Publisher's Synopsis
The man who sent off Cantona on that infamous night at Crystal Palace. The first man to referee a Wembley final with a female assistant. The man who awarded four penalties in one match. Recently retired after 13 years at the top as a Football League referee, Alan Wilkie lifts the lid on what really goes on in the world of professional football. Read about the personalities and egos, from Ginola standing alone and isolated in the players' tunnel, to the author's own run-ins with Old Trafford boss Alex Ferguson. Find out what Beckham is really like. Decide whether Vinnie Jones was a thug or just a tough competitor. Discover who are the cheats and who are the good guys, whose talent was wasted and who will be the next superstar. Feel the pressures of officiating a match in front of a 62,000 crowd, watched by 100 million people around the world. A split second decision followed by instant slow motion replays and your reputation being discussed in countless languages. Discover the world of greed and gamesmanship as the author takes you on a tour of the country's stadiums, big matches, football heroes and media idols.;In this revealing and entertaining book, ex-premiership referee, Alan Wilkie shares with you the pain and the pleasure of one of the toughest jobs in the sporting world. This insight makes fascinating reading and will appeal to a much wider audience than the everyday football fan. It is a must for anyone who enjoys finding out what goes on behind the scenes.
