Lennie Lawrence – Book Review

With a plethora of football books about to hit the shops ahead of the Christmas season, Scotty Kingsley reviews the offerings of the man they called ‘Houdini’.

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Many years ago Lennie Lawrence threatened to write a book about his time a Charlton. There was certainly enough packed into his nine year spell at the club, including winding up orders, high court visits, numerous Chairmen, promotion, play-offs, relegation and of course ground sharing and the Valley Party to warrant one if not more volumes.

So when the news of his autobiography leaked it was met with some anticipation. Surely, we hoped, it would be better than the last ex-Addick manager’s effort. And despite having the same ghost writer as Curb’s tome it is, but in some ways it is just as frustrating.

As a Charlton fan I would have been happy for the tale to start and finish with his time with the Addicks but the reality of publishing means that Middlesbrough, Bradford, Luton, Cardiff and Bristol Rovers also get a look in. But a warning to any Plymouth, Lincoln or Grimsby fans;  you can read all the bits about your club in a few minutes while standing in the local book shop. I wouldn’t recommend you investing £15.

The balance of coverage of his time at Charlton compared to most of Lennie’s other clubs is fair but there are surprisingly few anecdotes or tales. All the key events are there but anyone who has ever heard Lennie talk about them with his wit and insight will be disappointed. Paul Miller is let go for spitting and that is it. John Pearson and Mark Aizlewood suddenly appear in opponents Leeds play-off side but with their departures from Charlton having gone unmentioned. The three games against Leeds deserved more but the drama isn’t brought out. The 1983 season end, loser goes down game v Bolton is described, rightly, by Lennie as “one of the most significant matches in the history of Charlton Athletic” but without a proper explanation of just why.

The book moves along quickly and the season by season format is easy to follow. Lennie is generous in his praise of players, coaches and directors he has worked with and his description of his working relationship with Sam Hammam is fascinating. I would have liked to have had a lot more about Lennie, the man, as well as such an experienced and much travelled manager’s views on the nature of management and the role of the Director of Football than was allowed for in the, almost bolted on, final chapter. One quote however made me think immediately of Phil Parkinson and what he is currently trying to achieve:

“man management is also an important ingredient of the job. You can do what you like with the players throughout the week in terms of coaching, tactics and training, but they have to want to go out on a Saturday and play for you. They can play for the Club and the shirt and their family and friends. All of that, but they have to want to play for the manager”.

The editing leaves something to be desired. A few stories seem to be missing a set-up before the punch line, and I thought the Valley Party polled 14,838 votes not 14,839 but that is a minor quibble. It is an enjoyable read that reminds you that “Houdini” has worked his magic at so many clubs, rarely with any money to spend, as well as having a few freely admitted minor disasters along the way.

One major disaster though was thankfully avoided. Lennie reveals that he was very close to being offered the manager’s job at Millwall but thankfully for Lennie’s legendary status the Millwall board decided that Steve Claridge would be better suited for the Lions.

How right they were.

Keep your eyes on the Charlton Life Forum next week, for a chance to win a copy of Lennie.