Association football (Soccer) Books

Book SynopsisHow much do you really know about the club you love? You can find out by exploring the 1,000 questions set out in 100 categories that make up this Liverpool quiz book. It s not often that books on football make reference to the Beatles, Napoleon, Roald Dahl, Moby Dick, 'The Big Bang Theory', Pete Townshend, Dylan Thomas and The Band, but this one does! Try these for size: add one letter to a Liverpool and England international from the 1960s and produce another Liverpool and England international from this century. Which Liverpool manager shares his name with a five-time Open golf champion? The first names of three 21st-century Liverpool players have won The Derby in 1972, the King George at Ascot in 2011 and the St. Leger in 2001, who are the three players? You will struggle to find anything as comprehensive as this eclectic collection. It s a must for Liverpool fans of all ages and you might not see anything quite like it again.

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Book SynopsisRinascimento tells the tale of Napoli''s first Serie A title in 33 years, an achievement that saw the football-mad city celebrate like never before.Before the 2022/23 season, SSC Napoli and Luciano Spalletti were considered two of Italy''s great underachievers. The club had not won a league title since Diego Maradona led them to glory in 1990. Spalletti had won respect across a three-decade managerial career but did not have a Serie A winner''s medal to his name. These perennial bridesmaids came together in 2021, and two years later changed the narrative with a campaign that will live long in the memory.Napoli''s first Maradona-less Serie A triumph came out of the blue, having experienced near-misses and significant squad turnover in the years beforehand. A largely unknown and unfancied group of players adopted Spalletti''s tactical blueprint and delivered beautiful, winning football - the kind of football that its passionate fanbase could attach itself t

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Book SynopsisOver Land and Sea is the story of West Ham United in Europe, exploring the rich history of the Hammers'' European fixtures dating back more than a century.Aside from winning two major trophies 58 years apart - the European Cup Winners'' Cup in 1965 and the UEFA Conference League in 2023 - West Ham have not exactly blazed a trail through Europe. But there''s more to the club''s connection with the continent than first meets the eye.The Hammers have a rich tradition of playing friendlies against continental opponents, having travelled to Spain as long ago as 1921; while in the 1950s top European sides played under the new floodlights at Upton Park.Although West Ham''s success in Europe has largely been in competitions that no longer exist, there''s a great deal to discover about their wider European story, as captured in this immersive book.Short description (max 350 characters; actual = 325 characters)About the author (max 450 characters;

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Book SynopsisLondon's Fields: An Intimate History of London Football Fandom celebrates the turbulent rivalries, local antagonisms and even, on occasion, the fraternal harmonies held in common by the supporters of the capital's many professional football teams. The us and them dichotomy of a local derby is told here through the voices of us, the fans. In a one-club town or city your choice of team would appear to be simple. However, in a city with a dozen clubs the choice is less straightforward. London is a place of constant flux and change; it's diasporic nature may have taken people far from their ancestral heartlands but the football clubs that remain there have, in a sense, travelled with them - local bragging rights and capital gains remain just as important. The author's upbringing was steeped in football, he has played and coached the game; written on it and worked in it. His less than conventional path to choosing his own team forms the foundation upon which the stories of other fans are richly rendered.

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Book Synopsis'This terrific biography...well-researched, well written' David Winner 'Deeply researched...nicely written, and manages to get inside Cruyff's very bizarre head' Simon Kuper Argumentative, brilliant, arrogant, visionary. Johan Cruyff was one of the greatest footballers of all time, a worldwide phenomenon and arguably the most famous Dutchman of the twentieth century. Both on the pitch and from the sidelines as a coach, with his brand of Total Football he changed how the game was played and left a lasting legacy. Although Cruyff led a large part of his illustrious career and life in the spotlight, in many ways Cruyff the man and sportsman is still a complete mystery. Based on years of extensive research, this biography the first to cover all aspects of Cruyff’s life and work, from his key influence in the great Ajax and Netherlands sides of the 1970s to his role in creating the modern footballing phenomenon tTrade Review'This terrific biography... Since his death, [Cruyff's] status had grown to that of a demi-god in both Amsterdam and Barcelona, but as Auke Kok’s well-researched, well-written book reveals, he was troubled and sulphurous, too. Kok is one of the Netherlands’ most respected journalists, and his Cruyff emerges as a vulnerable, isolated and often tragic figure... Kok provides any number of revealing insights into his original thinking and methods.' -- David Winner, author of Brilliant Orange * Irish Independent *'Deeply researched...nicely written, and manages to get inside Cruyff's very bizarre head' -- Simon Kuper, author of Football Against the Enemy and Barca

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Book Synopsis Inside the Academy tells the stories of a talented set of footballers spanning a quarter-century, exploring childhood aspirations and what became of them. It lifts the lid on teenage training grounds and what it takes to even come close to being a Premier League player.From Bobby Moore to Declan Rice, West Ham United has a proud history of cultivating young talent. Yet their 2023 FA Youth Cup triumph came against a backdrop of complaints about congested pathways to first-team football and inflated pay packets quelling ambition. These concerns are not unique to West Ham; they are symptomatic of the modern game.This book offers an insight into what life as a young footballer is really like, via interviews with people who''ve lived and breathed the game over the past 25 years. It''s a must-read for anyone who wonders why child prodigies don''t always become professionals and what happens to those who don''t make it to the top.

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Book SynopsisOutsiders takes you on a whirlwind away-day' footballing tour across 46 stadiums in 29 cities. It provides a critical portrait of contemporary South American football, revealing how the experience of being a fan has changed over the last three decades and presenting a unique perspective on a continent that is crazy about football.

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Book SynopsisTo celebrate 50 years of watching Manchester City, Steve Mingle presents an array of memories spanning the whole period. Heroes and villains, triumphs and disasters, moments of genius and heinous cock-ups - they're all here as Steve describes his most memorable games, players and incidents in a weird and wonderful range of categories.

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Book SynopsisFootball is more than just a game. Over the past 150 years it has become a source of identity, conflict and debate for all who follow and play it. It has reached the farthest corners of the globe and boasts more players and supporters than any other sport. Football's Fifty Most Important Moments charts the illustrious, colourful and often tragic history of football, uncovering the sport's most significant and staggering moments. Starting in Victorian England with the 1857 introduction of modern football, we journey through 160 years of incredible events to the modern day, where new and innovative ideas are changing the game. Since its creation, football has been shaped by the actions of teams, supporters and of course remarkable individuals on and off the pitch. Whether through mass spectatorship at the 1923 'White Horse Final' or the infamous 'Hand of God' in 1986, football has never failed to amaze and inspire. Learn about its evolution from its modest 19th-century roots to the modern age of nine-figure transfer fees and billionaire investors.

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Book SynopsisOriginally published in 1939, this book gives the inside story of the club from its formation in 1888 right through to 1939. As this book is virtually impossible to locate in its original hardback format without spending a small fortune, we have decided to make it available as part of our 'Classic Reprint' series of titles.

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Book SynopsisHe may live in Madrid but he continues to make front-page headlines. This is David Beckham''s own story of his career to date, for Manchester United, Real Madrid and England, and of his childhood, family and private life. Featuring David''s first full account of a turbulent year in Spain, on and off the field, and England''s fortunes in Euro 2004.This is Beckham''s fascinating life story in his own words. His rise through the ranks at the biggest club side in the world. His complex relationship with United boss Alex Ferguson. The England story, from being vilified by the nation before returning as the prodigal son to eventually captaining his country. His acrimonious falling-out with his manager and departure from Old Trafford in June 2003. And starting a new chapter of his life on foreign soil in the glare of the world's press.Now from Beckham himself, we gain a vivid and eye-opening insight into the family man behind the famous footballer, the international model and fashion leader. He describes how he first met and then married ex-Spice girl Victoria Adams, and the upbringing of their two children Brooklyn and Romeo. How his family''s every step is monitored by a posse of newshounds and paparazzi. Also, the influence of his parents, growing up as a shy youngster in the family home, and how their subsequent split affected him.Intimate and soul-searching, this is the real David Beckham like we have never seen before.NEW FOR THIS PAPERBACK EDITION:- Beckham's first season with Real Madrid from within the dressing room, with key stories on the likes of Figo, Roberto Carlos and Zidane.- His exclusive reaction to the sensational allegations about his private life; their effect on his relationship with Victoria and a reappraisal of their living arrangements.- England and Euro 2004: the players' threatened strike in support of Rio Ferdinand; Eriksson as England boss; and all the behind the scenes stories leading up to and including the Finals in Portugal.- One year down the line, does Beckham have any regrets about leaving Manchester United? And is there any truth in the rumours that he is unsettled in Madrid?Trade Review'The confrontations between Beckham and Ferguson have the acid marks of authenticity' Mail on Sunday 'Utterly fascinating' Heat magazine 'A sensational story' The Sun 'This book sings' Daily Telegraph

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Book SynopsisIn this unique book, one of football's greatest cult players reflects on the travails of the sport and draws upon his own experience to offer an honest assessment on one of its final remaining taboos: mental health.The most difficult position in football? Being a goalkeeper. That's what they say, right? You must be mad to stand between those posts and bat away shots and crosses all game long.Neville Southall should know. He was the goalkeeper for one of the best teams of the 1980s and became an icon of the game during his 20-year career between the sticks. But what did it take to prepare himself mentally for the difficulties of the position? How did he dig so deep on the biggest occasions and in the highest-pressured moments? What scars were left at the end of his long career a tenure that saw the highs of winning trophies, but also the lows of losing games, making mistakes and feeling the full weight of club and country on your shoulders. And how has he used his post-playing career t

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Book SynopsisWinner of The Times British Sports Book Award 2014. A fascinating insight into the enclosed world of football scouts in the UKA teenaged boy plays football in a suburban park. His name is Raheem Sterling. The call is made: Get down here quick. This is something special.Another boy is 8, going on 28. His name is Jack Wilshere. The referee, an Arsenal scout, spirits him away from Luton Town.A young goalkeeper struggles on loan at Cheltenham Town in League Two. His name is Jack Butland. Within months he will be playing for England.Welcome to football's hidden tribe. Scouts are everywhere yet nowhere, faceless and nameless, despite making the informed decisions worth millions. Award-winning sportswriter Michael Calvin opens up their hidden world, examining their disconnected lifestyles, petty betrayals and unconsidered professionalism of men who spend long, lonely hours on the road.Trade ReviewMichael Calvin charts the evolution of the sports’ scouts from chaotic beginnings to Moneyball-inspired analysis, and is enough to make you pay close attention when you next pass a kids’ kickabout in the park * Shortlist *‘Calvin’s book is excellent, a highly readable insight into the slog and grind of assessing talent.’ * Tottenham On My Mind *One of the ‘50 Best Sports Books Ever WrittenIn The Nowhere Men, Mike Calvin somehow manages to make the job of football scout sound like the most romantic existence imaginable. It also sounds bleak and deeply lonely. It is a fascinating insight into an often misunderstood and under-represented part of the sport, revealing the hours, dedication and struggles of men who love football and don’t know what they’d do without it. * Daily Telegraph *A magnificent book, full of extraordinary characters and beautifully told -- Rob Bagchi * Guardian *There’s a strong contender for the William Hill Sports Book Prize in Michael Calvin’s The Nowhere Men, a book revealing the hidden lives of football scouts. * The Bookseller *

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE BRITISH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS Sir Alex Ferguson is the most controversial and compelling figure in football. For many he ranks as the greatest manager of all time. He is certainly the most successful.It''s been more than ten years since Ferguson''s Manchester United triumphed over Bayern Munich in the dying seconds of the Champions League final. Since then he has presided over the rise and fall and rise again of José Mourinho; the arrival and departure of the world''s best player, Ronaldo; the removal of one English talisman - Beckham - and the irresistible instalment of another - Rooney. Ferguson has been instrumental in making the Premier League the most successful competition in football, and he has endured while the mountains of cash have turned to valleys of debt. Throughout, award-winning journalist Patrick Barclay has been pitch-side and spoken to all those who know Ferguson best - fellow managers, former players, colleaTrade ReviewCompelling -- Simon Kuper * Financial Times *Patrick Barclay traces the arc of the Scot's Govan youth to his Old Trafford supremacy with insight, sensitivity and poise -- Sports Book of the Year * Sunday Telegraph *Thorough of research, rich of detail -- Book of the Week, Richard Williams * Guardian *Stylishly written, admirably well-researched * Scotsman *Wonderful. Captures the contradictions of this complex personality as eloquentlyas it elucidates his genius * Irish Independent *

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Book SynopsisWembley, 1966. England wins the World Cup to roars of a euphoric home crowd.Sir Bobby Charlton, England's greatest ever player, was there on the pitch. In 1966, he looks back on the most glorious moment of his life and England''s greatest sporting achievement.He takes us through the build-up to the tournament and to the final itself - what he saw, what he heard, what he felt. He tells us what it was like to be part of Sir Alf Ramsey's team, his memories of his teammates, the matches, the atmosphere; the emotion of being carried on the wave of a nation's euphoria and how it felt to go toe-to-toe with some of the foremost footballers to ever play the game.His life was forever defined by a single moment: one day when a man stood side-by-side with his best friends, united in a single aim in front of a watching nation. This is his story.It's gripping stuff This is a mellow book, the product of many years' contemplation, and eTrade ReviewCarefully and lovingly told with deeper layers of reflection and wistfulness. -- Giles Smith * The Times *It’s gripping stuff… This is a mellow book, the product of many years’ contemplation, and emotional in a way that may surprise you…He has a wonderful story to tell -- Markus Berkmann * Daily Mail *Breathtakingly lucid, insistently informative and deeply affecting... It owes much to the presence of that most benign of ghosts, the wonderful James Lawton, who imbues his books not only with an authentic, clear-eyed love of the game but with his gift, spectacular in this particular instance, to bring historic moments into a focus so immediate that one is almost forced to blink * Herald *Thoughtful and reflective...full of fascinating detail. * Mail On Sunday *[A] fascinating inside account of what remains the nation’s greatest sporting achievement. * Choice Magazine *

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Book SynopsisRyan Giggs first played for Manchester United in the season before the Premiership began; back when Bryan Robson was still captain. He took possession of United''s left wing and never loosened his grip. Over a fourteen year career so far, he''s seen them all come and go: Cantona, Schmeichel, Beckham and the rest. Sir Alex Ferguson said of Giggs ''I knew we had an outstanding talent when we gave him his debut.'' That was back in 1991, but it remains as true in 2005 as it ever was. Giggs has been a pivotal figure in United''s dominance of the Premiership. There have been rivals but no other team can match the their sustained record of success over recent years. And Giggs is the only player to have played in all eight of those title winning campaigns. Off the pitch, Ryan Giggs has always closely guarded his private life. But here he opens up for the first time, sharing details of the sometimes turbulent childhood that shaped him and the relationships that have mattered to him to reveal the man behind the famous number 11 red shirt. One thing seems clear: the Old Trafford crowd will be singing ''Giggs will tear you apart again!'' for a few years yet ...Trade ReviewA testament to fourteen brilliant years in the game * Independent *

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Book SynopsisSoccer is the worldâs most valuable sport, generating bigger revenues, as well as being watched and played by more people, than any other. It is virtually impossible to understand the business of sport without understanding the football industry. This book surveys contemporary football in unparalleled breadth and depth.Presenting critical insights from world-leading football scholars and introducing footballâs key organisations, leagues and emerging nations, it explores key themes from governance and law to strategy and finance, as well as cutting edge topics such as analytics, digital media and the womenâs game.This is essential reading for all students, researchers and practitioners working in football, sport business, sport management or mainstream business and management.Trade Review"This handbook - which could be used as a primary textbook for a football-specific course or as supplemental reading for a wide variety of sport management courses - provides expert and casual readers an abundance of content that can be used to engage in any discussion involving the game or business of football." – Braden Norris, Indiana University, International Journal of Sport CommunicationTable of Contents1. Introduction to the Handbook of Football Business and Management, 2. A Framework for Diversification Decisions in Professional Football, 3. Global Football: Defining the rules of the changing game, 4. Structures and Policies at the main European football leagues: Evolution and Recent Changes, 5. Points, Pounds and Politics in the Governance of Football, 6. Contemporary Issues in the Management of Grassroots Football, 7. Football Law, 8. Football and Marketing, 9. Digital and Social Media, 10. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in Football: Exploring Modes of CSR Implementation, 11. Agents and Intermediaries, 12. Managing Performance in Elite Professional Football, 13. The Sporting Director: Exploring Current Practice and Challenges within Elite Football, 14. Strategic Management in Football Organisations, 15. Finance and Accounting in Football, 16. Sponsorships, Stadia and Naming Rights, 17. Venue Management in Football, 18. Human Resource Management in Football, 19. Fans, Spectators, Consumers in Football, 20. Sports Business Analytics: the past, the present and the future, 21. Leagues, Tournaments and Competitions, 22. Football, Networks and Relationships, 23. Leveraging Football Events, 24. The labour markets of professional football players, 25. Value Management in Football: A Framework to Develop and Analyse Competitive Advantage, 26. Supply Chain Management in Professional Football, 27. Risk and Crisis Management, 28. Women and Football, 29. Managing match officials: The influence of business and the impact of finance in an era of Premier League dominance, 30. Perspectives on Ethics and Integrity in Football, 31. Talent Management, 32. Retailing in the Football Industry, 33. Sport Licensed Products in the Football Industry, 34. FIFA, 35. UEFA, 36. CONMEBOL: South American Confederation of Football, 37. Asian Football Confederation (AFC), 38. Confederation of African Football (CAF), 39. CONCACAF, 40. Oceania Football Confederation, 41. Football in China, 42. Business and Governance of Football in Qatar, 43. Football in Brazil, 44. Football in Turkey, 45. Management of Football in India, 46. Soccer in the United States, 47. The Rise and Rise of the World’s Favourite Sport

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Book SynopsisOn 6 February 1958, British European Airways flight 609 crashed in a blizzard on its third attempt to take off from an icy runaway in Munich. On board were the Manchester United football team as well as a number of journalists and other passengers. News of the disaster sent shockwaves around the world. For people who lived in Manchester at the time and for football fans throughout Britain it was one of those moments when everybody remembers exactly where they were and how they heard the terrible news. Manchester United, nicknamed the Busby Babes after their manager, Matt Busby, who had created the world-beating side, were the leading team of the day. Seven of their players were killed instantly in the crash. Three weeks later Duncan Edwards, one of the most promising players ever to come out of England, lost his battle for life. Two other players, Jackie Blanchflower and Johnny Berry, were so severely injured that they were never able to play again.Manchester''s FTrade ReviewNot only the best book on Munich, but one of the very best books on the United. I presumed there was nothing new to say on the crash, but David Hall proved me completely wrong. It's a totally refreshing account, and Hall captures brilliantly the atmosphere of Manchester in those winter days of 1958. -- Michael CrickAlmost everything we've ever read about Munich has been from the point of view of the victims and the survivors - so David Hall's book is a welcome and fascinating record of what it was like to be an 11-year-old Mancunian whose team had its heart ripped out on a foreign airfield. It is the mass of telling detail which makes this book so interesting... intimate and personal. -- Chris Maume * The Independent *Where David Hall's deeply humbling book differs, is that he offers a supporter's perspective of one of the most intimate tragedies of post-war Britain, one which united an entire nation, irrespective of one's club loyalties, in grief. [A] heart-rending tribute to a side that had become great ambassadors for club and country - both on and off the pitch. -- Tom Richmond * Yorkshire Post *Fitting tribute to a sport's tragic loss * Coventry Telegraph *Excellent -- Steve Simpson * Blackpool Gazette *

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Book SynopsisAll Kelly Smith ever wanted to be was a footballer. Blessed with brilliant talent which she honed with hours of practice, it was soon clear to all who saw her that Kelly was the best women's footballer that this country had ever produced. Yet for this shy girl from Watford, it would be a long and difficult journey to the pinnacle of the world game, and one which would involve the hardest of challenges.After starting drinking to mask her loneliness thousands of miles from home in the United States, a series of career-threatening injuries led to severe depression and a battle with alcoholism. But with the fighting spirit that was so essential on her path to be Britain's first women's professional player, Kelly bounced back to inspire Arsenal to countless trophies and become England's record goalscorer.Footballer: My Story is the inspirational tale of a woman with a drive to succeed. It is the unique inside story of a star in a sport enjoyed by millions yet oftenTrade ReviewKelly Smith's life is film-script material * Henry Winter *A great read but so very sad in parts * Jacqui Oatley *An entertaining read... It is Smith the footballer that resonates - her achievements and disappointments, the graft, the hunger, the esteem for rivals, the battles to overcome injuries that would have finished a lesser player, the strongly held beliefs about the game. -- Catherine Etoe * Camden New Journal *

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Book SynopsisFollowing the success of Simon Hughes’ Red Machine and Men in White Suits, books which depicted Liverpool FC’s domination during the 1980s and its subsequent fall in the 1990s, Ring of Fire focuses on the 2000s and the primary characters who propelled Liverpool to the forefront of European football once again.

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Book SynopsisHe''s back - and this time he''s got company. The Secret Footballer has teamed up with one of the most highly respected physios in the game to bring you the stories of a football season through the eyes of someone who has covered over 1000 games in his career and who knows the most intimate details about every player he treats.From the pre-season pressures of a new manager and players who have overindulged on their summer breaks, to witnessing some truly horrific (and sometimes career-ending) injuries; from star players who think nothing of using him as their personal family doctor to revealing some of the more unconventional treatments players choose to experiment with, the physio has truly seen it all.Alongside this privileged glimpse into the physio''s world, The Secret Footballer will be telling his own tales of injury, pain and perseverance with his trademark insight and wit.

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Book SynopsisSince his first book was published in 2012, The Secret Footballer has been able to take the reader behind the scenes of footballers'' lives like no other player has been able, or will ever be able, to do. Anonymity has been a potent weapon in revealing the real world of football stars, and five years on, he has now penned the work that all his fellow professionals have been urging him to do from the start, The Secret Footballer: What Goes on Tour. And it isn''t going to stay on tour any more...From Marbella and Ibiza to Dubai and Las Vegas, The Secret Footballer lays bare the worst, most embarrassing and most hilarious excesses of these fit and mostly fickle young men whose million-pound salaries, to use his own words, ''open up a host of recreational opportunities''. Fuelled by rampaging desires for sex, drugs, booze and rock''n''roll, these footballers think up ever more extreme ways of splashing the cash, and needless to say, it doesn''t always end well...

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Book SynopsisFootball lies at the heart of popular culture in both England and Italy. It is played, watched, written about and talked to death by millions virtually every day of the year. But how do the characteristics of England and Italy affect the game in these two footballing nations? Do the national stereotypes of Italians as passionate, stylish lotharios and the English as cold-hearted eccentrics still hold true when they kick a ball around? In The Italian Job, for the first time, a footballer of the first rank, Gianluca Vialli, in conjunction with sportswriter and broadcaster Gabriele Marcotti, tackles this debate head on. Uniquely positioned across both the English and the Italian games, they provide a fascinating and highly controversial commentary on where football is now and where it''s headed. And they have invited some of the biggest names in the sport to join in their discussion. Sir Alex Ferguson, Jose Mourinho, Arsene Wenger, Sven Goran Eriksson, Fabio Capello and MarcTrade ReviewThe book is essentially a memoir but with the aid of some really interesting interviews...it gives some astonishing insights into the workings of the modern game * GQ Style *The Italian Job reveals how rival cultures in England and abroad are reflected on the pitch * The Times *Gianluca Vialli's new book is an interesting comparison of sporting attitudes here and on the Continent - To the Italian player, football is a job: to the English one, it's a game * The Observer *...this fascinating book that analyses the difference between English and Italian football...The Italian Job tackles the questions which inform football debate in England and Italy - from the tactical and technical to the cultural and sociological * Italia *An early contender for this year's literary prizes in sport * Sunday Tribune *

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Book SynopsisImmaculately written, inspiring, sad and elegiac.' Daily TelegraphWith a new introduction by David PeaceDuncan Edwards played his first game for Manchester United at the age of fifteen and Walter Winterbottom, then England manager, called him ''the spirit of British football''. On 15-a-week, Edwards was the most prized of the Busby Babes. Then in February 1958 came Munich.Half a decade later George Best represented United reborn. ''Georgie'' of the boutiques and dolly birds; ''El Beatle'' of the European Cup in ''68 and European Player of the Year; in the opinion of Pele, the most naturally talented footballer that ever lived. Retired at 27 and reduced to the role of Chelsea barfly and tabloid perennial; George, where did it all go wrong?

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Book SynopsisScheisse! recounts the extraordinary story of Union Berlin, the German Bundesliga's most spirited football club, interwoven with a witty history of contemporary Berlin.Trade Review'Fascinating' Daily Mail'A wonderful journey into the heart of a very unique club' Raphael Honigstein'The history and culture of a special football club deserve a special kind of chronicling – and Holden has executed it to perfection' Patrick Barclay'An engrossing portrait' Philip Oltermann'For the first time, Scheisse is a good thing! A captivating read on one of the most unique clubs in world football' Archie Rhind-Tutt'A beautifully crafted set of stories that reveal a personal history of one of Germany’s most special clubs and cities' Jonathan Harding'Holden superbly captures the myth, history and spirit that make Union so very special and beloved' Andreas Michaelis'A fascinating tale that is expertly told' Adam Bate'A must-read for any football romantic, regardless of where you're from and what team you support' Cristian Nyari

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Book SynopsisIn an era of superstar prima donnas, Stuart Pearce''s total commitment on the pitch earned him the affection of football fans everywhere, who nicknamed him Psycho. He will forever be remembered for two penalties - one missed and scored - for England, but there is so much more to him than that. This book reveals the fascinating story of one of football''s greatest personalities. PSYCHO is as honest and straightforward as the man himself.Trade ReviewPsycho was no.6 in the Observer and no.7 in the Daily and Sunday Telegraph bestseller listsRightly a big seller because the former England captain has had a long and varied career and has always displayed a nice line in dry humour * David Lacey, Guardian *Unputdownable ... Pearce's honesty shines through * Sarah Edworthy, Daily Telegraph *Typically honest * Stephen Moss, Guardian *

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Book Synopsis''I was 12th man for England against Wales at Wembley. Within a few minutes, the Welsh half-back broke his collar bone. They had no reserves and I as the only spare player to hand. That''s how I made my international debut - for Wales.'' - Stan Mortensen, Blackpool and England.When Britain declared war on Germany in September 1939, football came to an abrupt halt. Large crowds were banned, stadiums were given over to military use, most players joined up. Then it was realised that if victory was the national goal, soccer could help - and football went to war. For the next six years the game became hugely important to Britain. Boosting morale among servicemen, munitions workers and beleaguered citizens alike - and raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for war funds. It was a game with plenty of human stories. Some footballers were dubbed ''PT commandos'' or ''D-Day dodgers''. Others, however, saw action. Pre-war heroes on the pitch became wartime heroes off it. This book captures the atmosphere of the time and tells the story of a unique period in football''s history.

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Book SynopsisFrom Ronnie Radford to Wayne Rooney, John Motson''s knowledge and passion for football are unrivalled. In Motty, he shares his story for the first time and guides us through a career which has spanned forty years and over 2,000 matches. From reporting on the exploits of the giant-killing Hereford team in the 1972 FA Cup that made his name on Match of the Day, to the estimated twenty-million viewers who tuned in to his commentary on England''s match with Portugal at the 2006 World Cup, Motson''s time in the commentary box has delivered some unforgettable anecdotes. In dozens of fascinating behind-the-scenes stories, we hear about the greatest football matches he has watched and the greatest players and managers he has been privileged to know. Many of them are football icons; Bill Shankly, Alex Ferguson, Brian Clough, Alf Ramsey, and Matt Busby, amongst countless others.Motty is essential reading for anyone who has grown up with the undisputed voice of footbalTrade ReviewMotson has been the finest television football commentator for the best part of 25 years, and perhaps ever -- Rod Liddle * The Times *Football's grand master of the microphone -- Lee Clayton * Daily Mail *Motty's sheepskin coat has become a trademark almost as familiar as Kenneth Wolstenholme's "They think it's all over ... it is now" as Geoff Hurst completed his World Cup Final hat-trick in '66 * Harry Harris *John Motson is the nation's-favourite, statto-mad, sheepskin-wearing voice of football -- Barney Ronay * Guardian *We'd be lost without Motty's unique insights. * Martin Kelner *

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Book SynopsisIn We Are Celtic Supporters Richard Purden examines what created the culture, ideas and beliefs around Celtic football club. In new and exclusive interviews with supporters, he explores the Celtic way of life and the rich traditions that give context to much of the support while deconstructing some myths along the way. As a travelling supporter he visits a variety of fans in locations such as New York, Spain, Germany, Italy and various parts of the UK. He talks to well-known Celtic supporters such as James MacMillan about the often misrepresented Catholic roots, to Pat Nevin about why he fell out of love with the club and to a number of well-known rock ''n'' rollers such as Noel Gallagher, Bobby Gillespie and Johnny Marr. We Are Celtic Supporters gives the inside story of how major events in Celtic''s history have shaped the identity of the fans, and what it really means to follow this unique football club.Trade Review'We Are Celtic supporters hits you in a flourish of green and white...you don't need to be a Celtic supporter to find this book an absorbing read' * John Gibson, Edinburgh Evening News *'The book is an incisive, thoughtful and necessarily partisan look at one of the world's most recognisable clubs' * football-books.com *'The book of the year... The book, like Celtic, is more than football' * Simon Dames, Catholic Times *'There is no excuse if you haven't read this book' * Nathan Amin, TalkCeltic.net *'Hoops fans are well represented in this heart-warming book... He seeks out the people, passion and humour and what it means to support the club' * John Murray, Leith F.M *'This is a terrific, well written and beautifully pitched book, something football fans, especially Celtic fans have been waiting for; for a long time' * Andrew O'Hagan, author of The Missing *'We Are Celtic supporters hits you in a flourish of green and white...you don't need to be a Celtic supporter to find this book an absorbing read' * Edinburgh Evening News *'The book is an incisive, thoughtful and necessarily partisan look at one of the world's most recognisable clubs' * football-books.com *'The book of the year... The book, like Celtic, is more than football' * Simon Dames, Catholic Times *'An excellent book which is part social history and part contemporary snapshot of the diverse nature of the Celtic support' * Not The View *'There is no excuse if you haven't read this book' * Nathan Amin, TalkCeltic.net *'The Celtic soul is all about the support & you'll feel & touch it here!' * Matt McGlone, Editor of the Alternative View magazine and author of Emotionally Celtic *'Hoops fans are well represented in this heart-warming book... He seeks out the people, passion and humour and what it means to support the club' * John Murray, Leith F.M *

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Book SynopsisStars of All Time highlights both iconic pioneers of world football, including Pelé, Johan Cruyff, and Maradona, and more recent all-star players, such as Messi and Ronaldo. Young readers will learn about where each player grew up, how he made it to the top, and what makes his playing style unique. Filled with facts and illustrations, showcasing the most exciting players of the past and present, this book will wow both the football novice and the passionate fan.Trade ReviewPraise for World Soccer Legends "These books address a largely unfilled niche: short, highly readable biographies of contemporary soccer stars. The texts are printed over and around voluminous, richly printed photographs and include many pages of scoring statistics and league standing. ... Frequent references to great players of the past--Maradona, Pele, Cruyff, Eusebio--lend the books a welcome historical context. ... These entries are excellent."--School Library JournalTable of ContentsPelé Messi Maradona Cruyff Puskás Garrincha Di Stéfano Ronaldo Zidane Beckenbauer Ronaldo Platini Eusébio Zico Müller Van Basten Yashin Ronaldinho Best Zlatan Best in Brazil Best in South America Best in the UK Best in Europe Best in Italy Best in Africa

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Book SynopsisDavid Conn's journey from supporter to sceptic - an impassioned look at what modern football means for its fans.Trade Review'The best football book I have read for a long time' Sam Wallace, Independent. * Independent *'Superb. Nick Hornby meets Michael Crick' Rob Draper, Mail on Sunday. * Mail on Sunday *'A must read' Tony Evans, The Times. * The Times *Table of ContentsIn the Heart of Europe. Sky Blue. Abu Dhabi United. 'The Joy Was Just Coming'. His Excellency the Chairman. Ghost Town. Richer Than God. Swales out. Forward with Franny. The Money Game. The Club Which Ate Itself. In the Money. The Council House. There's Only One Frank Sinatra. Welcome to Manchester. Manchester Thanks You, Sheikh Mansour. The People's Game. The Beautiful Game. The Colossus. We're Not Really Here. Champions. Bibliography. Acknowledgements. Index.

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Book SynopsisThis illustrated text introduces the reader to the mad-cap supporters of Scotland's national soccer team, the "Tartan Army" - a harder core, more eccentric type of travelling soccer fan - and follows the Army on their expeditions around the world during the 1990s.Trade ReviewI commend this book to all football supporters... You are left once more feeling slightly proud that these stupid creatures are your own countrymen. - GRAHAM SPIERS, SCOTLAND ON SUNDAYWhat have you done to Scotland's image abroad? - ANDY ROXBURGHHow many of these drunken comic Scotsmen would you let in your front garden, never mind your front room? - MICHAEL KELLY, former Lord Provost of Glasgow, DAILY MAILTable of ContentsCome awa with me; dispatches from the Russian forest; save the whale; the camper van from hell; free team Ritchie; Jimmie Hill is, William Wallace isnae; a boot in the baltics; Monte Carlo and nearly bust; there's no such thing as an ugly Swede.

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisLeeds United's biggest crowd of the 2004-05 season was for a testimonial match. The 37,889 who packed into Elland Road were paying tribute to Lucas Radebe, the South African international who so captured the hearts of Leeds fans that they still chant his name years after he retired. This book tells his story.

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Book SynopsisThe Times Sports Books of the Year'Cracking read . . . loved it' – Piers Morgan'Packed with brilliant anecdotes about the biggest names' – The MirrorWith a foreward from Alan Shearer.There are just a handful of people who have been ever-present for the thirty years of the Premier League, but only one person has been at the very epicentre for the entire period: Geoff Shreeves. From signalling the very first ball to be kicked on Sky’s Premier League coverage to facing down Sir Alex Ferguson’s wrath (on countless occasions), Geoff is an integral part of the football fabric, respected by everybody in the game while still asking the toughest questions. Geoff’s interviews with Cristiano Ronaldo, Arsène Wenger, Frank Lampard and Alan Shearer have become the stuff of legend, but it is his close personal relationships with the game’s star names that really sets him apart.PackTrade ReviewWhen it’s the showpiece game of the weekend and it’s on Sky Sports, you know Geoff will be there. No one handles the big moments better -- Jordan HendersonThe man who asks the questions now gives the answers -- Henry Winter, Chief Football Writer for The TimesA legend of television journalism -- Arsène WengerThroughout my career, Geoff is always there and always fair. As a player and a manager, you can’t ask for more than that -- Frank LampardGeoff has always been professional, honest and authentic in all the time we’ve worked together. He has a special way of connecting with his line of questioning -- Steven GerrardGood times. Bad times. Who is always there? Geoff is always there and he does his job perfectly -- Jose MourinhoPacked with brilliant anecdotes about the biggest names * The Mirror *Cracking read by a brilliant reporter – loved it -- Piers MorganSometimes, all that is needed is a bit of fun, and for that you can turn to Cheers, Geoff, by Geoff Shreeves, who is generous with his anecdotes * The Times *

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Book SynopsisTable of ContentsIntroduction. 1 Part 1: The Xs and Os of Fantasy Football: Just the Basics, Please 9 Chapter 1: The Reality of Fantasy Football: What’s It All About? 11 Chapter 2: Just Score, Baby: The Name of the Fantasy Game 29 Chapter 3: Finding a League Right for You 43 Chapter 4: Preparing for Your Fantasy Draft 63 Part 2: Advanced Scouting and Drafting Secrets 91 Chapter 5: Scouting Running Backs and Quarterbacks 93 Chapter 6: Scouting Wide Receivers and Tight Ends for Starters and FLEX 111 Chapter 7: Scouting Kickers and Defenders 127 Chapter 8: Incorporating Important Draft Strategies into Your Game 141 Chapter 9: Considering Other Draft Tactics to Build a Winning Team 175 Part 3: Let the Games Begin: In-Season Strategy Guide 191 Chapter 10: Setting Your Weekly Starting Lineup 193 Chapter 11: Acquiring Players via Free Agency, Waivers, and Trades 215 Chapter 12: Finishing Strong: Down the Stretch to the Fantasy Playoffs 243 Part 4: Daily Fantasy Football: A New Draft Every Week 257 Chapter 13: Place Your Bets: Fantasy Football Style 259 Chapter 14: Finding Your Game: Standard Contest Types 273 Chapter 15: Virtual Salary Cap: Advanced Play Strategies 293 Chapter 16: Scoring the Right DFS Provider: FanDuel versus DraftKings and More. 307 Part 5: The Part of Tens 321 Chapter 17: Ten Quick Fixes to Make the Day after Your Draft 323 Chapter 18: Ten Rookie Mistakes to Avoid 329 Chapter 19: Ten Daily Fantasy Tips and Tricks 335 Index 343

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Book SynopsisThe story of Leeds Unitedâs roller coaster ride through the 21st century from Champions League semi-finals to financial mismanagement, boardroom wrangles and relegation â and hope of their eventual return to the top tier.

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Book SynopsisWITH AN EXCLUSIVE Q&A BETWEEN JIM AND KAVEH FOR THE AUDIOBOOK''The best football book of the year. A must-read for anyone who loves football'' Harry RedknappFootball used to be a sport. Then it became a business. Now it''s a whole industry.For three months every year football clubs buy and sell human beings. People who are so good at their job that others are willing to pay millions and millions of pounds to work with them, and for good reason; the right deal can help you win football''s top prizes while the wrong deal can cost you your job and bankrupt your club. It''s a fast-paced, at times murky and cutthroat world worth billions - and Jim White and Kaveh Solhekol have been at the heart of it for decades.In Deadline Day, Jim and Kaveh, two leading transfer market experts, take us behind the scenes of this uniquely tense and secretive world where the winner takes it all. They uncover what really happens in this game withi

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Book SynopsisLess than a decade ago, a warlock sat in a cloud of incense in the car park at Rotherham United''s tatty old Millmoor Ground, chanting incantations and putting a curse on the Millers. Since then, the South Yorkshiremen have plunged to the brink of losing their place in the Football League, been docked a bagful of points for financial irregularities, and came within minutes of extinction. Whether the warlock had anything to do with it all is anyone''s guess, but the Millers were certainly in trouble. Rotherham United are now, a few short years later, playing in a brand-new GBP20 million stadium and looking to power their way back up the league. In May 2013 they were promoted to League One. It''s been a real roller-coaster ride for the club, from their humble beginnings at the dawn of the game to today, but the years have certainly produced a legion of stories and characters - and will no doubt continue to do so. Rotherham United: A Pictorial History tells the story of the Millers, illustrated in full colour with pictures from the Rotherham Advertiser''s archives.

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Book SynopsisFor the first time in detail, the story of the formation of the Wolverhampton Wanderers FC.

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Book SynopsisA high-quality, full-colour pictorial history of the Owls, illustrated throughout.

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SIR ALEX FERGUSON is one of the most admired and respected managers in the history of the beautiful game. Sir Alex Ferguson: Fifty Defining Fixtures presents a completely new perspective on the longest-serving manager of Manchester United. Covering his complete career as a player and a manager, this book highlights the games that projected the boy from the Glasgow district of Govan to the worldwide phenomenon that was Manchester United. From his Scottish Football League debut with the amateurs of Queens Park at Stranraer to his final game as manager of Manchester United at West Bromwich Albion, this fascinating book recaptures the many highs, and also a few lows, of a memorable and trophy-strewn career. It is the Sir Alex Ferguson story with a difference: fifty fixtures that defined the career of an ordinary footballer, who went on to become the most successful British manager ever.

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Book SynopsisAn examination of the Hillsborough disaster, drawing on eyewitness accounts and interviews with those who were there and those most affected.

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Book SynopsisThe complete and definitive history of the Whites.

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Book SynopsisFranz Beckenbauer – known as ‘the Kaiser’ – was Germany's greatest-ever footballer and one of the game's biggest icons of all time, a World Cup winner as player and manager. But what is often described as a blessed life was in fact a rollercoaster ride with stunning highs and bitter lows. He rose to fame at the 1966 World Cup in England, where after West Germany’s final defeat the British press marvelled at the grace of a ‘beaten but proud Prussian officer’. Yet there was nothing Prussian about the Bavarian boy who flouted authority, disregarded rules and viewed the traditional German work ethic with the disdain of someone to whom everything comes naturally. After a glittering early career at Bayern Munich – captaining them to three European Cup victories and pioneering the playmaking libero role in central defence – Beckenbauer made a controversial move to thTrade Review‘Authoritative and affectionate, yet never blinded to its subject’s flaws… More than just another footballer biography: it is a rich and scrupulously researched case study of the complexities of national mythmaking and the caprice of celebrity’ * Times Literary Supplement *'The best and most focused book about the greatest German player, faults and all. A diamond-quality read' * Soccer America Confidential *

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Book SynopsisWhen Cyrille Regis became one of the first black players to be selected for the full England team, he was sent a package in the mail. Inside it was a silver bullet and a note that read: You'll get one of these through your knees if you step on our Wembley turf.' In the 1978/79 football season Regis'' club West Bromwich Albion, an unglamorous and little publicised club from the West Midlands, became the first British football team to field three black players: Cyrille Regis, Laurie Cunningham and Brendon Batson. They did so against the backdrop of the most divisive and poisonous racial tension in the UK's history a time when the National Front movement was at its most virulent. This book will tell the story of a defining and groundbreaking chapter in the history of British football and the country as a whole. The story is one about sport but also as much one about social change.

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Book SynopsisAn all-encompassing, chronological guide to football''s World Cup, one of the world''s few truly international events, in good time for the June 2018 kick-off in Russia. From its beginnings in 1930 to the modern all-singing, all-dancing self-styled ''greatest show on Earth'', every tournament is covered with features on major stars and great games, as well as stories about some less celebrated names and quirky stats and intriguing essays. Holt''s focus is very much on what takes place on the field, rather than how football is a mirror for economic corruption, or how a nation''s style of play represents a profound statement about its people, or how a passion for football can lift underpaid, socially marginalised people out of poverty. From the best World Cups, in 1958 and 1970, to the worst, in 1962 and 2010, he looks behind the facts and the technical observations to the stories: the mysterious sins of omission; critical injuries to key players; and coaching U-turns.

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