Newbon, Bloody Hell A Life in Sports Broadcasting
By Gary Newbon
Over the past fifty years, Gary Newbon has established himself as an icon of sports broadcasting. He interviewed Sir Alex Ferguson after Manchester United clinched a historic treble in 1999. He was in the ring when Gerald McClellan collapsed after suffering life-changing injuries in his fight with Nigel Benn. Nigel Mansell was his neighbour. This is the tale of a man who has spent his life in close proximity to legends; he interviewed them, befriended them and shared their defining moments until he became part of the DNA of Britain’s sporting history. Many of his interviews are still used in TV shows today.
In his highly anticipated memoir, Newbon tells all. Encompassing a plethora of anecdotes that reveal the depth and wit of figures such as Brian Clough, Muhammad Ali, Billie Jean King and many others, this book considers how these people felt and thought during the pivotal sporting moments of the past half-century. From the Hand of God goal to the Munich massacre, Gary Newbon was there for it all. This, for the first time, is his story.
Reviews
“Gary has been at the forefront of sports broadcasting for the past fifty years. Here is the story from behind the scenes.”
Gary Lineker, Match of the Day presenter and former Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona player
“When I moved to Aston Villa in 1995, ITV Central were at the forefront of regional sports coverage. It was fascinating to see the likes of Gary and Jeff Farmer operate – great people, good social company and, when you look back to their managing to persuade Sir Alex to give interviews at half-time of Manchester United’s big Champions League nights, way ahead of their time.”
Gareth Southgate, England manager and former Aston Villa and Middlesbrough player
“I first met Gary when I arrived in Birmingham in 1975 to play for Aston Villa and immediately struck up a friendship that has lasted until today. If this book is as colourful as his life has been then it’s a book worth reading. The man has stories galore and you will surely love them.”
Andy Gray, football pundit and former Aston Villa and Wolverhampton Wanderers player
“Gary is an accomplished broadcaster who has always been welcome at Burton Albion FC, and as a personal friend he has hosted charity functions for me and the football club, where his wit and skill as a presenter and raconteur have been greatly appreciated. He is a fountain of knowledge about the game and has a host of great stories and memories to share.”
Ben Robinson, Chairman of Burton Albion FC
“Gary is a loyal friend and one of the great TV characters, a total one-off. If 80,000 football fans chant your name at Wembley, you are a legend.”
Jim Rosenthal, former ITV presenter and lead presenter of MUTV
“Gary was a great professional and you always knew you could put your trust in that smiling face. I loved his book.”
David Seaman, former Arsenal and England goalkeeper
“Gary opened the door to broadcasting for me and has mentored me throughout my punditry career. I cannot thank him enough. He’s had a fantastic career himself and these are the great stories he picked up along the way.”
Gary Neville, pundit and former Manchester United and England player
“After my playing days had finished, I met Gary Newbon in a restaurant to discuss a career in TV and radio. He said: ‘Turn up on time, tell us something we don’t know about football, keep your nose out of everything else and you’ll be fine. Now, what do you prefer – red or white [wine]?’ Brilliant.”
Andy Townsend, former Chelsea, Aston Villa and Republic of Ireland player
“I always found Gary helpful in my formative years in football management and television. He was obliging and good fun on and off camera, and I enjoyed reading his book greatly.”
Ron Atkinson, former Manchester United and Aston Villa manager and pundit
“Gary has been there and covered it all, and he has the stories to match!”
Sarah-Jane Mee, former Sky Sports presenter and host of The UK Tonight with Sarah-Jane Mee
“Apart from jousting with Brian Clough and snap interviews with vanquished boxers still on the canvas, Gary Newbon just got on with being a titan of sports broadcasting. His book is fantastic.”
Martin O’Neill, European Cup winner with Nottingham Forest and former Leicester City, Aston Villa, Celtic and Republic of Ireland manager
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Buy this book
- Hardback, 336 pages
- ISBN: 9781785908163
- 16 November 2023
- £20.00
- eBook
- ISBN: 9781785908408
- 16 November 2023
- £14.99