Association football (Soccer) Books

Book SynopsisTraining players in circular playing fields develops and improves their game competence. Circle Soccer Training contains an integrated game concept and provides varied training exercises for fast implementation in training practice that will benefit all players at any level. The book first delves into the theory of circle training, explaining the main technical and tactical principles of the circle training concept. It contains further helpful information regarding the rules of the game, coaching points, how to organize each game or drill, and detailed illustrations. Following the introduction on circle training is the practical application. Beginning with an explanation on how to use this effective training for improving players' technical abilities, this section contains 100 circular games and drills that will allow players to progress and develop their skills. Also presented in this book are trendy, innovative, and cognitively demanding forms of play, which are an integrated and complex part of modern soccer. The concepts of circle soccer and their application in training are important for all players--at any level--to develop their technical playing abilities. With Circle Soccer Training, players can create a competitive advantage over their opponents.

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Book SynopsisCeltic's Cult Heroes is devoted to 20 players who, over the years, have won a special place in the hearts of the Parkhead faithful - not necessarily the greatest footballers, but a unique brotherhood of mavericks and stalwarts, local lads and big signings. The cast list alone is enough to stir up the memories and tug at the heartstrings of any Hoops fan - Stein, Johnstone and Nicholas, Larsson, McInally and Aitken - recalling how these charismatic personalities used to ignite passion on the terraces. Find out which Celtic icon scored direct from a corner, was made to retake it and promptly scored again. Who celebrated his Scottish Cup Final hat-trick with a somersault, and which heroes were affectionately known as 'Yogi Bear' and 'The Golden Crust'. Discover and delight in the magical qualities of these 20 mere mortals elevated to cult status by the green half of Glasgow.

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Book SynopsisEach year, 6. 1 million kids aged 6 to 17 play soccer for more than 25 days a year, and each of their teams needs a coach. In many cases, the coach is a parent or adult volunteer who may not have any previous coaching (or even soccer) experience. This book provides these volunteers with a crash course in soccer and coaching fundamentals.Table of ContentsIntroduction. Part I: Getting Started Coaching Soccer. Chapter 1: Teaching Soccer to Children. Chapter 2: Getting Organized. Chapter 3: Getting Up to Speed with the Basics. Part II: Building Your Coaching Skills. Chapter 4: Meet the Parents. Chapter 5: Getting to Know Your Team. Chapter 6: Running a Great Practice. Chapter 7: Getting Your Game On. Chapter 8: Refining Your Approach at Midseason. Part III: Beginning and Intermediate Soccer. Chapter 9: Teaching the Fundamentals. Chapter 10: Fundamental Drills. Chapter 11: Coaching Offense 101. Chapter 12: Coaching Defense 101. Chapter 13: Coaching Restarts. Chapter 14: Taking Practice Drills to the Next Level. Part IV: Advanced Soccer Strategies. Chapter 15: Coaching Offense 201. Chapter 16: Coaching Defense 201. Chapter 17: Implementing Advanced Drills. Part V: The Extra Points. Chapter 18: Keeping Kids Healthy and Injury Free. Chapter 19: Dealing with Common Coaching Challenges. Chapter 20: Taking Your Show on the Road. Part VI: The Part of Tens. Chapter 21: Ten Ways to Make the Season Memorable. Chapter 22: Ten Ways to End the Season on a High Note. Index.

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Book SynopsisA pocket biography of George Best

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Book SynopsisA Financial Times Sports book of the Year 2018 pickWho's better: Ronaldo or Messi? Ask any football fan and they'll have an opinion. For the best part of the last decade football has seen a personal rivalry unlike any seen before. Cristiano and Leo. This is their definitive story, from children kicking a ball halfway around the world from each other to their era-defining battle to be number one. One the preening adonis, a precision physical machine who blows teams away with his pace and power. The other a shuffling genius, able to do things with a football that seem other-worldly. Their differences seem to tap into something fundamental about football and indeed life.Between them they have scored over a thousand goals, won the Ballon d'Or nine times and redefined modern football. For the past eight seasons they have shared the accolade of best footballer in the world and arguments rage over which one deserves the title of greatest player of all time. Cristiano and Leo by Spanish and South American football expert and journalist Jimmy Burns is the essential book to understand the defining players of a generation.'Burns is incapable of writing a boring sentence.' - Irish TimesTrade ReviewA thoroughly researched dual biography by the great Jimmy Burns -- Simon Kuper, author of The Football MenI am eating up this book. The verve with which Burns writes about the power politics and rich supporting characters like Florentino and Ferguson makes it a captivating read. -- Richard Fitzpatrick, author of El Clásico: Barcelona v Real Madrid, Football’s Greatest RivalryPraise for La Roja: There is so much people don’t know about Spain and Spanish football, and that is not a bad thing for as long as a complete writer like Jimmy Burns brings his unique vision to it. La Roja fills a hole in the knowledge of both Spain and Spanish football, as it goes beyond the football to explain a country, a society and its transformation through, thanks to and despite the beautiful game. -- Guillem Balague, author of Brave New World: Inside Pochettino’s Spurs Praise for Maradona: The Hand of God: Those who have an interest in the sociology of football, in modern Argentina and in the “story behind the headlines” will admire Burns’ disturbing book which easily transcends the normal confines of sports journalism. * The Economist *Praise for Barcelona: A People's Passion: Burns’ strength lies not just in his compulsive, well-told story of the club’s evolution, but his notable grasp of Catalan history. * Sunday Times *Table of ContentsSection - i: Prologue Chapter - 1: Madeira Chapter - 2: Rosario Chapter - 3: Rites of Passage: Ronaldo Chapter - 4: Little Big Man: Messi Chapter - 5: Lisbon Star: Ronaldo Chapter - 6: Growing Pains: Messi Chapter - 7: Into the Market: Ronaldo Chapter - 8: The Dwarf: Messi Chapter - 9: The Red Legacy: Ronaldo Chapter - 10: International Break – Euro Blues: Ronaldo Chapter - 11: First Team Calling: Messi Chapter - 12: Manchester Days: Ronaldo Chapter - 13: The Rise of the Hobbit: Messi Chapter - 14: International Break – Diego’s Shadow: Messi Chapter - 15: World Cup Trauma: Ronaldo the Winker Chapter - 16: Kicking On: Ronaldo Chapter - 17: The New Maradona: Messi Chapter - 18: Close Encounters: Messi vs Ronaldo Chapter - 19: Ronaldinho’s Farewell: Messi Chapter - 20: Euro 2008: Ronaldo Under Pressure Chapter - 21: International Break – The Beijing Olympics and Maradona Chapter - 22: Centre Stage: Ronaldo Chapter - 23: The Guardiola Revolution: Messi Chapter - 24: Goodbye Old Trafford, Hello Bernabéu: Ronaldo Chapter - 25: Untouchable: Messi Chapter - 26: International Break – World Cup 2010: Messi Chapter - 27: World Cup 2010: Ronaldo Chapter - 28: Enter Mourinho Chapter - 29: Clásicos: Ronaldo and Messi Chapter - 30: Mourinho Strikes Back Chapter - 31: International Break – Euro 2012: Ronaldo Chapter - 32: Life after Pep and with Mourinho: Messi and Ronaldo Chapter - 33: King Cristiano; Black Dog Messi Chapter - 34: International Break – World Cup Disappointment, National Embarrassment: Messi and Ronaldo Chapter - 35: Enrique vs Ancelotti Chapter - 36: International Break – The 2016 Copa América: Messi Chapter - 37: Rebuilding: Messi and Ronaldo Chapter - 38: International Break – Euro 2016: Ronaldo the Manager Chapter - 39: On Trial: Messi Chapter - 40: Legends: Messi and Ronaldo Chapter - 41: Conclusion Acknowledgements - ii: Acknowledgements Section - iii: Bibliography Section - iv: Notes Index - v: Index

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Book SynopsisThe Untouchables: Anfield's Band of Brothers chronicles the rise and fall of one of the greatest Liverpool teams ever. In 1918 an enlisted man, Tom Bromilow, stepped off the streets of Liverpool and straight into the team. Still in uniform, he was one of tens of thousands of Liverpudlians who fought in World War One. His signing completed a jigsaw that eventually revealed an image of footballing perfection, a team so great they were called 'The Untouchables'. The book brings to life a host of incredible characters, uncovers friendships and rivalries and reveals amazing backstories. Meet men like Bootle-born Walter Wadsworth, tough-talking Irishman Elisha Scott, champion boxer Jock McNab and many other fascinating figures. The Untouchables reveals previously unknown detail and sheds new light on old controversies, including the real reason behind the departure of the club's manager, Dave Ashworth. Meticulously researched and lovingly told, the book breathes new life into a fascinating and long-forgotten story.Trade Review"Almost exactly a century ago, on Saturday 21 April 1923, a Liverpool side managed by Matt McQueen clinched the top-flight title for the second successive season, with a 1-1 draw against Huddersfield Town at Anfield. Today the club is marking the anniversary of that great team’s achievements with a half-time tribute, and there’ll be a special banner on the Kop. The story is brilliantly chronicled in the 2021 book The Untouchables: Anfield’s Band of Brothers, by Jeff Gouding and Kieran Smith." * Liverpool FC Match Programme *

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Book SynopsisAndrew Jennings, an award-winning investigative sports reporter, spent four years delving into the dark side of ''the beautiful game''. The result is this explosive and damning exposé of the officials that run football''s world governing body, FIFA .No individual has managed to penetrate the sanctified domain of FIFA and probed successfully into its often criticized yet unproven corruption of the world game. Until now.Author Andrew Jennings argues how FIFA President Sepp Blatter and his associates have misappropriated their position at the head of the world game in their desire for power, control, and a lucrative pay-off. How did these bizarre characters manage to take such control? Foul! is the explosive story.Jennings has undertaken unprecedented research in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas, interviewing hundreds of officials and amassing an extraordinary library of damning documents.He tells how Blatter and his cronies built an invincible electoral machine to keep him in power Trade Review'Award-winning reporter Andrew Jennings has led the way investigating corruption in world football' Daily Mail ‘A meticulously researched and detailed dossier into the inner workings of FIFA’ Sunday Business Post ‘In Foul!, Jennings has turned his unerring attention to the bun fight that masquerades as the global governance of football’ Independent 'The appalling Sepp Blatter and his cronies' activities are laid bare in a mind-boggling web of deceit. Essential reading for cynical football fans.' Evening Herald Dublin

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Book SynopsisPlymouth Argyle Miscellany collects together all the vital information you never knew you needed to know about the Pilgrims. In these pages you will find irresistible anecdotes and the most mindblowing stats and facts. Heard the one about the 90-year-old director who was registered as a squad member? How about the two London-born midfielders called Lee Hodges who both played for the club? Or the penalty kick that ended up in the hippo pen at Plymouth Zoo, Home Park's 70s neighbour? Do you know which Greens forward let young children swing from his outstretched arms? Which Pilgrim became a saint by saving a baby from drowning? Or how long Sean McCarthy wore his undergarments before celebrating his 200th goal? All these stories and hundreds more appear in a brilliantly researched collection of trivia - essential for any fan who holds the riches of green-and-white history close to their heart.

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Book SynopsisA dozen Sunderland legends come together to tell the stories behind their favourite ever games for the club - enabling Black Cats fans of all ages to relive these magic moments through the eyes and emotions of the men who were there, playing their hearts out for the red-and-white stripes...Niall Quinn relives the rollercoaster 1998 League Division Two play-off final which went to 4-4 before Charlton pinched it 7-6 on penalties; Jim Montgomery recounts heroic tales of the landmark 1973 FA Cup Final. Ever the crowd pleaser, Gary Rowell waxes lyrical about a 4-1 defeat of Newcastle at St James' Park, while the club's all-time record scorer Bobby Gurney remembers a ten-goal thriller back in 1935! Sunderland greats Marco Gabbiadini, Len Ashurst and Charlie Hurley also turn in characteristic star performances, winding back the clock to relive treasured memories of the Match of Their Lives for the Black Cats.

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Book SynopsisIrresistible anecdotes, irrepressible characters, mindblowing stats and facts. Here's all the vital information you never knew you needed to know about Portsmouth FC, coupled with a day-by-day diary of magical and memorable moments from Pompey's rollercoaster history. Heard the one about the Fratton Park cleaner who claimed she was the holder of the FA Cup? How about the full-back who could throw the ball 37 yards? Or the bedridden invalid cured by Pompey's winning goal in the 1939 Cup Final? Turn back the clock to 17 May 2008, when Kanu's strike against Cardiff saw Portsmouth lift the FA Cup. Revisit 23 April 1949 when the lads were crowned Football League champions. Or 31 August 1946, when club legends Jimmy Dickinson and Peter Harris both made their debuts against Blackburn! A brilliantly researched collection of trivia - essential for any fan who holds the riches of blue-and-white history close to their heart.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review"[E]njoyably accessible to nonspecialists, especially sports enthusiasts, who will learn a great deal about soccer, economics, and human behavior more generally."--Foreign Affairs "Beautiful Game Theory shows what it is like to think deeply about a sport and to test your ideas with data... [I]t is a book I recommend unconditionally to those economists with even a passing sport."--John Considine, Sportseconomics.orgTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 FIRST HALF 1.Pele Meets John von Neumann in the Penalty Area 9 2.Vernon Smith Meets Messi in the Laboratory 31 3.Lessons for Experimental Design 45 4.Mapping Minimax in the Brain (with Antonio Olivero, Sven Bestmann, Jose Florensa Vila, and Jose Apesteguia) 58 5.Psychological Pressure on the Field and Elsewhere 68 HALFTIME 6.Scoring at Halftime 89 SECOND HALF 7.Favoritism under Social Pressure 107 8.Making the Beautiful Game a Bit Less Beautiful (with Luis Garicano) 124 9.Fear Pitch 151 10.From Argentina without Emotions 164 11.Discrimination: From the Makana Football Association to Europe 174 Acknowledgments 193 References 195 Index 205

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Book SynopsisMark Ward enjoyed all the trappings of success as one of the most popular and highly-rated right wingers in football. 'Wardy' proved an overnight sensation at Oldham and continued to be a star at West Han, Man City and Everton before inspiring Birmingham City to Wembley glory. But when his career on the pitch ended, his life swiftly unravelled. After failed business ventures and the collapse of his marriage to his childhood sweetheart he ended up unemployed - and desperate. Ward put his name to a rental agreement on a house near Liverpool that was used by others to stash drugs. When the police raided they found a drugs factory. He pleaded guilty to dealing and was sent to Liverpool's notorious Walton Prison. His life would never be the same. During the years he spent inside he has been able to reflect on an extraordianry playing career and an equally eventful life off the picth. He recounts in heart-wrenching detail his highs and lows and tells it like it is with honesty that epitomised his playing career.

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Book SynopsisStanley Matthews was the most popular footballer of his era, the man who epitomised a generation of legendary players: Tom Finney, Nat Lofthouse, Billy Wright and many more. He was the first footballer ever to be knighted, the first European Footballer of the Year (at 41), and he played in the top division until he was 50 - and he will be forever remembered for his performance in the Matthews FA Cup final of 1953, when he inspired Blackpool to victory over Bolton. THE WAY IT WAS is a the fascinating memoir of a great footballer and the remarkable story of an extraordinary life, written in the last months of his life.Trade Review'...both a fascinating personal story and an evocation of a sporting world that has gone forever.' W MagazineThere is a heartfelt, elegiac quality [to] THE WAY IT WAS ... It is only a pity he is not here to see it published * Chris Maume, Independent *`A first summary of the life, on and off the pitch of England's greatest player' ExpressThe book is an appropriate and nearly always engrossing chronicle of an illustrious career, and good to have * Ian Hamilton, Sunday Telegraph *'his engrossing autobiography' Times 'impossible to imagine any of today's football stars ever producing a memoir half so interesting' Mail on SundayEspecially rewarding, though, are Stan's descriptions of his technical perfectionism * Brian Glanville, Sunday Times *A fascinating and amusing insight into the inner workings of football during its golden era * Saul David, Daily Telegraph *THE WAY IT WAS is a ticket to a different era, when the game wasn't saturated with money and men like Sir Stanley upheld sporting ideals * Mike Pattenden, Times *Brings vividly to life some of the greatest games of the time and features his perceptive analysis of the characters who illuminated the age * Independent *The story of one of the greatest footballers of all time ... is told in great detail and with an unexpected sense of humour. It is his vivid memory that makes THE WAY IT WAS such a good read * FourFourTwo *A gracefully crafted autobiography filled with entertaining anecdotes reflecting an age when the game was uncorrupted by greed and hooliganism * Birmingham Post *

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Book SynopsisEddie Hapgood, Footballer is the extraordinary story of a young unknown from Bristol who became Arsenal and England captain and a national hero, in the dark days of the 1930s. His impact is so enduring that when the millennium dawned, the public voted him one of the greatest sportsmen of the century. That glorious legacy was painfully achieved. Hapgood considered football an art and played it joyously as part of a team, but he struggled when politics, class and money threatened to undermine him and corrupt football. By the late 1930s, the ugly shadows of fascism, Nazism and looming war were bearing down on the beautiful game. Hapgood found himself in a public fight for justice and respect, while behind the scenes he protected his family with dedication, love and humour. In this gripping memoir, his daughter Lynne Hapgood pulls together the various threads - success, celebrity, tragedy and vindication - to reveal the real Eddie Hapgood. She examines the nature of sporting greatness and its impact on fans and family.

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Book SynopsisEssential reading for soccer fans as the 2022 World Cup approaches, this lively and lyrical book is 'an ideal guide to the world's most popular sport' (Simon Kuper, coauthor of Soccernomics). Soccer is not only the world's most popular game; it's also one of the most widely shared forms of global culture. The Language of the Game is a passionate and engaging introduction to soccer's history, tactics, and human drama. Profiling soccer's full cast of characters—goalies and position players, referees and managers, commentators and fans—historian and soccer scholar Laurent Dubois describes how the game's low scores, relentless motion, and spectacular individual performances combine to turn each match into a unique and unpredictable story. He also shows how soccer's global reach makes it an unparalleled theater for nationalism, international conflict, and huma

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Book SynopsisSince the year 2000 women's soccer has become more popular throughout the world and in the UK it is now the most important participation sport for women and girls, with a national network of leagues and clubs that cater for players of all levels and experience.

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Book SynopsisDerby County On This Day revisits all the most magical and memorable moments from the club's rollercoaster past, mixing in a maelstrom of quirky anecdotes and legendary characters to produce an irresistibly dippable Rams diary - with an entry for every day of the year. From the club's formation in 1884 through to the Premier League era, the black-and-white faithful have witnessed Football League and Cup triumphs, hard-fought derby matches, European adventures and heartbreak - all featured here. Timeless greats such as Dave Mackay, Jackie Stamps and Steve Bloomer, Kevin Hector, Stefanio Eranio and Charlie George all loom larger than life. Revisit 29 March 1975, when Roger Davies scored all five against Luton (and had two disallowed). 1 June 1967: the arrival of young boss Brian Clough from Hartlepools United. And 28 April 1996: when a Robin Van der Laan goal pipped visitors Palace to automatic promotion to the Premier League.

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Book Synopsis''Inspirational'' Sunday Express''Moving and forthright'' Mirror''Like so many of the stories in his book, Bright''s account of meeting his father for the first time in more than 20 years is told with brutal honesty'' GuardianWith a foreword by Gary LinekerMark Bright''s 1990s partnership with Ian Wright at Crystal Palace earned them legendary status with the club. Bright played top-level football for most of his career, after starting in non-league while working as an apprentice engineer. He appeared in FA and League Cup finals, played abroad and experienced the change which swept through the game with the introduction of the Premier League.But this book is not just about Bright''s time in the game. This is the story of someone who battled against the odds to achieve his dream. It is the story of a boy coping with the bewildering and frightening circumstances of being taken into care with his bTrade ReviewMoving and forthright * Mirror *An inspirational tale * Sunday Express *Like so many of the stories in his book, Bright's account of meeting his father for the first time in more than 20 years is told with brutal honesty * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisFootball is about goals, great players and glory. But it's also about own goals, goats and the game gone wrong. Pulp Football looks at the comedy rather than the beauty of the world's favourite sport, the farce not the force: the incompetent coaches, the 30-yard thunderbolt that ends up in the wrong net, the players' Christmas parties that ended up in the courts. Find out how a murder was uncovered because Blackburn built a new stand, which manager was sacked after only ten minutes in a job, which mascot pulled the head off a rival and kicked it into the stands and which player scored all four goals in a 2-2 draw. Written by experienced Fleet Street scribe Nick Szczepanik, he has unearthed some cracking tales and stood up some of those so-called football myths. With sections devoted to owners, managers, goalkeepers, players, mascots, fans and of course, sex, drugs and rock n roll...Pulp Football is what it says it is: an amazing anthology of true football stories you simply couldn't make up!

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Book SynopsisBack in the Big Time! Sheffield Wednesday's Return to Division One, 1984-86 tells the story of the Owls' return to the top flight after 14 years in the wilderness. In the 1970s, the club had been a footballing byword for underachievement. After flirting with relegation to Division Four in 1976, it began its slow climb back to the top table under Jack Charlton and then Howard Wilkinson. It was Wilkinson's team that gained promotion to the highest league in 1984. They attacked Division One with gusto - within two years finishing fifth in the league and embarking on cup campaigns that took them heartbreakingly close to Wembley. Drawing on detailed research, John Dyson shines new light on the period, combining exclusive interviews with key players, management and club officials with the perspective of supporters and others to piece together a new history. Here is the unfiltered story of a team that did not give up. This is the Owls back in the big time!

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Book SynopsisFilipe d'Avillez takes us on a fascinating journey into the colourful world of the Portuguese Cup. Each year the country's top teams battle it out hoping to reach the cup final held at Jamor: Portugal's equivalent of Wembley Stadium. The book provides a unique window into the footballing culture of a country that lives and breathes the beautiful game. Starting with the away supporters of Graciosa, Filipe then follows the exploits of fans from Casa Pia, Angrense, Tondela, Leixoes and the previous year's winners, Aves, before focusing on the famed Lisbon derby between Benfica and Sporting - a match which divides the nation, whole families and even couples. Filipe's quest culminates with the Jamor experience. Sited amid a dense forest, the stadium is swamped by fans on cup final day. Hordes of them sing and drink in sweltering heat as pigs roast on skewers and ticketless families picnic around camper vans. One Thousand Miles to Jamor immerses the reader deep within the customs and culture of a truly football-mad country.Trade Review"A great read with some touching stories and written with true passion which makes you want to book a seat for the next cup final and see what all the fuss is about… It is the way that Filipe expresses the drama and love for the game which captures the reader’s imagination." -- Rebecca Hay * OMOTG Travel and Lifestyle Magazine *

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Book SynopsisSoccer Training: 160 Drills to Develop Skills and Tactics for Players Ages 10-18 provides coaches and players with a wide variety of drills designed to improve skill and tactical awareness.

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Book SynopsisThe Great Adventure: Al-Fayed’s Rollercoaster Ride with Fulham FC is the fascinating tale of Mohamed Al-Fayed’s remarkable 16-year reign as the owner of Fulham. The flamboyant Harrods owner bought the famous old London club in a £6.25 million deal in the summer of 1997, just after Fulham had been promoted from the Football League’s lowest rung. He promised to make the club a Premier League side within five years. He did it in four – and then took Fulham into the unexplored territory of European football. Along the way there were ten managers, two promotions, numerous club record signings, rows with the FA, the Football League, the Premier League, the government – and his managers. There were plans to buy the Twin Towers of Wembley and there was the statue of Michael Jackson unveiled at Craven Cottage. Author Tony Banks talks to the players, managers and staff who were there during the most remarkable period in the club’s history and uncovers their astonishing behind-the-scenes stories.Trade Review"Banks, a brilliant sportswriter and a Fulham fan, is insightful and entertaining throughout, revealing what went on behind the scenes during this period... The Great Adventure: Al-Fayed’s Rollercoaster Ride with Fulham FC is a brilliant read, one I devoured in three days. Tony Banks’ meticulous research, along with the personal accounts of those who were there, make it a publication that all Fulham and most football enthusiasts will enjoy." * On Magazine *

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Book SynopsisThe Sunday Times Sports Book of the Year A Times Book of the Year A Financial Times Book of the YearA Guardian Book of the YearA New Statesman Book of the Year''The heartwarming story of the collaboration and friendship between English football's oddest couple, Elton John and Graham Taylor'' The Times '' A wonderful, feel-good account of an ultimately English provincial story'' Simon Kuper_____________________ An unforgettable British underdog story from one of our greatest narrative nonfiction writers, John Preston, and the international musical icon and bestselling author, Sir Elton John.Britain in the 1970s was beset by unrest and unemployment, as inflation soared, fuel was scarce, and hooliganism was on the rise. And for Watford FC, the outlook was even gloomier. Rundown and rat-infested, Watford were an ailing side with holes in their kit and barelyTrade ReviewIf John Preston hasn’t already sold the film rights to this book, he surely will soon. Watford Forever is the heartwarming story of the collaboration and friendship between English football’s oddest couple, Elton John and Graham Taylor -- Robert Crampton * The Times *A wonderful, feel-good account of an ultimately English provincial story -- Simon Kuper * The Spectator *A rollicking period tale of footballing success . . . Watford Forever teems with unforgettable images . . . from first to last, this is an ever-entertaining telling of a remarkable sporting fairy-tale -- Declan Ryan * Daily Telegraph *Entwining sport, music and social history, the absorbing Watford Forever is masterfully judged, saccharine-free, true-life fairy tale, which showcases another side of Elton John -- John Aizlewood * iNews *A warm and redemptive tale . . . packed with anecdotes, moments that skewer the times with economy and prevision. Plus endless laugh-out-loud yarns…as Preston tells [Elton John and Graham Taylor’s] story, it rattles along at page-turning pace….it reads, indeed, like the script of a movie -- Jim White * Independent *It is hard to read Watford Forever without becoming overwhelmingly nostalgic . . . Preston burrows to the heart of what for a while Watford got so right -- Simon Burnton * Observer *John bought his beloved Watford FC when it was near the bottom of English football, then carried it to glory in alliance with manager Graham Taylor — his polar opposite. The rock star collaborated with Preston, a skilled and versatile writer, for this English-odd-couple feelgood story * Financial Times *The original football fairytale of a small club rising from the bottom to the top * Watford Observer *You don't have to be a Watford fan to enjoy this terrific book. It is about much more than the unlikely friendship between one of the most famous stars on the planet, who as a boy had loved being taken to Watford matches by his distant father, and the fiercely ambitious son of a sports editor who wanted, in his managerial achievements, to make up for an undistinguished playing career * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for the 2023 Illustrated Sports Book of the YearThe ideal gift for football fansPairing epic sports photography with articles from The Times and The Sunday Times archive, this volume brings together 100 of the most iconic moments from World Cup history.With striking, full-colour photography, rarely seen archival images and sensational reporting on the action, The Times World Cup Moments tells the unofficial story of the world's largest single sporting event as it unfolded on and off the pitch. Featuring the greatest goals, most historic line-ups, heroic players and unforgettable controversies, these split-second moments have changed the course of World Cup history and generated a global sensation along the way.The perfect Christmas gift for any football fan, some of the best moments from this book include: The first World Cup, Uruguay 1930 North Korea's fairy tale, England 1966 David Beckham's perfect free-kick, France 1998 Brazil's golden line-up, Mexico 1970 The infamou

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Book SynopsisThe inspirational story of respected football talent scout, Rui Marques. Instead of continuing on the rather dull career path of an economist, Rui transformed his destiny by winning major Fantasy Football competitions in two different countries, and carving his own unique path into the real world of football. From early childhood Rui developed a great passion for football, yet only years later came to recognise his gift of being able to spot raw sporting talent. After completing an economics degree, Rui entered a Daily Mirror Fantasy Football competition - and won the first prize of GBP75,000. This was followed with another Fantasy first place in Germany, scooping Bild's EURO100,000 prize. As a result he earned his first scouting job at a Portuguese club, but after only two seasons became European scout at Sporting Kansas City, helping his team to win trophies before taking on a challenging new role as European scout with Polish champions Legia Warsaw. The Unknown Champion is the ultimate proof that if we follow our dreams, they can come true.

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Book SynopsisFootball's Braveheart is the riveting life story of Dave Mackay, the fearless, skilled, heroic and barrel-chested left-half who was an icon for Spurs, Hearts, Derby and Scotland. Off the field, Dave was a humble, fair-minded, sociable man. On it, he was an out-and-out winner, a warrior and inspiration with consummate ball skills and intelligence. The heartbeat of Spurs' double-winning side of 1961, he came back after two broken legs to add to a glittering trophy collection started at Hearts. After his playing career, Mackay distinguished himself as a title-winning manager with Derby County. A legends' legend, he was lauded by George Best as the hardest and bravest opponent he ever faced. Fabled managers Bill Nicholson (Spurs) and Brian Clough (Derby) hailed him as their best signing, and other admirers included Jimmy Greaves, Denis Law and Sir Alex Ferguson. Author Mike Donovan has gained exclusive, first-hand insights from those who knew Mackay best to bring you the definitive story of a man who made an indelible mark on football.

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Book SynopsisFrom Accra and Algiers to Zanzibar and Zululand, African football today reflects the history and culture of those who play the game and how they have shaped it in a distinctively African manner. Football may obey global rules, but the influence of magicians and healers, the nurturing of different tactics and styles of play, and local forms of spectatorship give football in the continent a cultural and sporting imprint all of its own . In African Soccerscapes Peter Alegi explores how football was influenced by colonialism, the growth of cities, independence, and global capitalism. Regional differences and the links between sport, culture and politics feature prominently in his book. In the independent era football offered a rare form of 'national culture' in ethnically diverse nations and symbolized pan-African unity and solidarity through the anti-apartheid struggle and the campaign for more guaranteed places for African teams in the World Cup finals. Huge numbers of Africans play overseas, disproportionately rewarding European leagues at Africa's expense, and this phenomenon is discussed, as are the recent privatization of the African game, football development programs and the growth of women's football.Trade ReviewNobody understands the background to African soccer better than the Italian-American historian Peter Alegi. This World Cup is his moment. His African Soccerscapes crams daunting erudition, gleaned over many years of study of African football, into under 200 pages of history. -- Financial TimesPeter Alegi's African Soccerscapes is simply the best available overview of the history. Concise and to the point, you'll be through it before the round of 16 begins, having covered all the basics without forgetting the pleasures and the passions that animate African football. -- The GuardianA fascinating history of African football, from empire to the post-colony. -- Sunday Independent (South Africa)Table of Contents1: The White Man's Burden: Football and Empire, 1860s-1919 2: The Africanization of Football, 1920s-1940s 3: Making Nations in Late Colonial Africa, 1940s-1964 4: Nationhood, Pan-Africanism, and Football after Independence 5: Football Migration to Europe Since the 1930s 6: The Privatization of Football, 1980s to Recent Times Epilogue: South Africa 2010: The World Cup Comes to Africa

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Book SynopsisBitten by Wolves takes us on a glorious yet tumultuous journey through the modern history of Wolverhampton Wanderers. From lifting league titles and pioneering European club competition to twice going bankrupt and languishing in the Fourth Division, Wolves have experienced extreme highs and lows. The author spent a year speaking to former players, staff, supporters and others who witnessed or played a part in some of the most successful, turbulent and defining moments in the club's recent history. Wolves have always been about much more than the results on the pitch. It's the club's place in the Wolverhampton community that underpins its identity. Today, Wolves are going through existential change under the ownership of a Chinese investment conglomerate. The author has gained behind-the-scenes insight into the current ownership and management while revealing how Wolves became the club it is today. Filled with fascinating untold stories and eye-witness accounts, Bitten by Wolves tells the definitive story of the club's evolution.

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Book SynopsisHarold Jarman is a Bristol-born sporting legend. A highly talented winger for Bristol Rovers, he made almost 500 League appearances for the club, scoring over a century of goals. Although he has taken on many different roles for clubs in the UK and the United States, his heart has always belonged to Bristol he returned initially as youth team manager, then caretaker manager (saving the Rovers from relegation) before coaching and managing the youth and reserve teams During the summer months between 1961 and 1972, Harold also enjoyed playing professionally for Gloucestershire County Cricket club, delighting crowds with his skill and particularly his astute fielding. In this book, Mike Jay and Ian Haddrell explore a remarkable life, accompanied by fascinating pictures, many unpublished from Harold's own collection.

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Book SynopsisQuite apart from his all too public struggle with alcoholism, the story runs through the surreal highs and calamitous lows of a life lived habitually on the edge of chaos.It is not just a football story.Trade ReviewAs survivor's tales go, this is brutalist epic...McGrath's narrative has a stark honesty. -- Sean O'Hagan * The Observer Sport Monthly *Continuing the trend of brutal honesty which was popularised by Paul Gascoigne's autobiography, McGrath's book is difficult to read for anyone with an ounce of human kindness, especially those who marvelled at his ability from the Old Trafford terraces... Beautifully written. * Manchester Evening News *Laceratingly honest...remarkably unflinching * Mail on Sunday *A startling, harrowing read... far removed from the churn-em-out footballing autobiographies...This is an uncompromising tale, wonderfully told, about one of our most talented and disturbed sporting heroes. -- Hugh Farrelly * Irish Independent *Heartbreaking...poingnant -- Robert Philip * Daily Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisThe World Cup Finals, Sweden 1958. Brazil vs the fearsome USSR.In the opening three minutes - ''the greatest three minutes in the history of football'' - one man wrote himself into the record books. Brazil went on to win the cup, and, in Garrincha, a star was born. Garrincha was the unlikeliest of footballers - with a right leg that turned inwards and a left that turned out, but with a ball at his feet he had the poise of an angel. He played for the love of the game, uninterested in money, and ignoring tactical advice. And he was as wild off the pitch as he was mesmerising on it - mischievous, audacious and dripping with sex appeal. It was his affair and subsequent marriage to the singer Elza Soares that caught the imagination of a nation - their mouth-watering combination of soccer and samba made them the toast of 1960s Rio. But by the age of forty-nine, Garrincha was dead, destroyed by the excesses that made him so compelling. Funny and mTrade ReviewCastro's biography is funny and moving, zealously researched and lovingly told. This excellent new translation by Andrew Downie means English readers can properly appreciate one of the most incredible lives in the history of sport -- Alex Bellos * Daily Telegraph *Passionate, fascinating and surprisingly moving ... a worthy tribute... According to Gazza, Gascoigne has limited interest in books. He should be persuaded to make an exception for Garrincha. He would learn more about himself than by reading his own autobiography -- Josh Lacey * Guardian *[A] powerfully atmospheric and beautifully rendered life of one of Brazil's greatest ever players... A sad and fantastic book -- Harry Pearson * When Saturday Comes *[Castro's] research is exhaustive and exemplary -- Brian Glanville * Sunday Times *A compelling page-turner, warts and all * Scotland on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisFor the Anfield faithful, Jamie Carragher represents everything that is great about Liverpool Football Club, prompting the Kop to sing ''we all dream of a team of Carraghers''. The club''s vice-captain, longest-serving player and one of a select band of players to have made more than 500 appearances for the Reds, Carra never gives less than 100 per cent for the cause. He is the embodiment of old-fashioned football values - a rarity in the modern game - honest and uncompromising.In Carra: My Autobiography, the Liverpool defender takes us deep into the heart of Anfield, into the club''s past glories and its uncertain future. In his typically down-to-earth style, Carra reveals what made him discard his blue Evertonian roots to become a fully fledged Red, how he mended his wild ways to become a true professional and a multiple trophy-winner, and the truth about a succession of managers - Evans, Houllier, Benítez - in the hottest seat in football. A Scouser through and through, Carra also has some forthright views on the England team, and tells why he rejected calls to return to the international fold.Full of sensational stories and controversial opinions, of glory and heartbreak on and off the pitch, Carra: My Autobiography is a football book unlike any other. The authentic voice of Anfield, Carra is one of the Bootroom Boys in true Liverpool tradition, and is as committed on the page as in every game he has played.Trade ReviewTypically a product of honesty and dedication. The Kop dreams of a "team of Carraghers". Journalists wouldn't mind a game full of them -- Jonathan Northcroft * The Sunday Times *Top man, top memoirs... At last, an autobiography of Premier League standard * FourFourTwo *Startlingly forthright... his memoirs are a perfect gauge of his intelligence -- Paul Hayward * Guardian *Carragher's memoirs are every bit as forthright and single-minded as you would expect -- Tony Barrett * Liverpool Echo *This fine autobiography strengthens the belief that he is a football fan doing something he adores while enjoying the recognition of those he admires most -- Peter Sharkey * Yorkshire Evening Post *

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Book Synopsis''For me, he is England''s greatest ever player'' - Gary Lineker''Sir Bobby was a hero to millions, not just in Manchester or the United Kingdom, but wherever football is played around the world'' - Manchester United FCSir Bobby Charlton is widely acknowledged as the greatest player ever to wear an England shirt. He won a record number of caps and scored a record number of goals. Here, in the second volume of his bestselling autobiography, Sir Bobby talks in detail about his phenomenal career with England. During the 12 years he played for his country, he was involved in some of the greatest England games of all time: the 9-3 thrashing of Scotland, the 1962 and 1970 World Cup games against the Brazilians, the classic 1970 World Cup quarter-final against West Germany and, of course, the triumph of the 1966 World Cup. His story encompasses drama, passion, goals, controversies, classic matches, world-class players, and moments of footballing genTrade Review'Hailed as one of the best football autobiographies ever... If you love the beautiful game, this is unmissable' * Daily Mail *'Compelling...beautifully co-authored' * Leo McKinstry, Sunday Telegraph *'As in volume one, the combination of Charlton's story and the work of James Lawton is unstoppable' * Sunday Times *'That the book doesn't quite live up to My Manchester United Years isn't a criticism - that it almost reaches the same heights is a sign of just how good a follow-up it is' * FourFourTwo *

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Book SynopsisIn this book, over 40 of the world's leading practitioners working in elite soccer over 6 continentsshare advanced knowledge of the environment as well as a scientific understanding of the game and players. This book explores those traits at an intricate level through shared experiences of some of the best performance coaches working in elite soccer. The content in this book is derived from practical and evidence-based concepts that have been applied at the elite level.Uncovering the coaching strategies as well as contemporary issues in elite soccer, this comprehensive textbook illustrates what it takes to thrive as a performance coach at the top level. Collaborating with the industry leaders in soccer, the chapters address a myriad of topics such as: the multiple roles and responsibilities; youth development; strength and conditioning application; nutrition and recovery strategies; tracking and monitoring fitness and fatigue; powerfuTrade Review"Peak Performance for Soccer provides great insight into the true environments of professional soccer" – Jordan Milsom, Head of Fitness & Conditioning, Aston Villa FC"Alex and Adam have done a magnificent job covering all aspects of an elite soccer environment. It’s a must read"– DaMarcus Beasley, Former Professional Soccer Player for Manchester City, Rangers, PSV. 4 x World Cup appearances (2002,2006,2010,2014)"Peak Performance for Soccer does an excellent job providing readers with detailed insight for working with coaching staff to enhance training – this is an essential read for anyone working in soccer" – Patrick Kisnorbo, Head Coach, Melbourne City FCTable of Contents1. Role of the Practitioner2. From Academy to Professional3. Needs Analysis and Testing4. Strength, Power and Injury Prevention5. Conditioning6. Player Monitoring and Practical Application7. Wearable Technology8. Recovery and Nutrition9. Return to Play 10. Periodisation11. Coach and Staff Integration

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Book SynopsisThe outspoken and hard-hitting autobiography of one of the most highly-rated, recognisable and controversial football referees of modern times.Mark Clattenburg found himself in the centre circle, whistle in hand, at the start of 450 Premier League matches during a highly eventful 13-year career in football''s top flight. He has shaken hands with, issued red and yellow cards to, and been sworn at by hundreds of players. He has been screamed at and shared jokes with dozens and dozens of managers. And he''s felt the wrath of thousands upon thousands of irate fans.His autobiography is the ultimate guide to what it''s really like to be in the referee''s spotlight. It offers numerous intriguing insights into the daily trials and tribulations, the acute stresses and strains, of a top-flight referee. Clattenburg takes the reader into the referee''s room, the players'' tunnel and out on the pitch to experience precisely what a referee goe

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Book SynopsisBorn in Liverpool in 1975, Robbie Fowler became a club icon by the time he was eighteen. Now, he takes us through the games that have shaped his life and football philosophy, more than 25 years after he first signed as a professional.Engaging, personal and revealing, Robbie opens up about his astounding achievements, the price of fame and the regrets and struggles of being a professional footballer. From Hillsborough to Madrid, via the cup treble, that goal line celebration, Houllier, Benítez, Klopp and more, Robbie explains his thinking about the modern game. Inviting readers inside the dressing room, he shares stories of legendary teammates like Rush, McManaman and Gerrard, as well as his rise to football's top table. What inspired him to play the beautiful game? How did he get back up after the injuries that blighted his career? What gave him the drive to keep going and pursue his dreams?My Life in Football is the inspiring story of a local boy who became a legend.

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Book SynopsisGet ready for top-drawer delivery, as They Think It's All Over laces up its boots and races up the wing to bend in cross after cross of perfect football banter, including... the funny:'I love Blackpool; we're very similar - we both look better in the dark' - Ian Hollowaythe plain stupid:'Whichever team scores more goals usually wins' - Michael Owenand the genuinely deranged:'It's not fair to say Lee Bowyer's a racist; he'd stamp on anyone's head' - Rodney Marsh...to tell the story of the beautiful game, through the hilarious (sometimes intentionally, sometimes not) words, actions and (mis)behaviours of players, managers, commentators and pundits. It is the perfect gift for football fans of all teams, everywhere and anywhere. Back of the net!

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Book SynopsisNewcastle legends from across the decades offer a unique insight into the most magical moments in the history of the North East giants. Magpies greats from Alan Shearer to Bob Moncur and Les Ferdinand to Nobby Solano take us into the inner sanctuary of the dressing room, with previously unheard stories from their favourite matches in the famous black-and-white stripes. Shay Given lifts the lid on how Mike Ashley forced him to put in a transfer request when he was on the cusp of becoming Newcastle’s record appearance-holder. Rafa Benitez reveals the secrets of his love affair with the Toon Army, while Nikos Dabizas recalls ‘going from heaven to hell’ in the space of just a few days by scoring an iconic late winner in a Tyne–Wear derby before falling victim to Dennis Bergkamp’s wonder goal. ‘Sir’ Les Ferdinand takes us back to the glory days of Kevin Keegan’s ‘Entertainers’, and Malcolm ‘Supermac’ Macdonald recalls asking Bobby Robson for his autograph as a schoolboy, only to sign for him years later.

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