Watch My Back
- Book - Paperback

Dimensions: 176 x 110 mm
Number of pages: 608
ISBN: 1 84024 189 6
Publication Date: September 2001

Watch My Back is the story of one man’s search for courage.

Depressed, bullied, intimidated by life and indoctrinated to believe that this was his lot, Geoff Thompson, on the verge of a breakdown, decided to fight back. In a bid to confront his fears, he took a job as a bouncer in one of Britain’s roughest nightclubs.

His life was never to be the same again.

Over the next ten years, and after being involved in hundreds of brutal and bloody fights that left two of his friends murdered and many more in prison, the bullied 11 stone youth turned himself into a fearsome fighting machine with an unparalleled reputation as a knockout specialist. Seduced by beautiful women, attacked by maniacs with knives, guns (and a pair of garden shears), chased and locked up by the police and sought after by top establishments to ‘clean up’ their clubs, Geoff reached the top of his trade and became addicted to violence.

Then it all changed.

After being stabbed, glassed and nearly killed in a gang attack, and almost killing one of his attackers in a savage car park match-fight, he was forced to reassess his relationship with violence. After writing down his experiences in an effort to exorcise his demons, Geoff discovered a flair for writing. Within a few short years his work found a cult following all over the world.

This is the story of an ordinary man who faced his fears and took himself from bedsit to bestseller but very nearly got killed on the way.

Geoff Thompson made violence his profession working as a doorman at some of Britain’s roughest clubs. As the holder of the rank of 6th Dan black belt in Japanese karate, 1st Dan in Judo and equally well qualified in other martial arts he is a TOUGH man. As well as many books he has written a film script, Watch My back, based on his life and a stage play, One Sock, that inspired The Royal Court Theatre in London’s West End to invite him into their exclusive writers’ group. WATCH MY BACK is his account of nine years as a doorman and bouncer, of living with the ever present fear of going too far and killing someone in any of the 300 violent and bloody confrontations.

 

Category : Biography

Price : £8.99 for Book Paperback

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Review

Reviewed by : P W Jones
Location : UK

" Watch my back is one of the best books i have ever had the pleasure to read.. i've worked as a doorman for the last three years.. after reading this book i understand and respect the job more.. within the first 10 chapters watch my back basicly told me a lot of what i've learned in three years.. i can relate to so much of the stories and lessons it gives.. i've recomended it to so many people.. it's a top class book and i'll defintly be reading it again and again…"

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : Rob T
Location : UK

"I have just this second finished readin "Watch my back" and i must admit it intreaged me so much that i read it in one sitting not just the violance and the life of the door but the way i can take the snippets of "advice" and use them in my own life, So i would like to say thanks for the experience Geoff its been a pleasure and to everyone that reads this make sure you've read the book too!"

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : derek baines
Location : england

"gritty edgy book laced with humour once I started I could not put it down having been in the trade I could empathise with the author well done"

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : Umair Hamid
Location : UK

"All I can say is what a book! The book goes into great detail into the many battles Geoff had on the doors of many coventry pubs and nightclubs. However unlike many 'war stories' Geoff really goes into detail on how adrenaline made him feel at the time, how he used his 'fence theory' in all of these fights, even many of the fights of his fellow doormen. This book isnt just a glorified collection of tales from coventry doors, its a book illustrating the personal struggle of one man and how he overcomes his greatest fears, in Geoffs case physical confrontations, and how he did this. This book illustrates the power of the mind and will. The beauty of this book is that even though its a collection of tales and not a 'how to fight on a friday night' type book, a martial artist can really absorb a lot of information on realistic street combat just by reading it, ive came across quite a few self defense books in my time but none, have even touched the issue of fear and adrenaline as much as this man does in this book, and I can saw quite confidently that the 2 most neglected points of self defense, what an individual should expect before and after a fight, are covered quite nicely in this book despite it not being a 'how to' book. Would I reccomend it? Yes, not just to martial artists or security personell, but to anyone willing to see the power of the human mind, anyone interested in this genre of books, or anyone after a good read!!"

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : Ian Phillips
Location : United Kingdom

"Watch my back, im sure there are thousands of reviews on this book all ready out there so one more won't hurt. I first read this book five years ago, and since the moment I read the first page I was sucked in, I was engrossed and fascinated. Geoff adds a real element of realism and his colourful writing in descriptions and expressions make this book a must read for everyone. With the situations described I felt as though I was there experiencing what was happening, I could feel the fear. And when there were laughs it was hard to stop giggling for a time. It brings home the fact that violence is not as glamourous as it is made out to be, people get hurt, badly, and sometimes worse. It also shows us that we all have choices and we are the result of these decisions we have made. For me personally this book is the most inspirational tool I have ever purchased I have read this book so many times I have lost count, it is worth it's weight in gold and some."

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : Kay
Location : UK

"What an excellent read, being I am a Coventarian myself, also went to the same school as Geoff and have worked in the same enviroment I was so enthralled by this book, it sums up Coventry as it was in the 80's, the doormen and the scallywags who would provoke a fight and what the doormen had to endure. It is a must read book, actually I have read it twice now. I am currently reeding Red Mist."

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : Keren Power
Location : England

"Watch my back, what a brilliant book, I am however ashamed to admit that I have only just read it, nevertheless, I made up for this by reading it in one night, I just could not put the book down, Geoff puts so much feeling into his words, and you really feel as if you are there witnessing it all. I did however cry at the end because I just was not expecting at all what he said to his old Aikido teacher, which I thought was the most noble and brave thing to do, but totally unexpected, it took me a good twenty minutes to get to read the rest of the book! if any of you haven't yet read this book, please do you will love it."

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : Pete
Location : uk

"Be prepared when you buy this book and start reading you will not be able to put it down.Its a great insight into Geoff Thompson's world as a doorman and also as a martial artist.For me personaly it was inspirational a confidence build and has changed part of my outlook on life so thankyou for the book watch my back.Buy it now it will change the way you think on the inside and on the out."

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : ian storey
Location : uk

"in my opinion this is the best book i have ever read, congratulations to sharon for taking the manuscript out of the bin. like yourself when you wrote the book, i have a red ring imprinted on my arse and 2 red grooves on my knees from the many hours sat on the toilet reading this fantastic book (watch my back).i am not a fighter but i have read many fighting book, this is by far the best. i think that everything you have written is true because you have too much understanding of the way people portray themselfs(fight or flight) all i can say is your a true fighter and a true gentleman."

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : Colin Lyon
Location : Scotland

"This is by far the finest book I have ever read. I read constantly and have never read a book that jumped off the pages at me like this one. I promise you if you read this book you will feel the same. I recommended this book to at least 10 people who all came back and said the same thing. This book sums up combat in 1 story."

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : Graham Jackson
Location : New Zealand

"This is the most amazing, true to life and excellent book about life in Coventry. I was amazed at Geoff's honesty and absolute realism about the most difficult of jobs in a tough city as well as having the couage, and honesty, to share his personal life. He writes with grace and fluidity, whilst modesty of his exceptional skills in SELF DEFENCE, were and are in abundance. I remember Geoff on the doors when I was a young lad going out and he was reveered with ABSOLUTE RESPECT as he was a FAIR,EXCEPTIONALLY HARD and CHARMING MAN. Thank you Geoff for helping to put Coventry on the map. Jako44"

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : Robert Higgs
Location : UK

"My life changed one afternoon in October 1995. Depressed, bored with life and brimful of anger i found a copy of WMB in my student halls and sat down to read. It was a rollercoaster ride, the description and raw langauge made me feel i was stood in the doorman's shoes. Given the nature of the people depicted-a leg shaking, heart racing, run for your life feeling indeed!! Reading this book inspired me to fight back against my bullied existence and live a life i couldn't have imagined on that cold day. Look past the 300 fights and see a man finding his courage. Peer through the blood and snot and see a lost man find his way again. This book shows us all that the life we dream of is attainable if we just have the courage to try. 'Watch My Back' is a great journey. Geoff Thompson shows us all that in life, like him, we can travel a long, long way. Robert Higgs-Author of 'What Have I Ever Done To You?'"

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : Ross Grey
Location : Wales

"Excellent book read it in two days. A great insight into his world. Recommend it to anyone who likes that sort of thing. It is violent but also extremely gripping."

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : Richard Boorman
Location : UK

"I WAITED A LONG TIME TO READ WATCH MY BACK BUT ONCE I STARTED I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. I WAS SO INSPIRED TO LOOK AT MY OWN LIMITATIONS AND THE BOOKS INSPIRED ME TO IMPROVE MY LIFE AND LIVE LIFE TO THE MAX. GEOFF IS A GOD AMONG MEN, MY WIFE LOVED THE BOOKS AND I WANT TO THANK GEOFF FOR ALLOWING ME AN INSIGHT INTO HIS WORLD. I WANT TO READ ALL HIS WORK."

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : Chris Bates
Location : UK

"Excellent book. Grew up in Coventry and had the pleasure of being introduced to Geoff years ago, finally got round to reading this book Nov 2004 whilst on holiday...well what can I say...I couldn't wait to get to the end...then as the pages ran out didn't want it to end!! the hairs on my back stood on end as I read the final pages Geoff tells many truths..tells it how it is..always defeats the baddies..but shows the dark side of being a bouncer. I believe that if you are weak or have doubts you should read this book...it will improve your confidence without any physical training...I hate to think how strong I would be if I read all of Geoffs books!!!! within hours of finishing this book I had confronted an arrogant man in a bar with supreme confidence and didn't have to raise a finger!! It's a great read, sad, scary, worrying..but at the same time uplifting, heartwarming and real, very real ( I know Radio rental Rob! ) good on ya Geoff! how I wish I could say that I had been thrown out of Busters by you!!"

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : Paul Terence Mainwaring
Location : UK / Liverpool

"I have read this book twice now and will probably read it again and again.It gives a very interesting insight into Goeffs world in the past.So much so that by the end of the book you feel like you actually know him personally. Once you read this book i guarantee you will want to read other selections in his library. Take care everyone,Paul T Mainwaring"

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : andy wilson
Location : england

"I have just finished reading geoffs book "watch my back", it is one of the best books ive ever read, due to the fact its so honestly written and it portrays life on the doors so realisticly.I myself am a doorman and its rare to hear another doorman talk so openly about the fear you get and the way you deal with it.Altogether a frank and realistic insight into doorwork and how it affects your life.Thanks for a great read, i just wish it was a few thousend pages longer."

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : Peter Johnson
Location : Great britain

"Have now read this book about five times and each time it keeps me glued even though i know whats gonna happen or whats coming next. The way Geoff deals with some of the characters that appear in this book is outstanding with the best being his old martial arts teacher in Mcdonalds. The book is an eye opening account off what door work used to be like with lots of comical outburts along the way. If you havent read this, then do, your in for a treat "

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : Duane Emsley
Location : birmingham

"I look at Geoff Thompson as I would my idols, Bruce Lee etc. He is one of the greats and it was a pleasure reading his work.There is somthing for everyone. My own training has improved greatly,and yours could too!"

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : Gavin Barr
Location : England

"I read Watch my Back and I thought WOW. This book kept me reading for hours. The insight into this world was excellent and moving at the same time. I have read books like this before about how "hard" people are, but this was something different. This was life, real life"

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : Tim Comas
Location : U.S.

"I just started reading the book "watch my back" and must say it is easily one of the most well written and interesting books I have ever read. The funny punchlines and intricated details and hillarious slang in the few first chapters had me laughing and locked in."

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : mark kelly
Location : scotland

"As i began the book i was drawn immediatley to the brutal honesty geoff kicked it off with. It was with this that the excitment of realising a good read was at hand and knowing this was someones real life that was rolling over the pages kept me furiously turning page after another. With his insight into the "fight psyche" it amazed and brought realization from myself how well he understands himself now and can only thank him because to read about a man with such a rep, describing how ive felt pre, present and post fight and i dont doubt many more is a breath of fresh air to all the glitter that surrounds violence in real life. the never to deep undertone of sarcasim and comedic value given to some situations was spot on, i especially enjoyed reading of the total arsehole (TA) and his timely demise from the toe of a well pissed off although red cheeked woman.As i continued the book and finding out more about geoffs situation and were it was taking him i shared the rough times cause like many others ive had mine too. The way he himself turned it round with the help and encouragement he needed at the time from his beautifull partner sharon and she is ive seen the pictures "nice one geoff ;o)" and his lovely kids who by wot he says have inherited geoffs composure and abilty to deal with life and its ugly contents. So i say all in all the book gave me something rarely gained from a read which is a self belief and worth if u r determined enough the world is your mussel. keep them coming geoff and all the best for the forthcoming film. MARK KELLY"

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : phil
Location : ENGLAND

"Absolutely riviting stuff. I could hardly put the book down.Aspiring doormen take note, you could learn a thing or two."

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : N Jones
Location : England

"The same as all the other people that have posted a review one i started to read WMB i was not able to put it down. It has been some time since i actually read the book, when i did i was a doorman in the local clubs and was fairly green when it came to all that doorman stuff. The book was an inspiration and taught me things about myself that i didn't realise that i had in me, it gave me the confidence to do the job. I have since left that line of work but i find myself in a position where i might have to go back to it, my preparation for this will be to read that book again. From all of the genuine doormen in the uk that have read the book, thanks for sharing your story with us and giving us all the inspiration and confidence to go to work every night."

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : Paul Rossall
Location : UK

"Watch my back ~ Whoever you are, this is the book for you. I have read this book many times and it grips me everytime."

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : tony suttle
Location : england

"what a book! could not put it down! violent all the way through but all justifyed when provoked or challenged. everyone who reads this will enjoy it."

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : Simon Scott
Location : England

"some years ago i purchased my first Geoff Thompson book Watch my back,i could'nt put it down from the 1st page.Since then i have been collecting his books, dvd's, & video's.Although i dont quite have them all i will continue to collect them. You can't just single out one product because they are all an inspiration to people like myself who seek the path of self protection & motivation to one day bettering myself.Never mind BAFTA's give the man a knighthood. Keep up the good work Geoff. "

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : Gabi
Location : England

"Really really exciting. Another one of his books that you cant put down. Some bits make you laugh, some bits make you go 'oh my god'. It is so worth reading."

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : Rezbi
Location : UK

"I've read Watch my Back and think that a lot of people are missing out on a lot of useful information if they view it as 'just an autobiography'. I think this book is the practical embodiment of Geoff's book 'Fear, the friend of excpetional people' as it actually demonstrates, with examples, how he used the information himself. Apart of that, it's also a very good read."

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : Jimmy Wennberg
Location : Sweden

"In my traning of martial arts i always looked for the most combative side that will make me safe in the street, i found that in the Hurricane Combat arts system thought by Sijo Frank Monsalve. I were recomended the book Watch my back by several combat instructors so i bought it, my best buy ever in books, this book tells you how it´s i recognize my self in alot of Geoffs situations both in the street and in his personal life... to everybody that whant to be inspired or just like to read how it is in the street with no BS you better read Watch my back, Best wishes Jimmy"

Rating : 10 / 10

 

Reviewed by : simon j
Location : england

"now i've read this book 3 times now and think its great, ive been through similar things in my life but never dealt with anything that scared me, this book gave me an insight into what goes on in life and about what peoples attitude to life is(sounds well corny), anyway keep doing what ya do and one day i might get a signed photo. cheers mate."

Rating : 8 / 10

 

Reviewed by : bob
Location : england

"drag your arse off the bed, and face the day. "

Rating : 8 / 10

 

Reviewed by : Marc Dearlove
Location : UK

"Although I read this book a year ago and have only just got round to writing a review I thought that it deserves to be praised. reading this book was a great incite to the world of a doorman. The story of gaining revenge for his father against smith and davis was my favourite part. The use of the phrase "All my Christmases and birthday’s came at once" was pure quality. the use of the language to increase the tension made you smile and cheer as geoff gains his revenge. Also the struggle against the gang when Geoff and the bouncers had to fortify themselves in a pub in wake of an attack made by a local gang.This was something I could relate to as a similar thing as happened to me. the full book is on rollar coster ride after another. I hope this review entices you to read it."

Rating : 8 / 10

 

Reviewed by : Paul Dowsett
Location : UK

"Very good read which once i started, could not put it down. Ocassion after occasion he proved never to give up and to keep fighting for your goal, which in his case was to control his fears and keep on top of them. After a bullied childlife he showed a great strength of character to get to the top of his pryamid/pryamids! I must thou, if you see the photos of him he does not look much, it just shows you how wrong you can judge people."

Rating : 9 / 10

 

Reviewed by : Chris Dark
Location : UK

"A book written by a 'real man on the street', contents of which can be identified and recognised by anyone. The book depicts life as a doorman on some of the toughest pubs/clubs. Its full of violent encounters, humour in adversity, emotion and best of all - based on real experiences. A great read."

Rating : 9 / 10

 

Reviewed by : Stephen
Location : UK

"Having just read ur book'watch my back'i find it an amazin insight into a world very few can comprehend.i think the book was very frank and a fantastic read i suppose i can associate with it a touch like everyone of us.the fear the adrenalin rush but the realisation that violence is not the answer.no matter what class or background we are from if we want it enough we can get it.well good luck to you in the future and keep writing i for one will be buying them!"

Rating : 9 / 10

 

 

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