The 1997-98 Season was seen as a really big one for brothers Gary and Phil Neville. By then, they were both regulars in the Manchester United First Team and the England squad.
At club level, United were going for a hat trick of League titles and they were hoping to improve on their Semi Final place in the previous season in the Champions League. At International Level England were hoping to qualify for the 1998 World Cup in France. Therefore, it looked like perfect timing for the Neville brothers to write a book on that season.

The book itself was to be written in Diary form over the season, similar to what Brian McClair did for the 1996-97 season and Alex Ferguson did in the 1994-95 and 1997-98 Seasons. Gary and Phil kept diaries throughout this season and the result turned out to be a really interesting insight into life at Manchester United and playing for England.

Sadly for the Neville Brothers it did not turn out to be the best season for either of them, especially in contrast to what was to happen the following season. However, the lack of success and disappointments for the players should not be a put off to this book.

The way in which the Nevilles deal with and discuss these setbacks in the book shows their real strengths of character and determination.

At club level, United were frustrated in all competitions, especially in the Champions League, but they were on the verge of greatness, as they would find out a year later. At International Level, England qualified for the World Cup but at the last minute Phil Neville was sadly left out of the World Cup squad by then England Boss, Glenn Hoddle.

Gary went to the World Cup, which provided more highs and especially lows for himself and his team mates. Throughout the book, the Nevilles talk about their fellow team mates who came up through the Youth and Reserve sides with them at United, especially Paul Scholes, David Beckham and Nicky Butt.

The special bond they formed with these players clearly helped them all get through the difficult times, especially at International Level. Gary’s loyalty to his brother Phil when he was left out of the World Cup and great friend David Beckham, when he is sent off in the World Cup, in particular stands out in this book. Reading this book, it also shows their total focus on their playing careers and love of the game.

It is no surprise that both Nevilles, having both retired from playing, are still strongly involved in football today.