The reaction of Everton fans to this new book from tabloid journalist Frank Worrall is likely to be very mixed — from those who will be put off by the horrible title — to those who may still be searching for "the truth" about the events preceding his controversial transfer from Everton last year.  Whether Worrall provides much-needed enlightenment, dispels any myths, or simply fills this book with more tabloid sensationalism is not known at this time...  Reviews will be welcome from anyone who does read it.  

Here is the publisher's summary:

Wayne Rooney is undoubtedly the most talked-about teenager in Britain due to his undeniable footballing skills, record transfer fee and controversial off-the-field activities.  But what is the real story behind the headlines?

In this revelatory book, journalist Frank Worrall goes behind the scenes to get the inside story on what has been a remarkable season for Young Player of the Year Rooney.  The debate has continued to rage over the player since he became the world's most expensive teenager upon joining Manchester United for £27 million in September 2004.  Sir Alex Ferguson staked his reputation and his budget on the player, whose decision to leave Everton inspired vitriolic abuse and death threats from his former fans.  This probing book uncovers the dark machinations behind the deal that took Rooney from Goodison Park to Old Trafford, investigates the vicious hate campaign waged against the star, details his first bust-up with Ferguson and reveals his part in the tunnel row in February 2005.

Off the pitch, Rooney has had an equally turbulent time.  His fiancée Coleen threatened to leave him after it was reported in the tabloids that he had visited massage parlours, while his parents were left to face up to the angry mobs in Liverpool.  Then there was his fractured relationship with agent Paul Stretford and the emergence of American millionaire Malcolm Glazer — who wanted to cash in on United after he witnessed Rooney's amazing initial impact.

This book tells the full, explosive story of Wayne Rooney's rise to fame.  It delves beneath the headlines and the scandal to build a portrait of his crazy life so far as a young football star.

Frank Worrall is a journalist who writes regularly for the Sunday Times and The Sun. He has previously worked for the Mail on Sunday and Melody Maker.

Price: £9.99   Published: 4 August 2005