Paul Ferris

Born in Lisburn during the Troubles, Paul Ferris was a teenage footballing prodigy, becoming Newcastle United’s youngest-ever player in 1982 – only for injury to ensure his promise went unfulfilled. He later returned to the club as a physiotherapist before earning a Master’s degree and beginning a successful quest to qualify as a barrister. But the lure of football was always strong and he went back for a third spell at Newcastle, as Head of the Medical Department, again working closely with a host of big-name players and managers.

His first novel An Irish Heartbeat was published in 2011. His memoir The Boy on The Shed, was a multiple award-winning bestseller. His latest memoir The Magic in the Tin will be published in April 2022. Paul is also the CEO of a successful health and fitness business, Speedflex. He lives in Northumberland with his wife Geraldine, is a father of three boys and a grandfather.