‘It’s incredible to think he came from a small village in the Czech Republic
to appear on the world stage as an international footballer. The odds of
that happening are astronomical. And that is what makes Pavel’s
story such an interesting read.’
Alan Shearer
The son of a woodcutter and middle child of five, Pavel had to overcome several challenging obstacles before finally proving his worth in life as a man and footballer on the domestic and international stage.
This isn't a typical footballer’s tale of rags to riches; it covers life as a soldier in an Eastern Bloc state under Communist rule where he nearly shot his general and of tales involving the Mafia, guns, drugs and corruption.
Life as a young professional at Newcastle was not without difficulty. Kevin Keegan tried to replace him with several others; never totally convinced by the keeper he inherited from Ossie Ardiles. Kenny Dalglish was even less convinced and the pair clashed violently prior to an FA Cup semi-final when the Scot went back on his word.
His national side fell to a Golden Goal at Euro 96 and he clashed with Dutch superstars Edgar Davids and Dennis Bergkamp at Euro 2000. He was also involved in a fierce exchange with Belgium boss Robert Waseige and referee Anders Frisk as the Czech Republic were eliminated from World Cup in controversial circumstances in 2001.
This is a unique and heart-warming account of one of football’s good guys: full of comedy, tragedy and heartache that will make the reader laugh and cry in equal measures.
‘His service to the toon was a great journey for him. Normally, you only get Geordie folk heroes, so for the fans to take him as one of their own must have been a great feeling… plus, he never let them down. Well done, Pav!’
Gazza
to appear on the world stage as an international footballer. The odds of
that happening are astronomical. And that is what makes Pavel’s
story such an interesting read.’
Alan Shearer
The son of a woodcutter and middle child of five, Pavel had to overcome several challenging obstacles before finally proving his worth in life as a man and footballer on the domestic and international stage.
This isn't a typical footballer’s tale of rags to riches; it covers life as a soldier in an Eastern Bloc state under Communist rule where he nearly shot his general and of tales involving the Mafia, guns, drugs and corruption.
Life as a young professional at Newcastle was not without difficulty. Kevin Keegan tried to replace him with several others; never totally convinced by the keeper he inherited from Ossie Ardiles. Kenny Dalglish was even less convinced and the pair clashed violently prior to an FA Cup semi-final when the Scot went back on his word.
His national side fell to a Golden Goal at Euro 96 and he clashed with Dutch superstars Edgar Davids and Dennis Bergkamp at Euro 2000. He was also involved in a fierce exchange with Belgium boss Robert Waseige and referee Anders Frisk as the Czech Republic were eliminated from World Cup in controversial circumstances in 2001.
This is a unique and heart-warming account of one of football’s good guys: full of comedy, tragedy and heartache that will make the reader laugh and cry in equal measures.
‘His service to the toon was a great journey for him. Normally, you only get Geordie folk heroes, so for the fans to take him as one of their own must have been a great feeling… plus, he never let them down. Well done, Pav!’
Gazza
