‘All I Want For Christmas’ is the fascinating and endearing diary of Norwich City’s Division One Championship-winning season as seen through the eyes of striker Iwan Roberts. It has added significance to Norwich fans as it also turned out to be Iwan’s last season at the club where he had enjoyed seven great years.
Co-written with former editor of FourFourTwo magazine, Karen Buchanan, ‘All I Want For Christmas’ takes you through Iwan’s, and Norwich’s, season in diary form. In these days where we read about Premiership footballers getting involved in all sorts of questionable behaviour, it’s hugely refreshing to read about a bloke who simply loves his job, loves the game and loves his family.
Iwan’s obvious commitment to his profession and his family is a running theme throughout the book, which is why I’m slightly upset at the adverse publicity Iwan has received in the press surrounding this book. Yes, he did admit to stamping on Kevin Muscat, but it was an isolated incident and you have to take those comments in context with the rest of the book. Iwan Roberts is a model professional - to still be comfortably good enough to play Championship-level football at 36, he’d have to be. Unfortunately, the media stories relating to the charges levelled at Iwan suggest that his book may be one written by a footballing thug. That couldn’t be further from the truth.
In the book, we read of Iwan’s dedication to his profession: his disappointment when left out of the team, the delight when he’s in – and the elation when he scores. But this is no big-time Charlie. When he’s not running himself into the ground for his club, he can be found on the touchline of a local park, watching his son play boys’ league football, or in the cinema with his wife and/or his kids. His relationship with the fans comes across as being extremely important to him too.
The book ends on a bittersweet note, with Norwich winning the title, but with the news that Iwan would be leaving the club. By the time you get to the emotional end of the book, you’ll feel a real affinity with Iwan – and are rooting for him to sign off in style.
I finished the book wishing Iwan all the best for his career – and then realised that not only did he find another club to play for, but he found MY club. Having seen ‘Iwan the player’ on the pitch and having now read about ‘Iwan the person’ off it, I can say that I am extremely pleased to say that he is part of my team.
He was clearly deeply sad to leave Norwich, a club that he describes in glowing terms. Norwich comes across as a real family club, where everyone gets on well and works hard together. Now the next chapter in Iwan’s career is at our club, Gillingham. If anyone is in doubt about Iwan Roberts, I strongly suggest you read this book. You’ll be left in no doubt that we have signed genuine quality – both as a player and as a man.
Gills365 Verdict: ***** 5 STARS
'Regardless of which team you support, you'll enjoy Iwan's book immensely.'