The book A Life in Football – My Autobiography by Ian Wright, tells the story of the tumultuous life and career of one of the most prolific goal scorers in Premier League history. The book covers the significant moments of his life, including his childhood in South London, his budding career with Crystal Palace, his success with Arsenal, and his foray into punditry and other media appearances.
Chapter 1 ‘Let’s Start at the Beginning’ focuses on the early days of Wright’s life, growing up in a single-parent home in south London. In this chapter, Wright reflects on the difficulties he had growing up, as well as the moments of joy and comfort he found in football from a young age. One example of this comes when he remembers his crossings of London to train with his beloved Crystal Palace in which he found the opportunity to escape the negative aspects of his home life.
Chapter 2 ‘Finding My Feet’ offers a look at Wright’s breakthrough moments in his young career with Crystal Palace. In this chapter, he details his early successes, such as playing regularly for the first team and becoming the top scorer in the second division in the 1988-89 season. Motor City, his first away win with Palace, is also prominently featured.
Chapter 3 ‘A Move to Highbury’ tells the story of Wright’s move to Arsenal and the immediate impact he had on the team. In this chapter, he looks back at his first hat-trick for the club against Nottingham Forest, his elevation to the club’s talismanic striker, and his immediate success in the Premier League, FA Cup, and League Cup.
Chapter 4 ‘Glory at Wembley’ looks back at Wright’s two trophies with Arsenal, the 1993-94 Premier League title and the 1994-95 FA Cup. In this chapter, he recollects the feeling of the trophy lift, the goals that swung the tide their way, and the personal milestones he achieved during that period.
Chapter 5 ‘The End of an Era’ marks the beginning of the end of Wright’s time at Arsenal. In this chapter, he reflects on the changing landscape at the club, the beginning of his time as an elder statesman, the increasing awareness of racism in football, and his eventual transfer to West Ham.
Chapter 6 ‘Having a Ball All Over the World’ details Wright’s career after Arsenal, which takes him to clubs in both England and Japan. He looks back at his time at West Ham, Nottingham Forest, and Celtic, the joys of playing in the ostensibly minor leagues, and the difficulties he faced transitioning to a new name in a new country towards the end of his playing days.
Chapter 7 ‘Retirement’ looks at Wright’s life beyond the football pitch. In this chapter, he reflects on his transition to a new role in the media, commentating, and various other appearances on TV, radio, and other platforms. He also looks back at his personal life, his successes as a father, and his newfound appreciation for life beyond football.
The book A Life in Football provides a unique insight into the formative years and professional succeses of one of English Football’s most iconic strikers. Furthermore, it goes deeper into Wright’s personal life, taking time to reflect on the struggles and successes of his family and his transition into the media. Overall, the book provides an intimate look into a life lived through football.
