Blood, Sweat and McAteer: A Footballer's Story

Description

Former Republic of Ireland and Premier League footballer Jason McAteer shares the highs and lows from his long and colourful career ... The fighting McAteers: that's how the McAteer family of title-winning boxers were known throughout Birkenhead, across the Mersey from Liverpool. But for eleven-year-old Jason McAteer, growing up in the shadow of Liverpool FC, football became the dream. After signing with Bolton Wanderers at the age of twenty-one, the call to the international scene followed with the Republic of Ireland and, soon after, to his beloved Liverpool FC. The dream had become a reality. From his time with the Irish World Cup squad of 1994 to those tumultuous days in Saipan in 2002; on through his decision to leave Liverpool for Blackburn Rovers; his move to Sunderland, and the depression he fell into after finishing his professional career with Tranmere Rovers, Jason McAteer looks back with characteristic honesty and humour on his life - the jokes, the matches, and the personalities. This is the real Jason McAteer: a little bit bruised, a little bit battered. But still fighting.

Jason McAteer played Premier League football for Bolton Wanderers, Liverpool FC, Blackburn Rovers, Sunderland AFC and, finally, Tranmere Rovers as player/coach. His international career began with a call for the Republic of Ireland and he went on to win over fifty caps. His goal against Holland, helping Ireland to a play-off which ultimately resulted in their qualification for the 2002 World Cup, has gone down as one of the most memorable moments in Irish footballing history.