Crossing The White Line, A Life Sentence

A memoir of a professional football dream that became reality. The book is a fascinating first hand account of disappointment, drive, ambition and resilience. Andy Leaning reveals a unique insight into the emotional and mental qualities required to survive in professional sport.

This true story follows a young man's obsession to become a professional footballer. Set in the north of England in the late 1970s early 1980s Andy works his way through school with no real academic aspirations. He'll follow many of his classmates into an industrial working environment unless he can use his only real talent of goalkeeping.

This looks like becoming a reality when he is offered apprentice terms at his local club York City. His elation is cut short when his dad insists he learns a trade and secures him a job as a joiner at British rail. Andy reluctantly agrees but dwells on a missed childhood ambition.

After six long years, fate intervenes and the opportunity to become a footballer at York City presents itself once again. He accepts a one-year contract but initially struggles to adapt to his new working environment. However, things begin to click into place as the Club progress to the FA Cup fifth round drawing the mighty Liverpool with Andy featuring heroically at Anfield in a dramatic replay.

The book looks at the insecurities of youth and sport, recounting his inner thoughts and motivation. He's quite an introvert character but ironically feels at home in front of a crowd. The story is as much about life as it is football and should inspire anyone to follow their dream.