Ahead of the Game book cover
A Professional Mindset

Ahead of the Game

The James Coppinger story — from Newcastle United at 17, to losing it all by 21, to a 24-year career and 800 professional games. Foreword by Sir Kenny Dalglish.
Buy Now
£19.99
Free UK Shipping
Scroll

Not another football autobiography



Newcastle at 17. Non-league at 21 — drinking, gambling, gone. What changed his mind is the real story, told alongside Sir Bobby Robson, Alan Shearer, and a psychic named Uri Geller.




✓ Foreword by Sir Kenny Dalglish ✓ Newcastle at 17 to non-league lows — and back ✓ 24-year, 800-game professional career ✓ A masterclass in resilience and mindset
£19.99
Free UK Shipping · 30-Day Returns
Buy Now

Start Reading Today

The full story — no filter, no easy answers. Just what happened, and what changed.
£19.99
Free UK Shipping · 30-Day Returns
Buy Now

The Story

Part One

The Rise

Signed by Newcastle United at 17, training under Sir Bobby Robson. Everything he wanted — and pressure he wasn't ready for.
Part Two

The Fall

By 21, non-league football. Drinking, gambling, and a career unravelling faster than anyone noticed.
Part Three

The Turnaround

The mindset shift that changed everything: three promotions, a trip to Wembley, and the all-time appearance record at Doncaster Rovers.
Talent gets you through the door. What you do when it all falls apart is what decides whether you stay.
Foreword by Sir Kenny Dalglish

What's Inside

How a promising career unravelled — and the honest truth about why
The mindset shift that turned everything around at 21
Staying at the top for 24 years and 800 games
Handling pressure, setbacks and self-doubt as a professional
Lessons from Sir Bobby Robson, Alan Shearer and others
What every young player — and every football parent — should know
About the Author

James Coppinger

24 years as a pro. 800 games. Newcastle at 17, non-league by 21, and the all-time appearance record at Doncaster Rovers by the time he hung up his boots. He now runs ProMindset, working with players, parents and clubs on the mental side of the game — the part this book is really about.

Common Questions

Is this only for footballers?
No. Football's the setting — the book is about rebuilding after everything falls apart. Plenty of readers have never kicked a ball.
Is it suitable for young players?
Yes — widely read by academy and grassroots players and parents. It's honest about drinking and gambling, so younger readers may want to go through it with a parent.
How does it connect to ProMindset?
The book is the story behind the method. The coaching, planner and app turn it into practical work.