Tony Cascarino bears all in this frank and enthralling tale of his life. In a career spanning over 20 years Cascarino notes his vast experiences in a manner not befitting the run of the mill football biography. In a book confronting the demons that appear to have haunted Cascarino throughout his life, Paul Kimmage manages to structure chapter after chapter that keep the reader gripped.

Cascarino unveils shocking revelations throughout this book, none more so than his apparent ineligibility to play for Ireland. Loyal to his friends throughout, Cascarino describes his turbulent relationship with his father, and admiration for his mother, with striking honesty.

The book details Cascarino’s struggles with self perception, his failed marriage and his ongoing issue of infidelity. However throughout the book Cascarino the man, despite his consistent self-punishment and personal flaws, becomes someone whom the reader cannot help but like. His understanding of who he is, lays other football biographies to shame, for in a time of the showbiz footballer Tony Cascarino stands about as far left of that stereotype as is physically possible.

Rating: *****

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