin.
Surprisingly Very Good!
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