Association football (Soccer) Books

Book SynopsisThis Chelsea Scrapbook is packed with rare photographs images and on the page facsimile memorabilia and provides an insight into the unique journey of one of the most famous football club’s in the world Chelsea FC. The superb rare memorabilia includes, Match tickets - Programmes - Team sheets and many other promotional gems. With additional career player retrospectives, a focus on the managers who have guided the club including Thomas Tuchel and some in depth statistical information, the Chelsea Scrapbook looks at some of the great moments in this unique collection of images and memorabilia from the club’s golden age including a special feature on Chelsea’s 2021 UEFA Champions League win.

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Book SynopsisBy James Pearce, Oliver Kay, Simon Hughes and Other Award-Winning Writers of The Athletic As Liverpool ended their 30-year wait to be crowned champions of England, they were followed by their equivalent from the world of sports writing: a team of elite talents, assembled to leave all competition trailing in their wake. This is the story of Liverpool’s title win in the longest season, as told by the writers of The Athletic, with their blend of inside access and expert analysis; great ideas and beautiful writing. Articles include profiles of each of Liverpool’s title winners by their former youth team coaches; Oliver Kay watches Sadio Mane score against Manchester City in the company of the striker’s family, in his hometown in Senegal; James Pearce spends 90 minutes analysing Virgil van Dijk; plus there are exclusive interviews with Jurgen Klopp, and the club’s US owners. Read the stories behind a unique and historical season from a team of writers every bit as good as the footballers they were following.

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Book SynopsisArsenal 101 is an entertaining compendium of Arsenal's fascinating history, facts, games, stories, personalities, legends and footballing adventures. Rab MacWilliam has revisited the club's history from its early years as Woolwich Arsenal at the end of the nineteenth century to its status as one of the leading European teams of the present day. Rab has distilled Arsenal's history into 101 facts, moments and stories, examining many of the key characters, matches, controversies, innovations, and dazzling instances of brilliance that have illuminated the proud history of this great, if occasionally erratic, club. Funny, irreverent, fascinating and insightful, Arsenal 101 is the ideal handbook for Gunners fans of all ages.

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Book SynopsisThe global Black Lives Matter campaign has given greater exposure to the extent and insidious nature of the structural and systemic racism that exists in all strata of our society and has provided renewed impetus to the urgent need to challenge and eradicate racism in all its forms and wherever it is found. Sadly, sport has not been immune from this, especially so in the case of football. For too long, there were attempts to hide and mitigate racist attitudes and actions within the game, but thanks to the growing profile and visibility of black and minority ethnic (BAME) players both past and present – Viv Anderson, Cyrille Regis, Jimmy Carter, Les Ferdinand, Pat Nevin and Ruud Gullit to name just a few – and almost three decades of education and campaigning led by Kick It Out, attitudes have changed. However, now is not the time to be complacent – there’s still a great deal left to do. Throughout his entire journalistic career, leading sportswriter Harry Harris has championed the fight against racism in football. Now, within these pages, he shines a timely spotlight on the Beautiful Game, revealing the forces within football that have both helped expose and challenge racism – and, at times, sadly, hinder more rapid positive change. Over the years, Harris has gathered an impressively large network of contacts within the game – players, managers, media pundits and association personnel among them. Many of them, such as Greg Dyke, Glenn Hoddle, Ivor Baddiel, Mek Stein, and Jermain Defoe, have spoken exclusively to Harris for this book. Red Card to Racism is not only a welcome addition to the ongoing debate surrounding ending prejudice within football but also a timely and necessary addition to the wider discussion of the need within our evermore global multicultural society for all people, whatever their beliefs, gender, identity, sexuality or ethnic background, to be treated with equity, humanity and respect.Trade Review"This book has an impressive amount of detail with the range of interviews conducted. It also excels at covering the range of different viewpoints within football at combating racism. Even though things have improved this book shows that there is still a long, long way to go." * Netgalley 5* review *“A fascinating and absorbing book - which catalogues succinctly and impactfully an alarming quantity of incidents which illustrate just how much work’s to be done before we can eradicate racism from football…. And society.” * Simon Pryde, BBC Total Sport *

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Book SynopsisHard Shoulder, M62 Eastbound, June 1982... Britain is on the verge of taking the Falkland Islands back from the Argentine invaders, Margaret Thatcher is three years into her tenure at 10 Downing Street and for the first time since the 1930s, three million people are unemployed – with the nation reeling from recession. One of those searching for a job is standing at the side of the motorway which links the north of England’s east and west coasts with his thumb out. Newly-retired former Everton, Manchester City and England striker Joe Royle is trying to hitch a lift to Boundary Park for what he thinks is an interview for the post of manager at backwater Oldham Athletic. Behind him, smoke pours from his broken-down car’s engine. After a passing lorry takes him the rest of the way, Royle is told that the job is his – and that he will have to sell a player or the club will go bust. Later that day, bailiffs drop in and eye up his office furniture. That night he is in his own garage, stencilling the initials of players’ names on training kit as the reality of the task in hand hits home. What happened next is one of the great, untold football miracles of all time as unfancied Oldham emerged from the shadows of their illustrious Manchester neighbours and embarked on a thrilling, white knuckle ride to the summit of the English game. This is a story that has not been told before. It is a time when the impossible was possible, long before the vast millions in broadcast money arrived and the creation of the Premier League changed football in England forever. A time when an astute manager and wily chairman could scour the big clubs for castoffs and achieve the unachievable. It is something that will never be repeated and, in these times of huge salaries and commercial excess, is a tale of harder and yet often-happier times when small clubs could dream big. In the 30th anniversary year of Royle’s remarkable revolution, it is the perfect time for This Is How It Feels to hit the book shelves.

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Book SynopsisFrom the carriage work sheds of Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway to becoming the greatest football team in Europe: the rise of Manchester United Football Club is brought vividly to life through the expert colourisation of over 150 stunning photographs. Trawling through the archives, ‘Old Manchester United in Colour’ brings together iconic and rarely seen images, turning them from black-and-white photographs into fully pigmented pictures showing scenes just as they would have been witnessed first-hand at the time. Revisit many of the moments that have made United the world’s most famous football club. From our first steps into competitive football as Newton Heath LYR, to our maiden trophy successes as the renamed Manchester United. Our post-war emergence under Sir Matt Busby to the much-loved Busby Babes and the tragedy of the Munich Air Disaster. The Reds’ incredible European glory in 1968, right up to the fledgling years of Sir Alex Ferguson’s glorious reign. This collection charts the club from its humble beginnings right up to the fledgling years of Sir Alex Ferguson’s glorious tenure. See what the newly-built Old Trafford looked like over a century ago. Feel the excitement and passion of pre- and post-war matchdays. View action shots from many great games over the decades. Enjoy portrait images of players, coaches and staff, plus some of United’s greatest ever teams. And all in a way you’ve never done before. ‘Old Manchester United in Colour’ allows you to view the past through the eyes of your ancestors for the first time in stunning, vivid colour, bringing to life a period of football history normally only documented in monochrome.

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Book SynopsisThe History of the European Championship tells the tale of each tournament, highlighting the key events and providing an in-depth account of every final.This book also provides a detailed preview of EURO 2024, which is being staged in Germany across 10 state-of-the-art stadiums.

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Book SynopsisWorld Club Football Recordsis a net-bulging collection of standout football records, stats and trivia from around the globe. All the contemporarygalacticosof world football are prominently featured.

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Book SynopsisEvery new generation of footballers produces a talent who transcends all others, shining the brightest on the biggest of stages and Bellingham is that player. A Champions League winner and La Liga champion with Real Madrid before his 21st birthday, Jude Bellingham is a player with the footballing world at his feet and a growing, global army of admirers. His seemingly effortless style on the pitch belies his inner steel and few players have ever made such an impact on the beautiful game in such a ridiculously short space of time. The young, outrageously gifted midfielder has come a long way since he cut his teeth as a 16-year-old in the second tier in England with Birmingham City. His three years in the German top flight with Borussia Dortmund that followed only underlined his star status and since his arrival at the Bernabeu, Bellingham has proved he is already a fully-fledged member of the football elite. Barely 17 when he was first capped by England, he is a talisman for the Three Lions despite his age and it is now simply a question of when rather than if he inherits the coveted captain?s armband and leads his country.

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Book SynopsisThis book contains a complete match-by-match statistical record of every official game played by the England National team from the World's first ever international match against Scotland in 1872 through to the end of 2020.

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Book SynopsisJurgen Klopp's Liverpool Football Club are champions of England, Europe and the World. 'Robbo: Now You're Gonna Believe Us' is the inside story of their record-breaking season as seen through the eyes of their popular left-back Andrew Robertson, revealing the Anfield dressing room secrets behind their remarkable success.

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Book Synopsis'Football matters, as poetry does to some people and alcohol does to others...Football is inherent in the people...There is more eccentricity in deliberately disregarding it than in devoting a life to it. The way we play the game, organize it and reward it reflects the kind of community we are' Written just two years after England's '66 triumph when the national game was at its zenith, Arthur Hopcraft's The Football Man is repeatedly quoted as the best book ever written about the sport. This definitive, magisterial study of football and society profiles includes interviews with all-time greats like Bobby Charlton, George Best, Alf Ramsay, Stanley Matthews, Matt Busby and Nat Lofthouse. It is a snapshot of a pivotal era in sporting history; changes and decisions were made in the sixties that would create the game we know today. For many who are disenchanted with the modern game - the grip of businesses and corporations, the dominance of advertising, the extortionate ticket prices and inaccessible matches, the fickleness of teenage millionaires - The Football Man takes the reader back to the heart and soul of the national game when pitches were muddy and the players were footballers not brands. Voted in May 2005 as one of Observer's top sports books of all time, this is a long-awaited reissue of the classic football 'bible'. 'Masterpiece among sports books' Guardian 'It remains one of my favourite football reads' Graham TaylorTrade Review'Brilliant portrayal. One of the classics of the genre.' Metro 'A masterpiece among sports books' Guardian 'The best book on the game.' Observer 'It remains one of my favourite football reads.' -- Graham Taylor

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Book SynopsisThe King of White Hart Lane is the authorised life story of Alan Gilzean, the legendary, world-class Tottenham Hotspur, Dundee and Scotland footballer. Exclusive insights provided by his family, closest friends and colleagues add to the author's own experience to reveal Gilzean, the man and the player. A reserved, charming and intelligent individual who shunned the limelight off the field, Gilzean played with a swagger as a maker and taker of goals, especially alongside Jimmy Greaves at Spurs. We discover how the native of the Perthshire town of Coupar Angus became one of the greatest performers in the history of both his clubs. Gilzean emerged a Scottish folk hero having scored the winning goal against England in front of 133,000 at Hampden Park - and was later welcomed back with open arms by the game after ending a self-imposed exile during which the uninformed conjured often defamatory myths. The elegant striker dubbed 'Nureyev in Boots' left us on Sunday, 8 July 2018. There will never be another like him.

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Book SynopsisKing Klopp: Rebuilding the Liverpool Dynasty is the story behind Jurgen Klopp's success at Liverpool. Since Klopp's appointment as head coach in October 2015, the club has grown exponentially, swiftly becoming the dominant force in English and European football. But how was the team's rebirth achieved in just a few short years? Experienced football scout and opposition analyst Lee Scott takes an in-depth look at the tactical concepts underpinning Liverpool's success - revealing who does what, how and why. Discover the secrets of the game model developed by Klopp as well as the roles of key players in realising his master plan. Never afraid to experiment, Klopp has refined his game model year on year to the point where Liverpool dominate through their control of space as much as through their pressing and intensity. It's been some ride for Liverpool fans, but beyond the silverware and marquee wins lies an even more intriguing story - the story of a tactical evolution.

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Book SynopsisGlorious Reinvention is the story of how Ajax rediscovered their mojo to compete again with Europe's best. In November 2010, after Ajax's 2-0 loss in the Champions League group stage to Real Madrid, Johan Cruyff wrote a newspaper column criticising his former club. He believed the side were poorly run, had lost their identity and been left behind by modern football. Cruyff wanted change. He wanted Ajax to rely on their academy as they once had, and he wanted former Ajax players in high positions calling the shots at the club. This was dubbed 'the velvet revolution' - a peaceful coup that would propel Ajax to once more compete with the best. A few years on, with many of the changes in place, the side reached a Europa League final and a Champions League semi-final with an exquisite style of football and methods that Cruyff would have appreciated. Ajax, now run by former club greats such as Edwin van der Sar and Marc Overmars, combined the techniques of old with modern elements.

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Book SynopsisOur incredible story under a supreme manager shared in all its glory.' Jordan HendersonThe definitive account of Jürgen Klopp's astonishing revival of Liverpool Football ClubFULLY UPDATED FOR THE 2020-2021 SEASONLiverpool Football Club's stunning Premier League title victory deserves a place in the official record of great sporting achievements. Talismanic manager Jürgen Klopp delivered a first title in 30 years as the Reds became the only team in British history to hold the European Cup, Super Cup, World Club Cup and domestic league title simultaneously.A difficult title defence followed, derailed by an unrivalled injury crisis during a thankless, Covid-shaped season. Still Klopp's Liverpool weathered this storm to secure Champions League football again, surmounting personal tragedy and endless professional setbacks. But what makes the club tick? Can the lessons of its success be replicated by others?Melissa Reddy reveals the inside story of Jürgen Klopp's astonishing revival of the LTrade Review‘Our incredible story under a supreme manager shared in all its glory.’ Jordan Henderson ‘The tale of a watershed season wonderfully told by a great writer I have huge respect for.’ Ian Wright ‘Remarkable storytelling of a remarkable season.’Gérard Houllier ‘I’ve been reading, keeping busy in the bubble. Believe Us, which is the story of Liverpool.’ Eddie Jones, England Rugby coach

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Book SynopsisHeart of Poland is an incredible journey through the country''s football culture, and an intensely personal exploration of a nation as it stands at the crossroads of a sporting revolution.In much the same way British football transitioned in the early 1990s, Poland faces its own moment of reckoning. Told through the lens of photojournalist Alex Webber, the essence of Polish football is revealed via its many layers of football: from its highest echelons to the tough realities of the lower leagues.Working as a photographer, covering football and fan culture across the Polish leagues, Webber''s all-areas access has allowed him to document these changes; and the result is his portfolio of stunning images.Shooting on a match-by-match basis to tell the story, Webber documents a series of footballing contrasts: from heated derbies and riotous rivalries, to sedate village matches and arcane, forgotten grounds. Beautiful photographs, repro

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Book SynopsisAs Marcelo Bielsa's interpreter, Salim Lamrani was his right-hand man throughout his first season in charge of Leeds United. As a privileged witness to that remarkable 2018/19 campaign, Lamrani tells the inside story of how the club came within a hair's breadth of returning to the Premier League before winning promotion in the very next season to end a 16-year exile. Lamrani lays bare the secrets behind Bielsa's methods, starting with the demands he makes in an intense pre-season, through to the Argentinian tactician's unwavering loyalty to a highly effective style of play - a style based on possession, collective coverage, rapid transitions, changes of tempo and constant attack. For him, beauty is non-negotiable. Thanks to Bielsa, the players of Leeds United were the actors in an unforgettable epic, which made an indelible mark on millions of supporters. Taking us match by match through Bielsa's first year in English football, Lamrani weaves a fascinating narrative and paints an intimate portrait of a unique football genius.

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Book SynopsisLiverpool FC Cult Heroes is devoted to 20 players who, over the years, have won a special place in the hearts of the Anfield 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 memories and tug at the heartstrings of any Reds fan - Elisha Scott, Billy Liddell and Joey Jones, Johnston, Carragher and Suarez - recalling how these charismatic personalities ignited passion on the terraces. Find out which Red icon was left at a motorway service-station as a prank. Which striker was involved in a punch-up with Italian waiters after a European Cup semi in Milan. And which skipper was carried through Lime Street station on the shoulders of fans. Discover and delight in the magical qualities of these 20 mere mortals elevated to cult status by the Red half of Liverpool.

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Book SynopsisThe inside story of Tottenham Hotspur''s tumultuous 1991 FA Cup campaign, as told by the players, staff, fans and broadcasters who lived it. Essential reading for every Spurs fan!From Ewan Flynn, author of the critically acclaimed Amazon best-seller We Are Sunday League.For manager Terry Venables, and his talented, eclectic and sometimes wayward squad, hazards abounded on that year''s fabled road to Wembley. Tottenham Hotspur plc was out of step with Tottenham Hotspur FC; fans were organising in protest; the Midland Bank was getting ready to call in Spurs'' astronomical debt. Everything seemed to depend on Paul Gascoigne poised to become the world''s greatest player and the price tag on his head. Could he avoid the dual perils of injury and his spiralling white-hot fame?This exhaustively researched and irreverently written book: Features exclusive interviews with players, club staff, fans and broadcasters who lived the trauma and triumph of Tottenham Hotspur''s 1991 FA Cup campaign Takes the reader inside Spurs during the most tumultuous season in the club's history Gets to the bottom of what really happened with Gazza and that tackle in the cup final Reveals how the struggle for Spurs facilitated the Premier League breakaway and ensured the survival of Rupert Murdoch''s Sky TV Spurs fans inside Wembley Stadium didn''t know it, but the big beasts encircling their wounded club would for better or worse determine Tottenham''s future and irrevocably transform the whole of English football.

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Book SynopsisChronicles a momentous year in the life of England's largest wholly fan-owned football club, FC United, who were the only English side to win a European trophy in 2024.In 2005, a group of Manchester United fans stood up and said no to the rampant commercialisation of football and set up their very own club. Some reckoned it would be all over by Christmas', but two decades on FC United of Manchester provides a beacon for supporter ownership in a world that increasingly views football clubs as the property of the fabulously wealthy.Read and you will discover: A unique perspective on life at England's largest wholly fan-owned football club as it approaches its 20th anniversary How a collectively owned and run club which seeks to unite football, fans and community copes with turbulent economic times without the backing of a wealthy owner while staying true to its core values The inside track on FC United: in his role as volunteer board reporter, Jonathan Allsopp has reported on more than 80 FC United board meetings over the last eight years, writing nearly half a million words in the process How a regular pre-match club night in the afternoon' offers football fans something more than cheap lager, saturated fats, fixed-odds coupons and gawping at a big screen In its founding manifesto, FC United set out to be a good example of how a club can be run in the interests of its members and be of benefit to its local communities' 20 years on, has it succeeded?

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Book SynopsisAll About Pressing in Soccer provides a detailed look at the history, theory, and practice of pressing in soccer. With this comprehensive resource, the coach and player will improve their understanding of the game, making them stronger and more successful as a coach or player. Beginning with a look at the history of pressing, the reader will gain background knowledge crucial for understanding the theory behind pressing, which is presented in the following section. Once the reader understands the why and the how of pressing, he will be able to use the practical techniques presented in the third section. With this book, the reader, whether a coach or a player, will have all the tools necessary to implement a strong pressing tactic in the game, giving them that necessary edge over their opponents.

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Book SynopsisThe worlds best soccer players are incredibly fit, fast, lean, and strong. Achieving this level of athleticism requires a rigorous soccer fitness training program applying the most effective drills, exercises, and core training methods. In Soccer: Functional Core Training, the authors present numerous drills for this training. Based on the latest the findings in sports science and on the authors long-term coaching experience, they present an extensive practical guide to help you improve your teams performance through core training, soccer specific exercises, and drills. The exercises can be used for amateurs and professional players, youth and adults alike. Your players can learn how to score the most exciting and acrobatic goals, how to tackle without fouling, and how to avoid injuries. The drills in the book create typical match situations to help your team prepare for the game and stay motivated. Many of the fitness exercises require no extra equipment and rely only on bodyweight, thus targeting many different muscles at once. The book is easy to use on the pitch and the ideal tool to turn youth players into the next Cristiano Ronaldo, Zlatan Ibrahimovic, or Bastian Schweinsteiger.

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Book SynopsisIreland's rich football heritage has been captured in this quirky and readable guide that will fascinate, amuse, educate and entertain.

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Book SynopsisJurgen Said to Me is a human-interest story centred around Liverpool FC''s most successful and charismatic leader of recent times. It charts Jurgen Klopp''s impact on Liverpool through the voice of the author and those at the heart of his revival.In October 2015, Klopp took the helm at Liverpool at a time when the famous club were entering a third decade of league-title drought. The German coach had prospered with his brand of ''heavy-metal football'', but little was known about his personality beyond an obvious energy and charisma. He entered a city steeped in personality, history and trauma - a place where the people demand more than a mere coach to lead their clubs.Klopp''s social influence has stretched to matters such as diversity, the economy, the COVID-19 pandemic and local history. The book explores the human impact of a man who single-handedly harnessed togetherness and the global unity of millions, while reshaping one of the most fam

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Book SynopsisHow much do you really know about the club you love? You can find out by exploring the 1,000 questions set out in 100 categories that make up this Everton quiz book. It s not often that books on football make reference to Bob Dylan, the London Underground, Pink Floyd, The Godfather, the Beatles, Shakespeare, Rising Damp and The Who, but this one does! Call Yourself a Toffees Fan? is a quirky, challenging affair for real Everton fans who can test themselves or take on each other, with the emphasis on enjoyment and discovery. Try these for size: in the 1966 FA Cup Final between Everton and Sheffield Wednesday, which surname appeared on both sides? What was unique about the 1962/63 season at Goodison Park? Who is the only Everton manager to score the winning goal in a European Cup Final? You will struggle to find anything as comprehensive as this eclectic collection. It s a must for Everton fans of all ages and you might not see anything quite like it again.

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Book SynopsisThe Arsenal Scrapbook provides an insight into the unique journey of Arsenal one the most famous football club’s in the world.

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Book SynopsisMany of the top professional soccer players played futsal in their youth--Pelé, Luis Figo, Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Xavi, and Fabregas--and have stated that playing the game made them the great players they are today. Futsal is an exciting, fast moving game of technique, skill, tactics, and physical endeavor. Players undertake the ultimate challenge by testing their skills under the most intense pressure, due to the lack of time and space, stressing the importance of quick reaction times and reflex training. Often used in the off season for soccer players, futsal is due to be placed at the heart of all development programs, improving technique and increasing fun in youth training. Coaches face huge tactical challenges as the game changes minute by minute. It is for these reasons that Futsal has taken a huge grip upon the soccer landscape and the development of players from grassroots upwards. This book is ideal in assisting players and coaches in honing theiTrade ReviewSturgess’ book shows coaches how to teach the game with a series of drills and skills and more than 100 photographs and illustrations. Even the England football team could learn something from this * School Sport *the perfect read for coaches at all levels. -- Jorge Braz, head coach of the Portugal National Futsal Team and FIFA Futsal instructorI highly recommend this book for those who want to learn more about the game - there's no better than Peter Sturgess! -- Keith Tozer, Head Coach of U.S. Futsal Men's National TeamTable of ContentsIntroduction 1 So what is Futsal? 2 Coaching young players 3 Creating the right environment 4 Technique, physical literacy and decision-making 5 The Futsal coaching session 6 One of the secrets of Futsal - the importance of the 'building blocks' 7 Developing your 'game plan' 8 Developing your attacking game plan 9 Developing your defensive game plan 10 What next? Index

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Book SynopsisThe Beautiful History charts the fascinating story of Britain through football club badges. From Premier League giants to non-league sides, it features over 100 clubs, with each badge coming alive to reveal the story behind it, whilst also giving events in history an exciting and engaging twist, as it takes you on a footballing journey from the dinosaurs to the digital age. What does Colchester United's eagle tell us about Roman Britain? Why do the badges of three football clubs feature the Mayflower, the ship on which the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for the New World? Why does the Norwich City canary celebrate 16th-century refugees, and which team honours the Battle of Britain and why? The Beautiful History holds all the answers and links football to key dates like 1066 and 1588, with tales that are often surprising, quirky or laugh-out-loud funny. An engaging, informative and fun book for fans of all ages, it includes activities, places to visit, a football timeline and quiz.Trade Review"Intriguing micro-histories... joyfully bringing [football club badges] to life. The Beautiful History succeeds in its game plan, presenting a richly illustrated whistle-stop tour without ever wandering out of position." * EYE Magazine *

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Book SynopsisLionel Messi and the Art of Living is a bold and insightful examination of a world-famous sporting hero's career from an entirely new perspective, providing a context extending far beyond the football field. The idea that sports stars are role models is a cliche, but it is also true in a way that is rarely appreciated. Although the details of Messi's story are already well known, The Art of Living examines afresh and anew his highs and lows, his successes and failures, his ongoing evolution and his endless struggle to succeed. It encourages us to consider, to analyse and - above all - to think about Messi's career from a different viewpoint, understanding how his journey can be related to our own lives on a meaningful and impactful level. Containing exclusive, illuminating interviews with deep thinkers and high achievers from a number of different fields, this book delivers a fresh and inspiring approach to a global icon, ensuring that you will never look at Lionel Messi - or life - in the same way again.

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Book SynopsisPretty Poly tells the fascinating story of the football shirt, charting its dramatic evolution over a 150-year period, from modest beginnings to a product at the centre of a billion-dollar industry. An emblem of everything it means to be a fan, the football shirt evokes memories of triumph and disaster and acts as a symbol of belonging to a chosen footballing tribe. Packed with facts, figures and anecdotes, Pretty Poly explores the history embedded in every feature of modern-day strips. It covers their ever-changing shape, the emergence of dedicated club and national colours and the often surprising reasons behind them. It also looks at the companies and designers behind some of our favourite strips, and explores the birth and exponential growth of the replica-kit industry. Along the way, we learn the histories of the iconic sponsors, names, numbers, patches and badges, and meet the kit collectors with a burning lifelong passion as we delve into the burgeoning vintage kit market that feeds their interest.Trade Review"An engaging, illuminating read... Ireland is an engaging chronicler, enthusiasm and affection for his subject evident in every sentence." * When Saturday Comes *

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Book SynopsisCinque Anni takes an in-depth look at the reasons why Italy failed to qualify for two consecutive World Cups but became champions of Europe. It tells the story of how all this happened the agony and ecstasy, the tears and laughter. It's a must-read for anyone fascinated in the fine line in sport that can separate winning and losing.

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