{"product_id":"9781935986935","title":"The Light at the End of the Tunnel","description":"IT IS ALWAYS AN EXCITING moment when the players enter the tunnel right before a soccer match. An almost eerie quiet settles over everyone. Few words are exchanged. The hustle and bustle of the dressing room - with all the last-minute instructions being given by the coaches, the jocular banter among the players, and the uniforms being donned - has given way to a moment of serious focus.\u003cp\u003eIt was a time of quiet reflection for me. I would retreat into my own thoughts and plans for the player I would be facing that day. I would then offer up a short prayer for protection.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe clickety-click of soccer boots on the concrete was like music to my ears. I was exactly where I wanted to be - entering the great arena where the skills I had honed for years would be used, and where the chants of the fans would echo around the stadium.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis was all part of my 21 years in the English Football League.\u003cbr\u003eGradually, I allowed myself to become so programmed to the game that I became obsessed with it. My mind constantly dwelt on football.\u003cbr\u003eI thought of nothing else. My life was controlled by a sport demanding my all.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe all travel through a tunnel of sorts, continually aiming for something intangible - perfection. I was searching for a better life. I\u003cbr\u003eplayed in exotic places, met many famous people, played for the most successful team of that era in Britain, but never found the elusive happiness I so desperately sought.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eNot until I was 40 years of age did I find the peace and happiness\u003cbr\u003eI was so hungry to capture. That's when I discovered what that light at the end of the tunnel really was.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Liberty University Press","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47049127919856,"sku":"9781935986935","price":24.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0737\/7593\/9824\/files\/9781935986935_p0.jpg?v=1763658486","url":"https:\/\/shop-qa.barnesandnoble.com\/products\/9781935986935","provider":"Barnes \u0026 Noble (DEV)","version":"1.0","type":"link"}