Read Pompey legend's new autobiography
Alan McLoughlin’s autobiography has been nominated for a prize at the 2014 Irish Book Awards.
Pompey’s first team coach is among the contenders for the Sports Book of the Year Award for ‘A Different Shade of Green’.
It tells the fascinating story of his footballing career – including his playing days at Fratton Park and scoring the goal that took Republic of Ireland to the World Cup in 1994.
“It’s an honour to be recognised,” said McLoughlin, who wrote the book with Bryce Evans, a Pompey fan and senior lecturer and Liverpool Hope University.
“I’ve been asked to write something in the past, but have always resisted it.
“But I want to leave something for my kids – and hopefully future generations – to read.
“I was born in England to Irish parents – hence the title of the book – and I talk about my decision to play for Republic of Ireland.
“There was always criticism about being a ‘Plastic Paddy’, but I was offered the chance to play for England ‘B’ on the same day I accepted the call-up for Ireland.
“The latter gave me more of an opportunity to shine, but I also wanted to make my parents proud. I ended up winning 42 caps and playing at two World Cups.
“I also talk about my time at Pompey and what the club means to me. It’s been a massive part of my life and I have a lot of affection for the place.
“Away from football, the book goes into detail about developing kidney cancer, which will hopefully inspire people to not just sit on their hands if they have a health scare.”
A Different Shade of Green will be officially launched in Dublin on Wednesday, November 12.
But it is already available to buy online at Amazon, Kindle, Book Depository and Irish Books Direct.
Click here to vote for the book to win the Sports Book of the Year Award.