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On the Edge

The Autobiography

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On the Edge

By: Martin Keown
Narrated by: Martin Keown
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin

Over three revolutionary decades, Martin Keown played football at the highest level. He witnessed the birth of the Premier League, the arrival of the millionaire player and was a key player in one of the best sides of all time – Wenger’s Arsenal. So why has he always felt like a man battling on the edge?

In this autobiography, Keown recounts how a son of working-class Irish parents, raised in a hostile England during the unrest of the 1970s, rose to be an automatic and enduring pick for club and country; the outsider who stayed the distance while so many insiders fell away.

Over his career, Keown played alongside some of the world’s finest footballers – including Thierry Henry, Dennis Bergkamp, Tony Adams, David Beckham – and under inspirational managers – Arsène Wenger, Kevin Keegan, Sven-Göram Eriksson, Howard Kendall. He was the backbone for many years of the invincible Arsenal team that went on to win the 2003/4 Premier League title without losing a match.

Known as “The Rash” by friend and foe alike for the intensity of his man-marking, Keown always played as if he had more to prove. But his teammates knew he was fast, skilful, tough and loyal, a leader on and off the pitch. Fearless too, as you’ll discover – he doesn’t pull any punches here.

On The Edge is the story of one of Arsenal’s all-time greats – a man whose commitment put him at the centre of the pitch, a place he dominated like almost no other footballer of his generation.

©2024 Martin Keown (P)2024 Penguin Audio
Football (Soccer) Sports Football England
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What listeners say about On the Edge

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Honesty & Tenacity

Loved it all! Unbelievable success and achievements as a professional footballer, coach, pundit/journalist, writer but most importantly as a loving husband father and son... A hero to many on and off the pitch... A real stand up guy! Well done fella. ONE MARTIN KEOWN: THERE'S ONLY ONE MARTIN KEOWN! 5

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Great book

Superb book, loved that Martin challenged Wenger at the end. INSIGHTFUL. If you read this Martin, I can confirm that the Stretford end all stood till the end in 2002 and gave a standing ovation as you left the field in front of us. I can say that as I couldn't get a ticket in the Arsenal section, so I blagged one in that end, so I was there!

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Really Interesting (but a little self indulgent)

I found Keown’s story really fascinating. I’m a huge football fan with a season ticket at Villa in the early 90’s at the time of the formation of the Premier League. I also like listening to Keown on TalkSPORT, although he comes across as pretty spikey and lacking a sense of humour. The book covered lots of known events and also lots of unknown things. There were only two things I didn’t like - the two interviews clumsily inserted into the middle of chapters- one with Tony Adam’s that sounds like he’s propped his phone up to record while small children are playing with building bricks nearby - the sound quality is awful. The other is with Wenger and it’s a bit cringey while he sucks up asks Arsene about things already covered in the book while calling him ‘boss’. I skipped both of these after listening to about 6 or 7 minutes. In my opinion they added nothing.

In all though it was a great listen and I really enjoyed it.

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His honesty

A great book by a great player very honest and gives us fans a reason for all his moments

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Unexpected classic

A lot of interesting insights about 80/90/00 football culture voiced by himself. He's clearly a well brought up kid that faced a range of challenges and setbacks that I wasn't so aware of at the time watching him play.

It's fair to say Keown, like Steve Jobs, can have a bit of a reality distortion field going on. You get the sense this probably helped him and hindered him. Many funny moments too and probably not all intended. An unexpected classic that should entertain more than just fans due to more obscure parts of football during that time.

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A man of principle and focus - kudos

A powerful story…
Thank you for sharing your personal story. I was moved by your mother and father’s story in recent years.

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Martin Keown - On The Edge

Brilliant book, beautifully written and read. I really enjoyed this book, really open and honest. Highly recommended.

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Excellent listen

Hey Martin, I have grown up during similar times to yourself and so the story was also similar to my younger years. Obviously the footballing story was very interesting especially as a Villa fan being able to get the real story on why you left. I listen to you on talkSPORT with Simon Jordan, however you came across better in your book.
Regards, Rowan

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