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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 Inspiring Thought-Provoking England
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What listeners say about On the Edge

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Great Book - Better then Black and Tan “Simon Jordan’s book”

I really enjoyed Martins book and would highly recommend it to anyone wants to know more about him or have an interest in football and autobiographies

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Excellent audio book

Again an excellent and honest insight into a top sportsman’s career. But again the putting on of accents is cringe. I’m new to audio books so maybe they all do it. I don’t think it’s needed.

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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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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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Hard work and determination pays off .

I listened on Audible and it really was one of the best sporting autobiographies that I’ve listened too.. was interesting from start to finish and helped with him being not afraid to name names and how he felt about that individual which isn’t always the case . Loved Martins determination and hard work and knowledge of the game and his willingness to listen.. especially to Arsene Wenger both during and after his playing career. The only negative was the quality of the interviews with Adams and Wenger.. I found it quite poor and was quite hard to understand at times.. which was a shame 🙏

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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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Oh, Martin! Never think Arsenal is not your club. I think we need more conversation with the old boys!

An honest and enjoyable run through Martin's life and career. He's not the best reader, but had it been read by anyone else it wouldn't have been as good. Fascinating insights and great interviews especially with Tony Adams and Mr Wenger.

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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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His honest account of his footballing story.

When I watched Martin in the 90’s I didn’t like the type of footballer he was. Thought he was a dirty player. I’ve warmed to him since his commentary and talk sport employment and have changed my mind on him as a player. You’d love to have a winner like Martin in your team!! His book give a great insight into his psyche and will to win at all costs. I also like his principles and how some of his decisions were based on his sound ethics. One of the best books I’ve listened too! I recommend 100% and loved his impressions of Arsene Wenger and George Graham 😂 👌

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