Goonerholic: Eat, Sleep, Breathe, Drink, Arsenal

True Storey – Book Review And Competition Reminder

Sep 13th, 2010 by 'holic

If ever there was a book with the potential to match Tony Adams’ Addicted for highlighting the perils that can lie in wait for young and old professionals alike, then this was it. Peter Storey, controversial in his playing days for the destructive side of his game, was to court further infamy when he retired from a career that included over five hundred appearances for his beloved Gunners, and nineteen England caps.

True Storey is a chronological account of his life to date, and so the temptation is large to head straight for the later chapters that detail Snouty’s departure from Arsenal and his subsequent spells behind bars, in more than one sense. Resist the urge. Follow the path of the young defender from near Aldershot through the Arsenal third team to the European Fairs Cup and double.

It is under the direction of Bertie Mee and Don Howe that he is given specific man-marking details, and told “You know what to do, Peter”, and Storey confesses that he gets on with the task ‘to the very best of his ability’. Right up to the eighties the most successful sides would employ players for whom ‘ball-winning’ was their primary function. ‘Ball-winning’ covered a multitude of sins, and few knew the dark arts better than the man called ‘the bastard’s bastard’ by Ron Harris, Chelsea’s own enforcer of the period.

As you read though, do remind yourself that nineteen international caps would not have been won unless the fella could play a bit. Competition for the England number two shirt was fierce at that time, with the likes of Keith Newton, Paul Reaney, Chris Lawler, and Cyril Knowles around. Storey’s qualities were always greater than just physical.

Gooners of the time will be surprised, I suspect, by his friendship with England team-mate, and North London rival, Martin Chivers. Those who saw the early break-up of that great double-winning side may find familiar sentiments when Peter talks of the departure of Don Howe and arrival of Alan Ball.

After his playing days are over the book takes another couple of twists. Well reported at the time, it is interesting, to say the least, to finally get Storey’s take on his colurful brushes with the law. There are not too many top footballers of today who will need to go into the pub business at the end of their playing days, and be exposed to the sort of people who were attracted to the Jolly Farmers. Their influence on the landlord is clear for all to see.

For Gooners of my era, the book is essential reading. The highs and lows of the sixties and seventies are brought to life all over again. Younger football fans will, I’m sure be fascinated by the accounts of just how different football was in those days, from the physical encounters to the small beer that salaries and benefits would be considered today.

If you enjoyed the Tony Adams book, then get this one too, and put a few bob in the pocket of a man who never gave less than his all for Arsenal.

A reminder, if it is needed, that I have a copy of the book, courtesy of Mainstream Publishing, for one lucky holic. To be in with a chance of winning just tell me how many goals Peter scored in his 501 appearances for the Gunners. Send your answer and a contact email to competition@goonerholic.com before midnight tonight. I will do the draw tomorrow.

Posted in book reviews | 42 Drinks

42 Responses to “True Storey – Book Review And Competition Reminder”

on 13 Sep 2010 at 12:53 pm1Steve T

Pedigree for me. You can not beat a lunchtime scoop.
on 13 Sep 2010 at 4:35 pm2Holloway2Holland

You’ve whet my appetite for a look at the book.

A pint of Cider to quench the thirst please sir.

Cheers.
on 13 Sep 2010 at 5:48 pm3don

Sounds like a right riveting read.

I’ll go for a large glass of Sauvignon Blanc if you will barman……2009 Marlborough vintage please chap?
on 13 Sep 2010 at 8:41 pm4usama

Hi everyone……HOlic is the competition only for people in the uk?
and see this everyone sweet sweet revenge http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pa1o8D_Jg7w&feature=player_embedded
on 13 Sep 2010 at 9:01 pm5behind the 8 ball but not nasri

I’ll take beer and books please barman.
on 13 Sep 2010 at 9:11 pm6Arsenal 1971

Evening Holic & Holic`s

Working all these weekends always leaves me playing catch up with Mr Holic`s great blogs.

Could I just add it was a fantastic allround performance by the lads and pleased Vela got a goal Im sure that will help his confidence no end. With Cham adding to his talley it will be a huge boost through out the whole team.

Sorry for the delay.

A glass of house RED please barman.
on 13 Sep 2010 at 10:49 pm7Goonerholic

usama, it is open to all, and you have just over an hour to get the answer in 🙂

Too much work, ’71, and all that…
on 14 Sep 2010 at 12:24 am8behind the 8 ball but not nasri

Holics it could be our year. Just realised the season is more than one-tenth over. We had better start getting serious. Yeah, I know you all already were.
on 14 Sep 2010 at 12:46 am9Bergkamp's The Man

Sounds like a definite read, ‘Holic.

Are you going to WBA game by any chance?
on 14 Sep 2010 at 12:59 am10Goonerholic

Not likely at present, BtM. I’m at the bus stop in Fulham the following week. Home games currently in the plan are our neighbours in November, and Stoke the week before Christmas. Would be really good to see you if you are around.
on 14 Sep 2010 at 1:00 am11Goonerholic

Maybe Donetsk too, to sing farewell to Eduardo…
on 14 Sep 2010 at 1:16 am12Steve T

Sorry for going off track but I have just seen the Robinson tackle on Diaby again, but for the first time on TV. What an absolute disgrace of a tackle. Borders on an assault. I had thought it could not be that bad as MOTD did not show it, but my God. It is shocking.

Sorry holic, just felt that needed saying.
on 14 Sep 2010 at 1:35 am13Bergkamp's The Man

WBA, Birmingham and Shaktar are, hopefully, all in my future.; Yes, nice to see Eduardo again. Wouldn’t even mind if he scored, as long as we score more.

Steve T, agree. A real shocker. I never heard your thoughts on the flying head butt on Kos. That was evil. Not an accident.
on 14 Sep 2010 at 3:41 am14Snir Geuli

BtM – About that header, I’m still not sure, because I wasn’t sure it was on purpose at first but then after thinking that after all, it is Kevin Davies, so you never know, most probably was on purpose.

Still, if I had to choose between the tackles I think Robinson’s tackle is the “reddest” out of the 3.

I just wanna know how long Diaby will be out, because it really did look horrible, from what I understood, the x-rays are clear so just have to figure out if there is any ligament damage.

As usual (unfortunately) Arsene’ll start his press conference tomorrow with injuries updates.
on 14 Sep 2010 at 3:51 am15behind the 8 ball but not nasri

Snir, The Guardian says Diaby will be out at least the next two games but Arsenal are preparing to miss him for an indefinite period.
on 14 Sep 2010 at 3:59 am16Snir Geuli

Steve – I’ve thought about what you said about Cesc and decided to take a look at it.

I saw a rerun of the game and put extra focus on Cesc and came out pretty pleased.

He was there to knock Attwell when Davies headbutted Kos, He then went straight to Eboue to ask for explanations why other players such as Eboue are talking to the ref (Eboue got a yellow for that).

He went to congratulate Chamakh for his assist, he not only went to Song to congratulate him but picked him up from the grass and made sure he saw who congratulates him and from the look on his face he was really happy for Song that he finally scored. He tracked back a whole lot and pressured both the keeper and defenders on several occasions, he of course as noted before tracked back and intercepted a ball to try and score a 5th in the 90th minute.

I agree he’s a bit more passive in his behavior than last season, but he’s still happy to be here, even if he’ll be happiER somewhere else.

These 2 pics should calm down every gooner.

http://goonertalk.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/49067758_song_getty.jpg

http://u.goal.com/108900/108921hp2.jpg
on 14 Sep 2010 at 5:55 am17Sajit

Absolutelly, Snir. Come on ppl, its only 4 games into the season.. Let the big games come and Im sure Cesc will be raring to go.

As long as he gives his 100% on the pitch, who cares if he does or doesn’t kiss the badge..

I mean, wouldnt you have been more pissed if he actually kissed the badge? That would have been a sign of hypocrisy. Well, Cesc aint one, imo.
on 14 Sep 2010 at 8:31 am18Arthur The Gooner

Agree with Sajit and Snir

I thought Cesc had a decent game, come on three assists in one game what else can you ask for and he tracked back as well, he was getting back to his best in my eyes.

To me it looked as if he wasn’t happy with himself when he didn’t take a good shot or his pass was not good. He kept shaking his head as if he wanted to do better. Still early days for us to really comment on this.

He’s our Captain and I will shout his name every time he plays, and people who think he will definitely leave for Barca next season well, I don’t think Wenger will let him go just like that, but we have a full season with our Maestro and I’m not going to let anythong spoil this.

We have Cesc Fabregas…We have Cesc Fabregas…We have Cesc Fabregas… 🙂
on 14 Sep 2010 at 9:19 am19nez

Agree totally Cesc’s a Gooner 100% comitted evenif his ‘DNA’is with a skint club a 1000+ miles away. I’ve got a ticket for Wednesday were fo u all drink pre/post game?
on 14 Sep 2010 at 9:22 am20Goonerholic

Morning holics,

REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE!

It’s time for the draw for the Peter Storey book. In order to make it completely random I am going to ask you to do it for me!

So, would the next person on please give me a number between 1 and 24 which will direct me to the correct page of answers. A further request will then follow.

1-24 please…
on 14 Sep 2010 at 9:22 am21nez

Fo =do effing I pod!!
on 14 Sep 2010 at 9:23 am22nez

16
on 14 Sep 2010 at 9:24 am23Goonerholic

Thanks nez,

Now, could someone other than nez give me a number between 1 and 20 for our winner…
on 14 Sep 2010 at 9:26 am24IndianGooner

10
on 14 Sep 2010 at 9:26 am25nez

Why can’t I pick again?? I didn’t enter.
on 14 Sep 2010 at 9:27 am26Goonerholic

Just keeps it completely random, nez, and stops people saying you and I were in cahoots.

10 it is, thanks Indian.

Back in a mo…
on 14 Sep 2010 at 9:27 am27nez

I’llhave a Dark and Stormy please barman
on 14 Sep 2010 at 9:34 am28Goonerholic

The winner of the book will be repeated in the Champions League preview later today.

It is Max Milner who correctly got 17 goals because he checked arsenal.com and not Wikepedia, which only lists Peter’s league appearances and goals.

It also gets the name of his pub wrong!

Anyway, Max, congratulations. I will email the address you gave for your details, and post the book ASAP.

Thanks all.
on 14 Sep 2010 at 9:35 am29nez

I ain’t been anywhere near ur CAHOOTS!!!!!!
on 14 Sep 2010 at 9:46 am30Goonerholic

Haha.
on 14 Sep 2010 at 9:49 am31IndianGooner

You are Welcome, ‘Holic.. I religiously follow your blog..
on 14 Sep 2010 at 12:32 pm32zicoinexile

What’s my runner up prize then Holic?

Free beer? 🙂
on 14 Sep 2010 at 12:45 pm33Arthur The Gooner

Congrats Max Milner I didn’t enter either but well done!
on 14 Sep 2010 at 2:13 pm34behind the 8 ball but not nasri

Contest audited by holicdog?
on 14 Sep 2010 at 2:17 pm35True Storey

Dear ‘Holic & ‘Holics

My first post, so a big Gooner hello to you all.

I was enticed by the great ‘Holic himself when he very kindly took the time to reply to my thoughts which were attached to an entry to yesterday’s competition. I thought it only fair to return the compliment

It’s great to be a small part of this friendly and considered on-line community.

What a fine start to the season we’ve made. I’m convinced we’ll improve on last year’s overall performance, even if we make no further strengthenings in the January window. An embarrassment of silverware beckons, even if we have to wait one more year. It’s a marathon not a sprint, right?

Has any one of you fine fellows heard any news about Diaby yet following Saturday’s assault by the Porcine Plunderer? What I wouldn’t give if Storey was still around to even out the (rugby) scores. That might just make certain “footballing professionals” think twice before they go in with their studs pointed skywards and their eyes on their opponents’ shins.

Regards to you all and a double espresso for me please barman.
on 14 Sep 2010 at 2:22 pm36Arthur The Gooner

Yes True Storey

Diaby will miss two games against Braga and away to Sunderland, Vermaelen will also me absent tomorrow. The rest of the squad is unchanged I believe.
on 14 Sep 2010 at 2:22 pm37True Storey

PS: Congrats to Max for the win BTW. The official Arsenal website is a real treasure trove of all things Arsenal, “Transfer Linked” excepted!
on 14 Sep 2010 at 2:23 pm38Arthur The Gooner

http://www.arsenal.com/news/news-archive/diaby-and-vermaelen-out-for-braga-clash

Looks like he doesn’r even know how long will Diaby be out…Robinson should be charged!
on 14 Sep 2010 at 2:24 pm39True Storey

Thank you Arthur – that’s better than expected. Perhaps I was a little hasty in my last post. This website is the real treasure trove of all things Arsenal 🙂
on 14 Sep 2010 at 2:25 pm40Arthur The Gooner

You welcome 😉
on 14 Sep 2010 at 2:31 pm41True Storey

Er, just read the link so looks like I’ve been hasty again – the news does not read well. Still, it’s all good opportunities for other members of the squad to step up to the mark. Let’s hope Diaby, TV, RVP, The-O, Bendy, Rambo et al are all back sooner than expected.
on 15 Sep 2010 at 12:18 am42Claire

In all the games I watched Arsenal play, I never saw Peter Storey ever give less than 100% Will buy the book for sure.