HarperNonFiction nets 'one of a kind' Neville Southall book

HarperNonFiction has netted a “one-of-a kind” book from former goalkeeper Neville Southall, exploring mental health in the modern game.

Editorial director Joel Simons acquired world all language rights from Gordon Poole at the Gordon Poole Agency. Mind Games: The Ups and Downs of Life and Football will be published on 3rd September 2020.

Southall played for Wales and Everton during his 20-year career and has become a hit on social media since his retirement.

The synopsis explains: “In Mind Games, co-written with Daniel Storey, Neville draws upon his own experience and reflects on the travails of the modern game and the societal issues within it – from dressing room spats to players’ difficulties with alcohol, drug abuse and gambling. He also tackles one of football’s last remaining taboos – mental health – and investigates fear of failure, confidence, sexuality, homophobia, suicide, and the role of social media within the sport.

"With his trademark candour and sincerity that is so loved by his legions of fans and followers on social media, Neville discusses some of the most important topics surrounding the beautiful game today.”

Southall said: “Here’s my brain in book form. You are either going to love it or use it to have the best night’s sleep ever. It’s a win win.”

Joel Simons says: “I’m delighted to be publishing Neville’s Mind Games – a one-of-a-kind book by a genuinely unique sportsman. And this is more than just a football memoir: Neville doesn’t shy away from tackling some of life’s biggest challenges – from addiction to depression, fear to failure – in a stark meditation on football, sport and life in general.”