Gary Neville is a Red

Guess what arrived in the post yesterday? I have been searching for this book for the longest time around town. Couldn't find it even at the more posh outlet. Better still, most of the salesgirls would give me the look when I asked. What? Gary Neville? Who is Gary Neville? Gary Neville the Red. Never heard of him? I finally ordered it online, through Amazon, and got the copy within a week.

I remember the chants vividly around Old Trafford every time Gary went in with a meaty tackle. The whole stadium would erupt, to the tune of London Bridge, "Gary Neville is a Red, is a Red, is a Red, Gary Neville is a Red, he hates Scousers!". And he does. Big time! He got fined for running the whole length of the field at Old Trafford towards the Liverpool supporters after Rio Ferdinand put one into the top corner, to celebrate. Alone. The rest of the team were running to Rio. But not Gary. He was bigging it up alone, in front of the Liverpool supporters, kissing his United badge! Class!

A true fan who was lucky enough to have the chance to play for United and made a career out of it. He would play for free given the chance. He would bleed for the club. No argument. Not the most talented, but did he not give his all. He would rather retire - as he actually did - rather than play for another team.

He can be heard now giving the odd commentary on TV. His comments were insightful and given with passion. But don't let him commentate on any of United's matches, as he would be unashamedly biased. I have finished the first three chapters thus far. Mainly about how he came about to start on football. Riveting.