I thought it was all over...

Seems like only yesterday I was sitting in a bar in Dubai, angry, hurt, disbelief running through my veins. How could they? I wasn't entirely sure who 'they' were but in my deeply emotional state 'they' somehow involved the England football team, the English media, Sven Goran Erikson, the English public at large and anybody else who knew me. England had just exited the World Cup on penalties against Portugal. What 'they' had done was shattered my hopes, stomped on my dreams and spoiled my evening. There were two choices facing me- join in the post mortem of blame and regret or use this sad occassion to launch a campaign that would see England rejuvenate, transform and ultimately succeed at the next World Cup four years off in South Africa. Together with Jo Simpson and Ged Palmer, I decided to write the book that would make the difference and so, They Thought It Was All Over- They Were Right!! was born.

The book will be re-launched on Amazon on May 14th. They Thought It Was All Over – They Were Right!!’ uses the actual words of players, coaches and fans, as reported in press and television interviews, to reconstruct the inside story of the World Cup in Germany 2006. Our analysis of events gives an amazing insight into the inner-workings of the teams who were competing and provides important lessons on what makes for success and how failure can be avoided. The limiting mindset of England’s Football team is examined and we explore how, by developing a positive approach and winning mentality, England can triumph at the World Cup Finals in South Africa, 2010. We did send a copy of the first edition to Steve McClaren but (and this tells the trained mind a thing or two) we received a letter back saying that whilst our observations and action plan were sound, the England team didn't have the time or resources to implement them- this was followed shortly by Englands hugely successful 2008 European Cup campaign (not!!).

With domestic competitions winding up for another year, it's now time to turn our attention back to the international stage. Which teams have given up before they have started? Which teams, large or small, know in their hearts they can raise the trophy in South Africa? Which nations press is behind their team and which is seeking to bring them down?

They thought it was just beginning, they were right!