Roy Massey: A Life in Football and a Coach to the Stars

In his memoir, Roy Massey shares his 50-year journey in football, including his time at Arsenal during the Wenger glory years. Despite facing career-ending injuries as a player, he became a PE teacher and scout, discovering and nurturing talent at Colchester United and Norwich. Massey also helped build Arsenal's academy structure, unearthing and developing young talent.

Format: Hardback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 17 April 2023
Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd

In this captivating memoir, Roy Massey takes readers on a journey through his remarkable 50-year career in football, encompassing roles as a player, coach, and scout. From his early days as a player, plagued by injuries that prematurely ended his career, to his subsequent roles as a PE teacher and talent scout, Massey's story is a testament to his unwavering passion for the sport.

As a player, Massey overcame numerous setbacks to emerge as a prolific goal scorer for Rotherham, Orient, and Colchester. Despite facing a career-ending injury at a young age, he refused to let adversity define him. Instead, he pursued his passion for teaching and combined it with behind-the-scenes work at Colchester United and later Norwich. It was during his time at Norwich that Massey made his mark, revolutionizing their youth program and helping the club unearth and develop a wealth of young talent.

When the FA introduced the concept of allowing clubs to attract and train children from eight years upwards, Massey was approached by Gunners legend Liam Brady to join him at Arsenal as assistant academy manager. Over the next 16 seasons, Massey played a pivotal role in building a new academy structure that aimed to unearth and nurture young talent with the potential to excel at the highest level of football. His dedication and expertise in player development earned him recognition within the football community, and he later scouted for three Premier League clubs.

Throughout his journey, Massey remained committed to the principles of hard work, dedication, and player development. His story serves as an inspiration to aspiring footballers and coaches alike, reminding us that with perseverance and a passion for the sport, anything is possible.

Dimension: 240 x 160 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801504348