Association football (Soccer) Books

Book SynopsisThere are many quality football coaches in the game at every level who feel that defending is more about mentality than tactics, that defending topics do not need to be part of every training session. With its more than 190 defending drills to train players, this book seeks to reestablish balance in tactical planning and in training design by examining every aspect of individual and team defending, making it easy for the coach to incorporate tackling, defending roles, pressing, defending set-pieces, and many more topics into team training. It is the complete guide to mastering defending in football. The 1990 World Cup in Italy was infamous for generating the lowest-ever goals per game average, and since then, tactical thought has focused heavily and consistently on flexible attacking designed to break down and defeat defending in depth. This book argues that the next tactical revolution belongs to the defending side of the ball, and it features complex, layered defending, blending postures and pressures designed to keep an attacking team off balance throughout the match.

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Book Synopsis'Probably the biggest story in football of the last decade ... Reads like a Cold War thriller.' - Best Football Books of 2019, FourFourTwo ***One anonymous football fan.18.6 million confidential documents. The explosive story of the shady underworld of modern football.In 2016, a whistle-blower known only as 'John' began leaking a treasure trove of top-secret files, revealing the clandestine dealings of clubs, players and agents at the highest levels of international football.From the eye-popping details of player transfers, to loopholes and opaque tax structures that ensure maximum earnings, this is a tale of rapacious greed and dodgy deals. It is also a gripping story of a fan who wanted to free football from corruption, but finds himself on the run.

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Book Synopsis'For those of you missing your football fix, anything by Michael Calvin is worth a read – the hugely respected sports journalist writes eloquently about the modern game in page turner State of Play.'DAILY MIRROR_______________________________________________________LONGLISTED FOR THE 2018 WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDAward-winning author of The Nowhere Men, Living on the Volcano and No Hunger in Paradise returns with his magnum opus on the state of modern footballFirst he revealed the extraordinary lives of football scouts in The Nowhere Men.Next he unearthed the pressures on football managers in Living on the Volcano.Then he chronicled the hardships of young players striving to make it in No Hunger in Paradise.Now in State of Play, in what marks the pinnacle of a career investigating the human stories of football, award-winning writer Michael Calvin turns his eye to the biggest story of all - the game itself.From mental health to money, concussion to Champions league, fan-owners to oligarchs, women's football to world cups, Calvin gets under the skin of the beautiful game, and reveals why it is truly the game of our lives.Based on hundreds of hours of interviews with leading figures around the world, from Arsene Wenger to Steven Gerrard, Calvin reveals the winners, the losers, the politics, the pleasure, the hope, and the despair of the world's most popular sport.Trade ReviewOne of the issues Calvin explores in his most recent book State of Play is the need for more emotionally intelligent managers and coaches in football, as epitomised by England manager Gareth Southgate. * CNN Sport *As enthralling and insightful as any fans of Mike’s previous books would expect -- Matt Williams * Simon Mayo’s Books of the Year Podcast *A grandstand view of the beautiful game . . . Calvin draws on his own frontline reporting as well as interviews with leading football figures to present an exhaustive portrait of the modern game. * Radio Times *Thought-provoking and well-wrought. * The Sunday Times *Michael Calvin has done the game a massive service with this broad ranging, hard-hitting and exceptionally well researched book and he has also written it in a beautiful, lucid prose style. * Greville Waterman Review *

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Book SynopsisThe Man Who Made A Football ClubSir Matt Busby, who took Manchester United to unprecedented glory before seeing the club through profound tragedy, created the global entity that spreads from Old Trafford today.A player with Manchester City and Liverpool before the Second World War, Busby remained at the forefront of football through four decades and made an extraordinary contribution to the game in terms of both style and substance. In this definitive biography, Patrick Barclay looks back at Busby’s phenomenal life and career, including the rise of the Busby Babes in the 1950s, the Munich disaster that claimed 23 lives and the Wembley victory ten years on that made United the first English team to win the European Cup. Denis Law, Pat Crerand and such other members of that great side as Alex Stepney, David Sadler and John Aston are among the host of voices testifying to the qualities that set Sir Matt apart.This is the story of one of the greatest figures in football history, and of the making of a legacy that will last for ever.Trade ReviewMany new books with a sporting theme are tumbling onto the shelves but I doubt any will be superior to the illuminating and comprehensive biography of Sir Matt Busby by the irrepressible football sage Patrick Barclay The events and emotions are recounted with haunting eloquence by Barclay: a master of his craft. -- Jim Holden * Sunday Express *Patrick Barclay’s magnificent biography of Sir Matt Busby -- Alan Pattullo * Scotland on Sunday *‘Sir Matt Busby’s story has been told many times but, rarely with such perception and scholarly attention to detail’ ‘ a stunning biography ... destined to become a classic of its genre’ -- Patrick Collins‘An outstanding book’ -- Phil Shaw * Backpass *‘Superbly written … a book all football fans should read.’ -- Michael Crick

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Book SynopsisThe Beautiful Badge tells the fascinating story behind the UK's football club badges, from 1860s hand-embroidered symbols on home-knitted jerseys to today's multi-million pound brands. The book not only covers hammers, cannon and Liver birds but also reveals the link between Peterhead FC and Viz comic; which TV celebrity designed Aldershot Town FC's badge; and whose GBP10 doodle became the opposition's badge. Some clubs have sported ten or more different badges over the decades, ranging from their town's coat of arms to cartoon insects and initials. Promotion, moving to a new stadium or an owner with controversial views often results in a new badge. The book plots the influence of fashion, technology and fans, and investigates the tensions between clubs and supporters over changes to their beloved badge. Do you know why your club's badge looks the way it does? The Beautiful Badge is essential reading for football enthusiasts, historians, designers and anyone who enjoys putting their feet up in the boot room.

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Book SynopsisFifteen Barnsley footballing legends tell the stories behind their favourite ever games for the club - enabling fans of all ages to relive these magic moments through the eyes and emotions of the men who were there, pulling on the famous red shirt. Local lad Mick McCarthy recalls the moment he was selected for his first game representing his boyhood team, revealing how dearly he holds the club, the fans and one person in particular all these years later. Arjan de Zeeuw talks about how he was smuggled into a hotel when he was still an unknown, and was told he was signing for an English club. In the end he was delighted that his career in England started at Barnsley, going on to describe how it felt to do the unthinkable at Anfield during the club's only Premier League season. Oakwell legends including Marley Watkins, Lewin Nyatanga, Marc Richards, Paul Hayes, Brian Howard, Adie Moses, Darren Barnard and Stephen Foster also turn in characteristic star performances, winding back the clock to relive treasured memories of the Match of Their Lives.

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Book SynopsisThe 1970s saw a change in the fortunes of the Scottish national side. After a gap of 16 years World Cup qualification was achieved for the finals in West Germany in 1974. Credited as the only undefeated side at the tournament, the sobering trip to Argentina four years later prompted more realistic future expectations. In a decade in which the SFA celebrated its centenary, the scandal of the Copenhagen Five and a breakdown in relations between the press and players were significant events - while, on the park, players of the calibre of Dalglish, Hartford, Jordan, Souness and McQueen replaced the old guard. Scotland in the 70s looks beyond the decade's 89 matches, examining the role of the managers - Brown, Docherty, Ormond, MacLeod, Stein - and the circumstances surrounding the many memorable games. Extensive newspaper and video archive research is complemented by the memories of star contributors including Bobby Brown, Archie MacPherson, Asa Hartford, Eddie Gray, Willie Morgan, Willie Johnston, Lou Macari, Bobby Clark, Jimmy Bone and John Blackley.

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Book SynopsisForgotten Nations tells the stories of the international football teams that are unable to break into FIFA's ranks, from the self-funded minnows of Barawa in south-western Sudan to Tibet's Dalai Lama-backed national side, and new media darlings Yorkshire. They play under the auspices of CONIFA - the Confederation of Independent Football Associations - created to help express the cultural identities of football's 'stateless peoples', fighting for recognition on the biggest stage of all. Here are incredible human and sporting stories from diverse regions: from Matabeleland in Zimbabwe, still recovering from massacres 30 years ago, to Tuvalu in the south Pacific, threatened with inundation. Aided by wonderful behind-the-scenes access at London's 2018 CONIFA World Football Cup, and the irresistible willpower of sportsmen and women trying to make their stories heard, Forgotten Nations explains why 11,000 people crammed into a tiny stadium on the Black Sea coast in 2016 to watch two teams that most of the world has never heard of.

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Book SynopsisThe sequel to The Roar of the Lionesses - named one of The Guardian's best sports books of 2016. England's Lionesses headed to France for the 2019 Women's World Cup endeavouring to improve on their third-place finish in Canada four years previously. But they didn't have the easiest of preparations, with dramas and headlines emerging for all the wrong reasons. Back home, FA upheavals brought yet another restructure of competition in women's football. The top flights switched back to a winter season, and now all the elite teams had to employ players on a full-time professional basis. While the superstars went in search of spectacular silverware, the goalposts were being moved for pros, part-timers and amateurs alike. Even women playing football for fun were forced to consider their place in the system. Carrie Dunn's Pride of the Lionesses offers a timely inside analysis of one of the UK's fastest-growing sports. Is women's football in England actually growing from top to bottom - or is it just another slick PR campaign?

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Book SynopsisThe tale of Tottenham Hotspur's extraordinary run to the 2019 Champions League Final in Madrid. Authors Alex Fynn and Martin Cloake examine how Spurs confounded all predictions to enjoy their most successful ever CL campaign - and what it means for the future. They explain why a certain style of football and competing in Europe are central to the club's identity, and look at how manager Mauricio Pochettino drew on these traditions to create a very modern success story. Using match reports from national newspapers to provide the narrative thread, Fynn and Cloake draw on their football backgrounds to explain why this campaign so fired the imagination - in a season with no signings, played mostly without a home stadium. With a rich cast of characters and locations ranging from Eindhoven to Madrid via Barcelona and Dortmund - and one emotional night in Amsterdam - One Step from Glory tells the story of a football odyssey.

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Book SynopsisTim Quelch takes a nostalgic look back on a 60s childhood and early adulthood immersed in Sussex sport. Hastings United, Brighton & Hove Albion and Sussex County Cricket Club were his three great loves, his passion for football ignited by United's plucky 1953/54 giant-killing side that came tantalisingly close to a fifth-round FA Cup clash with Arsenal. Later, Brighton secured Tim's lasting loyalty when he witnessed their brave 1961 FA Cup battle with First Division champions Burnley. That same year, Tim was captivated by explosive Sussex batsman Ted Dexter and mesmerised by West Indian fast bowler Wes Hall. Good Old Sussex by the Sea takes us on a whirlwind tour of the highs and lows of Sussex football and cricket in the 1960s, a time when local allegiances counted and expectations of success were more modest. But it was hardly an age of innocence as Hastings United's involvement in a major police corruption scandal shows. The book recalls a rollercoaster ride of triumphs and woes, bringing to life many local heroes of yesteryear.

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Book SynopsisFine Margins is the definitive story of how two mainstays of English football took their feuding on to the game's biggest stages. The Manchester City and Liverpool rivalry is synonymous with the Premier League, but its roots go back much further. For over half a century, these two clubs from opposite ends of the M62 have been perennial thorns in each other's side. Bill Shankly laid the groundwork in the late 1960s before a series of clashes a decade later further stoked the fires, culminating in an attack on City's team bus in 1981 after they beat Liverpool 3-1 at Anfield. The feud was reignited in the mid-1990s when Liverpool relegated City on the final day of the 1995/96 Premier League season. When they returned to the top flight, Manchester's blue half became the scourge of Merseyside's Redmen, snatching players and points away from them. Countless managers, players and directors have continued what started in the Bill Shankly era, with the rivalry ramped up a notch through the reigns of Pep Guardiola and Jurgen Klopp.

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Book SynopsisEven the Defeats is the story of how painful moments in Sir Alex Ferguson's early reign inspired him to lead Manchester United to some of their greatest successes. A heavy 5-1 loss at Manchester City in Ferguson's early tenure led pundits and supporters to question the Scot's position, but by the season's end he was holding aloft his first trophy at the club -- the FA Cup. This trend continued when an end-of-season collapse handed Leeds United the league title in the spring of 1992, only to galvanise United to their first championship in 26 years the very next year. From struggles in Europe to winning the treble, from losing the title on goal difference to their city rivals to winning the Premier League in Ferguson's final season in charge - rising from the depths of despair to achieve glory, and using failure to fuel success, was arguably Sir Alex's greatest strength. John Silk brings you the inside story of what made Ferguson tick, with views from players, coaches and other members of staff from the great Scot's reign.

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Book SynopsisI'm with the Cosmos' was the phrase New York Cosmos players used to get a table reserved at the city's best restaurants or skip the queue at the glamorous Studio 54 nightclub. And it was one Steve Hunt became used to trotting out, after he was transferred from Aston Villa to New York Cosmos at the tender age of 20, having played just seven times for the first team at Villa. He walked straight into a world of celebrity and a team of superstars including two of the world's finest players, Pele and Franz Beckenbauer. This is Steve's story of those heady days in New York - but also a stellar career back in England during the early 1980s. Returning to the West Midlands, Steve played for Coventry City, West Bromwich Albion and returned to his beloved Aston Villa for a second spell - and at the age of 28, he won the first of two England caps under Bobby Robson, realising an ambition held since early childhood. This is Steve's story, and in it he writes frankly about his football career, as well as his life outside the game.

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Book SynopsisFrom 1890 to 1958, Sunderland were part of football's elite with a 68-year unbroken run in the top flight. The shock of a first relegation in 1958 was matched by the elation of a first promotion in 1963/64. Starting with that season, the book celebrates every occasion Sunderland went up. What was the secret to each Black Cats promotion? And who did the fans have to thank? Rob Mason gets the inside story through exclusive interviews with players and managers who were at the heart of the action. Moments of magic and mystery are revealed as the story of each season unfolds. From Charlie Hurley's much-loved 1963/64 side, through to the second Bob Stokoe side to win a trophy at Sunderland in 1976, Ken Knighton winning promotion in his first season as a manager and the teams of Denis Smith and Peter Reid - who each won promotion twice - then on to the 'Sund-Ireland' era when promotion was won under Mick McCarthy and then Roy Keane, all the great days and great games are here to cherish and enjoy.

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Book SynopsisA lot can happen in 90 minutes. From football's codification in 1863 to the modern era - goals, red cards and even substitutions have led to some of the strongest and most remarkable sporting legacies. The game has grown into the world's largest and most supported sport, with all aspects of modern life being drawn into its continually expanding empire. This book journeys through football's incredible history to examine some of the game's most fascinating minutes of play which, to this day, provoke lasting memories. These key moments show how there is often far more to a minute of football than just 60 seconds. The impact can last for years, decades or centuries. By looking at the history of goals, finals and even corners we get a clear picture of how football became the game we know and love today. From the first goal in an FA Cup Final to Diego Maradona's 'hand of God', The History of Football in Ninety Minutes (Plus Extra Time) gives fuel to the notion that every minute in football counts.

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Book SynopsisManchester United Minute by Minute takes you on a fantastic journey through the Reds' matchday history. Relive all the breathtaking goals, heroic penalty saves, sending offs and other memorable moments in this unique by-the-clock guide. From United's early years and successes to the days of domestic dominance and European glory, the book covers everything from the Sir Matt Busby and Ron Atkinson eras through to the reigns of Sir Alex Ferguson and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Revisit United's most spectacular modern feats and learn things you didn't know about the club's proud history. From goals scored in the opening seconds to those last-gasp extra-time winners that have thrilled generations of fans at Old Trafford and around the world, Manchester United Minute by Minute is packed with memorable moments. Read about the goals that secured many of the 20 top-flight titles, plus all the 'Fergie time' winners. From Law to Rashford, from Best to Rooney - all the club legends are here, with thrilling memories from kick-off to the final whistle.

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Book SynopsisIn 1976, young Charlton Athletic goalkeeper Graham Tutt had the world at his feet. Then in an instant his dreams were shattered by a career-ending collision seen by millions on TV. What happened next has never been told before. Persistent double vision scuppered a comeback attempt, leading to hurt, depression and bitterness. Moving to South Africa, Tutt witnessed the horrors of apartheid while playing in the country's first mixed league. After surviving some hair-raising experiences, he settled in America and played professional soccer, ran soccer camps for thousands of young people and was inducted into the Georgia Soccer Hall of Fame. He also found love and contentment along with forgiveness after tracking down a figure from his distant past. Never Give Up: The Graham 'Buster' Tutt Story is both laugh-out-loud funny and heart-achingly sad. It speaks not just to athletes but to anyone who has suffered a major setback in their life.

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Book SynopsisFootball has never seemed so distant from its fans. Many have been alienated by the greed and shameless self-interest of the Premier League, and no one can predict how the global game will look post-pandemic. In Whose Game Is It Anyway?, Sunday Times best-selling author Michael Calvin searches for a reason to believe. Written at the height of the Covid-19 crisis, the book is a thought-provoking, deeply personal account of the role sport - and particularly football - plays in everyday life. Part memoir, part manifesto, it takes the reader on a tour of the world's greatest sporting occasions and into its outposts in sub-Saharan Africa, the Amazon Basin and the Southern Ocean. Drawn from Calvin's experience as an award-winning sportswriter, covering every major sports event over 40 years in more than 80 countries, it offers first-hand insight into such icons as Muhammad Ali, Maradona and Sir Bobby Charlton. With settings ranging from a jungle clearing to a township in apartheid South Africa, this is sport as you've never seen it before.Trade Review"There are few football memoirs which weave their way from Accrington to the Amazon, while offering a glimpse of the game's future... recounted with feeling and forensic behind the scenes insight... Whose Game is it Anyway? is a deeply personal book that will resonate with many fans." --When Saturday Comes; "Michael Calvin's latest work does not disappoint in confirming his status as one of the UK's best sports writers of modern times. An engaging patchwork of powerful ideas, brutal criticism and genuine acclaim for the heroes of Calvin's life." --David Walker, The Sports Journalists Association; "Mike Calvin's memoir deserves to be read by everyone who loves football. It's full of good tales and beautifully written too." --Paul Hayward; "A tour de force. An engaging blend of touching memoir and trenchant reporting." Ian Ridley, William Hill shortlisted author of The Breath of Sadness; "A lovely, soulful, personal read. Michael Calvin has done it again." --Jonathan Northcroft, Sunday Times; "This is a wonderful read that draws on all Calvin's experiences from his working and personal life to explore the role of sport in our lives... As a reader there is an intimacy in the writing that felt like Calvin was talking directly to me, whether this was about him having tuberculosis as a child or his encounters with sporting legends such as Muhammad Ali or Bobby Charlton... This surely has to be on the William Hill Sports Book of the Year list." --FootballBookReviews.com; "A timely and gorgeously evocative reminder of the game they're trying to steal now." --Vincent Hogan, Irish Independent; "Couldn't be better timed, with all the talk of the European Super League." --Guy Clarke, Liverpool Echo; "The book is a timely reminder of why football is so much more important than the selfish Super League clubs. It is an illuminating journey of discovery, and we end on a positive note, suggesting that there are some Premier League agents-for-change like Marcus Rashford and community-led clubs like Lewes, Accrington and AFC Wimbledon who offer real hope for the future of football." --Late Tackle; "Strongly recommend the new book from Michael Calvin, Whose Game Is It Anyway?, to anyone for whom football is a substantial strand [in their] life. That the release coincides with news of a Super League only reinforces why football needs voices like Michael's." --Alan Redmond, Football Agent

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Book SynopsisFed up with being stuck at home? Are you missing the excitement and fulfilment of an overseas jaunt for an away football match? The Away Leg: XI Football Stories on the Road takes your imagination on a trip around the world navigated by a skilled team of 11 football writers. From derbies in Brazil, Georgia and Israel to the momentous rise of the Iceland men's national team, from Palestine and North Korea to a UEFA Cup final overshadowed by murder, a controversial Women's World Cup meeting between England and Cameroon, the story of South America's most remarkable Copa Libertadores final and a historic triumph by Arsenal in the UEFA Women's Cup Final, The Away Leg's team takes you to the heart of the action with remarkable tales from across the globe. Until we can all hit the road again, The Away Leg fills the void with incredible football stories, with all author royalties going to the national social care charity Community Integrated Care.

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Book SynopsisUnder the Lights and in the Dark: Untold Stories of Women's Soccer takes an unprecedented look inside the lives of professional football players around the world - from precarious positions in underfunded teams and leagues, to sold-out stadiums and bright lights. Award-winning filmmaker and journalist Gwendolyn Oxenham tells the stories of the phenoms, underdogs, and nobodies - players willing to follow the game wherever it takes them. Under the Lights and in the Dark takes us inside the world of women's soccer, following players across the globe, from Portland Thorns star Allie Long, who trains in an underground men's league in New York City; to English national Fara Williams, who hid her homelessness from her teammates while playing for the English national team. Oxenham takes us to Voronezh, Russia, where players battle more than just snowy pitches in pursuing their dream of playing pro, and to a refugee camp in Denmark, where Nadia Nadim, now a Danish international star, honed her skills after her family fled from the Taliban.Whether you're a newcomer to the sport or a die-hard fan, this is an inspiring book about stars' beginnings and adventures, struggles and hardship, and, above all, the time-honored romance of the game.Trade ReviewA terrific collection of stories of the adventures undertaken and the struggles faced by players around the world' * Guardian, selected for The best books on sport, 2019 *Oxenham is one of my favorite soccer writers; she connects on a deeply human level with the people who are the soul of the global game. I love this book.' * Grant Wahl, Sports Illustrated senior writer, Fox Sports TV *The book's true virtues are in its complexities and portrayals of the players whose lives are interesting both on and off the field . Oxenham understands a good sports story must work as a mirror to reflect the world around it. And, like Friday Night Lights or Seabiscuit, Under the Lights and In the Dark does just that . This work is truly a testament to women's soccer and women in sports. It is also a fun story for both sports fans and plain old readers alike.' * Gretchen Lida, Washington Independent Review of Books *What a fine thing that a superb writer has found these 'untold stories' . and remedied that situation.' * The Boston Globe, The best books of 2019 *The book, just like women's soccer itself, is actually a tapestry of interwoven stories, all connected by different color threads to create one big, stunning masterpiece. And like a tapestry, Oxenham weaves the beauty of her storytelling with the bruteness of a slide tackle to make the book a must-read for any fan of the women's game.' * Allison Lee, The Equalizer *Gwendolyn is the master at finding incredible soccer stories. These are stories that need to be heard - told in a way that leaves you begging for more.' * Julie Foudy, ESPN, USWNT captain, two-time Olympic gold medalist & World Cup champion *A startlingly good book. Oxenham is a marvelous observer. These are moving, uplifting stories from around the world - what top soccer is like when there's no money or fame in it and you just do it for love.' * Simon Kuper, author of Soccernomics *Twelve uplifting and incredible stories telling the risks and rewards of pursuing a career as a professional women's football player. A fantastic collection of pieces that get to the heart of what some of the world's best and most talented players have overcome - from homelessness to motherhood to homophobia, in order to play the game they love - often without the guarantee of fame and fortune should they succeed.' * The Athletic UK writers' favourite football books *The book, a blend of stand-up-and-cheer triumphs and bittersweet cautionary tales, is a revelation, and it is a must-read for anyone curious about not just women's soccer, but the beautiful game.' * The Globe and Mail *If you care one iota about women's football, stop what you're doing, order this book right now - both to understand the true state of the game and to support Oxenham in her work. This is an essential read.' * Men in Blazers podcast *An eye-opening, cohesive collection of fascinating stories that will help bring women's soccer to the next level. Appropriate for high school students, public libraries, and all readers interested in the future of the sport.' * Library Journal *One of the most compelling sports books I have ever read' * Female Coaching Network *Oxenham has a nice, inclusive, easy to understand writing style. The twelve-year-old girl reading this as part of her English homework will be as engrossed as the 60-year-old who never dreamt that these things could happen to a female soccer player. That's a fantastic skill to have as a writer.' * Gorey Guardian *

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Book Synopsis'A man who had such a huge impact on my career and so many other young players at West Ham United. I highly recommend this fantastic read.' FRANK LAMPARD JR'This man passed on the West Ham DNA to the best generation of academy graduates to come through the West Ham system.' RIO FERDINAND'A West Ham United man, a must read for every West Ham United fan.' MARK NOBLEThe autobiography of a West Ham legend - including exclusive interviews with Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole and Mark Noble.Tony Carr is one of the most influential coaches of all time. Having achieved his boyhood dream of signing with West Ham United in 1966 and training alongside the inimitable Bobby Moore, a leg break forced Carr to end his playing career before it had even begun. Not to be deterred, he decided to forge himself a new path and was appointed director of youth football at West Ham in 1973, aged just 23.As Carr tells in this book the very first time, over the next 43 years he honed his craft, becoming hugely admired for identifying and nurturing young talent, guiding multiple generations of international starlets through the ranks at The Academy of Football.In his brilliant, understated style, Tony tells the incredible story of his footballing life. He recounts the highs and lows of his time with West Ham, with tales of the twelve managers he coached under. This unique evocation of a coach's craft includes exclusive interviews with Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Michael Carrick, Joe Cole and current West Ham captain Mark Noble as they talk frankly about football and their place within it.Trade ReviewA man who had such a huge impact on my career and so many other young players at West Ham United. I highly recommend this fantastic read. -- FRANK LAMPARD JRThis man passed on the West Ham DNA to the best generation of academy graduates to come through the West Ham system. -- RIO FERDINANDA West Ham United man, a must read for every West Ham United fan. -- MARK NOBLE

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Book SynopsisFootball isn't life or death - it's much more serious than that...Which players will the fans never forget? Who are the Premier League's best buys? Who were the best link ups in history? In Match of the Day Top 10 of Everything, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards bring all of the charm, wit and punditry of their hit BBC Sounds podcast onto the page, arguing the toss over their favourite strikers, Premier League managers, shock transfers, cult heroes, hard men, FA Cup Finals, and much, much more. The question is...will you agree with their picks?

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Book SynopsisThe definitive history of the iconic football club: the glory, the scandal, the stars and its enduring influence on Italian life.Juventus utterly dominates the Italian game. Home to some of the biggest names in sport, it has won title after title, trophy after trophy. However, parallel to the success and myth, there's a murkier reality. For one hundred years the club and its billionaire owners, the Agnelli family, have been synonymous with match-fixing, doping, political chicanery and more. While La Vecchia Signora remains Italy's best-supported team, it's also its most despised.Juve! charts the story of Italy's great sporting dynasty, chronicling the triumphs and tragedies of the Agnellis, and of the icons - Boniperti, Del Piero, Ronaldo - who have been their sporting emissaries for almost a century. The pride of Italy or its dark heart? Footballing colossus or vanity project? With this unique institution, as with so much about life in Italy, things are seldom black and white...'Superbly entertaining and incisive' TLS'A compelling case for a football club encapsulating the entire psyche of Italy' Observer

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Book SynopsisThe Little Book of England Football is the latest volume in this highly successful series of sports-themed quotes books. It is dedicated to all things wide and wonderful about the Three Lions, focusing on the words of wit and wisdom from former players, such as Bobby Moore, Gazza and Gary Lineker, to the key men in today's set-up including manager Gareth Southgate and captain Harry Kane. Ingerlund! Ingerlund! Ingerlund! Table of ContentsIntroduction. We Love You, England, We Do! Heroes of the Shirt. The Toughest Job in Football. World Cup Heroics. Best of Enemies. Celebrity Fans. The Wembley Roar.

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Book SynopsisWhat does it take to get to the very top - to become truly 'World Class'? We are The F2 and we're going to show you what separates the Messis from the masses, the Kanes from the can'ts and the Neymars from the no-mores. We're going to show you how to elevate your game to the World Stage.Our book reveals the secrets of your favourite footballers as we show you how to improve your fitness, add focus to your mentality and supersize your skills. We'll prove to you that you don't have to be born great to become great. So when the big day comes around, you'll be ready to unleash your inner winner. We've also made you a free app where you can see exactly how it's done. So, if you want control like Coutinho, power like Pogba or swaz like Sànchez, you know what to do: read, download, grab a ball and we'll see you on the pitch. Love, peace and tekkers, Billy & Jez, aka The F2

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Book Synopsis'The reason they're so popular, is because they're so good!' Chris Evans'The F2 are unbelievable - what they do is not possible!' - PeléHOW TO BECOME THE PERFECT FOOTBALLER WITH THE BESTSELLING FOOTBALL INFLUENCERSWe are The F2. And this is Ultimate Footballer. We have scoured the planet and analysed what components you need to become the perfect footballer: the speed of Mbappé, the dribbling of Hazard, the tekkers of Neymar and the tackling of Ramos. If you want to add skills like the Özil bounce pass, the Messi soft scoop and the Neymar rainbow, then look no further. And this time we reveal the secret tips told to us by the top Pros behind the scenes. And once you've put your ultimate footballer together, you can compare with ours. Who has the best? You decide. There's a free app to download that will make the pages come to life with exclusive videos, tricks and games. So, what are you waiting for? Open, read, learn, download and get out on the pitch and practise.

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Book SynopsisThis is the story of the new King of the Kop.When Mohamed Salah signed for Liverpool from Rome in 2017, his record fee was initially greeted with some skepticism. While he'd been singled out as a future star back in Egypt, and performed well at the Italian club, no one could have predicted the impact he was to have at Anfield.Scoring an unprecedented thirty-two goals in thirty-six games for the club, he became the sensation of the Premier League. Not only that, but he has also won over fans of all stripes with his humility and grace off the pitch, as well as his versatility and flair on it. Few players have inspired such fervent admiration so quickly, with chants of his name still reverberating around Anfield, and after just a short time, he has already become a Liverpool legend.In this insightful biography, bestselling sports writer Frank Worrall examines Salah's electrifying journey to Liverpool, from the highs and lows that brought him there to the Champions League glory that crowned the 2018/19 season.

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Book SynopsisHow much do you really know about West Ham United? Put your Hammers knowledge to the test with this bumper book of brainteaser quizzes and fascinating facts, beautifully illustrated by one of the world's leading sports artists. It's packed with trivia on all the West Ham greats - from World Cup heroes Moore, Hurst and Peters to Hammers legends Bonds, Brooking and beyond - providing hours of highly dippable fun and entertainment. Which West Ham manager played in a rock band called Rawbau? Who was West Ham's first non-British manager? A statue erected near the Boleyn Ground, honouring the Hammers' 1966 World Cup heroes, also includes which Everton player? Fan favourite Clyde Best was born in which country? Trivquiz West Ham United holds the answers to all these questions and hundreds more.

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Book SynopsisA History of European Football in 100 Objects: The Alternative Football Museum reveals the shocking hidden history of European football. In this fantasy football museum, Bollen delves into the archives to uncover idiocy and chaos from across the continent. The exhibits highlight the very worst of the human condition: greed, cheating, match-fixing, bribery, extortion and murder. Learn about the French captain who joined the Gestapo, the notorious football-mad Stasi boss, Erich Mielke and Gaddafi's son playing in Italy, the 1970s Lazio side that put Wimbledon's Crazy Gang to shame and the Romanian club owner who tried to stop hooliganism with a moat full of crocodiles. Along the way you'll meet Dundalk's one-armed super striker, Austrian legend Matthias Sindelar and the Italian George Best. Bollen again proves the ideal curator: passionate, meticulously informed and funny. His insightful take on the game is compelling and at times poignant. It is an exhibition for every curious football fan.

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Book SynopsisJohn Harris's arrival at Bramall Lane laid the foundations for the appearance of some of the greatest players in Sheffield United's history. In his second full season in charge, the Blades were promoted back to the first division. Ain't Got a Barrel of Money is the story of Harris and those who came after him, building a team that would challenge for a place in Europe, the decline that followed and the inevitable sale of many of the club's finest players. In 1975, they finished sixth in Division One, playing some of the most exciting football in the country. Currie, Woodward, Colquhoun, Speight, Hemsley and Badger were all household names. But within six years Sheffield United had gone from the brink of greatness to the ultimate humiliation - relegation to the fourth division, for the first and only time in the club's wonderful history. Filled with anecdotes and memories from many of those who were there, both on the field and on the terraces, this book captures the highs and lows of being a Sheffield United fan.

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Book SynopsisPlease Don't Take Me Home is the emotional tale of Italian immigrant Simone Abitante's 20-year love affair with Fulham Football Club. After leaving his native country, Simone falls in love with London and its oldest club, embarking on a personal mission to spread the word and get Fulham recognised beyond Britain by as many people as possible. Following the Cottagers through the most successful spell in their modern history, Simone takes his nephews to Craven Cottage where - together with new friends and Whites addicts Jeff, Mark and Ben - they experience unforgettable wins, exhilarating highs and devastating lows, amid rivers of beer, true friendship and an unquenchable passion for the beautiful game. Even after leaving London for Mallorca, Simone keeps following his beloved Fulham, with that famous white jersey serving as a second skin. Played out against a backdrop of heartbreaks, departures and life-changing decisions, Please Don't Take Me Home is a footballing story every fan can relate to.

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Book SynopsisScotland's Swedish Adventure is the definitive story of Scotland's journey into their first ever European Championship finals, in Sweden. Having qualified for five consecutive World Cup finals between 1974 and 1990, it was surprising the Scots hadn't yet reached the Euro finals given the array of talent at their disposal. Andy Roxburgh would soon change that, and after being drawn into the ultimate 'group of death' that included the reigning European and world champions, his side repeatedly put on brave performances against superior opposition to make the nation proud. Scotland's Swedish Adventure explores the story behind their road to qualification, with exclusive insight from some of the men who made this adventure happen, including Roxburgh himself, players, journalists and fans. That Scotland qualified for an eight-team tournament, and finished fifth in the overall standings, is an achievement that doesn't get the recognition and respect it deserves. This 30th anniversary tribute remedies that.Trade Review"To help me get mentally attuned for the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign I got stick into an excellent book entitled Scotland's Swedish Adventure: The Story of Scotland's European Championship Debut." * Scotland Forever *"Filled with words from the likes of Jim McInally, Richard Gough, Maurice Malpas, Stuart McCall and fans too. This means you get a first hand view on top of John's research which gives the book a good dynamic. A very well researched and detailed effort... A good informative read and one all Scotland fans should have on their shelf." * Fitbawbag.com *"A week after the Qatar World Cup Final, Santa helped cheer me up with Scotland's Swedish Adventure. The first-ever Euro finals took place in 1960 but it was not until 1992 that Scotland made it through the qualifying rounds to an eight-nations finals. Thirty years on, the author suceeds in giving the achievement the recognition and respect it deserves." * Programme Monthly *

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Book SynopsisGlory and Despair is a pictorial celebration of the World Cup that takes us on a spellbinding journey, from the inaugural tournament in 1930 to the present day. Using stunning library stock images, the book brings to life the feats of the greatest stars ever to grace the game, including Pele, Diego Maradona, Zinedine Zidane, Lionel Messi, Michel Platini, Franz Beckenbauer, Bobby Moore and both Ronaldos. This beautiful visual homage covers the great matches, the incredible goals, the controversies, heroes and villains, capturing the most iconic moments in the greatest tournament of any sport. Glory and Despair is an essential piece of World Cup nostalgia that honours the history of the greatest football show on earth.

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Book SynopsisNii Lamptey: The Curse of Pelé is the authorised biography of Ghanaian footballer Nii Lamptey, a one-time bright young talent who was hailed as 'the next Pelé' by Pelé himself. By age 16, Lamptey had won the Belgian title with RSC Anderlecht and the world championship with Ghana's under-16s. One year later, he won a bronze medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. After joining Dutch masters PSV Eindhoven on loan in 1993 and scoring 10 times in 22 games that season, Lamptey appeared to have the world at his feet. Spells at Aston Villa and Coventry City followed, but he failed to fulfil Pelé's bold prophecy. Instead, his career became a cautionary tale of what can go wrong when too much pressure is applied to young players. Injuries, lack of schooling, domestic violence, bad agents and a tragic and turbulent personal life pushed Lamptey to the brink of suicide, but thankfully he recovered. In this 'warts and all' account he finally lifts the lid on his incredible story.

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Book Synopsis1992 to 2022 was a period like no other for West Ham United. Taking in the rise of the Premier League, promotion, relegation, European nights and so much more, Daniel Hurley looks at key moments in West Ham's recent history from a fan's perspective, remembering joy and despair in equal measure along his journey as a football supporter from child to adult. The Games That Made Us is the story of an unforgettable period in West Ham's history told through the club's 50 most important matches over the past 30 years, with each game put into context and the consequences examined. From Dicks to Di Canio, Harewood to Antonio, Redknapp to Allardyce, The Games That Made Us tells tales of last-minute winners and last-second heartbreak, of trips to Cardiff, 5-4 victories and 4-2 defeats, plus more matches against Wimbledon than you would expect. Find out how a former manager once gave Daniel a transfer exclusive, why his son's first game was possibly the worst debut in history and why John Hartson ruined his 14th birthday.

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Book SynopsisBrazil 1970 is the fascinating and dramatic inside story of the greatest football team of all time. Predicted to be drab and dull, the 1970 World Cup became the greatest show on Earth, with the mesmerising Brazilians at the heart of a dramatic and delirious three weeks. After their demise at the 1966 World Cup, the South Americans were no longer the masters of the game. The defenestration rattled Brazil, and left them in purgatory before they swept through the qualifiers with coach João Saldanha. Even so, the team left their home country discredited against the backdrop of a military dictatorship and the proliferation of science in the game. At the World Cup finals, Mario Zagallo and his cast of balletic players - including lodestar Pelé, the cerebral Gerson and the ingenious Tostão - ensured Brazil would forever be synonymous with the global game and a byword for style and craft. Their triumph was also the end of Brazil's golden era. The technocrats had invaded the terrain and Brazil would never again reach those heights.Trade Review"Kunti has been both tireless and very well travelled in his efforts to track down many of the surviving members of the 1970 Seleção. Jairzinho, Gerson and Tostão are among those contributing their own take on the trials and training ground tensions that surrounded the build-up to Brazil’s famous third World Cup victory." * When Saturday Comes *

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Book SynopsisQatar 2022 is an insider's view of the country's ambitious plans for the FIFA 2022 World Cup, and the journey that led them to become the first World Cup hosts in the Arab world. From desert tribes to pearl divers, to being custodians of the third-largest gas reserve in the world, there are many fascinating facets to this great nation. The book reveals how an influx of wealth transformed the country's aspirations to become a global powerhouse. To achieve recognition and regional dominance, Qatar strategically made sport its prime focus before delivering the seemingly impossible and winning the World Cup bid in 2010. There were many stumbling blocks along the way, but Qatar refused to quit. With the eyes of the world turning to Qatar for World Cup 2022, the nation realises this event will be pivotal to how the world perceives it. Knowing Qatar's ability to host events with panache, prepare to be blown away!

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Book SynopsisZurich, 2 December 2010. Sepp Blatter pulls the name of Qatar from the envelope. The accusations fly and the recriminations start. And once it s all sunk in, we start looking at maps and temperature charts and try to scrape together any fragments of knowledge about kingdoms in the Arabian desert. The Armchair Guide looks underneath some of the myths and preconceptions and tries to provide the average fan if there s any such thing with some sound information about what a World Cup in the desert might look like. Was the bidding process corrupt? How many people actually did die building stadiums? How hot will it really be? Can I go there with my mates and have a drink anywhere? What will the legacy be both in the region and for the global game? A light-hearted, sideways glance, Armchair Guide uses stories from within and beyond the game to cover everything about the 2022 Winter World Cup. It can t boast that it will pick a winner, but it ll go some way to shedding light on football s place in a changing world.

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Book SynopsisInside Diego is an intimate portrait of the greatest footballer of all time, from the person in football who knew him best. As Diego Maradona's personal trainer, Fernando Signorini spent more than a decade at the superstar's side, witnessing a dizzying array of highs and lows, from helping Diego recuperate from a broken ankle in 1983 to his dramatic exit from the 1994 World Cup after a failed drugs test. Signorini offers a unique perspective on the troubled legend, giving us the lowdown not only on Diego's evolution as an athlete, but on Diego the human being, a far cry from the character we saw on TV screens. He brings us the inside track on Maradona's preparation for three World Cups: Mexico 86, Italia 90 and USA 94. We also get an insider view on his battles with fame, drugs and extramarital paternity, plus his time in charge of the Argentine national team. Brimming with incredible stories and anecdotes, Inside Diego is an intensely personal rollercoaster account of a flawed football genius.

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Book SynopsisGalvinised is the tale of two footballing brothers with contrasting fortunes who played in a golden age of the game. It's a story of glamour and heartache. Tottenham Hotspur snapped up left-winger Tony Galvin from non-league Goole Town while he was studying Russian at Hull University. Tony won the FA Cup and UEFA Cup with Spurs alongside legendary stars such as Glenn Hoddle and Ossie Ardiles. He also won 29 Republic of Ireland caps and played at Euro 88. Tony ended his playing days at Sheffield Wednesday and Swindon Town. Conversely, elder brother Chris, an inside-forward, joined Leeds United as an apprentice but struggled to break into Don Revie's iconic team. After witnessing Leeds' glory days from the subs' bench, he played across the Football League pyramid at Hull City, Stockport County and York City before finding success in Hong Kong. The Galvin brothers have tales galore from the 1960s to 1980s, and share stories of players, travelling escapades, training ground bust-ups and unforgettable matches in this unique biography.

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Book SynopsisThe Team that Could Have Been: The Rise and Fall of Crystal Palace's Team of the 80s looks back on a fascinating period for Palace, with meticulous research and supporter memories bringing the story to life.Under the leadership of Malcolm Allison and assistant Terry Venables, the Croydon side embarked on a project later dubbed the Team of the Eighties' to transform a mediocre side into one of the most glamorous in the land. As part of the transformation, Allison changed the club nickname from The Glaziers' to The Eagles', and the club colours from claret and blue to the red and blue vertical stripes we know today, to emulate Barcelona.Set in a troubled area of London against a backdrop of racism, hooliganism, despair and a government working against its citizens, it's a story filled with colourful characters, cup runs and the hopes and dreams of a club punching above its weight for a short period of time.This is the first-ever book on the extr

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Book Synopsis Total Belief looks back at three incredible years in the early 1990s when Bruce Rioch transformed the fortunes of a football club on its knees. In the summer of 1992, Bolton Wanderers were a club in distress. With an aging stadium and struggling in the league, chairman Gordon Hargreaves made the difficult decision to sack manager Phil Neal and employ Bruce Rioch and his assistant Colin Todd.Over the next three seasons, Bruce began to change attitudes by instilling a new mentality. Working his players hard on the pitch and restricting their lives off it, Bruce won the hearts of players and fans alike.With his blend of youth and experience, Bruce took Bolton on incredible cup runs with attractive attacking football that finally brought the crowds back to Burnden Park. The story ended with yet another cup run and two trips to Wembley, including one of the most dramatic comebacks of all time. Sadly, the celebrations were cut short as Bruce Rioch left

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Book SynopsisRed Dawn: The Ballad of Tom Watson and Liverpool FC''s First Champions is the remarkable tale of how Tom Watson, a man from the North East of England, provided the spark that led to the Anfield club''s first two top-flight titles in 1901 and 1906.Watson was a visionary whose training methods, advice to players on diet and somewhat controversial recruitment strategy would no doubt raise eyebrows in the modern era. However, he would provide the blueprint for success that saw him become Liverpool''s longest-serving manager.Watson''s men were the superstars of their day, and included heroic captain Alex Raisbeck and lethal marksman Sam Raybould, not to mention the incomparable Matt McQueen, a future title-winning manager in his own right.Red Dawn is Jeff Goulding and Kieran Smith''s second collaboration, and like their previous title, The Untouchables: Anfield''s Band of Brothers, the book sheds new light on a previously unheralded period in the club''s history.

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Book SynopsisAndy Bollen explores the history, tradition and violent nature of football''s biggest clashes.In unravelling the history of these infamous feuds, Bollen gets to the crux of each conflict, exploring why the fans dislike each other so vehemently.Football is often a search for political identity, as in Spain''s El Clásico between Barcelona and Real Madrid, while in Buenos Aires'' Superclásico, it''s poverty and privilege at the heart of the rivalry between working-class Boca Juniors and bourgeois River Plate.Whether it''s the Cairo derby with Al Ahly and Zamalek, the Croatian chaos of Dinamo Zagreb and Hajduk Split or Turkey''s Intercontinental derby with Galatasaray and Fenerbahçe, these clashes are a potent mix of fanatical zealot, political rally and crazed ultras preparing for war.Showcasing and detailing football''s great games, names and most memorable moments, Bollen has penned an important work on classic derbies and epic rivalries.

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Book SynopsisChaos, Controversy and THAT Kung-Fu Kick is the astonishing story of the most eventful season in the history of the Premier League.Not only was there a final-day showdown for the title between Manchester United and Blackburn Rovers, but there was scandal and controversy throughout. From George Graham's removal from the bench at Highbury, to Paul Merson confronting his demons, a managerial sack race like no other, and the unforgettable sight of Eric Cantona's flying boot connecting with a fan in the Selhurst Park crowd, the season was like no other.On the pitch, Kevin Keegan's Newcastle set the pace before Manchester United and Blackburn began their assault on the title. It was a season defined by strikers. There was Shearer and Sutton at Ewood Park, Fowler at Anfield, Klinsmann at Spurs and a blockbuster move that took Andy Cole to Old Trafford.This season provides the ultimate story of football chaos.

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Book SynopsisThe compelling story of former footballer, coach, manager and director John Sainty. John had begun working on his autobiography with football writer Neil Vacher before his sudden death in 2023. Determined to do John's story justice, Neil brought this labour of love to fruition with the help of John's former colleagues.

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