My Story: From Foster Care to Footballer

Mark Bright's autobiography, My Story, is a candid account of his life, including his time in football, his battle against the odds, and his fractured family. It explores his experiences as a player and as a human being, including the racism he encountered, the game itself, and the characters he met.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 320 pages
Publication date: 24 September 2020
Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Mark Bright's 1990s partnership with Ian Wright at Crystal Palace earned them legendary status with the club. Bright played top-level football for most of his career, after starting in non-league while working as an apprentice engineer. He appeared in FA and League Cup finals, played abroad, and experienced the change which swept through the game with the introduction of the Premier League.

But this book is not just about Bright's time in the game. This is the story of someone who battled against the odds to achieve his dream. It is the story of a boy coping with the bewildering and frightening circumstances of being taken into care with his brother when both were very young. It is the story of his fractured family with a father who arrived in England from the Gambia, met a girl from Stoke-on-Trent, and then very quickly disappeared from his children's lives.

It is the story of a mother who was unable to take responsibility for the boys she had given birth to, and it is the story of how a young Mark and his brother Philip found comfort and security after being fostered by a caring, loving white family whilst having to endure racism throughout their childhood. Above all, it is the story of a boy who had an unshakeable belief in his own ability to succeed in one of the most ruthless and high-profile professions in the world of sport.

My Story explores Mark's life both on and off the football pitch, containing material he has never spoken of or addressed in the past. It delves into the highs and lows of his career, from his early days at Crystal Palace to his time at Manchester City and West Ham United. It also sheds light on his personal life, including his difficult relationship with his father and his struggles with racism and discrimination.

One of the most striking aspects of Bright's story is his determination to succeed in football, despite the many obstacles he faced. He was born in the Gambia, and his father left the family when he was young. Bright and his brother Philip were taken into care, and they faced a difficult upbringing

upbringing. Despite the challenges they faced, Bright never lost sight of his dream of becoming a professional footballer. He worked hard in school and on the football pitch, and he eventually signed for Crystal Palace as a trainee engineer.

Bright's partnership with Ian Wright at Palace was a key factor in the club's success in the 1990s. The two players were a dynamic duo, and they helped the club win the FA Cup in 1990 and the League Cup in 1992. Bright's skill on the football pitch was matched by his determination and hard work, and he quickly established himself as a key player for the club.

However, Bright's success in football was not without its challenges. He faced racism and discrimination throughout his career, and he was subjected to abuse from fans and opponents alike. He was also diagnosed with a heart condition in 1995, which threatened to end his career.

Despite these challenges, Bright never gave up on his dream. He continued to play for Palace until 1999, and he then moved to Manchester City, where he helped the club win the Premier League in 2000. He also played for West Ham United and Leeds United before retiring in 2006.

In addition to his football career, Bright has also been involved in various charitable causes. He is a patron of the Heart Foundation, and he has raised money for the charity through various events and initiatives. He is also a supporter of the Kick It Out campaign, which aims to combat racism in football.

My Story is a powerful and inspiring book that tells the story of Mark Bright's life both on and off the football pitch. It is a story of determination, resilience, and success, and it is a testament to the power of sport to inspire and change people's lives. Whether you are a football fan or not, this book is worth reading. It is a story that will inspire you to believe in your own abilities and to never give up on your dreams, no matter how difficult the odds may seem.

Weight: 278g
Dimension: 126 x 197 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781472130785