Simon Parker column

You’ve seen the glitz and the glamour, the bling and the blondes. But cut away all the fancy trappings and celebrity side-show and what’s life as a professional footballer really like?

Former Bantams defender Guy Branston has co-written a new book with the aim of telling it exactly how it is for those breaking into the game and others trying to stay in it.

“Real world advice” is how The Footballer’s Journey describes its content.

Branston, who has had more clubs than Tiger Woods, and co-author Dean Caslake have spoken to current and past players for their advice on how to deal with the highs and lows of life within the beautiful game.

Steve Claridge, another much-travelled City old boy, is among the cast list which varies from Chris Smalling and Neil Ruddock to players from the likes of Forest Green and Torquay.

Every base from the Premier League down is covered.All offer their insights into each little detail, whether it’s attending trial games, leaving home for the first time, reacting to rejection or how to deal with hangers-on mates.

The book is heavy on motivational stuff but the cliches are outnumbered by the tips that come from experience.

The Footballer’s Journey is an extension of Branston’s successful allaboutballerz.com website, which he set up to help players get noticed again when they may have dropped off the pro radar.

It is not designed for a casual holiday read by the pool. But if you are just about to take your first faltering steps in the game, this is a useful guide about how to avoid the many pitfalls along the way – explained by those who should know.

* The Footballer’s Journey, published by Bennion Kearny, costs £11.99.