Mr Unbelievable

Product Information

Yet here I was, in his final moments, exposing it all. It was a mistake. I should have kept it to myself. I have very few regrets in life, but that is definitely one. My biggest regret is that I wasn’t there the night Mum died in 2003. She was diagnosed with terminal breast cancer during my early days on Goals on Sunday, and I was busy as an established part of Soccer Saturday and Soccer AM. I got my priorities all wrong. Chris Kamara was awarded an MBE for services to football, anti-racism and charity in King Charles III’s New Year’s Honours list in March this year (Image: Newsquest)

Following his football career on both the pitch and touchline, he became best known for his work as a pundit and presenter on Sky Sports.

Born in Middlesbrough of Sierra Leonean, English and Irish descent, Kamara served in the navy before joining Portsmouth for the first of two spells. He told his close friend Ben Shephard, with whom he co-presented Ninja Warrior UK. Eventually he agreed to talk about his apraxia in an interview with Shephard on ITV’s Good Morning Britain. “I came out and did it with him, and it was the best day of my life from then on.” He was astonished by people’s understanding, kindness and warmth. Finally, it made sense to his fans. Has he had a stroke?’ wondered another. As ever, if anyone asked how I was, I’d insist I was OK. And actually every now and again a good day would come along to fool me that I was worrying unduly – everything was going to be all right. But despite the amazing tales, it hasn't all been plain sailing. Kammy had a tough upbringing, faced racism during his playing career and has, in recent years, dealt with a rare brain condition – apraxia – that has affected his speech and seen him say goodbye to Sky Sports. Relating his battle against the condition, Kammy shows how he’s met every challenge with courage, determination and his infectious smile. He played more than 200 games across two stints at Swindon, and also played for Brentford, Stoke, Leeds, Luton, Sheffield United, Middlesbrough and the Bantams.

Ben was behind me coming out and talking about it,” Kammy explained before he gave Ben a hug. “Can I say a big thanks to you Ben as none of this would have happened without your help.” Kamara, one of football’s most popular figures, recently received an MBE at Windsor Castle today The 65-year-old, known for his catchphrase “Unbelievable Jeff”, played for nine English professional clubs in a career spanning 20 years before going on to manage Bradford and Stoke. Now Kammy reveals all in this funny and moving autobiography. What happens when you double cross José Mourinho? What it’s like to play with Vinnie Jones - and play against him? Who comes off better: Kammy or a rampaging gorilla? How did Kammy end up releasing his own top-ten record? What's the real story behind his infamous line, 'I don't know, Jeff!'? While @emmajane1989x added: “Oh kammy! I absolutely adore you!!” Another viewer @theo_samuels said: “Kammy, you've got absolutely nothing to be ashamed about your condition. Nothing. Keep being you. #GMB.” Kamara was awarded an MBE for services to football, anti-racism and charity in King Charles III’s New Year’s Honours list this year.As has been well-documented, Kammy, 65, has seen his speech impacted following his apraxia diagnosis. He has campaigned for the government to increase speech therapy support for those with impediments. Kamara is talking to me from his home in Wakefield. He looks the same as ever – big, jolly face, pencil-moustache and a grin like he’s just won the lottery. It’s only when he talks that you notice the difference. I guess this book would only ever appeal to those who know of Chris Kamara either through his football playing days, or as a manager, or as a TV presenter (of football!).

In the match, when Stelling came to him for an update, he could barely speak. “My heart palpitated. I’d never known anything like it. It felt as if it was coming out of my chest. And I couldn’t get my tongue around the words.” He sounds traumatised just revisiting it. “It was so difficult. Jeff came to me and a goal was scored and I kept the commentary as short as possible.” Nobody on the team mentioned what had happened, so he thought he’d got away with it. “I thought maybe it’s not as bad as I think it is. No one said, ‘Are you OK?’ No one said, ‘What’s up with you?’ No one said, ‘Have you been drinking?’ Nothing. So I started to think maybe something’s playing with my head, so you just move on. And that’s what I did.”My heart felt like it was beating out of my chest. I was gripped by palpitations. I’d been doing live match reports on Sky for more than 20 years. My appearances on Soccer Saturday are what I’m known for more than anything. And yet now, facing Jeff Stelling down the camera, my tongue felt as if it had swelled to double its size. His elation was evident – and very infectious. Anne and I were jumping for joy. We knew I was so much better, but to see the scans, the evidence in pictures, was amazing. We were on cloud nine. All in all, I was 75% of how I used to be. They tell me I’ll continue to improve over the coming months. If that’s the case, bring it on! Mum was my world - but I wasn’t there to say goodbye When I was a child, home was somewhere nobody could touch us. But it didn’t always feel comfortable. Dad’s presence dominated. Only he was allowed in the front room. We had to stay in the kitchen when he came in from work. Mum would give him his tea and he’d go in there, put the radio on, and sit and eat. When finally we got a telly he’d sit on his own until he went to the pub, while we sat in the kitchen. Breaking down in tears, Kammy said: “It doesn’t define who you are. I get upset talking about it. I was in denial.” Read More Related Articles As for Albert, he had no interest in football and only saw his son play once at school. Alan Ingledew, a football coach and mentor, took him on alternate weeks to watch Middlesbrough and Leeds at home. Albert insisted his son went into the navy, as he had done, after leaving school. He was still only 16 when he was spotted by Portsmouth’s youth team manager playing for the navy team. The National Front element of the Portsmouth crowd booed him however well he played. When he joined Swindon a couple of years later, he received death threats from Portsmouth fans and was given police escorts to the County Ground. He never let it get to him.