Captain for Life

A fresh look into the purposeful misleading and lies of Steve Sampson and his mishandling of the US Men's National Team at France '98. For me, the background was good, but the reading on the France '98 team is essential to anybody who cares about US Soccer. John Harkes is owed an apology by Steve Sampson and the powers that be at US Soccer for the way he was treated after giving it all up for the glory of the game in the USA. Sampson may dispute the facts put down by Harkes, but the book got published, Harkes never got sued, Harkes is still playing and Sampson is coaching kids soccer (right where he belongs.) Attitude? Dang right. Too many people, like John Harkes, Marcelo Balboa, Alexi Lalas et.al. poured their lives in elevating the game to an unheard of level in the states, only to be lied to, whispered about, and then ultimately begged by the boss, himself, Judas Sampson, to "take it easy on him, he's only a human being." Calling himself a human being is a slap in the face to the genus as a whole.

John Harkes - a great player, a great guy and now a great author. John made a great impact upon the british game, and is remembered with great affection among Sheffield Wednesday fans for he reminds us of the great times we had whilst John was with us. The book is a great insight into John's career, from his teenage days in Kearny to his time in England and as a founder player of the relatively recent MLS league. I found it an enthralling read and was loathed to put it down!! I particularly enjoyed reading John's explanation for his leaving the Owls, as we all felt John Had been unfairly treated. If you enjoy soccer, you'll love this book. It highlights the highs and low's of John's career, and provides personal insights into John Harkes the man. John you're gone (from England) but not forgotten.

This book is a great book for anyone who enjoys the sport of soccer. As a soccer lover myself this book was great to read. It is almost like a motivational book making you strive to do better and compete at higher levels. It's a MUST READ

As much as I admire John Harkes, I expected to be disappointed by his biography. Instead, like many other readers, I enjoyed it thoroughly and read it through in just a few days. He narrates an interesting story of his achievements in soccer in this country and abroad. His work rate for biographies is as exemplary as his work rate on the pitch. He is also respectfully modest and gives a realistic description of the challenges a soccer player at the highest level faces. His description of the behavior of the fans of the English teams was enlightening. I found his discussion of his removal from the National Team before the World Cup in 1998 believable and understated. I would recommend this book to almost anyone - even someone who was not a regular soccer fan.

A must read for fans and non-fans of both John and the game of soccer. I'm a fan of both so that may be a biased opinion but I can't imagine that anyone would not enjoy this book. This is a story of a successful athlete from America in a not so traditional sport for our country playing at all levels here and abroad. I had no idea of what John went through during his career and it was very interesting finding out. Years from now while Major League Soccer continues to be a success and the game of soccer becomes more popular in the States, the author of this book will definitely go down in the history books as a player who helped make it happen. Thanks John for sharing your story and thanks for playing a great game!