Hodder to publish footballer Jason McAteer’s memoir

Hodder & Stoughton is publishing a memoir from former footballer Jason McAteer, Blood, Sweat & McAteer, this September.

The book is pitched as "the story of the real Jason McAteer as you've never seen him before: a little bruised, a little battered. But still fighting".

Hodder struck the deal for UK and Commonwealth rights, excluding Canada and Europe, through Daniel Givens at JGA Sports.

In his memoir McAteer will speak "candidly" about his footballing career, from non-league team Marine to the Bolton Wanderers, to the international scene with the Republic of Ireland, and to Liverpool FC. It will encompass his "halcyon" days with the Irish team of 1994 and the 2002 World Cup, for which he scored the winning goal against the Netherlands to qualify. It also covers his decision to move from Liverpool to Blackburn Rovers, his time at Sunderland and then Tranmere Rovers as player/coach; and his life on and off the pitch, including his struggles with depression adjusting to life after professional football.

Hachette Books Ireland editorial director Ciara Doorley said: "I read this book in one sitting. It’s everything you want in a memoir, sports or otherwise: it’s honest, raw and personal. Jason hasn’t held back and the result is a book of which he should be proud. We are certainly proud to be the publishers working with Jason on it."

McAteer said: ‘Writing this book has been an emotional experience for me, revisiting memories of my childhood in Birkenhead, growing up in the shadow of Liverpool and Everton, dreaming of becoming a footballer. I’ve loved the game all my life, and look forward to sharing the details of starting out at Bolton Wanderers and going on to sign for Liverpool FC at the age of 24 – an absolute dream come true. And, of course, I’ll be including my great memories of the years I spent playing for the Republic of Ireland under Jack Charlton and Mick McCarthy, participating in two World Cup tournaments. I have also written about the struggle with depression that followed my retirement from football, and how I overcame it."

Blood, Sweat & McAteer: A Footballer's Story will be published on 29th September, as a trade paperback and e-book, priced £16.99.