Alan Hansen

'This book is a great read. Not only does Hansen give an insight into the Liverpool side which won eight championships, but in print he combines his trademark bluntness with a degree of tact few of us ever suspected he could achieve' Glasgow Sunday Herald

'Alan Hansen claims this is an autobiography, but it is much more than that. True, the BBC pundit and Express columnist has more than enough tales to tell from fourteen seasons at Liverpool. But A Matter of Opinion is precisely that. Hansen shares his thoughts on a variety of aspects of the game but the spotlight is never more illuminating than when cast upon himself . . . Now, nine years after hanging up his boots, the analytical style that takes a back seat often enough to allow the dry humour to come through, makes this one of the more readable football books . . . The thoughts of Hansen are a hit.' Express on Sunday

Football is a game of opinions. Alan Hansen knows this only too well. In his long, distinguished career with Liverpool he faced some fierce public criticism from the media. Now the boot is on the other foot and Hansen himself earns a living as one of football's most outspoken and popular pundits. 
 
Hansen's autobiography is as uncompromising as the man himself. Looking back at fourteen victorious years at Anfield, he focuses on the highlights and the inspirational characters - Paisley, Fagan, Dalglish, Rush - who were so instrumental in building the club's international success. Then there were the disappointments, and the darker days at Heysel and Hillsborough. Hansen reflects on the impact both incidents had on his life, and on the future for spectators of British football. 
 
In 1991 Hansen retired from football. He explains his reasons for not wanting to stay in the game, revealing a surprising lack of self-confidence. If he were starting his playing career now, who are the teams he would want to play for - and those he wouldn't? Which managers and players does he respect? Why does he admire Wimbledon above all other home teams? Hansen addresses these questions and, now that clubs are becoming multi-faceted business empires, looks at the future for the game in the UK. 
 
Until a knee injury ended his playing career, Hansen was one of the most successful British soccer players of all time. He captained Liverpool to an historic double in 1986, and is the only person to have won all of the honours available at club level at least twice. A keen tactical understanding of the game has made him a favourite on BBC TV Match of the Day, Grandstand and Sportsnight. Before embarking on his professional playing career, Hansen was awarded a place at Aberdeen University to read history. He lives with his family in Merseyside.

Alan Hansen

Praise for A Matter Of Opinion

'This book is a great read. Not only does Hansen give an insight into the Liverpool side which won eight championships, but in print he combines his trademark bluntness with a degree of tact few of us ever suspected ...

'Alan Hansen claims this is an autobiography, but it is much more than that. True, the BBC pundit and Express columnist has more than enough tales to tell from fourteen seasons at Liverpool. But A Matter of Opinion ...

Follow penguin

Follow ladybird

Follow puffin

Sign up to the Penguin newsletter