Jamie Redknapp – författare

One of the most loved - and loving - father-and-son duos in the land, Harry and Jamie Redknapp are football royalty. Football runs through their veins. Both have enjoyed stellar careers on the pitch, in managerial dug-outs and in our television studios. But how did it all start, and what drove them on to be the football fanatics that they so passionately are today?A Family Obsession is the fascinating result of Harry and Jamie sitting round the kitchen table, where they discuss, debate, select and celebrate all aspects of the game that have inspired them. Who are the men who impacted their careers and fired that all-consuming passion for football? This is a deep dive into the matches, the players, the managers and the changes that have spanned their two generations. With amusing anecdotes, Harry and Jamie reveal the individuals who have set their pulses racing, opened their minds, enriched their football lives and stimulated their respective love affairs with the sport.From childhood idols to role models in young adulthood, from beloved team-mates to bitter rivals, from genius managers to the game''s great mavericks - from Pelé and Maradona to Bobby Moore and Lionel Messi via Steven Gerrad and Pep Guardiola - all are brought to life by two of the country''s most knowledgeable, animated and beloved football obsessives.

''a wonderful book ... a great read'' Daily Mail''a fascinating book ... I really enjoyed it'' Piers Morgan, Good Morning Britain''a heart-warming, funny and insightful read. Perfect for a rainy day by the fire.'' FourFourTwo magazineOne of the Guardian''s ''Biggest Books of Autumn 2020''''A beautiful book about football, family, friendship and finding out who you really are.'' JACK WHITEHALL''One of the best books I''ve ever read about what it takes to become a pro.'' FRANK LAMPARDFor the Redknapp clan, football is a family concern; it''s the family business. Me, Family and the Making of a Footballer is a deeply moving, heartfelt and beautifully personal account of growing up as the second son of Harry Redknapp, and also an enchanting love letter to football."I''m Jamie Redknapp. Chances are my surname rings a bell. I want to introduce you to a colourful cast of characters from my formative years.Growing up, Dad and grandad ''Pop'' told us tall stories from London''s East End, but there was no artistic licence needed when I was actually kicking a ball about with legends like George Best, Bobby Moore, and Geoff Hurst. This book is the story of my childhood and adolescence. Like many others, I guess it''s a pretty typical mix of caravans and lollies, sweaty T-shirts and paper rounds, cheese sandwiches and Glacier Mints, The A Team, E.T. and Chinese takeaways.But this is also the story of a journey through an extraordinary childhood obsession with football. One minute it was all about Shoot! magazine, endless keepy-ups and countless impromptu kickabouts. The next, I''m playing for Bournemouth Reserves against terrifying, fully-grown men. Then I got my move to Kenny Dalglish''s Liverpool. I might''ve been living off gristly sausages and Smash potato in my dingy digs up on Merseyside, but I was living the dream. I was desperately hoping it was the start of something special. Writing Me, Family and the Making of a Footballer has helped me discover so much about myself. This book is my way of explaining who and what have made me ... well, me."