Simon Hattenstone

A relatively short but enjoyable book. A journalist in 2006 tries to interview all the living members of the 1966 England World Cup team as part of a 40th anniversary celebration for his newspaper. Some choose not to speak to him - and to be honest, he comes across as rather annoying when he continues to try and hassle them a bit into talking (even gate crashing an event they're at). Part of a journalist's make up is never taking no for an answer, I suppose.

But the interviews with those who DO talk, including Sir Bobby Charlton who apparently never gives interviews, are interesting even if much of what they say has been seen elsewhere.

Sad that within a year of his interview here, Alan Ball, who came across as very positive and enjoying life despite his wife dying a couple of years earlier, himself died of a heart attack. And that since the book came out, 3 of those interviewed now have Alzheimer's Disease.

Ultimately what shines through are "normal" people who did an extraordinary thing and were self aware enough to know that that's what it was - they weren't highly paid pampered or spoilt - they worked hard and got the rewards available at the time.… (más)