How to Be an Ex-Footballer

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Cole made his first 2009–10 Premier League appearance for Chelsea against Blackburn Rovers, playing in attacking midfield in a 5–0 win. Many footballers don't cope well at all, with almost 40% going bankrupt within five years of retirement. I would recommend all young and upcoming football professionals read the last poignant chapter of this book at least.

On 16 October 2015, Cole signed for Coventry City on a 35-day, emergency loan deal, [81] and made his debut four days later, playing for just under an hour in an away 0–0 draw against Rochdale. Cole made his Liverpool debut on 5 August 2010 against Rabotnički in the UEFA Europa League assisting the opening goal for David N'Gog in a 2–0 win. His debut goal came on 3 November in a 4–3 home win against Barnsley, a 20 yards (18 m) free-kick which put Coventry 4-2 up. Also my copy had be inexplicably partially censored with some expletives ‘bleeped out’, but then later on that same expletive is left untouched.He was a member of England's 2002 World Cup squad, making one substitute appearance in the tournament.

After leaving the club in 2013, Cole said that joining Liverpool was a mistake due to not feeling a connection with the club or fans. He signed for Aston Villa in June 2014, then joined Coventry City on loan in October 2015, joining on a permanent deal in January 2016. Love the content but I am disappointed the 4 hours I have listened to has barely had any Crouch narration unlike his other books. Joe Cole is better than Lionel Messi, claims Liverpool's Steven Gerrard" The Guardian 10 August 2012. On 17 February, Cole played his first match under new manager Kenny Dalglish in a 0–0 draw against Sparta Prague in the Europa League, in which he came on as a first-half substitute for the injured Fábio Aurélio.

In this book he examines some of the ways other ex players have also successfully forged a new life after their careers ended.

I wont rush to re-read like I have Crouchy’s other books, but it’s still good for anyone who’s read his previous. He was the sixth player signed after the club's takeover by billionaire Roman Abramovich, amongst those was his former West Ham teammate Glen Johnson. As someone who’s more interested in the business of football than the physical game itself, I really enjoyed this book and think it might be the best of Crouch’s trilogy. We'll be coached and cajoled by Harry Redknapp, upset Rafa Benitez and be soothed by the sound of an accordion played by Sven-Goran Eriksson's assistant Tord Grip.Considering Crouch is a successful podcaster, it's not surprising that it is such clear audio book material. I felt this bisected his previous books in that it wasn’t quite as good as his first, but on a par or slightly better than his second. Cole scored a volley in the 34th minute of the match [102] and got an assist in the 85th when he sent in a ball to Steven Gerrard, [102] with this contribution earning him the Man of the match award.

His dribbling and overall flair was praised by Pelé, who stated that, "He has the skills of a Brazilian," during Cole's spell at Chelsea. In his next match, on 19 August 2010, Cole missed a penalty against Trabzonspor in the UEFA Europa League third qualifying round first leg, though Liverpool still won 1–0. It is a cautionary tale of the pitfalls of life after the final whistle when the ridiculous amounts of money disappear as quickly as the chants from the adoring crowds. It is sobering to learn that ‘around 40% of ex players go bankrupt in the first 5 years after quitting, a 3rd get divorced. Peter himself has managed to sidestep some of those pitfalls with his success as a pundit along with his podcasts and of course his books.On 2 August 2012, Cole started his first Liverpool game for over a year, playing in the Europa League first leg qualifier victory over FC Gomel. Joe Cole continued his excellent performances racking up a rate of ten goals and eight assists in all competitions, due to his performance he won the Chelsea Player of the Year 2008. Cole played only eight Premier League games in his first season but in the following season, he made 22 Premier League appearances, was a member of the West Ham team which won the 1999 UEFA Intertoto Cup, scored his first goal for West Ham, in a 3–2 League Cup win at Birmingham City on 30 November 1999 and scored his first Premier League goal, in a 5–4 home win against Bradford City, on 12 February 2000. In the first half of the 2005–06 season, Cole secured himself in the Chelsea first-team lineup, ahead of Shaun Wright-Phillips and Damien Duff. He scored over 100 Premier League goals, has 42 England caps and holds the record for the most headed goals in Premier League history.