Standing Free : The Life and Times of Theo ten Caat

Few figures in Aberdeen FC's colourful history captivate the imagination like Theo ten Caat. His newly announced autobiography, "Standing Free", promises to be more than just another football memoir – it's a raw, unvarnished look at a career that bridged two footballing cultures.
Ten Caat, who joined Aberdeen in 1991 after establishing himself in Dutch football, teams up with Nick Brown, whose recent work "Former Glories and New Beginnings" demonstrated his deep understanding of Aberdeen FC's rich tapestry. This collaboration proves to be inspired, as Brown's journalistic background helps shape Ten Caat's candid revelations into a compelling narrative.
The book's greatest strength lies in its unflinching honesty. Ten Caat doesn't shy away from controversial moments, including his relationship with the legendary Willie Miller, who took over as manager in 1992 during Ten Caat's tenure at Pittodrie. The Dutch midfielder's perspective on this turbulent period offers fresh insights into a crucial chapter of Aberdeen's history.
What sets "Standing Free" apart is its dual focus – while it delves deep into Ten Caat's Scottish adventure, it also provides a fascinating glimpse into Dutch football of the era. The promised revelations about near-fights with international superstars and tales of questionable transfer dealings add spice to what is already an engaging football narrative.
The autobiography's title, "Standing Free", cleverly plays on Aberdeen FC's motto while symbolising Ten Caat's approach to both football and life – unbounded by convention and unafraid to speak his mind. His evolution from a talented midfielder discovered by FC Twente to a cult hero at Pittodrie is chronicled with humour and heart.
For Aberdeen fans, this book promises to be essential reading, offering both nostalgia and new revelations about a fascinating period in the club's history. For wider football audiences, it's a compelling look at how the game has evolved, told through the eyes of a player who straddled two distinct football cultures.
A promising addition to football literature that combines candid storytelling with unique insights into Scottish and Dutch football of the 1990s. Ten Caat's distinctive voice and Brown's skilled narrative crafting suggest this will be more than just another sports biography – it's a chronicle of football's evolution through the eyes of one of its most interesting characters.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48  
Published: March 3, 2025
Price: £25.00
ISBN-10: 180150945X
ISBN-13: 978-1801509459
Hardback: 240 pages
Dimensions: 240 x 250 mm