Association football (Soccer) Books

Book SynopsisStrength Training for Soccer will help you create a soccer-specific resistance training program to help athletes at each position—goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards—develop strength and power that will prepare them for the demands of a game.Trade Review“In Strength Training for Soccer, leaders in the field lay out a revolutionary holistic blueprint for mastering soccer-specific strength training year-round. Strength Training for Soccer is a must-have tool for every soccer strength coach’s toolbox!”—Kelly Dormandy, MEd, CSCS, USAW1, PN1, Director of Sports Performance for University of Georgia Women’s Soccer“Strength Training for Soccer provides scientific evidence and practical ways to test, develop, and improve strength—a fundamental aspect of athletic performance—to meet the demands of the sport."—Carwyn Sharp, PhD, CSCS, Head of Human Performance for AS Roma in Italy“Strength Training for Soccer helps to reveal fundamental and key concepts that any strength coach, performance coach, or sport scientist should have a deep understanding of at all times. Gaining practical insight from professionals who are working with players and teams at the highest level is invaluable to all those working in our profession.”—Adam C. Parr, MS, CSCS, Performance Specialist for Charlotte FC and Sport Scientist for U.S. SoccerTable of ContentsForeword by Tim Howard Introduction by Bob BradleyPart I. Principles of Sport-Specific Resistance TrainingChapter 1. Importance of Resistance TrainingGarga Caserta and William E. AmonetteChapter 2. Analysis of the Sport and Sport PositionsScott PiriChapter 3. Testing Protocols and Athlete AssessmentErnie Rimer and Jo ClubbChapter 4. Sport-Specific Program Design GuidelinesMegan Young, Garga Caserta, and Matt HowleyPart II. Exercise TechniqueChapter 5. Total Body Exercise TechniqueScott Caulfield and Bryan MannChapter 6. Lower Body Exercise TechniqueScott Caulfield and Bryan MannChapter 7. Upper Body Exercise TechniqueIan JeffreysChapter 8. Anatomical Core Exercise TechniqueCat Wade and Kevin CroninPart III. Program Design Guidelines and Sample ProgramsChapter 9. Off-Season ProgrammingJulia Eyre and Ivi CasagrandeChapter 10. Preseason ProgrammingDaniel Guzman and Joey HartyChapter 11. In-Season ProgrammingMelissa Terry and Matt HowleyChapter 12. Postseason ProgrammingRyan Alexander

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Book SynopsisLos Leones: The Unique Story of Athletic Club Bilbao is the first English language book that tells the incredible story of the unique Basque club. Founded in 1898 by British migrant workers and Basque students, Athletic Club grew to become the most successful team in Spain. Along with Real Madrid and Barcelona, Los Leones have never been relegated, despite their self-imposed Basque-only transfer policy, a philosophy that causes intrigue across the footballing world. In an age of globalisation and astronomical transfer fees, Athletic stand apart. The complicated politics of the Basque Country and its strained relationship with Spain fuel the fierce sense of identity, passion and pride that Bilbaínos and Basques possess. The San Mamés stadium, or La Catedral, outshines even the Guggenheim Museum as the most important landmark in this one-club city. Exclusive interviews with former legends, prominent journalists and Athleticzales, provide the historical, political and social context of what makes Athletic so special.

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Book SynopsisBefore Pep Guardiola and before Jose Mourinho, there was Bela Guttmann: the first superstar football coach, and the man who paved the way for the celebrated coaches of the modern age. He was also a Holocaust survivor. In 1944, much of Europe had wanted Guttmann dead. He hid for months in an attic near Budapest as thousands of fellow Jews in the neighbourhood were dragged off to be murdered. Later, he escaped from a slave labour camp before a planned deportation and almost certain death. His father, sister and wider family were murdered. But by 1961, as coach of Benfica, he had lifted Europe's greatest sporting prize, the European Cup, a feat he repeated the following year. This biography spans two contrasting visions of Europe: one of barbarism and genocide, and one of beauty, wonder and romance, of balmy evenings in magnificent cities, where great players would stretch every sinew in a bid to win football's holy grail. With dark forces rising once again in that continent, the story of Bela Guttmann's life asks the question: which vision will triumph in our times?

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Book SynopsisEngulfed tells the incredible story of how a ruthless, absolute monarchy used sport to cover up its many crimes whilst at the same time buying off an easily persuaded and equally as culpable class of politicians and businesspeople in the west.This is a story about ambition, family rivalries, extreme wealth, power, murder and disinformation; of political corruption, dictatorship and, at its root, of how sport - football, yes, but also golf, boxing, tennis and even e-sports - has become a vital geopolitical tool for Saudi Arabia. An examination of soft power, manipulation and radicalisation in the 21st century, James Montague charts the rise of Mohammed bin Salman, a then unknown prince, and the murder of Jamal Khashoggi; the desperate efforts to buy Newcastle United, subvert FIFA and then take on the PGA tour, and the US congress.In forensic detail, Engulfed uncovers how the House of Saud zeroed in on the political power of sport to save itself from the PR damage caused by one of the most infamous assassinations in history. It examines how they have bet on sports, and especially footballs, extreme polarisation, using it to radicalise whole cities and fanbases, and subvert democratic institutions for faraway political ends. Its the story of a plot to use sport to wash away the stains of a crime and how a compliant west was easily bought, and sold, in the process.

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Book SynopsisWhat is talent? How do you get the best out of yourself? What are the secrets of leadership?In Edge, Ben Lyttleton gets unprecedented access to some of the world's top football clubs to discover their innovative methods for developing talent and reveals how we can use them in our everyday lives. Elite teams now look for an edge by improving the intangible skills of their players above the shoulder'. Liverpool's approach to talent will make you more creative. Chelsea's culture will improve your resilience. Didier Deschamps will improve your leadership skills. Xavi Hernandez will help you make better decisions. But how?Football is the most hot-housed, intense, financially profitable talent factory on the planet. It's time we woke up to the lessons it can provide.We all want to have an edge. This is your chance to find oneTrade Review‘I devoured this. Lyttleton's journey to the fringes of sporting thought, greedily absorbing innovations as he goes, translates into a pacy, thought-provoking work that reveals just how nuanced sporting – and indeed business – success is in the modern world. The insight into born leaders such as Didier Deschamps, who flex their style rather than their authority, is compelling, as too are the regular reminders of the capacity for old-fashioned qualities such as cohesion and resilience to trump skill and potential. Are enough businesses playing the equivalent of head-up football with their talent and resources? They may start to after reading this.’ – Duncan Craig, Sunday Times ‘A fascinating look at the approaches of some of European football's most impressive clubs – as well as some overachieving underdogs. Lyttleton eschews tired clichés, and instead challenges the consensus to present a fascinating insight into the intricacies of running a modern football club’ – Michael Cox, author of The Mixer ‘The most captivating football book I have read. The detailed insight from the game's biggest names is fascinating and each chapter left me feeling inspired and motivated.’ Dean Jones, Bleacher Report ‘Remarkable access to some of the biggest names in football – a tour of the game’s new thinking, written up with great fluency.’ – Simon Kuper, Contributor, Financial Times ‘Full of fascinating ideas – this book make will make you think!’ – Wim Jonk, Cruyff Football ‘A fascinating read … Inspiring for anyone who wants to learn how to be successful.' – Marcus Christenson, The Guardian 'Anyone looking to improve themselves as well as others should read this book.’ – Alex Inglethorpe, Liverpool FC Academy Director ‘If you want to be a coach, manager or successful company director, you should read Edge as it’s inspiring and will give you tips from those who have done it' – Petr Cech

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Book SynopsisThe Worst-Run Club in the Country is the definitive story of Farhad Moshiri''s six and a half years as the majority shareholder of Everton Football Club.From the moment of his February 2016 arrival, the British-Iranian billionaire set about trying to rouse one of English football''s perennial sleeping giants. No expense was spared in arming managers with substantial transfer budgets while he also sought to right the wrongs of the club''s endless quest for a new stadium to replace their spiritual yet outdated Goodison Park home.But Moshiri''s grand designs unravelled as quickly as they had begun. On and off the pitch, the Toffees soon descended into chaos, with their long-standing Premier League status in repeated jeopardy, the club hit with a record ten-point deduction and division sown within the fanbase by Moshiri''s appointed hierarchy. All this led Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher to declare his boyhood heroes to be ''the worst-run club in the country''.

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Book SynopsisThe World Cup 2018 saw a record 66 goals scored from set-piece situations (42% of the 155 total goals scored), a remarkable and emphatic statement regarding the influence of set-pieces on the modern game. Yet very little, if any, attention is paid to the influence of set-pieces in coaching literature, coaching courses, or symposiums. The Ultimate Book of Soccer Set-Pieces is the most comprehensive examination of set-piece planning on both the attacking and defending sides of the ball. It carefully and thoroughly examines the potential of all manner of restarts in soccer, from throw-ins to corner kicks and free kicks. From simple organizational considerations to complex plays featuring many variations, this book is the tool coaches at every level need to prepare their teams to win the set-piece battle.

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Book SynopsisThe Working Hands of a Goddess is the story of how Atalanta BC rose from the lower reaches of Serie A to become Champions League quarter-finalists in just four years. The appointment of Gian Piero Gasperini as manager in 2016 changed the club's fortunes forever. Quickly making his mark, he developed a squad that play one of Europe's most scintillating brands of football, and upset the status quo by going toe-to-toe with the giants of the Italian game. The Working Hands of a Goddess analyses and details the tactics and systems that underpin this thrilling team, the stories and backgrounds of the unique players that define it, and the culture and history that not only produced a beautiful football team but a special club and city-wide community. When the pandemic rocked the community, Atalanta became far more than just a football team by uniting a city in strife.

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Book SynopsisIn his latest book, bestselling author Cass Pennant takes an engaging and unparalleled look at some of the most volatile and violent scenes of fans following their football clubs to have unfolded over the past five decades, and examines the lengths to which many will go to put one over their local rivals.Here is history that also examines everything from the changing face of football violence, to who gets involved - and why. It looks, too, at how the' firms' operate, both home and away, and at the effects of the football establishment's often counter-productive attempts to contain hooliganism on the psychology of supporters. Has the war on hooliganism been successfully stamped out? Can it ever be won? This remarkable and informative book gives a frank examination of football violence to show how different inter-club and inter-regional rivalries have evolved - and features many first-hand accounts of incidents that make chilling reading. It builds up to provide the most comprehensive look behind the match-day madness and the activities of some of British football's most notorious hooligans, to give answers as to why these games are so important to supporters. The history of such infamous 'firms' as the ICF, the Bushwackers, the Headhunters, and the Red Army has never been fully documented . . . until now.You're Going Home in a F*cking Ambulance is an eye-opening study of a problem that refuses to go away, by a writer who knows his subject inside-out.

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Book SynopsisPoolies at Heart is a deeply personal and richly varied celebration of Hartlepool United told by players, managers and fans.Looking back across the decades, the book reveals the realities of life at the lower end of football's spectrum at one of the north-east's oldest clubs. Inside you'll discover: Exclusive insider insight from the likes of former managers Danny Wilson, Kevin Phillips and Ronnie Moore, Peter Taylor's daughter Wendy Dickinson, plus Hartlepool United legend Brian Honour The inside story of how Brian Clough came to manage Hartlepool The euphoria surrounding promotion the season after relegation, as remembered by Wilson An epic FA Cup tie against Sir Matt Busby's Manchester United, which Hartlepool almost won Phillips's account of his tenure as manager, interviewed just one week before he was sacked The Egyptian international who turned out for the Pool in the 1920s Insights on how John McGovern was first spotted by Peter Taylor, and given his Hartlepool debut as a teenager Fan memories of the ups and downs of this unique club across the decades In every account, through every high and low, a love of the club shines through. Featuring recollections of favourite moments, memorable games and a plethora of personalities, this is the ultimate celebration of the Pools.

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Book SynopsisPortsmouth's 6.57 crew were the most talked about casual football firm of the 1980s and 1990s. This notorious gang took their name from the time of the train they caught to games, following their team around the country with the kind of dedication - and violence - that only a true hoolifan knows. Now, for the first time ever, the amazing story of the firm is revealed.

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Book SynopsisBoth Newcastle United and Sunderland provide the English game with some of the finest ever line-ups and most celebrated players in football''s history, as well as arguably the country''s most passionate supporters. Pioneers of the North is a comprehensive account of how football developed and took a grip on the very life and soul of the region, on Tyneside in particular but also in Northumberland as well as neighbouring County Durham. Related in detail is the social and sporting background, the origins of football and its growth from Berwick in the north to Darlington and Middlesbrough in the south. Other significant clubs which took a non-league route in development are examined notably Shankhouse Black Watch as well as forgotten pioneer teams such as Rendel and Elswick Leather Works

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Book Synopsis'Access inside the changing room and behind the scenes that any journalist or writer would kill for - Perarnau's insights are astonishing' - Graham Hunter 'Write about everything you see. Be as critical as you like' - Pep Guardiola to Marti Perarnau, summer 2013 Marti Perarnau was given total access to Bayern Munich during season 2013-14. This book represents the first time in the modern era that a writer has got this close to one of the elite teams of world football. At the invitation of Pep Guardiola, he shadowed the Catalan, his staff and his superstar players during training and on matchdays. Bayern smashed domestic records on their way to the double, but were humiliated by Real Madrid in the Champions League semi-final. Perarnau was with them every step of the way. Perarnau is with Guardiola as he is courted by the world's greatest clubs during his sabbatical in New York. We hear Guardiola explain in detail the radical tactical moves which transform Bayern's season and reprogramme the players who will win the World Cup with Germany.Perarnau talks exclusively and in fascinating detail with players such as Arjen Robben, Manuel Neuer, Philipp Lahm, Thiago Alcantara and Bastian Schweinsteiger. Pep Confidential is much more than the story of a season - it is also a lasting portrait of one of the greatest coaches in sport. Trade Review 'Extraordinary' -- Hugh MacDonald * Herald *'enthralling stuff' * Irish Examiner *'One of the most influential sports books to be written in years' * Scotland Now *'One of the most influential sports books to be written in years' * Scotland Now *'a fine insight into the strains of management . . . one for the students of the game' * Observer *'This book should be compulsory reading for potential employers and opponents alike' * Independent on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisKit and Community digs beneath the surface of inspirational and meaningful designs to reveal the incredible causes that use football shirts to spread their message.Starting with Stanno''s Shirt, we meet Gig and Roger, the parents of Exeter City legend Adam Stansfield, who was cut down by cancer at the heartbreaking age of 31. Gig and Roger share how their son''s shirts meant, and still mean, so much to them.Then there''s York City photographers Kieran Archer, Chris Payne and Tom Poole, who designed the club''s stunning centenary shirt, celebrating the city''s heritage of chocolate making, illustrated by outstanding images. The trio describe every step of the design process. Plus, in a joyously inspirational interview, Tania and Jayme from Football Shirts FC (for charity) discuss their mission to use shirts to support cancer charities close to their hearts.As these and other accounts in this innovative book show us - every shirt has a unique stor

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Book SynopsisMartin O'Neill began his career in Northern Ireland, winning the Irish Cup with Distillery. He then joined Nottingham Forest, playing under the legendary Brian Clough, with whom he won back-to-back European Cups in 1979 and 1980. O'Neill went on to play for Norwich City, Manchester City and Notts County. He represented Northern Ireland sixty-four times and captained the side at the 1982 World Cup.O'Neill moved into management and took the helm at Grantham Town, Wycombe Wanderers, Norwich City, Leicester City, Celtic, Aston Villa, Sunderland and Nottingham Forest. He guided Leicester City back to the Premier League and twice won the League Cup. He led Celtic to seven trophies and to the 2003 UEFA Cup final. And his stint in charge of Aston Villa saw them achieve three consecutive top six Premier League finishes and reach the 2010 League Cup final.He became Republic of Ireland manager in 2013 and beat reigning world champions Germany in the process of qualifying for thTrade ReviewEntertaining . . . An extraordinary career * Guardian *Every word of it is his . . . full of vim. Not to mention tales of conflict * Daily Telegraph *Brilliant . . . an entertaining read filled with fascinating stories, biting humour and searing honesty * The Belfast Telegraph *This fascinating biography does not disappoint * Choice *You'll never get your head out of this . . . The stories are fantastic -- John Motson, legendary football commentator

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Book SynopsisStrength, speed and dedication: Cristiano Ronaldo is known throughout the world as a colossus of the modern game.But did you know that he underwent laser heart surgery aged just fifteen to enable him to continue playing the game he loved?Or that Nacional, his first professional club, donated twenty balls and two sets of kits to his youth team in order to sign him?Or how he came to be known as abelhinha -'little bee'- a name he would later pass on to his Yorkshire Terrier?Find out all this and more in Luca Caioli's biography of the global superstar, featuring exclusive insights from those who know him best and even the man himself.

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Book SynopsisAberdeen''s Golden Era: The Sir Alex Ferguson Years is an in-depth look at the most successful period in Aberdeen FC history - a footballing success story like no other.From 1978 to 1986, under the management of Ferguson, the club not only dominated Scottish football, but two European titles in 1983 made them a household name throughout the continent. Ten major trophies in seven seasons brought unprecedented success to a club that had previously amassed half of that total from 75 years in existence.The arrival of a young, driven manager honed in the tough streets of Glasgow, allied with an up-and-coming Aberdeen side, was a recipe for success. The city of Aberdeen was just beginning to enjoy the affluence that came from a bustling oil industry. The club reflected that success in a way that had never been seen before or since.Aberdeen as a club had huge untapped potential, but it needed the right manager to take things forward. Alex Ferguson was

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Book SynopsisA celebratory look at Anglo-Scottish footballers and the positive contributions they have made at English league clubs in domestic as well as European competitions. From medal winners at top-flight teams to cult heroes at Bournemouth, Burnley and Crystal Palace great Scots, great teams, great managers, we salute you all!

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Book Synopsis'People didn't talk about the team, they talked about the mob that came with them'Terrifyingly vicious, brilliantly organised, tremendously feared and highly fashionable, the InterCity Firm were the most notorious football hooligan gang the country had ever seen. Bestselling author Cass Pennant was one of the I.C.F.'s best-known figures and has used his unique position as a West Ham insider to bring together these first-hand accounts of the men who were at the eye of storm, both on and off the terraces. In this classic account of football hooliganism at its terrifying height, all the faces of the West Ham firm reveal their memories and thoughts about the violence, the battles, the campaigns, the run-ins with the authorities, and all that came with it. Congratulations, you are just about to meet the I.C.F...

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Book Synopsis''Operatically emotional...exceptionally vivid'' Martin Amis, GuardianCelebrate the life of one of the world''s greatest footballers. Diego Maradona. One thing is certain: he was the greatest footballer of his generation - and perhaps of all time. A poor boy from a Buenos Aires shanty-town, his genius with a ball took him to the heights of European and world football, and his struggle with the pressures of life inside and outside the game pulled him right back down again. Following his sad passing, read the true story of Maradona''s life in his own words. ''A revealing autobiography of a footballing genius'' Sunday TimesTrade Review"This is an operatically emotional book, and also an exceptionally vivid one" Martin Amis, Guardian "A revealing autobiography of a footballing genius" Sunday Times Sports Book of the Week "El Diego illustrates the man's simple, unadulterated love for the game, for the pure unsullied act of taking a football and making it dance to his exuberant tunes. It's a love story, without a happy ending, stopping when he walks off the pitch for the last time" Scotsman "It is the autobiography of a footballer, not a celebrity who played football - Maradona's is a turbulent love story about his passion for the game" The Times "Let's say it now, the real reason you want to read a book written by Diego Maradona is to see whether a genius who could skip past every assailant on the planet (except the ones with a wrap of coke) can actually hold a pen, let alone string a sentence together. Thankfully he can." Arena

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Book SynopsisA brilliant, funny and insightful analysis of Paul Gascoigne's crazy up and downs during his three years at Lazio a period which shows his entire career in microcosm.4th July, 1990.Turin, ItalyEngland are on the brink of reaching their first World Cup final in 24 years. Twenty-three-year old Paul Gascoigne has been one of the breakout stars of the tournament. His athleticism, speed of thought and incredible natural gifts have given England fans renewed faith in their perennially underachieving national side.Then in the 99th minute of a tense semi-final against Germany, Gascoigne lunges into a mistimed tackle. The ref awards him his second yellow card of the tournament, meaning that if England were to win, he would miss the final. Gascoigne turns away, tries to hold it together, but can't. Floods of tears run down his face. We understand. We feel his pain and anguish. The legend of Gazza is born.Two years later, after an injury-stricken season at Spurs, he arrives at Lazio for a then r

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Book SynopsisPaddy Agnew has been Rome correspondent for the Irish Times since 1986. Since 1991, he has been a match commentator on Italian football for state broadcaster RAI whilst over the last 20 years he has covered Italian football for ESPN TV, BBC World Service radio, Reuters, World Soccer magazine and many other news organisations. He lives near Rome with his wife Dympna and teenage daughter Róisín.Trade ReviewExcellent ... A superb background guide * Independent *Superb * Sunday Telegraph *Splendid ... Occasionally makes for pretty disturbing reading ... An enlightened and compelling study * FourFourTwo *entertaining and immensely readable * The Guardian *a fascinating journey to the heart of Italian soccer * Choice *

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Book SynopsisPaul Lake was Manchester born, a City fan from birth. His footballing talent was spotted at a young age and, in 1983, he signed coveted schoolboy forms for City. Only a short time later he was handed the team captaincy.An international career soon beckoned and, after turning out for the England under-21 and B teams, he received a call-up to the England training camp for Italia ''90. Earmarked as an England captain in the making, Paul became a target for top clubs like Manchester United, Arsenal, Spurs and Liverpool, but he always stayed loyal to his beloved club, deeming Maine Road the spiritual home at which his destiny lay.But then, in September 1990, disaster struck. Paul ruptured his cruciate ligament; sustaining the worst possible injury that a footballer can suffer. And so began his nightmare.Neglected, ignored and misunderstood by his club after a succession of failed operations, Paul''s career began to fall apart. Watching from the sidelines as similaTrade ReviewHis tale is one of incredible neglect, which makes for fascinating reading on a sporting, but mostly human level. * The Sports Diaries *Best football autobiography ever? Unquestionably * Metro *It's the best book I've read for a long time....Beautifully, powerfully written, it is particularly raw and unsparing... -- Oliver Holt * The Mirror *...an astounding football autobiography. * The Guardian *I'd be frightened to put a price on his head these days ... Paul was as good a young player as I've ever worked with. * Howard Kendall *

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEARHow did one man go from Nazi Youth indoctrination to English footballing icon?Bert Trautmann is a football legend. He is famed as the Manchester City goalkeeper who broke his neck in the 1956 FA Cup final and played on. But his early life was no less extraordinary. He grew up in Nazi Germany, where first he was indoctrinated by the Hitler Youth, before fighting in World War Two in France and on the Eastern Front. In 1945 he was captured and sent to a British POW camp where, for the first time, he understood that there could be a better way of life. He embraced England as his new home and before long became an English football hero. This is his story. ''A gripping story of an unlikely redemption through football'' Sunday Times ''He was the best goalkeeper I ever played against. We always said, don''t look into the goal when you''re trying to score agaTrade ReviewA truly remarkable story, uncovered with immense skill by Catrine Clay * Miranda Seymour, Telegraph *An extraordinary story * Mail on Sunday *Britain's best-loved German ... it's a remarkable story * Daily Mail *[A] brilliant new biography * Observer *Utterly compelling * Independent on Sunday *

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Book SynopsisYou''ve seen him become a Liverpool legend, watched as he and Jude Bellingham lead England through the world cup - now get to know the real Jordan Henderson, both on off the pitch . . .''A brilliantly told story with a uniquely vivid sense of what it is like on the pitch in matches of extreme importance . . . The perfect book for all football fans'' DAILY MAIL ''SPORTS BOOKS OF THE YEAR''__________Captain. Father. Leader. Fearless ambassador. World-class midfielder.J As a top-flight footballer, Jordan Henderson knows success.From taking the reins from Steven Gerrard as Liverpool captain,to lifting the Champions League trophy and winning the Premier League,his years as a leader have been more eventful than entire careers.But there''s more to the story than what we see on the pitch.In this unflinching autobiography, Jordan takes us from his footballingroots in Sunderland to the heat of the dressing rooTrade ReviewA brilliantly told story with a uniquely vivid sense of what it is like on the pitch in matches of extreme importance . . . The perfect book for all football fans, not just Liverpool supporters * Daily Mail, 'SPORTS BOOKS OF THE YEAR' *

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Book SynopsisCovering all the basics of the game, rules and tactics, as well as giving history of the sport and how it has evolved to the present day, this guide provides tips on football betting and supporting, essential coverage on the World Cup, and stats on current teams, players and managers both at home and abroad.Trade Review'...Murray has compiled a guide to the game so simple and effective that any dummy can understand it.' (Four Four Two, May 2010). '...offers those who are yet to climb on board the bandwagon a leg up.' (ESPN.com).Table of ContentsIntroduction 1 Part I: Kicking Off 7 Chapter 1: Welcome to Planet Football 9 Chapter 2: The Ball Starts Rolling: A Potted History of Football 19 Chapter 3: Getting Your Boots On: The Gear You Need 31 Part II: Playing the Game 45 Chapter 4: Laying Down the Laws 47 Chapter 5: Players, Positions and Tactics 67 Chapter 6: Honing Your Skills 91 Chapter 7: Keeping Fit for Football 115 Chapter 8: Coaching, Managing and Leadership 129 Chapter 9: Getting the Game On 141 Part III: Exploring the World of Football 153 Chapter 10: The World Cup 155 Chapter 11: Surveying the International Scene 169 Chapter 12: The Club Scene 187 Chapter 13: Focusing on Famous Clubs 213 Chapter 14: Women’s Football 239 Part IV: The Fans’ Enclosure: Following the Game 255 Chapter 15: Going to the Match 257 Chapter 16: Compulsive Viewing: Football on Screen 271 Chapter 17: Read All About It! 287 Chapter 18: Other Football-based Pastimes 305 Part V: The Part of Tens 319 Chapter 19: Ten Great Players 321 Chapter 20: The Ten Greatest Teams of All Time 331 Chapter 21: Ten Great Matches 339 Part VI: Appendixes 347 Appendix A: Roll of Honour 349 Appendix B: Glossary 361 Index 369

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Book SynopsisThe autobiography of football icon Jimmy GreavesJames Peter ''Jimmy'' Greaves was one of the greatest footballers to have graced the English game, a goalscorer of legendary prowess. His gripping and characteristically humorous autobiography journeys from Jimmy''s childhood in the East End, via his early career at Chelsea and his short and troubled stay at A.C. Milan, to his emergence as one of the great stars of sixties football while at Spurs and an outstanding England forward. Jimmy''s record as a striker is extraordinary - he was the leading goalscorer in the First Division (now Premier League) for six seasons and during his playing career was never out of the top five. There are darker aspects too: the bitter disappointment of failing to make the World Cup-winning team of 1966, and the battle against the alcoholism that followed his retirement from the game.This book is both Jimmy''s story and the story of football in the golden era oTrade ReviewAs a goalscorer and human being, Jimmy Greaves has few equals * DAILY TELEGRAPH *This top-notch autobiography ... moving, uplifting ... An inspiring story of a hero who earned his right to a second chance * SUNDAY TIMES *[Greaves] could fill a library with his stories * INDEPENDENT *both candid and poignant * INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY *

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Book SynopsisTom Finney personifies a vanished golden era of football, playing his entire career under the maximum wage and never wavering in his loyalty to Preston North End. A true gentleman of the game, who is still justifiably idolised more than 40 years since he retired from football, Finney recalls the highs and lows of his marvellous career with a warmth and affection that will appeal to all who read his story. But Finney''s life has been about much more than football, and he writes movingly about his current role as full-time carer to his beloved wife, Elsie.Trade ReviewThe long-delayed, definitive autobiography of the most honourable man who has ever played sport for England at anything * Ian Wooldridge, Daily Mail *His humility shines through this warm, nostalgic book ... This book represents a huge thank-you to whichever deity gave him such a rare talent * Chris Maume, Independent *

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Book SynopsisFrank McLintock was a leading player of his generation and is acclaimed as one of Arsenal''s greatest captains. After transferring from Leicester, in 1970 he led Arsenal to a famous victory in the Fairs Cup and followed this up with even greater glory a year later, winning an historic league and FA Cup double. He left Arsenal in 1973 after being controversially dropped, and enjoyed four successful years at QPR. He retired from playing in 1977, to make an ill-conceived and hasty move into management. Following this difficult period he entered the often shady world of agents, and faced perhaps his worst moment in the game, becoming involved in the infamous bung scandal over Teddy Sherringham''s transfer from Forest to Spurs. His is a captivating football story spanning 45 years during which he achieved fabulous success and faced shattering lows, all told with enthusiasm, humour, honesty and intense passion.

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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 was Manchester United through and through. He was a member of the original Busby Babes and devoted his career to the club, playing in 754 games over 17 years. During that period he won everything the game had to offer, played alongside some of the greats such as Best and Law, suffered devastating defeats and was involved in one of the greatest football tragedies of all time. Here is his story of those United years in his own words. With his beloved Reds he tasted FA Cup victory in the emotional final of 1963, won three first division championships and in 1968 he reached the pinnacle of club success, winning the European Cup. Inevitably, such highs are balanced with no less dramatic lows, such as the 1957 European CuTrade Review'For anyone who loves football, this book cannot be ignored' * Leo McKinstry, The Times *'beautifully crafted' * Daily Mail *'enthralling' * Scotsman *'It is the greatest story of British sport' * Sunday Express *'With many autobiographies you wonder what the point was. Not this one. Not only is Bobby Charlton a figure whose life story should be told, but he has done so in a book of at times agonising honesty' * FourFourTwo *'It's a fantastic book. I couldn't put it down. It has everything I would want a player of mine to know and feel about the game. Bobby Charlton is a great man and he has told a great story' * Sir Alex Ferguson *

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Book SynopsisWhen the Leeds United players celebrated winning the championship in April 1992, they had no idea how momentous the occasion was. Manchester United, losers at Liverpool that Sunday afternoon, had now gone 25 years without winning the league. Howard Wilkinson''s side, promoted just two seasons ago, could bring back the glory days to Leeds. But Wilkinson would prove to be the last English manager to win the league. In 1992, football changed beyond all recognition.The Last Champions explores the roots of that success and the amazing cast of characters who came together to fashion the triumph. As in his acclaimed book The Fallen, Dave Simpson''s quest to catch up with the protagonists of the era, from the visionary Sergeant Wilko, top scorer Lee Chapman and unsung heroes like Mike Whitlow and Carl Shutt (not forgetting Eric Cantona), sees him unearth some extraordinary untold stories.And he finds that The Last Champions were also the last ordinary people toTrade ReviewIn just three and a half seasons, following almost a decade in the wilderness, Wilkinson transformed a relegation-threatened second-level side into League winners. The sheer size of the achievement has finally been given the recognition it deserves in The Last Champions. To put it into context, imagine Southampton winning the Premier League title in 2013-14. That is what Wilkinson and his players achieved and it is what makes this story so special and worthy of Simpson's insightful homage. -- Simon Creasey * When Saturday Comes *I really enjoyed the book... it's a great read -- Lee "Chappy" Chapman, Leeds United centre forward, League Championship winner, 1991-92Unbearably poignant. Simpson neatly captures football's key appeal, the way it can restore the simple certainties of childhood. These men are now postmen, pensioners, disabled, successful, travel agents and the seemingly lost. But they talk with equal wonder about their greatest season * The Last Word *A welcome reclamation of Wilkinson's success... breaks the mould in exploring team-building. As Simpson so wistfully explains, we shall probably never see their like again... Clearly written by a fan. -- Juliet Jacques * New Statesman *Excellent book * Yorkshire Post *

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Book SynopsisSeth Burkettis a sports writer and social media manager who has worked with some of the world's biggest football stars including Ronaldinho, David Luiz and Wayne Rooney to create content, as well as their own social media channels. He is the author ofThe Boy in Brazil, which was shortlisted for Football Book of the Year at the 2015 British Sport Book Awards andDeveloping the Modern Footballer Through FutsalandFootball's Coming Out, which was longlisted for the 2016 William Hill Sport Book of the Year. Most recently he has released his first children's book,No Final Whistle, and worked with football YouTubers Woody and Kleiny on their autobiography.

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Book SynopsisThe relationship between mental health and elite sport has found itself under more intense scrutiny in recent years. This has occurred as a result of the increasing number of elite athletes who have chosen to talk about the mental health challenges that they have faced during their careers. It is also reflective of an emerging body of academic work that seeks to make sense of the interplay that exists between mental health and elite sport. Mental Health and Sport: Supporting Elite Athletes is offered as a further contribution to that body of work; one that is designed to benefit practitioners who are already working with elite athletes, and those who aspire to do so. It does so by providing a foundational understanding of mental health, by introducing some of the challenges that elite athletes can face during their careers, and by making some practical recommendations that can be used to help support the mental health of elite athletes. Split into six substantive chapters tha

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Book SynopsisThis book explores the meanings, significances, and impacts of the complex identities that soccer fans, especially those of men's soccer, represent worldwide. The chapters in this volume construct and reconstruct fandom in terms of diverse fan affiliations from local to global level, and from national to transnational spaces.Soccer or (association) football is a game where fans come alive with one goal. It is soccerâs fanbase that has made it the most popular mass spectator sport in the world. Since the sportâs growth and its codification in the late nineteenth century, soccer and its followers became markers of varied identities. This volume is an attempt to understand the soccer fanâs tryst with such identities, mostly at the level of professional menâs football in different parts of the world. Fans create, represent, break, recreate, transcend, complicate and confuse diverse identities in their attachments with and loyalties to particular clubs, nations, continents, spaces, communities, races, ethnicities, and players. These identities are given shape through the display and observance of diverse forms of fandom and fan subcultures. Against this wider backdrop, the book brings out the commonalities, conflicts and tensions within these fan identities.Why Fans Matter? Fans and Identities in the Soccer World will be a fascinating read for anybody with an interest in sport and its intersection with disciplines such as sociology, political science, history, media studies, or cultural studies.The chapters in this book were originally published as a special issue of Soccer & Society.

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Book Synopsis‘Gus Poyet declared it to be the toughest league in England. Neil Warnock went further, believing it to be the tightest division in Europe. Norwich boss Daniel Farke went further still: “The Championship, without any doubt, is the toughest league in the world.”’   On the final day of the 2019/20 season, only four clubs in the Championship, England’s second tier of soccer, had nothing to play for, everyone else was fighting for promotion or survival. It’s stats like this that give the league its well-deserved reputation as the most exciting league in football. Anything can happen, and often does.   In The Hard Yards, Nige Tassell tells the Championship’s stories, uncovers its hidden gems and takes the reader on an entertaining and eye-opening tour of the 2020/21 season. Following three clubs in particular – newly promoted Wycombe Wanderers, newly relegated Bournemouth and stalwarts Sheffield Trade Review'There's a brilliant story on every page. Remarkable insight.' -- Adrian Chiles

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Book SynopsisFirst book to cover the story of our national game on the English Home Front during the First World War, filling an important gap in histories of football, wartime sport and civilian life.

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Book SynopsisEverything you ever needed to know about the Wolves.

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Book SynopsisIn a world where so many books by and about footballers are little more than bland PR exercises, Full Timebreaks the mould decisively. Stripping away the facade of what we think life must be like for an international football star, Paul Kimmage reveals a different story when it comes to Irish footballer Tony Cascarino. Scarred by his childhood, haunted by indiscretion and troubled by a secret from his past, Cascarino is struggling to find answers as he speeds towards the most terrifying juncture in sport: the end. As Cascarino opens up about his fears, crippling loss of confidence and sexual indiscretion, no wonder The Timesvoted it one of the Top Ten football books of all time and Eamon Dunphy said of it: ''If it were fiction this book could win the Booker Prize.''

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Book SynopsisThousands of fiendish questions, on both the Premiership and international football, to tax even the most avid fan

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Book SynopsisOverpaid players. Sunday lunchtime kick-offs. Absurd ticket prices. Non-black boots. Football's menu of ills is long. Where has the joy gone? Why do we bother? Saturday, 3pm offers a glorious antidote. It is here to remind you that football can still sing to your heart. Warm, heartfelt and witty, here are fifty short essays of prose poetry dedicated to what is good in the game. These are not wallowing nostalgia; they are things that remain sweet and right: seeing a ground from the train, brackets on vidiprinters, ball hitting bar, Jimmy Armfield's voice, listening to the results in a traffic jam, football towns and autograph-hunters. This is fan culture at its finest, words to transport you somewhere else and identify with, words to hide away in a pub and luxuriate in. Saturday, 3pm is a book of love letters to football and a clarion call, helping us find the romance in the game all over again.Trade ReviewEach is a precision-tooled delight… even apparently obvious subjects are described with such lyricism that the everyday is routinely transformed into the sublime… here is a book that contains nothing but pure, unadulterated joy * When Saturday Comes magazine *Delightfully written…countless little gems of recognition and satisfaction, many of them very funny… a lovely little thing * The Daily Telegraph *Lovingly crafted prose-poetry…a wonderful antidote to the money-sodden excesses of the modern game * Late Tackle magazine *I love this book, I had enormous fun reading it…a great book -- Matt Williams * Simon Mayo Drivetime show, BBC Radio 2 *Really nicely written. A brilliant book. Romantic, very recognisable things. -- James Brown * TalkSport *The author has compiled some wonderful things about our national game…I love this book. Wonderful. A delightful book. * BBC Manchester *A loveletter to nice things about football…fifty perfect little essays. A beautiful book. * BBC Tees *A wonderful book. * Off the Ball, BBC Scotland *I commend this book. Two pages are worth ten cliché-ridden football books. It evokes the nodal points of football memory. -- Archie McPherson * BBC Scotland *Full of eternal delight. I loved it to pieces. Hymns that evoke the essence of the game. A fantastic book. * The Anfield Wrap *If you've ever wondered why people love football, the answers lie within...a damn good read. -- Val McDermidA warm, smiling celebration of football’s quirks, and of ours. Never mind how good a writer Daniel Gray is: what an eye he’s got. You’ll never watch a game again without liking some daft little moment and wishing you could share it with him. -- Michael Grant * The Times *A sonnet to football, whimsical and deeply rewarding. -- Stuart Roy Clarke * Homes of Football *A real midget gem of a book that fits perfectly into a jacket pocket for reading on the way to the match, or indeed during it if you're an England fan. -- Harry Pearson * author The Far Corner *Gray beautifully articulates the pleasure offered by such pursuits as jeering passes that go out of play, listening to the results in the car, and spying a ground from the train window...his prose is exquisite...a physically slim but spiritually hefty treat. * Pitch & Page Books of the Year 2016 *Table of ContentsPreface: Or, finding some things to love 1 Seeing a ground from the train 2 Watching an away end erupt 3 Getting the fixture list 4 Club shops 5 Saturday, 3pm 6 Spotting a fellow supporter elsewhere 7 Listening to the results in a car 8 Ball hitting bar 9 Pre-match routines 10 The first day of the season 11 Slide tackles in mud 12 Watching youth games in the park 13 Carrying on regardless 14 Belonging 15 Fat players 16 Jeering Passes that go out of play 17 Catering vans 18 Going with Dad 19 Jimmy Armfield's voice 20 Headers 21 Floodlights 22 Talking to an old man about football 23 Visiting a ground for the first time 24 Physiotherapist 'races' 25 Local lads 'coming through' 26 Sunday score pages 27 Shirts on a line 28 Defensive walls and drop-balls 29 Club eccentrics 30 Losing 31 Watching in bad weather 32 My daughter listening at the window 33 Singing 34 Brackets in scorelines 35 Standing on a terrace 36 When the ball goes in the crowd 37 Knowing where you are 38 Footballese 39 Time-wasting 40 Being at a junction station on matchday 41 Collectors 42 Football towns 43 Striking up a football conversation on a social occasion 44 Solid fixtures 45 Club nicknames 46 The 'hectic Christmas schedules' 47 Outfield players in goal 48 Seeing a team bus 49 Watching people get player autographs 50 The last day of the season Acknowledgements

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Book SynopsisSHORTLISTED FOR THE SUNDAY TIMES SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2022 The life and times of Don Revie one of the most complex and controversial men ever to grace the game of football. Whenever the greatest managers the game has ever produced are mentioned, names like Busby, Shankly, Paisley and Ferguson trip off the tongue. Despite dominating the game in the late 1960s and ''70s there is one name missing: Don Revie, the former Leeds United and England manager. Revie was one of the most complex and controversial men ever to grace the game of football. As a player, he was crowned Footballer of the Year and credited with creating the modern centre-forward. As a manager, he took a Leeds United side languishing in the lower half of the second division and turned them into not only league champions, but one of the most dominant sides in the country. As England manager, Revie lost the magic touch and became increasingly indecisive. After three years in thTrade ReviewA no-holds-barred insight that convinces the reader that Don Revie stands amongst the giants of English football -- Lord MannExcellent book… an honest and balanced assessment of Don Revie’s career -- Johnny Giles, legendary Leeds United midfielderA superb read which explains in detail the extraordinary life and times of one of English football's most successful and controversial figures… -- Alex Montgomery, former Chairman of the Football Writers' Association and chief football writerAn essential read for any football fan to chart the rise and fall of an enigmatic England manager -- Ryan Sabey * The Sun *From hero to zero to post-humous redemption – Evans tells a tale of great human strengths and weaknesses that will resonate well beyond the world of football -- Guto Harri, strategic comms adviser and broadcasterThis meticulously researched and expertly crafted exploration of the genius and human generosity of Don Revie lifts the veil of controversy from the legacy of one of football’s greatest managers. -- Jeff Powell, the Daily Mail’s multi-award winning sportswriterGripping... -- Michael Dobbs * The Spectator *Table of ContentsForeword by Leeds United legend John Giles Prologue PART ONE 1 Beginnings 2 Leicester City (1944 – 49) 3 Hull City (1949 – 51) 4 Manchester City (1951 – 56) 5 Sunderland (1956 – 58) PART TWO 6 Leeds United (1958 – 61) 7 Leeds United (1961 – 63) 8 Leeds United (1963 – 64) 9 Leeds United (1964 – 65) 10 Leeds United (1965 – 66) 11 Leeds United (1966 – 67) 12 Leeds United (1967 – 68) 13 Leeds United (1968 – 69) 14 Leeds United (1969 – 70) 15 Leeds United (1970 – 71) 16 Leeds United (1971 – 72) 17 Leeds United (1972 – 73) 18 Leeds United (1973 – 74) 19 Leeds United (1974) PART THREE 20 England (1974 – 75) 21 England (1975 – 77) PART FOUR 22 In the Desert (1977 – 83) 23 Back Home (1984 – 1989) Epilogue – No Time For Redemption Acknowledgements

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Book SynopsisLONGLISTED FOR THE SUNDAY TIMES SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2022''Anyone wanting an example of never being beaten should look at the incredible Francis Benali.'' Alan Shearer''Honest, revealing story of a strong man who pushed his body to its limits and beyond on and off the pitch. Incredible read.'' Henry Winter, The Times''The iron man with a will of steel and a heart of gold. Truly fran-tastic!'' - Jeff Stelling, Soccer Saturday-------Francis Benali is a Southampton Football Club legend and a celebrated charity endurance athlete, and he''s ready to tell his story.Francis ''Franny'' Benali played football for 20 years for Southampton FC in nearly 400 games, almost his entire career. His utter dedication to the club caused him to be a hero to Saints fans around the world.Written with the acclaimed Daily Mail sportswriter Matt Barlow, this book detailsTrade ReviewAnyone wanting an example of never being beaten should look at the incredible Francis Benali. -- Alan ShearerHonest, revealing story of a strong man who pushed his body to its limits and beyond on and off the pitch. Incredible read. -- Henry Winter * The Times *Franny’s refusal to ever accept defeat made him a top-flight footballer and a top-flight fundraiser. The iron man with a will of steel and a heart of gold. Truly fran-tastic! -- Jeff Stelling, Soccer Saturday presenterProbably the most selfless man I’ve ever met, you need to read his story * Matt Le Tissier *Franny was one of the last proper football sportsmen, he gave everything, always -- Chris Packham, Wildlife TV presenter & conservationist – and Saints supporterTough, passionate and dedicated, Franny is a Premier League legend. These tales from his playing career and his endurance challenges make for an incredible read. * Dermot Gallagher, Former Premier League Manager *Franny has always been an inspiration... from squeezing every last drop of ability to become a fans’ favourite – to raising so much money for charity. All done with class and dignity. * Ed Chamberlin, sports presenter *Table of ContentsForeword by Matthew Le Tissier Preface: To the Limit 1. Born a Saint 2. Breaking In 3. Red Mist 4. Changing Game 5. Survival Mode 6. Cult Hero 7. Was That It? 8. After Football 9. A New Buzz 10. Challenge One 2014 11. Challenge Two 2016 12. Challenge Three 2019 13. One in a Million Index

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Book SynopsisThe phenomenal Sunday Times bestsellerKevin Keegan is one of the greatest players in English football history, famed for his style on the pitch, his relentless ambition and passion for the game.'And I'll tell you, honestly, I will love it if we beat them. Love it!!!'Kevin Keegan, 1996In My Life in Football Keegan tells the story of his remarkable rise through the sport, from the Peglers Brass Works reserve team in Doncaster to helping Liverpool become the kings of Europe, winning a Bundesliga title with Hamburg and captaining England. Keegan was recognised around the world as one of the sport's genuine superstars and remains the only Englishman to win the Ballon d'Or twice.As a manager, Keegan's five-year spell in charge at Newcastle is now legendary; he led the club from the depths of the old Second Division to the brink of the Premier League title with a breathtaking vision and flamboyant style that saw his team dubbed 'The Entertainers'.Fifty years since making his professional debut, Keegan tells the full story of the exhilarating highs and excruciating lows, from that epic battle with Sir Alex Ferguson and Manchester United in the 1995-6 season, as well as the pain of managing England and, finally, the shattering truth about his unhappy return to Newcastle in the controversial Mike Ashley era.Brilliant, funny, passionate, deeply moving and incredibly honest, My Life in Football is the story of the miner's son from Doncaster who became a superstar and was known to his adoring fans as 'King Kev'.Trade ReviewKevin Keegan is everything a man should be -- Bill ShankleyPeople are saying Kevin Keegan leaving is like the Queen dying, but it's worse than that -- John Regan, secretary of the Newcastle Independent Supporters' AssociationKevin Keegan was like the Pied Piper of Tyneside -- Alan ShearerNo other player in the world - not even Pele or Maradona - could have rejuvenated Tyneside the way Kevin Keegan has done -- Jackie Millburn, Newcastle legendTable of ContentsChapter - 1: Going Back Chapter - 2: Goals And Groceries Chapter - 3: The First Rung Chapter - 4: This Is Anfield Chapter - 5: European Champions Chapter - 6: An Englishman Abroad Chapter - 7: Saints Alive Chapter - 8: 'Not You, Keegan' Chapter - 9: We're In Heaven Chapter - 10: To Be Home Again Chapter - 11: The Great Escape Chapter - 12: Watch Out, Alex Chapter - 13: Riding The Monster Chapter - 14: So Near Yet So Far Chapter - 15: London Life Chapter - 16: The Poisoned Chalice Chapter - 17: Blue Moon Chapter - 18: Cityitis Chapter - 19: My Big Mistake Chapter - 20: Trials And Tribulations Chapter - 21: Good Times Section - i: Index

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Book Synopsis'A powerful and moving book - it's quite a battle he has faced' Nick Robinson, BBC Radio 4 Today Programme'It really is an interesting read' Dan Walker, BBC Breakfast*INCLUDES A FOREWORD BY SIR ALEX FERGUSON*__________'I'm not sure whether life prepared me for football, or football prepared me for life.'Misconceptions have stalked Andy Cole like a hatchet-man defender determined to cut him down to size. Now, in his candid and inspirational autobiography, Cole finally puts his side of the story.In the world of modern-day football, Andy Cole's reserved demeanour, combined with belief in his own ability, was often interpreted as an attitude problem that overshadowed his natural aptitude for goalscoring. Throughout his glittering career, he scored 187 Premier League goals, won 5 Premier League titles and 1 Champions League trophy.Now, two decades on from United's historic Treble, he not only gives the inside track on Eric Cantona, Roy Keane, Dwight Yorke and other members of that illustrious side, but also opens up about his fractious relationship with Teddy Sheringham and reveals the prejudices and preconceptions he had to contend with in his twenty years in the game.Compelling in its honesty and frankness, Fast Forward is the thought-provoking story of one man's determination to succeed and survive against all the odds.

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