Association football (Soccer) Books
Pitch Publishing Ltd On the Border: The Rise and Decline of the Most
Book SynopsisIn December 2020, an Israeli football club made worldwide headlines. The news that a UAE royal had bought 50 per cent of Beitar's shares shook Israel and the football world. Beitar, proclaimed by some of its own fans as 'the most racist club in the country', is a club like no other in Israel. While Israeli football as a whole is a space where Israelis of all ethnicities and foreigners can co-exist, Beitar won't even sign a Muslim player for fear of its own far-right supporters' group, La Familia. On the Border is the fascinating tale of a club that began as a sports movement of a liberal national Zionism party and became an overt symbol of right-wing views, Mizrahi identity and eventually hardcore racism and nationalism. The book explores the radicalisation of Beitar and the fight for the soul of the club between the racists and open-minded fans. It is also a story of Jerusalem, the most volatile place on Earth, and how the holy city and the influence of religion have shaped Beitar.
£15.29
Pitch Publishing Ltd Fields of Dreams and Broken Fences: Delving into
Book SynopsisFields of Dreams and Broken Fences lifts the lid on the little-known world of non-league football. From being hours away from folding in the Essex Senior League and turning semi-professional because of YouTube to dropping out of the Football League and trying to find a way back, this book shines a vital spotlight on clubs from various levels of the National League System and shares their stories. The tales include the dramatic null-and-void decision of the 2019/20 season, Chichester City making history in the FA Cup, Leyton Orient and Notts County battling to get back into the Football League, Hashtag United turning semi-professional and Steve Castle, the former professional player, returning to the lower levels to pursue a career in management. Filled with compelling stories from multiple sides of the game, Fields of Dreams and Broken Fences brings non-league football to life as it delves beneath the surface of the lower levels of the English game. This book is written for the love of football.
£11.69
Pitch Publishing Ltd In the Shadow of Benbulben: Dixie Dean at Sligo
Book SynopsisIn January 1939, just months after hanging up his boots and a few weeks into his new career as a talent scout, William Ralph 'Dixie' Dean, the former Everton and England legend, received a surprise request for assistance from the far west of Ireland. Could he find a goalscorer for Sligo Rovers - the beating heart of a small, provincial town - to drive their dreams of a lucrative cup run and help protect the club's very existence? Dean set about finding the right man, but unable to locate candidates willing to make the move across the Irish Sea, he had an idea. What if he were to answer Sligo's call? And so began the unlikely story of how one of the greatest centre-forwards ever to grace the game added an unexpected and ultimately uplifting chapter to his storied football career. In the Shadow of Benbulben is a romantic tale of divine intervention, uncanny timing and drama on and off the pitch. It's the tale of 'Dixie' Dean's four months with the Bit O'Red that was to leave an indelible mark on the player, the club and the town.
£15.29
Pitch Publishing Ltd Golden: Why Belgian Football is More Than One
Book SynopsisIn 2018, the Belgian national football team finished third in the FIFA World Cup and reached number one in the FIFA/Coca-Cola Men's Rankings. With a squad boasting the likes of Eden Hazard, Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku they possess some of the world's best players. However, such success is more than a flash in the pan. This generation is just the latest wave of talent the nation has produced. The first book of its kind in English, Golden: Why Belgian Football is More Than One Generation is the definitive story of football in Belgium. It relives the sport's growth and the European glories of Belgian clubs, charting their untold triumphs against the biggest names. It dives into the recent production of world-class players in its academies, amid the murkiness of financial irregularities and match-fixing. It tells the tale of how a nation with a population of under 12 million has continued to make its mark on world football.
£15.29
Pitch Publishing Ltd Taxi for Kiev: The Story of Six Strangers,
Book SynopsisTaxi for Kiev: The Story of Six Strangers, Crossing Six Borders, Over Six Days is the true and uncensored story of six lads from very different backgrounds who had never met before but found kinship in a common goal: to get to Kiev for the 2019 Champions League Final between Liverpool and Real Madrid. They embarked on a 3,500-mile taxi trip that took them to many places - physically, mentally and emotionally. Deprived of basic comforts for six days, this was never going to be an easy journey especially among strangers. You'd be surprised what you can learn about a man living in such close quarters. Lack of sleep, space and sanctuary just compounded the issue. Add to this a severe lack of hygiene, and this trip looked like a recipe for disaster. Not only did the lads survive and get on well but, surprisingly, they formed lasting bonds. Taxi for Kiev is one man's account of that unforgettable six-day adventure - a candid tale that touches on the good, the bad and the ugly in human nature. It has shocks, tears and laughs aplenty.
£13.59
Pitch Publishing Ltd Ten Big Ears: An Alternative Account of FC
Book SynopsisTen Big Ears is the story of one of the biggest football clubs in the world, told through an eyewitness account that spans four decades. The story begins and ends with Barcelona in disgrace and threatened with a ban from UEFA competition. In between is a fascinating account of some of the greatest football the world has ever seen, including all five of the club's European Cup Final triumphs. Find out what it was like to attend Barcelona games in European club competitions in six different countries. Drawing on wider historical and cultural references to provide an alternative and quirky take on the rollercoaster that is Barca, this is almost certainly the only football book to reference philosophy, classical antiquity, religion, popular music and reality television dance shows. Written by a fan of another football club, Ten Big Ears is a personal and occasionally satirical account that commemorates the 30th anniversary of the club's first European Cup win in 1992. It is also a unique record of how watching the game has changed.
£15.29
Pitch Publishing Ltd Heart of Midlothian; 51 Shirts: Moments in Time
Book SynopsisHeart of Midlothian are a football club steeped in history, famous for their iconic maroon and white colours. Author Grant Young takes us on a journey from the late 1950s to the Championship-winning season of 2020/21, experienced through 51 match shirts, each brought to life with a compelling story and stunning photographs. Grant doggedly tracked down the shirts over a 20-year period to bring them together for the first time in print. Immerse yourself in extraordinary kits revered by fans throughout the decades: eye-catching kits of the 70s and 80s, flamboyant kits from the 90s, then on to the 2000s and kits associated with successful seasons and an owner who would take the club to the brink. Discover shirts from the 1959 League Cup Final, the Scottish Cup wins of 1998 and 2006, plus the incredible 2012 duel against city rivals Hibernian, along with obscure and extremely rare shirts. Finally, we move to the current-day shirts accompanied by the highs and lows of relegation, promotion, demotion and becoming a fan-owned club.
£24.00
Pitch Publishing Ltd A Nation Again: The Inside Story of Scotland’s
Book SynopsisA Nation Again is the chaotic tale of the Scotland men's team's return to a major tournament after more than 20 years in the wilderness. Ten major tournaments had come and gone for Scotland since they reached France '98, but the birth of UEFA's Nations League offered a new route to glory. In early 2018, after a long search for Gordon Strachan's replacement, Alex McLeish became manager for a second time. But despite successfully navigating the Nations League group stage, it wasn't plain sailing, and his tenure ended after a shocking defeat at the start of Euro 2020 qualifying. With a play-off semi-final on the horizon, the Scottish FA turned to Steve Clarke, who took on the challenge of inspiring a team rooted in failure, creating a band-of-brothers mentality and figuring out how to organise this incredibly talented group of players. From a couple of the lowest lows came the highest high. With exclusive memories of those who were part of the journey, this is the story of how Scotland finally became a nation again.Trade Review"A fascinating insight into a complex journey that took Scotland out of the wilderness, by those who witnessed it first hand." * Famous Tartan Army Magazine *
£17.09
Pitch Publishing Ltd When Two Worlds Collide: The Intercontinental Cup
Book SynopsisIn 1960, at the start of a tumultuous decade that saw major global change, the Intercontinental Cup was born. For the first time, this ambitious annual cup crowned a world club champion, pitting the kings of the two great footballing continents - Europe and South America - against each other. In an era before money ruined the global balance of football, neither dominated. From the Estadio Centenario and the Maracana, to Old Trafford and the San Siro, the most iconic stadia in world football hosted Intercontinental Cup games. The star players of their respective generations participated - from Puskas and Di Stefano in the inaugural 1960 edition, to legends such as Pele, Ronaldo, Zico and van Basten. When Two Worlds Collide charts the Intercontinental Cup's colourful 44-year history, from its trailblazing inception to 2004 when the last ball was kicked in Yokohama. The controversial clashes of the late 1960s, the cup's decline in the 70s and the pivotal 1980 rebirth in Japan are all covered.
£15.29
Pitch Publishing Ltd Kit and Caboodle: Football's Shirt Stories
Book SynopsisKits are cultural touchstones that tell us more about our club, ourselves and the beautiful game's custodians than we often realise. The colours, crests, designs and prices show what makes the game - and us - tick. Kit and Caboodle searches out the stories that our shirts tell us about our support and the society we accept or try to rebel against. The book alternates short, shirt stories with a deeper dive into themes of ethics, philanthropy and dumb decision making. We listen to MP Tracey Crouch as she tells us about her Fan Led Review and how shirts show the progress being made to a more equitable football ecosystem. Shirts also illustrate the rise and mutation of gambling from pools to NFTs and cryptocurrencies, attitudes to the LGBTQ+ community, how clubs like St Pauli are determined to be driven by their values and why Messi's transfer to PSG Qatar can never be financed by shirt sales. Unlike anything else we wear, our club shirts envelop us in the history of our team and give us a hint of the future.
£21.25
Pitch Publishing Ltd City of Stars: The Controversial Story of Paris
Book SynopsisCity of Stars: The Controversial Story of Paris Saint-Germain is a detailed history of Europe's youngest super club, from their time as a small Parisian side in French football's Second Division to a global powerhouse that epitomises modern football. After many highs and lows and two major takeovers in the 1990s and 2010s, PSG have been catapulted to the forefront of world football thanks to Qatari billions and look set to remain a major force for years to come. But a deep dive into their history shows a club of tradition, loyal fans and remarkable players that preceded the Qatari era. However, controversy seems to follow the club in one guise or another, whether it be violence from Ultras, business dealings from their owners or even being a title challenger affected by a match-fixing scandal. Paris Saint-Germain's history is rich, vibrant, polarising but never dull.
£17.09
Pitch Publishing Ltd What Was Football Like in the 1990s?
Book SynopsisWhat Was Football Like in the 1990s? captures the spirit of a decade that witnessed so many changes in the game, especially off the field. This engaging and absorbing account of the era interweaves the author's memories and experiences with a wealth of research. The Taylor Report, the Bosman ruling, the advent of the Premier League, the increasing focus on the business of football, Sky television, the rising price of entry to top-flight football, hooliganism and racism are all covered along with the managers who defined the era - Ferguson, Dalglish, Wenger, Atkinson - and of course the players who lit up the decade, including Eric Cantona and other foreign stars who helped mould the Premier League. What Was Football Like in the 1990s? is an enthralling and illuminating account of a truly remarkable decade for the beautiful game, penned by a respected football author and journalist. It's a 'must' for any nostalgic fan.
£11.69
Pitch Publishing Ltd An Ode to the Chosen Few: Football's Piano
Book SynopsisFootball teams comprise 11 on-field players, but as Bill Shankly once said, while some will be the more functional members of a team, you need others to 'play the piano'. Although the footballing world is littered with superstar players, some take it upon themselves - through sheer grit and determination - to drag their respective teams to glory. Both domestically and on the world stage, these stars have brought joy to fans around the globe by playing the sweetest of tunes for their clubs and countries. From Lionel Messi to Maradona, Cristiano Ronaldo to the original Ronaldo, 'Il Fenomeno', this is the story of those special players. An Ode to The Chosen Few takes a fascinating deep dive into the past glories of players and teams from different eras and cultures, alongside facts and statistics from each era.
£15.29
Pitch Publishing Ltd The Longest Winter: A Season with England's Worst
Book SynopsisIn 1973-74, Britain was in meltdown. The Arab-Israeli War had sent energy prices soaring. Petrol was scarce. Offices were limited to a temperature of 17C and power cuts were frequent. A three-day working week came in as inflation took hold and miners and other workers went on strike. The northern mill town of Rochdale suffered more than most. Its cotton industry was on shut-down in the face of cheap imports, and the football team was a mirror image of the town - tired, defeated, clinging to life. The Rochdale team of 1973-74 are considered the worst to play in the Football League. They finished bottom of the third division, winning just twice in 46 league matches. They closed the season with a 22-game winless run and played one home match in front of the lowest-ever post-war crowd. That season 32 players played for the team, many of them drafted in from amateur or Sunday league clubs. The Longest Winter is as much a piece of forensic social history as it is a sports book. It evokes the smells, textures and moods of the early 1970s.
£15.29
Pitch Publishing Ltd Mud; Blood and Studs: James Brown and His
Book SynopsisMud, Blood and Studs is a special story of sporting excellence passed from generation to generation. An alcoholic father abandons his family in Troon, Scotland, and sails for America, but against the odds his offspring prosper, as his four boys have natural athletic ability. Oldest son, Jim, travels to America to track down his father and finds a country in the throes of the Great Depression. However, his superb soccer skills win him selection for the 1930 US World Cup team. In 1932, he signs for Manchester United, and later for Spurs. Jim passes his skills on to his son, George, who becomes a USA All-Star and USMNT player. Jim's brothers, John and Tom, shake up Scottish football, and John hands down his sublime hand-to-eye coordination to sons Peter and Gordon, who make their mark in international rugby. Then there are Peter and Gordon's cousins, the Lambies, who impact South African rugby. This fascinating book brings you the inside track on a remarkable family who overcame adversity to thrive at the top level of sport.
£15.29
Pitch Publishing Ltd Made in Argentina; Mastered in Madrid: How Diego
Book SynopsisWhen Diego Simeone entered the gates of Atletico Madrid for the third time in his career, he was the club's 17th coach in 15 years. Once a key player with the Rojiblancos, he had helped them lift the title in 1995/96. That heady moment was now a distant memory, as the side had scarcely won any silverware in the last 15 years. A mid-table team at best, having faced relegation, the red side of Madrid had fallen from the top step of Spanish football, with their fans wondering when they might once more celebrate a long run of success at the foot of the Neptune Fountain - a centrepiece for Atleti celebrations. Made in Argentina, Mastered in Madrid: How Diego Simeone Awakened a Sleeping Giant explores the tactics of the charismatic 'El Cholo', who has turned heads with his side's gritty, dogged style of play and built a team that embodies its people and culture. Discover how Simeone has turned things around for Atletico Madrid and helped write a major chapter in the club's illustrious history.
£17.09
Pitch Publishing Ltd When the Circus Leaves Town: What Happens When
Book SynopsisWhat happens when a football club ups sticks and leaves its traditional home for pastures new? What replaces the terraces, stands and floodlights that tower above old town centres and terraced streets? How does football relate to the new landscapes that the clubs head to? What happens when football leaves home? When the Circus Leaves Town: What Happens When Football Leaves Home explores the impact of the ruptures created when clubs and supporters wave goodbye to their homes. It examines disruption to matchday routines, erasure of geographic memories and the difficulties in repairing these, and considers whether such moves have been for better or worse. Writer Dave Proudlove walks the streets of towns and cities across the country visiting housing estates, retail parks and shiny new stadiums. He talks to those involved with the relocation of football clubs - club officials, developers, politicians, fans - to understand the reasons behind the upheaval, and to bring us the full story of what happens when football leaves home.Trade Review"A book I recently read and loved is... When the Circus Leaves Town by David Proudlove, a travelogue about the closure of traditional football grounds in England and Wales. Underneath the ostensible subject it's a wonderfully intricate and humane history of the last 30 years of so of British civic life, which puts to shame a thousand journalistic commentaries on the "Red Wall", "Brexit Britain", etc." -- Alex Niven * The Independent *
£15.29
Pitch Publishing Ltd The Great Uncrowned: Football Most Celebrated
Book SynopsisThe Great Uncrowned: Football's Most Celebrated Losers is the story of football's ultimate bridesmaids, those clubs that were good enough to win the major prizes but, for various reasons, didn't. In an age when victory is all too often viewed as the be all and end all, this book celebrates the teams that were beaten by bad luck, limited resources or an outstanding set of players. From early 20th-century runners-up from Lancashire and Wales to flamboyant teams from Europe and South America, near-misses can be found anywhere in the world. Some have been forgotten, pushed aside by the elitist nature of modern football. Others have passed into history and are rarely revisited. As well as reviving the exploits of great players and impressive teams, The Great Uncrowned also provides context around the development and social position of each side and asks if football needs a structure that provides more winners and fewer losers.
£15.29
Pitch Publishing Ltd Anatomy of a Genius: Leo Messi's tactical
Book SynopsisAnatomy of a Genius is a tactical breakdown of Lionel Messi's playing career at FC Barcelona. Despite spending his whole career with the club, the Argentine genius had to adapt and improve his game to become the foundation of Barca's modern success. This book explores his journey - from emerging as a talented prodigy to becoming the best player on the planet - through an enthralling narrative, in-depth tactics and key statistics. A great deal has been written already about the famous boy from Rosario, as his story has been told time and again by journalists and renowned authors. Anatomy of a Genius digs deeper to uncover things we don't already know, delving into stats and tactics to reveal the how and why behind one of the world's greatest athletes and his phenomenal career.
£11.69
Pitch Publishing Ltd Summer of 63: Revie's Plan for Leeds United
Book SynopsisSixtythree, Sixtyfour takes an enthralling, in-depth look at one of the greatest transformations in football, as Don Revie moulded a Leeds United side teetering on the brink of relegation to Division Three into one of the most feared teams in Europe. Revie had arrived at Leeds in November 1958, on the back of an illustrious playing career with Leicester City, Hull City, Manchester City and Sunderland. In March 1961, he was appointed player-manager at Leeds before quickly taking over the reins as full-time gaffer. He fashioned a team of experience and untested teenagers that quickly developed into a force to be reckoned with. Sixtythree, Sixtyfour uncovers the truth behind the 'Dirty Leeds' tag that has prevailed for almost 60 years. Gleaned from the private collections of photos, telegrams and scrapbooks of players, and the testimonies of Leeds and opposition fans, Gary Edwards presents an amazing account of one man's vision to turn a failing side into the club's greatest-ever team.
£15.29
Pitch Publishing Ltd The Life of Total Football
Book SynopsisThe Life of Total Football tells the story of the origins, history and inspiration behind one of the purest and arguably most-entertaining styles of football in the history of the game.Total Football was the style of play made famous by both Johan Cruyff''s Ajax and the great Dutch international side of 1970s in which he starred... but its story starts a long way before then.The origins of Total Football lie in Scotland in the early 1900s as football was taking its first pioneering steps as a Great British export. Initially finessed in Europe, and in particular Hungary and Austria, as the popularity of football spread; before the style emerged and evolved in South America as the game took hold across the globe.With so many admirers throughout the history of the game, The Life of Total Football explains how it captured the hearts and minds of its most dedicated followers, its many iterations and incarnations, and ju
£17.09
Pitch Publishing Ltd AFC Wimbledon On This Day: History, Facts &
Book SynopsisWimbledon Football Club was founded in 1889, and from then until now it has had a history like no other in football. From being the only team to have won both the FA Cup and FA Amateur Cup, to having the club controversially snatched away from its fans, only for them to reform the club, and for AFC Wimbledon to rise again through the leagues and re-establish itself as a Football League side. Vinny Jones, John Fashanu and Dennis Wise ... the Crazy Gang of the 1980s was an intimidating team that used its physicality to overcome opponents, but it could play as well, under the leadership of Dave 'Harry' Bassett. When you dig deeper you realise there was more to this side than the sensationalist headlines. In AFC Wimbledon On This Day, you'll find facts and figures, famous games, managers and players who have made an indelible mark on the club's legacy. Even under the current guise of AFC Wimbledon, the team continues to write new chapters in its illustrious history.
£13.49
Pitch Publishing Ltd A Season on the Med: Football Where the Sun
Book SynopsisA Season on the Med: Riviera Football in Italy and France (With a Trip to Athens for Stan) is a story of football where the sun always shines - with a difference. In the wake of Brexit, writer Alex Wade decamped to Menton, the last town on the Cote d'Azur. During a swim between France and Italy, he realised two things. An array of great football clubs - from Nice, Marseille and Monaco to Genoa, Sampdoria and Spezia - were on his doorstep on the French and Italian Rivieras. Plus his hero, Queens Park Rangers' talisman Stan Bowles, once played on the Med. Wade embarked on a journey of discovery to experience Riviera football over the 2021/22 season, with two questions in mind. Is football on the Med more laid-back, languid and amiable than elsewhere? And could he make it to Athens in a tribute to Bowles? Eloquently written with a blend of reportage, travelogue and memoir, A Season on the Med ends in Brumano, Italy, as Wade captures the spirit of Riviera football and confronts the meaning of heroism.Trade Review"Part travelogue, part memoir... an insight into the way football is played and watched in countries and leagues that we in Britain do not always pay much attention to... told in an engaging and charming style. It’s not too hard to imagine that you are being regaled over a chilled bottle (or three) of rosé, the Med sparkling in the low evening sun in the background." * Times Literary Supplement *
£11.69
Pitch Publishing Ltd Eric and Dave: A Lifetime of Football and
Book SynopsisMeet Eric Gill and Dave Hollins, once feted as two of the finest goalkeepers in Britain. Between them they have more stories to tell spanning the past ten decades than there are holes in a football net. Their unique friendship started as a rivalry, two men wrestling over the same goalkeeper jersey at Brighton & Hove Albion in the 1950s. Seventy years later they remain the best of pals, having lived long, eventful lives bookended by the horrors of World War Two and the Covid-19 pandemic. Journey back to when footballers earned GBP20 a week and goalkeepers wore string gloves, as Eric and Dave recall how they dodged Hitler's bombs before pitting their wits against some of sport's most iconic names: a list that includes Stanley Matthews, Pele and George Best not to mention their shared nemesis, Brian Clough. Touching, inspiring and searingly honest, Eric and Dave is a salutary reminder that youth is not a time of life but a state of mind.
£17.09
Pitch Publishing Ltd Two Posts and a Field: Cultural Impact, Social
Book SynopsisTwo Posts and a Field is a unique look at Liverpool FC through the eyes of Neville Gabie (artist and lifelong fan) and Stephen Done (writer and curator at the LFC Museum). Richly illustrated, it is part travelogue, part exploration of the LFC Museum's hidden treasures and part personal story, as Neville takes us from his childhood listening to games on the radio in South Africa to watching his first match at Anfield in 1973. The book tells the story of Neville and Stephen's roadtrip to find the home and birthplace of Mo Salah in Egypt's Nile Delta and of Avi Cohen, a player who broke the cultural mould when he signed from Maccabi Tel Aviv in the 1980s. It shines a spotlight on the struggles of Liverpool's home-grown talent for racial equality, contrasting Trent Alexander Arnold with Howard Gayle, the first black player to be signed by Liverpool, with the backdrop of the Toxteth riots. The stories are brought to life by Gabie's beautiful goalpost photos, which stretch back 20 years.
£13.49
Pitch Publishing Ltd The Futsal Way: Maximizing the Performance of
Book SynopsisSuccess in elite football demands both mental and physical excellence. Players must make decisions at lightning speed, and execute those decisions with perfect technique, combined with an ultra-clear understanding of where others - their team-mates and their opponents - are at all times. In The Futsal Way, world-renowned futsal coach Sergio Gargelli and veteran writer Paul Challen make the case that today's elite football clubs require futsal coaches on their staff to take their teams to the next level - as many have already done. With photos, diagrams and clear explanations, they demonstrate how top-level coaches can use futsal to produce exceptional players in the 11-a-side game - as seen in the amazing technical ability of many Brazilian and Spanish players who grew up playing futsal. With a foreword by Euro 2020-winning manager Roberto Mancini, this book is a must for any team or coach looking to keep pace with modern training techniques and tactical developments. It combines in-depth instruction with real-life examples.
£11.69
Pitch Publishing Ltd Sixty Years of the World Cup: Reflections on
Book SynopsisSixty Years of the World Cup is a personal, nostalgic, fun and frank reflection on the author's six-decade association with football's biggest showpiece. Brian Barwick journeyed just five miles to his first World Cup match during the iconic 1966 tournament held in England, but later travelled the globe witnessing first-hand some of football's greatest and most controversial moments. As a major national TV sport producer and executive, he was also responsible for how the tournament was broadcast to tens of millions of viewers on the BBC and ITV. A stint as CEO of the FA brought him the unique experience of being personally associated with the triumphs and tribulations of trying to win the World Cup. During his 60-year relationship with football's greatest prize, he witnessed many of the tournament's most famous matches, most gifted players and coaches, and iconic and controversial moments, meeting colourful personalities, making programmes that broke TV audience records and even helping an operatic aria to become a worldwide smash-hit!Trade Review"Sixty Years of the World Cup is Barwick’s story of his journey through that time and is packed with fascinating tales from a man who got closer to the action than most of us will ever get the chance to experience... If you have an interest in Global Football but also want to read some great personal anecdotes on the game at the very top level, Sixty Years of the World Cup is definitely the book for you." * Read the League *
£15.29
Pitch Publishing Ltd Jimmy Greaves: The One and Only
Book SynopsisJimmy Greaves: The One and Only is the sensational and official biography of arguably the greatest British goalscorer of all time, authorised by Jimmy's widow, Irene, and told by his friend of 64 years, Norman Giller. This brutally honest 'warts 'n' all' account covers the many highs and lows of Jimmy's extraordinary triple career as great footballer, master TV raconteur and then stage comedian, interrupted by six years of alcoholism. Jimmy and Irene lost their four-month-old son to pneumonia when they were barely out of their teens, and Norman examines how this tragedy set the tone for Jimmy's life. A parade of legends - Sir Geoff Hurst, Sir Bobby Charlton, Denis Law and Harry Redknapp among them - give personal glimpses of Greaves, and Norman, who delivered the eulogy at Jimmy's funeral, reveals stories of him that will surprise and shock his army of admirers. How did missing the 1966 World Cup Final really affect him? Was he ever drunk on the pitch? Who were his favourite players, and what did he consider his greatest goal?
£16.99
Pitch Publishing Ltd Everybody Round My House for a Parmo!:
Book SynopsisEverybody Round My House for a Parmo! is the story of the most successful era in Middlesbrough FC's history, as told by those who experienced it. From Marinelli to Mendieta and Vidmar to Viduka, this 'small town in Europe' went from relegation fodder to cup-winners on the cusp of European glory in the space of just three short seasons, between 2003 and 2006. But while results on the pitch were memorable, they mean nothing without the backstory of how such heights were reached. Told with the help of players, club staff and local media at the heart of the journey, this is the inside story of how Steve McClaren transformed the Teessiders' fortunes while encountering more than a few hiccups along the way - including a failed drug test and even a manager getting hit by an angry fan's season ticket! It's one of modern football's greatest fairy tales, but even the greatest successes come with their fair share of struggles.
£15.29
Pitch Publishing Ltd Rovers Till I Die: The Story of Bob Crompton,
Book SynopsisRovers Till I Die is the fascinating story of Blackburn's most famous personality, Bob Crompton, a man of humble birth who achieved soaring success in and out of football. Born the son of a beer seller in a town where work was hard and wages poor, Crompton broke the shackles of his working-class roots. He became a legendary captain of England and Blackburn Rovers, whom he led to two First Division championships. The first footballer to own a motor car, he later manufactured them. After a plumbing patent made him a rich man Crompton diversified into various businesses, generating a personal wealth that led to him being co-opted to the Rovers' board. He later served as coach and manager, masterminding an FA Cup Final victory and promotion. Yet he remained misunderstood, his character shaped by personal tragedy and a target for those connected with the club who envied his success. Rovers Till I Die is the definitive story of a Blackburn legend who achieved his aspirations and more.
£15.29
Pitch Publishing Ltd Spice Up Your Life: Liverpool, the 90's and Roy
Book SynopsisSpice Up Your Life: Liverpool, the Nineties and Roy Evans is the fascinating story of arguably the most significant decade in the long history of Liverpool FC. After the Reds' most dominant and successful decade in the 1980s, the early 90s saw a rapid decline in the club's fortunes under the stewardship of Liverpool icon Graeme Souness, who was sacked in January 1994. Spice Up Your Life charts the gradual renaissance at Anfield under Souness's replacement and long-term boot-room member Roy Evans, the much-adored 3-5-2 formation, the infamous 'Spice Boys' moniker and the revitalisation of a football club that looked to be in freefall. The book explores the emergence of many of Anfield's youngest and brightest stars - from Steve McManaman to Jamie Redknapp, Robbie Fowler to Michael Owen - and credits Evans, as the last Liverpool manager from the legendary boot room, for bringing the Merseyside club back to prominence and ready to retake its perch at the top of English football.Trade Review"Spice Up Your Life recalls in a vivid, fascinating and insightful text the challenges faced by Liverpool in the 1990s and the revitalisation of a football club that looked to be in freefall." * Love Wirral *
£15.29
Pitch Publishing Ltd Crossing the Park: The Men Who Dared to Play for
Book SynopsisCrossing the Park: The Men Who Dared to Play for Both Liverpool and Everton casts a spotlight on the players who have turned out for both clubs. Despite less than a mile separating the two teams, only 34 men have worn the colours of both and it's been more than 20 years since a direct transfer between the sides. Why have so few players crossed the park? What is the legacy of those who did? From Liverpool's 'Team of Macs' adorned in blue and white, three men had already played at Anfield but for its previous tenants - Everton. Since then, there has been more than 130 years of transfers and each player has a unique story to tell. The ever-changing face of the clubs' rivalry and friendship can be assessed by looking at the Anfield and Goodison careers of each man. In Conor Coady, we've seen perhaps the final player to cross the park as Everton look for a new home away from L4. The story of this unique rivalry is told through exclusive interviews with the men who dared to cross the divide.Trade ReviewA truly excellent portrayal of those who have been brave and indeed talented enough to have represented two of the most illustrious football clubs in the world, filled with in-depth details, wit and the beautiful game at the forefront. Despite our differences - often down to nothing more than our parents' allegiances - there can be no denying the shared history between the powerhouses of the English game and albeit often a fractious rivalry, our families, friends and lives remain intertwined and with that, so do many of our favourite footballing stories. Often referred to as the ‘friendly derby’ in years gone by, harrowing events such as the Hillsborough disaster have undoubtedly united the two clubs at the most pivotal of times, and its that unison, coupled with the in-view proximity that makes the passage from Liverpool to Everton or vice-versa all the more fascinating. This book offers a wonderful insight into the history and the journey of those who have been brave enough to cross Stanley Park to represent the ‘enemy’ in blue or red. From the first Scouser John Whitehead to do the short trip across the park, to a flamboyantly haired Mozambique-born Abel Xavier, this is a must-read for those wanting to discover more about what is a rivalry steeped in history and the players who have experienced both football clubs from within. * Redmen TV *Crossing the Park is a fascinating and comprehensive look at the men who have dared to play for both Everton and Liverpool. The book delightfully recounts the pithy stories of the good, the bad, and the ugly who have donned both blue and red, while also documenting the changes around the clubs and city. In addition to the stories of the players, the book also covers the history of both clubs, the changing rivalry between the teams, and the politics that have often been involved in the transfers. Crossing the Park is both absorbing and well researched. It is a must-read for any fan of either team and provides valuable insights into the fascinating history of both Everton and Liverpool. -- Owen Thomas * Kop On! Liverpool FC podcast *"Crossing The Park is a fantastic read for both Blues and Reds, detailing the history of those who dared to represent both sides of the city. As a fan of one of the two clubs, you will love this book. It brings vastly researched and brilliantly written tales of footballing people from Andrew Hannah to Conor Coady, Rafa Benitez and even Evertonian-turned-Liverpudlian Jamie Carragher. Even if you are a neutral, there will be something in this book for you. The intriguing backstories of these individuals will have you reading for hours, fascinated by the rivalry between the clubs that so few decided to cross, especially with the fantastic writing taking you through the journey. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable read and some interesting facts and figures, even including a “Legend” rating and “Traitor” rating for each player at both clubs as you go further through the years, brings an extremely interesting and entertaining look at the rivalry and those 34 men. A great book that is well worth sitting down with!" -- Rhys Jones * Everton Blue Army *"Anyone familiar with Peter Kenny Jones’ prior book entry in football discourse will be intrinsically aware of the writer’s ability to expertly craft a story from vast swathes of history. Broadening the focus away from one player in the form of legendary Red Billy Liddell, Jones takes on the shared history of Liverpool and Everton – and a whopping 34 players in the process. If that wasn’t enough, the author added the challenge of dissecting the two clubs’ complex rivalry and love/hate relationship to his plate in a 300-page waltz through the history books. With a topic where it appears quite simple to get bogged down in the small details and miss the bigger picture, Jones has succeeded in marrying the two components in a book that both respects history and invites the reader to be introspective about where they stand in the divide between Anfield and Goodison Park." -- Farrell Keeling * Empire of the Kop *"A brilliant read for Evertonians and Liverpudlians alike. From Andrew Hannah to Conor Coady, every player who ‘crossed the park’ is detailed in enthralling, informative and entertaining fashion. Peter’s dedication and commitment to chasing down the best possible stories for each individual only makes this book better from the outset and Rafa Benitez’s part to play alone is worth the purchase. I highly recommend Crossing The Park for anyone who wants to delve deeper into the history of the unique relationship between two of the biggest clubs in English football" -- Chris Coughlin * BBC Radio Merseyside *"I was interested in this book. Not just because of what I could find out about those who’ve played for both Merseyside clubs but to remind myself in a few cases of just how the mood of the city changed towards those who dared. Peter [has] researched [the book] meticulously... he covers everyone and covers the stories behind them. I won’t go into too much more detail but some of the stories about how players played for both sides, even though some moved elsewhere first, such as David Johnson and Steve McMahon." -- John Pearman * Red All Over The Land *"Crossing The Park is very neatly scribed by Peter Kenny Jones, who knows how to write interestingly on ‘The Men Who Dared To Play For Both’... Crossing The Park is a history lesson, ferrying readers’ minds across the Mersey; at the conclusion of Jones’s book one feels one has learned many new facts and figures, so... result!" -- Mark Watkins * Dare Radio *"Jones's writing style is engaging and accessible, and he has a knack for bringing each player's story to life with vivid detail and insightful analysis." * The Football Library *"This book is not only a comprehensive history of the individuals to have graced both clubs, but a window into the past of both and a fantastic insight into their histories. The knowledge Peter has on the individuals and their lives is astounding and the detail he goes into on each, while still keeping it concise and readable, is intricate... I would strongly recommend this book to Evertonians interested in exploring the Club’s history in terms of those who have been bold, or crazy, enough to cross Stanley Park. I would strongly recommend this book." -- Tom Clarke * The Toffee Blues *"Crossing the Park is an enjoyable look at those few individuals who have played or managed both of Liverpool's major teams. The profiles are short, sharp and interesting and together paint the picture of how rarely the park has been crossed but how fraught with risk it can be for those who attempt it. The profiles are short, sharp and interesting." -- Brendan Crowley * Sports Book Reviews *"Peter Jones builds on this friendly rivalry and brings 'history alive' with painstaking research of each player alongside exclusive interviews with many." * Love Wirral Magazine *
£17.09
Pitch Publishing Ltd Out of the Wilderness: A Director's Life at
Book SynopsisFormer Burnley FC director Clive Holt brings us the inside track on his 35 years at the club in a compelling memoir chock-full of anecdotes and previously untold stories. Every committee or boardroom needs someone who can ask awkward questions and see what might be coming around the next corner. Clive was that man at Burnley FC. Wherever Burnley were playing, he rarely missed a match, whether those dreadful games of the old Fourth Division when Burnley were in the doldrums, or the heady afternoons at Old Trafford, Stamford Bridge or the Emirates in the Premier League. Clive's knowledge of the workings of Burnley was encyclopaedic, and as company secretary he knew exactly what was going on throughout the club. He left the board in 2020 when Burnley were bought by the American company ALK, but continues to attend games with a devotion that has never wavered.
£19.54
Pitch Publishing Ltd The Social One: Why Jurgen Klopp was a Perfect
Book SynopsisThe Social One sets out why Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool Football Club are a match made in heaven. In 2015, a romantic German who had once dreamed of becoming a doctor found a pulse in the city of Liverpool and set about leading an intubated club back to the top of the English and European game. Klopp is not just the reformer of Liverpool FC, but a true leader and authentic father figure who has created the most beautiful working environment in modern football, based on his faith in the principles of teamwork and a love for his fellow human being. In the stronghold of socialism, Klopp, a man who says he would never vote for the right, spoke to the heart of the city, became an honorary Scouser and - in the eyes of many - the reincarnation of the legendary Liverpool leader Bill Shankly. Deep and engrossing, this detailed portrait of Klopp is not just a football book but a study of leadership and motivation.Trade Review"A compelling and insightful in-depth analysis of Jurgen Klopp's personal skills and motivational leadership qualities, Marios Mantzos’s The Social One unravels for the reader the qualities that Klopp displays. This is an outstanding insight into how the high level personal and managerial skills of Jurgen Klopp can be beneficial in other walks of life. Essential reading." * Love Wirral Magazine *"Not since Bill Shankly has there been a Liverpool, or indeed any club's, manager to attract such near universal approval and affection. The inspired title The Social One says it all, and the case author Marios Mantzos makes more than backs it up." * Philosophy Football *
£11.69
Pitch Publishing Ltd The Number Ten: More than a Number, More than a
Book SynopsisWhat makes the number-ten jersey so special? It's merely material and thread - the number only used for administrative purposes. Yet the number ten represents much more than football. Those wearing it carry the weight of expectation for club and country. Andy Bollen forensically examines the world's greatest players - from Puskás to Pelé, Maradona and Messi - and asks, what makes them tick? How did they reach legendary status? He explores how their will to win at all costs comes from their desire to overcome adversity - escape poverty, rejection or horrendous injury. Bollen scrutinises the illustrious players who wore the number-ten shirt, discussing the lives, careers and mindsets of the classic playmakers. Theirs is a unique mentality, a twisted logic and drive. Part brilliance, part elegant brutality, they are required to deliver an artistry, genius and creativity. Their play is elevated to a work of art, then, with great devilment, they are capable of wilfully slashing and destroying it.Trade Review"There are those who will argue that the truly inspired are the beneficiaries of what is called 'God-given talent' suggesting that some kind of alchemy has been passed on to sacred individuals as they await their entrance to the mortal realm. Bollen points out that there is not just one secret ingredient found in the petri dish that has produced some of the best footballers of all time but there are many similarities with work ethic, adversity, determination and mental strength chief among them." -- James Morgan * Glasgow Herald *
£15.29
Pitch Publishing Ltd El Ceramico: The Story of the Potteries Derby
Book SynopsisBarcelona-Real Madrid. Celtic-Rangers. Boca Juniors-River Plate. Stoke City-Port Vale? Few neutrals recognise the Potteries derby between the two Stoke-on-Trent teams as a fierce rivalry. The reason? The teams rarely meet in league clashes. The rivalry is strikingly divisive, even within the ST postcode area. But this derby is so much more meaningful than it is given credit for. In fact, it could be England's most underrated derby. Good rivalries require history, territorial conflict, exciting incidents and passionate fans in fierce defiance of those that profess local supremacy. The Potteries derby has all that and then some. Matches date back to the late 1800s, but the clubs have mostly been kept apart in the English football pyramid. When they have met - in the cup, promotion battles, relegation dogfights or just to claim bragging rights - this derby has delivered unforgettable moments. El Ceramico explores the history of the Potteries derby, with first-hand accounts telling the story of a rivalry like no other.
£15.29
Pitch Publishing Ltd The Conquerors: How Carlo Ancelotti Made AC Milan
Book SynopsisThe Conquerors charts the rise, fall and resurgence of AC Milan across one of the club's most legendary eras. Fresh from a coaching baptism of fire at either end of the top Italian divisions, former club favourite Carlo Ancelotti returned to a then-disjointed Rossoneri dressing room as first-team manager in 2001. Out of sorts, out of form and out of touch with the standards set by the side in Ancelotti's day, AC Milan found a much-needed stabilising influence in the new coach, who helped them through a phase of transition. Though his impact wasn't immediate, nor without its share of dissenters, Ancelotti would ultimately return the team to its former glory. The Conquerors is a homage to one of the greatest club sides in football history. It's a story of incredible talent, iconic moments and the kind of improbable redemption usually reserved for Hollywood movie scripts.Trade Review"Fans of the international and world game will surely enjoy reading this hardback, as I have." -- Mark Watkins * Dare Radio *
£17.09
Pitch Publishing Ltd Final Third!: The Last Word on Our Football
Book SynopsisFinal Third: The Last Word on our Football Heroes serves up another batch of funny, absurd and jaw-dropping tales discovered within more than 300 footballer autobiographies. Author John Smith has pored over the memoirs of the great and the good - as well as the not so good - so you don't have to. You're welcome. Final Third paints an intimate picture of our favourite football figures, using their own stories to show what makes them tick, what unites and divides them and exactly what they are prepared to share with us. They've seen things you wouldn't believe! The eye-opening stories include a defender deliberately driving a golf ball into Jimmy Hill's house, a goalkeeper confronted by a witch doctor in his penalty area, one football legend asking another to scale a church tower to stop the bells ringing, a manager who was like catnip to the wives of his directors and the England captain who drifted down the Thames. It all adds up to a fun third volume of the definitive digest of the autobiographies of our football heroes.
£19.54
Pitch Publishing Ltd 1923: Life in Football One Hundred Years Ago
Book Synopsis1923: Life in Football 100 Years Ago takes a deep dive into the matches, personalities and events that lit up the game a century ago. Based on exhaustive archival research, it’s also a social history that reveals how fans and footballers lived their day to day lives and how they were affected by the year’s happenings. What they ate, drank and how they spent their leisure time. How players trained and what they earned. Who the top clubs and players were and what type of tactics they used. What kit and boots they wore and how they prepared and travelled to games, often alongside the fans. The book explores why mining communities produced so many of the year’s top footballers, and how an amateur playing army captain made an unlikely debut for the full England side. From the infamous White Horse Cup Final and the shocking murder of footballer Tommy Ball, to the painful legacy of World War One on the game and the emergence of top professional football in Europe, it’s a unique look at a memorable year in football and beyond.
£11.69
Pitch Publishing Ltd El Más Grande: The Story of River Plate,
Book SynopsisEl Más Grande is the story of Argentina's biggest and most successful football club, River Plate. From their humble origins in the southern districts of Buenos Aires, River grew into one of the largest clubs in South America, earning the nickname 'The Millionaires' as they established themselves at the iconic Monumental Stadium. Over the years, River have propelled some of the greatest talents on the continent to fame, whilst enchanting generations of fans with their stylish play. The book journeys back to the 'máquina' team of the 1940s, arguably the most attractive club side of the pre-television era, with its fabled frontline of Moreno, Loustau, Pedernera, Labruna and Muñoz. It takes us through the great sides of the 1950s, 70s and 90s right up to the all-conquering reign of present coach Marcelo Gallardo. Along the way, we discover the great players who have worn the distinctive white shirt with the red sash - from Bernabé Ferreyra, Alfredo Di Stéfano and Enzo Francescoli to Manchester City's new signing Julián Álvarez.Trade Review"Mark Orton has deftly written a most interesting book, based on his travels to, and love of, South America – specifically football and River Plate, Argentina’s biggest club… this is a great, informative read." -- Mark Watkins * Dare Radio *
£21.25
Pitch Publishing Ltd Even Heskey Scored: Emile Heskey, My Story
Book SynopsisThe revealing autobiography of former footballer Emile Heskey. From humble beginnings, Emile became one of Leicester's favourite sons, as part of Martin O'Neill's swashbuckling misfits. In five years he won promotion, four top-ten Premier League finishes and two League Cups. England called, as did Gerard Houllier and an £11 million move to Liverpool, enabling Emile to form a memorable partnership with Michael Owen for both club and country. Then came the trophies - six of them, including the FA Cup, League Cup and UEFA Cup. Heskey's England career saw him play in two European Championships and two World Cups as part of the Golden Generation, earning 62 caps and scoring seven times - including the final goal in the 5-1 demolition of Germany. He went on to play for Birmingham City, Wigan Athletic, Aston Villa, Newcastle Jets and Bolton Wanderers, notably donating £100,000 to save Leicester City from extinction. Even Heskey Scored is the story of a largely unsung player, loved by his team-mates, who overcame fierce criticism to live the dream.
£11.69
Pitch Publishing Ltd Scotland 42 England 1: An Englishman's Mazy
Book SynopsisScotland 42 England 1 is an English OAP's light-hearted and affectionate look at Scottish football. Growing up in the 60s when 'abroad isn't for the likes of us' was a common refrain, Mark Winter developed a fascination with Scotland and its football clubs, his interest piqued by listening to the football results in compulsory silence as his grandad's pools coupon was checked. The process provoked many questions in the mind of the impressionable eight-year-old. Why had Third Lanark, apparently out of pure spite, won and stopped his grandad becoming a rich man? If East Fife was a town, why wasn't it on a map? When playing those cunning continentals, why did Scottish teams suddenly become British when they won? Fifty years later, Mark decides to visit all 42 league clubs north of Hadrian's Wall to separate the myths from the facts. Setting off from Dover each time, invariably he is met by a warm welcome, a hot pie and a strong drink. Along the way he has to climb the odd mountain. What he expects and what he finds are quite different.Trade Review"A delight to read and feel involved in, and it becomes apparent from very early on that watching a match with the amiable author and joining him on his travels would be a very pleasant way of passing the time indeed... probably the best thing [of] all about this book and the reason that it will appeal to fans of ‘real’ football, is that it keeps that connection going between supporters of clubs at a level that seldom receives much publicity, but that matter so much to their communities. This is a book written from the heart and with a passion and a desire to see football in its simplest form, and for me that makes it very special indeed." * On Magazine *"I thoroughly enjoyed this literary gem of a book, particularly the humorous observations on both Scottish football and society in general." -- Robert Marshall * Programme Monthly *"An absolute winner… The whole book is just one long volume of pleasure from one chapter to the next. Mark’s style of writing – self-deprecating and never taking himself too seriously – chimes with ordinary football fans… Mark is able to contextualise the place each ground has in each of the towns, and why that matters… Mark is a great raconteur, with great literary wit, a gregarious sort who will strike up a chat and a friendship over a beer – or several… This is a worthy addition to the pantheon of Scottish football books." -- Donald C Stewart * footballbookreviews.com *"This book's title must be every Scottish fan's dream score... This book is the entertaining account of his mission and its a thoroughly enjoyable read... It's jauntily written in a self-deprecating manner that acknowledges some mishaps along the way may be self-inflicted by a man of certain years."
£13.49
Pitch Publishing Ltd The Derby Game: A History of Local Rivalries
Book SynopsisToday, high-profile derby games trigger a febrile atmosphere and the odd brawl. But Derby Shrovetide Football was truly wild. One mob pitted its wits and muscle against the other. Players broke down walls, dived into freezing rivers and crawled through sewers. Thousands of fans filled the streets and civilised behaviour was suspended. But why did this game achieve national notoriety and then disappear in 1846? The Derby Game charts the century-long struggle to kill a tradition and the fanatical resistance of players and supporters. It is a fascinating tale of mobs and magistrates, bobbies and brickbats, dragoons and defiance. The book then explores the rise of the local derby, as football fever grips the UK. It covers the early clashes of local rivals in the Victorian football hotspots, tracing the roots of some time-honoured rivalries and separating the friendly derbies from the hostile. Discover how the derby became part of a global language as Britain exported football to the world.
£13.49
Pitch Publishing Ltd Divided Cities: The World's Most Passionate
Book SynopsisRivalry is everywhere in football, from battles on the pitch to boardroom politics, regional and national quarrels and fights for silverware. These conflicts spark countless debates over which are the 'biggest' and 'best' fixtures in the global game, but those involving teams from the same city are especially intense, both on and off the pitch. Divided Cities is a game by game account of the good, bad, indifferent but always eventful experiences of journeying to 11 of the world's most prominent same-city derbies. Along the way, Kevin Pogorzelski explores some of the most wonderful cities on Earth, delving into the rich histories of clubs and meeting the people who live and breathe the local football culture. Pogorzelski does not try to glorify the violence or animosity between ultra groups but stumbles into some tricky situations. Have you ever thought about embarking on your own football pilgrimage? Then this book is for you.Trade Review"Pogorzelski succeeds where many others have failed - in painting a colourful picture of the Rome Derby that acknowledges its layers of complexity rather than falling into the trap of believing it's all about violence or extreme politics. His account of the matchday experience - from both sides - coupled with thorough research of the sporting and historic elements that really fuel the rivalry make for an absorbing and nuanced study of a game that is often misunderstood." -- Alasdair MacKenzie, Rome-based Sports Journalist working with FourFourTwo, Reuters, iPaper"A superb first chapter, which makes me want to get back to Italy as soon as possible and sample more grounds. I couldn’t put it down!" -- Tom Underhill, author of The Working Hands of a Goddess"The chapter on Betis versus Sevilla is great! They describe everything perfectly and are the first person to explain about the ultras. Particularly the point at which some took a fascist outlook, but differ from other groups that broke away." -- Enrique Roldan, Professor at the University of Seville and founder of Betis Bohemio"Kevin Pogorzelski in Divided Cities focuses on eleven single city derbies, with all but two (the Old Firm and Merseyside version) from outside the United Kingdom. As a Liverpool fan, with a regular diet of Premier League football and virtually the same old teams season in, season out, Pogorzelski yearned for something more... For many this book will be the nearest they get to enjoying these encounters, [and] Divided Cities portrays to readers the intensity of the matchday experience and what it is to attend." * Football Book Reviews *
£13.49
Pitch Publishing Ltd 1992: The Birth of Modern Football
Book Synopsis1992: The Birth of Modern Football brings to life the key events from one of the most important years in football history. After the huge success of Italia '90 and the potential to show football around the world on TV, law makers, chairmen and players ushered in monumental changes to the structure of the game. Everyone remembers the first year of the Premier League, but changes to the backpass rule and the arrival of the newly branded Champions League would have a seismic effect on football. On the pitch, Italian clubs spent huge sums as they bolstered their squads for success at home and abroad. In England, Leeds and Manchester United were battling at the top of the league for the final season in the First Division. That sliding-doors moment really did have a huge impact on Alex Ferguson's men. To add to the growing changes, the revolution was televised. 1992: The Birth of Modern Football transports you back to the year that changed football forever.Trade Review"Fletcher delivers us a breeze of a good read from when it wasn't just the corner flag that was blowin' in the wind." -- Mark Watkins * Dare Radio *"Rob Fletcher's book on the key events from one of the most important eras in modern sport is a nostalgic, entertaining read from start to finish... explaining how the Premier League became the billion-pound modern-day monster but also how and why soccer around Europe changed during the same timeframe." -- Ger McCarthy * Top Ten Sports Books of 2023, The Southern Star *
£15.29
Pitch Publishing Ltd The Great Days of Sunderland: Six League Titles
Book SynopsisThe Great Days of Sunderland should be compulsory reading for every Black Cats fan. After a grim few years, it's important to remember that things were once very different for the club. David Potter transports us back to Sunderland's past glories - from the 'team of all the talents' that dominated English football in the 1890s, to the side that almost won the double in 1913, the great team of the 1930s that challenged the riches of Arsenal and the most recent success of 50 years ago, when Second Division Sunderland beat the mighty Leeds United in an epic FA Cup Final. Sunderland were champions of England six times before the Second World War and have won the FA Cup twice. Each of these triumphs is captured in detail and brought to life through vivid descriptions. Learn about club legends such as Ned Doig, Hugh 'Lalty' Wilson, Charlie Buchan, Raich Carter, Bobby Gurney, Ian Porterfield and Jim Montgomery, and relive some of the moments that did so much to enrich the lives of those who packed out Newcastle Road and Roker Park.
£17.09
Pitch Publishing Ltd Lionesses: Gamechangers
Book SynopsisEngland's emphatic victory at the 2022 women's Euros has been called a watershed moment both for the team and for women's football. But can this talented side prove their mettle on the biggest stage of all and achieve World Cup glory in 2023? Tactical writer Abdullah Abdullah once again lifts the lid on a women's footballing institution, this time through an international lens - deconstructing match tactics, analysing player performances and assessing the key improvements made in Sarina Wiegman's time in charge. Abdullah explores the standout tactical profiles from the current generation, including Fran Kirby and Lucy Bronze as well as the future crop, like Leah Williamson and wunderkind Lauren Hemp. This book dives into the specifics of how this iteration of the Lionesses can perform at the 2023 Women's World Cup. Will this be the moment they shed their status as perennial challengers and prove they are the best team in the world?Trade Review"Charlotte Stacey writes the Foreword, and she's right, 'Only a handful of the nation would have heard of Leah Williamson a year ago, and even less would have known Beth Mead, but fast forward to today and the pair are brandished on billboards, across the sides of buses and train stations, and are fast on their way, if they weren’t already, to becoming household names.' A very readable book." -- Mark Watkins * Dare Radio *"This is a book that must be praised for giving deserving focus to a deserving team… It’s hard not to admire Abdullah’s research, focus and attention to detail… What I found particularly fascinating was to see the team and the matches viewed through such a different lens… To have such a book published and for the author to have chosen the subject as his focus is a sign of evolving times… Books like Abdullah Abdullah’s Lionesses: Gamechangers offer a unique contribution to the genre." -- Jade Craddock * footballbookreviews.com *
£11.69
Pitch Publishing Ltd Roy Massey: A Life in Football and a Coach to the
Book SynopsisIn this compelling memoir, Roy Massey tells the fascinating story of his 50 years in football as a player, coach and scout, including a long spell at Arsenal during the Wenger glory years. As a player, Massey overcame a series of injuries to score goals for Rotherham, Orient and Colchester only for another serious injury to end his career at an early age. Unperturbed, he became a PE teacher and combined this with behind-the-scenes work to discover and nurture talent at Colchester United and later full-time at Norwich, where he helped the Canaries as they revolutionised their youth programme. When the FA agreed to allow clubs to attract and train children from eight years upwards, it was Massey whom Gunners legend Liam Brady asked to join him at Arsenal in 1998 as assistant academy manager. Over the next 16 seasons Massey helped build a new academy structure that would unearth and develop a wealth of young talent capable of playing at the top of the football ladder. Massey later scouted for three Premier League clubs.Trade Review"A fascinating memoir, Roy recalls signing a boy called Harry Kane but ultimately deciding he did not have what it took to make it at the top level... 'Nobody on the staff argued that I was making a mistake.' Indeed, it took so long for anyone to recognise the potential of England's record goalscorer that Tottenham also let him go, taking him back only after he impressed playing against them for Watford's academy team." * Backpass magazine *
£16.99
