Take Note! : The Autobiography

This is a truthful and enlightening biography, told from the heart. It includes new revelations, which will shock and intrigue fans. It features high-quality full-colour photos. Darren Anderton's story is of a kid who grows up to live the dream of being a professional footballer at the highest level. He shines for his country in major finals, develops a reserved 'Mr Nice Guy' image and gets labelled 'Sicknote', with the public viewing him as injury prone, despite the fact he makes over 500 appearances in a distinguished playing career, largely among the elite. Anderton appreciates how lucky he has been to cash in on doing something he loves and enjoys sharing his good fortune with family and close friends. But he goes through personal trauma as the condition of his beloved father, a shining light during his career and life, deteriorates through emphysema, while he and his positive-thinking fiancee Katie deal with her cystic fibrosis, a chronic, progressive disease. He keeps his own counsel through it all. But his retirement as a player and the death of his father three months apart - the tale which starts Takenote! - prompts him to open his heart and put the record straight. Anderton gives untold behind-the-scenes insights into his public and private life which touch every raw emotion. In this compelling book he reveals: the heaven-to-hell-and-back journey with England, including European Championships and World Cup, Tottenham Hotspur, Birmingham, Wolverhampton Wanderers and Bournemouth. How it enables him to play in the biggest football tournament since England won the 1966 World Cup and to cross paths - and sometimes swords - with a few of the game's biggest names. The list includes Terry Venables, his biggest top-flight influence, Glenn Hoddle, Ossie Ardiles, Kevin Keegan, Sven Goran-Eriksson, David Beckham, Paul Gascoigne, Ronaldo, Alan Ball, Daniel Levy and Lord Alan Sugar. How he came to turn down Alex Ferguson's offer to join Manchester United. His dismay at a being given a short 'thank you for your services' note - which included being told his contract was not being renewed - from Tottenham after 12 years loyalty. How he overcame lack of self-esteem to become a world-class performer. And a whole lot more. This is the real Darren Anderton. If you think of him as Sicknote you will have to Takenote!