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by Raj Athwal (Author)
ONE of the most compelling and revealing books that you will read in 2018 of an industry worshipped by millions, but open to a select few. A British Raj (My Life in Football: Behind Closed Doors), is no ordinary football autobiography which we have become accustomed to. This book takes you on a true life journey of a normal working-class, British born Asian growing up in 1980s Britain in the midst of high unemployment and racism; during a period when the words 'National Front' and 'Paki' became part of everyday life. Despite living under a cloud of fear, Raj kept hold of his dream of one day feeling accepted by the country he loved and respected. Ultimately, his dream was realised when he went on to make footballing history by becoming the first ever British born Asian to represent an English professional football club as Commercial Director. The book covers the trials and tribulations of a man who scraped through education and spent much of his childhood playing street football, finding solace in music and being chased by skinheads. It is a book which lays bare in the rawest sense the human emotions of; innocence, euphoria, heartbreak & rejection. Having worked in the Premier League & for one of the biggest clubs in Europe; Coventry City, Watford & Glasgow Rangers, Raj is living testament to those that dare to dream. His route into football wouldn't be what you call orthodox, his twenty three years' experience of working in the higher echelons of the game will guarantee to leave you both exasperated & laughing in complete belief! This book provides a heartfelt account of what life was like for many Asian and black families trying to make a life for themselves in Britain throughout the 70's & 80's and the solidarity these communities formed in order to survive. It gives a truly amazing insight into how a normal everyday kid struggling to find a job of any description defied all the odds and ended up rubbing shoulders with some of the most powerful people who run the 'beautiful game' from boardrooms up and down the country. From his humble beginnings of pushing leaflets through doors, to overseeing multi-million pound sponsorship deals, Raj has witnessed it all in the cut throat world of football. Having worked on the inside for almost a quarter of a century, we are finally given the honest truth to what we have all been asking - What is life like in football - behind closed doors?
