Beyond the Final Whistle is the story of Dean Windass – a true local hero. Villages, towns and cities celebrate their pride when a local boy or girl achieves success in all facets of sporting life, at amateur and professional levels.
A Local Legend
Over time, if success is perpetuated, the individual can become a local legend, establish a local cult following or gain a wider national following as a result of their successful exploits. In this respect, Wrexham supporters may well reflect on the idolisation of players such as the late Joey Jones, Paul Mullin, Dixie McNeil and Mickey Thomas.
In the no-holds-barred Deano: Beyond the Final Whistle, Dean Windass recounts with insight and emotion the highs and lows of life on and off the field, as well as the personal pressures that follow after the final whistle.
The book’s co-writer, Paul Marshall, deserves considerable praise as he enables Dean to reflect on the key aspects of his football career and personal life which affected his “fame, fortune and fragility”.
Frank Appraisal
Readers are taken on an enthralling journey as Dean reveals a straightforward and frank appraisal of his career, which evolved from his hometown club, Hull City, to a range of clubs, including Oxford United, both Sheffield clubs, Middlesbrough, Bradford City, and Aberdeen.
His skill, tenacity and ability to “put the ball in the back of the net” attracted clubs, even up to the age of 39. The inclusion of several action photographs clearly illustrates the extent of his success and extends awareness of his “cult following” within the footballing world.
In addition to a self-analysis of his footballing prowess, Dean pulls no punches in addressing personal aspects of his family life, particularly the anger he experienced during his formative years and his lapses and actions, distressing experiences and mental traumas that resulted in his referral for specialist support to come to terms with issues such as alcoholism.
Dad’s Army
He is frank when opening up about difficult experiences within his family, and his admission of “drinking myself to oblivion” as the only way to blot out difficulties makes for, at times, emotionally searching reading.
Pulling in £500,000 a year, he highlights how money was not a problem. Still, his reliance on alcohol began to dominate his life, resulting in the breakdown of family relationships, the disintegration of his marriage, bankruptcy, attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings and trying the Second Chance project.
Former, current, and aspiring players will gain significantly from reflecting on several key themes in the section “View From The Top”. For example, he relates his experience of playing in the Premiership with an experienced squad at Bradford City, labelled by some commentators as “Dad’s Army”. Interestingly, he notes how several big-money signings led to the fracturing of the togetherness and team spirit that had been their strength and eventually generated a “negative downward spiral”.
Attention Seeking
Dean focuses on how retirement from playing and coaching created a void in his life. He concedes that, despite his “attention-seeking” dressing room antics, an outwardly street-smart nature, over 800 games, 200 goals, and adulation by supporters, he found the adjustment to life after the camaraderie of the dressing room very difficult.
Many current players released by clubs, searching to regenerate their careers, those left out of squads, or those itching to get off the bench, will benefit from Dean’s analysis of the lows and strategies to address the mental challenges.
Wrexham supporters will gain from reading this warts-and-all insight into the footballing and personal life of the father of one of their new signings, Josh Windass. Dean points out that Josh doesn’t drink at all! Hopefully, Josh can score goals like his Dad until he is 39.
This offers an insight into the dilemmas faced by star footballers, who, despite their wealth, cult following, and successful playing careers, experience difficulties off the field. Really worth reading.
We hope you enjoyed reading about “Dean Windass – Beyond the Final Whistle”. Click here for more of John’s book reviews.
Author: John Morris for Love Wrexham Magazine
John is an FA coach. He has worked with young players at Fulham, Chelsea, QPR and Wrexham, promoting resilience, tenacity and self-discipline. He is currently a consultant addressing growth mindsets to promote sports, education, and business performance.
