Association football (Soccer) Books

Book SynopsisFear and Loathing at Goodison Park chronicles the David Moyes era at Everton, when a fallen giant of the English game fought to re-establish itself among football's elite. With relegation dogfights making way for Champions League qualification and the first cup final since 1995, David Moyes' tenure was underpinned by stability and a hopefulness that success would soon return to the blue half of Merseyside. It was, however, a period when the notion of success was redefined, not only for Everton but within the game as a whole. With the financial gulf widening in a league deluged by an influx of foreign investment and media conglomerates, Moyes' Everton became synonymous with operating on a shoe-string budget, in an era of multi-million -pound transfers and bloated wages. With billionaire takeovers reshaping the landscape of English football forever, the people's club's hopes of breaking through football's glass ceiling faded, leaving only fear and loathing at Goodison Park.Trade Review"There’s plenty of good detail in Fear and Loathin… A pleasure to chew over the 272 pages, Toffee lover or otherwise." -- Mark Watkins * Dare Radio *"An exhilarating and passionately written text... Lou’s knowledge of events and, more importantly, his deep passion as a supporter is clearly evident." * Love Wirral Magazine *

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Book SynopsisThe Forgotten Cup tells the colourful story of the Mitropa Cup, the inter-war equivalent of today's Champions League. One of the most prestigious football stages of the era - along with the World Cup, which was first played in 1930 - it was a tournament to determine the kings of Europe at the end of a round-robin competition. European football at the highest level was dominated by Italian and Danubian teams - Austrian, Hungarian and Czechoslovakian - and would remain so until the end of the Second World War. The top teams of the time have now fallen into oblivion, and the exploits of Europe's football stars are largely forgotten. Matthias Sindelar, Karel Pešek 'Kád'a, Giuseppe Meazza, György Sárosi and Josef Bican along with a few others were the icons of a sport that had just turned professional, born out of the frictions of a politically heated era with an atmosphere that reverberated on the pitch. The Forgotten Cup takes us back to that lost age.Trade Review"It’s a very interesting book on a long-forgotten competition that was the precursor to the European Cup and (later and current) Champions League… Seems obvious to me that much effort and research has gone into The Forgotten Cup and it’s been an education to delve into its 256 pages. Trivia and trainspotting brought to life by passionate writer Jo Araf." -- Mark Watkins * Dare Radio *"The powerhouses of Europe contested a forerunner to the European Cup called the Mitropa Cup, launched in 1927 and taking its name from its sponsors, a company that managed the sleeping and dining cars of trains travelling through Europe. Writer Jo Araf tracks the fascinating history of a tournament of which most modern fans would never have heard." * Backpass magazine *

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Book SynopsisMr Corinthian is the first-ever biography of Nicholas Lane ('Pa') Jackson, founding father of the famous Corinthian Football Club. This team of amateur gentlemen was a phenomenon in the game's early years. Achieving victories over FA Cup winners and league champions, their players twice comprised the whole England national team, while their overseas tours introduced the game to countries that would later become footballing superpowers. Jackson has been hailed as the architect, visionary and genius behind this celebrated club. But 'Pa', as he was affectionately known, was not what he seemed. An incorrigible self-publicist and social climber, he cultivated the appearance of a sophisticated English gentleman and a 'grand old man of sport'. For the last 100 years, his version of the Corinthian story, as told to club members, has been accepted as a faithful record of events - but it wasn't. Did the club's historians conspire to fabricate an undeserved reputation? This book is a search for the truth.Trade Review"A spirited history of football past… Walker, reviews the reputation of Corinthians' founding father, Nicholas Lane (PA) Jackson, in a very interesting manner... 9/10." -- Mark Watkins * Dare Radio *"Beautifully written, it's an intriguing tale. If you're in the origins of the Corinthians and Corinthian Casuals, this is how it all started. At last, conclusively and correctly told for the first time!" * Brothers in Football film *

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Book SynopsisStephen Brandt tells the story of how Brazilian club Flamengo became the best football team in the world, winning cups at every level before beating the mighty Liverpool in 1981 to capture the Intercontinental Cup. On one side were the kings of Europe who'd recently won their third European Cup in six years, and on the other side Flamengo, who had just won the Copa Libertadores. Amid the dying days of a military dictatorship, Flamengo brought home a country-unifying title, a feat not seen since Pele's Santos won back-to-back Intercontinental Cups in 1962 and '63. Along the way, we meet the special players of that golden generation, including the legendary Junior, the underdog Nunes, Zico, the small-statured talent who was dubbed the next Pele, and the brilliant Tita. The Brazilian side managed by Paulo Cesar Carpegiani played an attractive, free-flowing style of football that Europeans had never seen before. Just a year later they provided many stars for Tele Santana's great team that lit up the 1982 World Cup.Trade Review"Flamengo... gives the history of the club, their rivalry with Vaso da Gama and goes through the decades from 1981 to bring us up-to-date. All in a fairly fascinating way." -- Mark Watkins * Dare Radio *"Flamengo: Winning all the Cups by Stephen Brandt is an exceptional book that fills a significant void in English literature on Brazilian club football." * The Football Library *"Writer and podcaster Stephen Brandt takes a fresh look at this club in his new book. Flamengo: Winning All the Cups not only goes through the history of the club... It provides social and sporting context to Flamengo... Stephen Brandt perfectly captures the history of the club and the impact of wealth on Brazilian soccer." -- Rob Hay * World Soccer Talk *"Stephen Brandt is a writer who specialises in getting into the fine detail of his subject, writing about football all across the globe, and his passion for this team and the club’s history shines through on every page… [Flamengo] is well worth a read for anyone with even a passing [interest] in Brazilian football or specifically of Flamengo itself, well researched and told with genuine passion." -- Karl Hornsey * On:YorkshireMagazine *

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Book SynopsisWhen the Sky Was Blue celebrates Coventry City’s nine-season adventure in the Premier League, from founder members to relegation, through a compelling array of brand-new interviews with managers, players and other key figures from the time. While not the most glamorous club to have played in the division, few can match the Sky Blues for madcap tales. This book tells those stories through the memories of those who were there. Hear how Bobby Gould’s decision to hold pre-season in an army barracks led to near-death experiences and career-ending injury. Savour the glitz and glamour of Ron Atkinson’s whirlwind spell at Highfield Road. Relive Gordon Strachan making Robbie Keane Britain’s most expensive teenager. Oh, and there’s also those heart-stopping relegation battles, FA Cup heartbreak and the time Coventry City became ‘The Entertainers’.Trade Review"Very much striking the right tone as the writer wished in his intro, this is 224 pages of shared 'memories of players, managers and key individuals' – beginning where Rich Chamberlain came in as a fan, 15 August, 1992, Coventry City v Middlesbrough. City won, 2-1. A case of, 'While the sky is blue, we’ll never lose!' So, relive again, or for the first time, several mid-table finishes and lower orders and an 8th, according to this commendable book." -- Mark Watkins * Dare Radio *"Surprising in its honesty throughout: rarely do football tomes featuring ex players manage to go beyond the platitudinal 'great bunch of lads' and 'top, top coach', yet here we have genuine insight, sometimes lingering anger, as egos clash and hatchets are occasionally buried or continued. It is extremely refreshing to read for this reason. It regurgitates very little and finds new angles on old tales, adding much to the sum total of Coventry City knowledge from that time. The author needs applauding for his efforts in this regard. The book provoked plenty of nostalgia and much joy was found in the sense of hanging out with some of the favourite players of my Highfield Road childhood and adolescence. I consumed it in huge great chunks larger than Micky Quinn’s appetite." * Live in Some Other Moment *"When Coventry City were relegated from the Premier League in 2001, it ended an unbroken run of 34 years in the top flight of English football, a record for longevity bettered by only ten clubs in history. This books looks at the glamour of the sometimes madcap Premier League years under the management of Bobby Gould, Phil Neal, Ron Atkinson and Gordon Strachan." * Backpass magazine *"It's a very good read. I was in Lanzarote, I lay there on my sunbed and read the whole book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it brought back a lot of memories and also jigged a few things I hadn't remembered. It's very well put together and I would advise anybody who supports Coventry or enjoys the nostalgia and history to go out and buy it." -- Steve Ogrizovic * Coventry City legend *

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Book SynopsisThe King Takes Over: Liverpool and the Dalglish Years 1985–1991 is a fast-paced and nostalgic account of a time when Liverpool were the best team in the land, and played a brilliant style of football still talked about more than 30 years on. It is the story of how Liverpool’s greatest player became one of its greatest managers. Taking a wistful look back at the glory years of 1985–1991, the book revisits the great games and goals of the Kenny Dalglish era. It examines the circumstances of the Heysel tragedy and how Dalglish became Liverpool’s first player-manager in the darkest period in both the club and the city’s history, amid the chaos wrought by Thatcher’s government. How did the Hillsborough disaster impact Dalglish, the club, players and fans? How did John Barnes, the first black player signed by Liverpool, overcome racism from the terraces to become a legend in red? Why did the Reds not win the championship for 30 years after 1990? What were the real circumstances behind Dalglish’s shock resignation in 1991?Trade Review"Shareef Abdallah... takes us back to the third phase of the Reds' 'glory days', that’s after managers Shankly and Paisley (Bob, with the greatest cup haul, of all) to this, an attractive era played under Kenny Dalglish and so winning yet more silverware for the Anfield trophy cabinet... Heysel (1985), Hillsborough (1989), a 'photo finish' title-decider with Arsenal (1989), John Barnes suffering racism dribbling down the wing and 'King' Kenny’s resignation (and on to a first Premier League title with Blackburn Rovers) are all covered - and much more... A fine read." -- Mark Watkins * Dare Radio *

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Book SynopsisA Love Letter to Football is the story of how the beautiful game, from the litter-strewn pitches of the grassroots to packed stadiums at the top of the sport, can help carry us through our darkest days. In 2016, Mark Davies was diagnosed with a rare and incurable blood cancer. A lifelong supporter of Middlesbrough Football Club, his devotion to the club and passion for a game so cherished by billions of people has been essential in helping him navigate the uncertainty of diagnosis and treatment. It’s been a fundamental part of his life in other ways too, from dealing with depression to fatherhood, not to mention some of the trials and tribulations of life’s broader challenges.This honest, funny and entertaining account of a life-changing experience, love for a football club and the way the game has been a bedrock throughout his life underlines that football may not be more important than life and death, but the joy and ecstasy it can bring – even for a Middlesbrough fan – really can help when times are hard.Trade Review"Moving, funny and beautifully written. Mark Davies has delivered a wonderful, uplifting chronicle of where sport - in this case football - can take you when life has transported you to the darkest places. I cannot recommend it highly enough." -- Phil McNulty, Chief Football Writer * BBC Sport *"Profoundly moving, brilliantly written and beautifully observed, this is a Fever Pitch for our times, a wonderful antidote to the ills of modern football and a reminder of the power for good the game still wields." -- Oliver Holt, Chief Sports Writer * The Mail on Sunday *"A tender reflection on the way the love of football helps us cope with anything, even our own mortality." -- Alyson Rudd * The Times *"Absolutely brilliant... the most moving read of the year." -- Paul Ross * TalkSPORT *"Tears came to my eyes several times as I was reading this book and remembering the moments I lived through at Middlesbrough." -- Juninho * Middlesbrough legend and World Cup winner with Brazil *"A beautiful book... I recommend it whether you are a Boro fan or not... it is a wonderful document of love, kindness, ups and downs - it's got it all." -- Gary Philipson * BBC Radio Tees *"A great achievement." -- Neil Warnock * Middlesbrough manager 2020/21 *

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Book SynopsisKicking On! How Footballers Win the Post-Retirement Game of Life takes an upbeat look at players who have retired from the game to forge successful, positive and interesting second careers.Retirement can be a traumatic time of life – particularly if you’re in your mid-30s and football’s all you’ve ever known. Many retired players struggle to cope with that pivotal moment when they have to leave the game for good. There’s a heartbreaking trail of tales of those whose post-footballing lives have been sad or even tragic. But this book looks at the other side of the coin – the players who have flourished after hanging up their boots. Whether it’s setting up charities, helping others cope with the challenges of life, creating multi-million-pound businesses, going into the media, politics, or back into football itself, there are more than 200 former players here with inspiring feel-good stories to share. Kicking On! is solid proof that a successful footballing career can be just the first chapter in a fulfilling life.Trade Review"Tony Rickson has three books... Gooaal!, Football is Better with Fans and the brilliant, seminal new book Kicking On... I wonder if the PFA are going to give this out to players ending their career. It's essential." * The Football Library *"Author Tony Rickson's extensive research has enabled him to write of fascinating lives after football in Kicking On." * Sports Journalists’ Association *"Football journalist Tony Rickson's third post-retirement book Kicking On is a heartwarming and inspiring offering telling the tales of footballers who have flourished since hanging up their boots. This follows Gooaal! The Joy of Football Celebrations and Football is Better With Fans, titles which go some way to demonstrating how engaged and attached Rickson is to the game and how he's been able to unearth so many fascinating stories of former players... a collection of examples that really makes you feel good to read, to know that there’s hope for anyone to make a success of themselves several times over in life, and that your first stab at life and at the career you love doesn’t have to be the be all and end all." * On Yorkshire Magazine *

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Book SynopsisScotland 101 captures a flavour of all aspects of supporting Scotland, exploring the good and the bad, the highs and the lows, the joy and the sorrow. There are days Scotland fans will remember forever and days they’d rather forget – from Archie Gemmill’s dribble around the Dutch in 1978 to Gary McAllister’s penalty miss in 1996. There’s the 9-3 defeat to England in 1961, but there’s also Jim Baxter taking the mickey out of them in 1967; Jimmy Cowan’s heroics at Wembley in 1949 and Estonia’s no-show in Tallinn in 1996. Sometimes we’re not even sure if an event was good or bad, like Tommy Gemmell kicking Haller up the backside or the Tartan Army invading Wembley and breaking the crossbar. There’s hope and expectation. But there’s also despair and disaster. Scotland 101 is your guide to those moments that make following Scotland an adventure like no other.Trade Review"Tom Brogan has followed up his dissection of Scotland's 1982 World Cup campaign (We Made Them Angry) with Scotland 101, which, as the title suggests, offers up the details behind 101 of the most interesting, memorable, bizarre and fascinating moments and people in the history of the Scottish national football team. And what a history that involves... this excellent offering is full of varied and wonderful anecdotes." * On Magazine *

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Book SynopsisMatt Riley takes us on a fascinating and bizarre behind-the-scenes journey into the weird and wonderful world of Thai football. Working as an English Media Officer in Thailand, Riley was given unique access, seldom granted to foreigners, to the country's most powerful clubs. Thai Football Tales: Beautiful Madness is a report on his time inside the Thai football bubble. From spending the afternoon with Bryan Robson in the Manchester United team hotel, to persuading a player stopping off in Bangkok on the way to sign for an A League club to abandon his journey and play in Thailand, no two days were ever the same. At a meeting in the northern city of Chiang Mai when helping a friend secure a coaching contract, the chairman Matt was negotiating with jumped into a cage to wrestle a tiger. And after interviewing the ‘King of Buriram’, Riley found his every move was being watched – and filmed! Thai Football Tales is a jaw-dropping first-hand account of a Westerner's experiences in a unique and colourful footballing culture.Trade Review"If you have never lived in Thailand this book could be a wonderful piece of comedy fiction. However, having spent three years coaching the national team with Peter Reid and Bryan Robson I can reveal this is a wonderful piece of comedy! Full of unbelievable Thai tales; true stories. Such as the convicted murderer being allowed out of jail to become a referee of 'flexible ethics'." -- Steve Darby * former national team coach of Laos and Thailand *"With the 224 pages covering Matt's six years in Thai football, it's perfect for all football fans, particularly those with interest in the Thai game. As the author unveils much of what really went on behind the scenes as he worked as a journalist following his own dreams off his own back and no cash in return. You want Matt to win, but you've got a gut feeling something's about to come along and kick another ladder from underneath him, whether it was websites, TV shows, or even as an agent. Anyone who lives or has lived in Thailand and is involved with locals at work or in a relationship with a Thai can learn plenty from the book and probably understand the cultural issues that Matt faced." -- Rob Bernard * A Thai Football Podcast *

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Book SynopsisCotton, Cricket and Football: Billy Cook, the Life of a Lancashire League Legend is the colourful story of one of Lancashire’s greatest sportsmen of the pre-war era, told from the perspective of his daughter, a mill-worker in Burnley. Billy Cook played cricket in the golden era of ‘Gentlemen and Players’ but he was no gentleman. He played to win and he played for money – the money generated by the cotton mills of Lancashire. Billy played with and against some of the legends of the time, including Syd Barnes, Archie MacLaren and Learie Constantine. In the winter he was a hard-tackling full-back for Oldham Athletic, who achieved national notoriety for his win-at-all-costs approach to the game. Billy’s sporting career was interrupted by his service on the Western Front, where he narrowly avoided death. He returned to the Lancashire League to set records that still stand today. Cook was the archetypal hard-nosed professional, who entertained the working men of Lancashire for more than 30 years.Trade Review"There are a number of strands to Cook’s life that contribute to the story that Kaye has to tell...outside the mainstream of cricket literature Cotton, Cricket and Football works on every one of the many levels of the lives of Billy Cook and his contemporaries that it explores, and it is highly recommended." -- Martin Chandler * CricketWeb.net *"This is a very worthwhile book.. Besides Barnes, Cook played with other greats of the era, particularly Learie Constatine and Archie MacLaren, which encounters add considerably to the whole." * Association of Cricket Statisticians and Historians *

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Book SynopsisTo Cap It All is the enthralling life story of legendary Port Vale manager John Rudge, providing special behind-the-scenes insight into the ups and downs of six decades of professional football, from the depths of the Division Four re-election zone to the Premier League and Europe. Rudge managed the Valiants for a record 19 years, developing players like Robbie Earle, Mark Bright and Ian Taylor. As Vale slayed giants such as Spurs, Southampton and Everton, Rudge became a style icon famous for his flat cap. He moved to city rivals Stoke in 1999 to become director of football and oversaw the club's revival to reach the Premier League and their first ever FA Cup final. But it wasn't all plain sailing. John describes his volatile relationship with Vale chairman Bill Bell and speaks out about Stoke's Icelandic owners and manager Johan Boskamp, who had Rudge put on garden leave. This hilarious memoir also reveals why a second-hand Lada changed John's life, how he once signed a drag artist and why he ended up in Denis Law's bed!

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Book SynopsisPride Before the Fall: How Derby County went from Play-Off Final to Near Extinction is the ultimate cautionary tale of how chasing Premier League riches can lead a club to the brink of collapse. It’s a story of how one of English football’s greatest clubs were on the cusp of Premier League football, but instead were left to rue play-off heartache and then went down a path of EFL charges and legal battles, phantom takeovers from American and Saudi businessmen, administration, points deductions and a seemingly endless stream of financial woes. That tiny snowflake in the background would turn into a raging snowstorm. But before all that England and Manchester United’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney turned up to partner with former Barcelona captain Phillip Cocu to lead a play-off push back to English football’s top tier – at least that was the plan. The book examines how a founding member of the English Football League – and two-time First Division champions – were nearly wiped off the face of the earth.

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Book SynopsisErnie! is a heartfelt tribute to lower-league football hero Ernie Moss, a local boy made good who became a Chesterfield goalscoring legend. Ernie earned his place in footballing folklore for his phenomenal longevity and as Chesterfield's record goalscorer, netting 192 times for the Spireites across three separate spells. Popular at every club he graced, Ernie was loved by fans and colleagues alike, and after hanging up his boots he enjoyed time as a manager. Tragically, having battled countless tough defenders in his playing days, Ernie found himself battling Pick's disease, a form of dementia that robbed him of the pleasures of retirement. In an ironic twist of fate, it is believed Ernie's neurological disorder was caused by his footballing speciality - heading a ball with accuracy and power. Fans, family and fellow players help tell the tale of a footballer who enriched his profession with passion and dedication. This is a story of skill and success, heartbreak and honesty, football and family.Trade ReviewStephen Poxon is a freelance writer engaged in a range of writing projects. This is his first venture into football writing, although he has contributed articles to football programmes. He is a fan of Manchester City, Hartlepool United and St Albans City. He once failed a trial with Burnley, sitting alongside Trevor Steven in the changing room (Trevor Steven went on to play for England; Stephen went home)."A fitting tribute to a Chesterfield, and football, hero. Poxon has compiled entertaining and engaging stories and anecdotes from a huge array of people who met Moss. Some knew him well, others less so, but they all have their own memories. With a foreword from Roy McFarland, an introduction from Miller and contributions from the likes of Neil Warnock, Mark Bright and the late John Duncan, it's a wonderful read. There's warmth, humour and reminders of more innocent times. Whether you're a Chesterfield fan or not, it's a book to cherish." -- John Lyons * Late Tackle *

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Book SynopsisGive it to Moore, He Will Score! is the authorised biography of footballing icon Ian Storey-Moore, Nottingham Forest’s legendary forward of the 1960s and early 70s. Scoring more than 100 top-flight goals for Forest, he became the most sought-after striker in the land. An England international, injury robbed him of numerous caps and a place at the Mexico 1970 World Cup. Moore’s sensational on-off transfer to Derby County for a British record fee was front-page news and left Brian Clough unable to speak to him for two decades. Joining Manchester United instead, he played alongside Best, Law and Charlton before sampling life in the nascent US soccer scene. Here, for the first time, the authors tell the full story of Moore’s life and career, drawing on their extensive interviews with him, his personal scrapbooks and their own first-hand memories. With Moore still a hugely popular figure among fans, his story is essential reading for Forest and United supporters, plus anyone with an interest in football history.Trade Review“So, Moore’s memories mined and his fathers scrapbooks plundered being just part of the depth that goes into this well-researched book to produce an accurate account of a top playing career that (mainly) included Nottingham Forest, Manchester United & Burton Albion. It iincludes a truly great and original picture section [and] a detailed statistics layout chronicling all that constitutes the ‘He Will Score’ aspect. Martin O'Neill says in the foreword: ‘I am so pleased that, for Ian Storey-Moore, the story of this wondrous footballer is now being told.’ Indeed it is, and told well.” -- Mark Watkins * Dare Radio *"Give it to Moore, He Will Score! by Stuart Humphreys and Richard Harrison is a wonderful book for anyone who watched Ian Storey-Moore play football, or with a passing interest in Nottingham Forest... The almost glorious 1966/67 season is covered in great detail, 'that' aborted transfer from Forest to Derby County and although brief, Moore’s time in the States is fascinating." * United We Stand *"Packed full of brilliant stories… Storey-Moore is one of football’s raconteurs, with a wealth of material from his encounters with characters such as Brian Clough, George Best and Jim Baxter…" -- Matt Barlow * Daily Mail *

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Book SynopsisFormer Glories and New Beginnings takes us on a nostalgia-filled journey through Aberdeen FC’s glory years, while looking ahead to a promising future. The mere mention of the word ‘Gothenburg’ to older Dons fans instantly conjures memories of European nights under the floodlights, of Simpson and Strachan, McLeish and Miller, of Munich and Madrid. Mention ‘Gothenburg’ to younger fans and they know – it is a story etched in the annals of Scottish football. This book recreates not just one magical European trophy-winning night in May 1983, but the club’s trophy-laden golden era of the late 1970s to mid-80s. The moment a young manager called Alex Ferguson arrived, the balance of power began to shift. Only the best win championships, only the best win trophies at home and abroad. Forty years on, Aberdeen has been away from the top table for too long. Under the stewardship of Dave Cormack, the club is entering a new era, giving fans high hopes for the future.

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Book Synopsis1953 offers a unique snapshot of life in and around football during Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation year – exploring the matches, personalities and events that lit up the game. Wembley saw its most exciting FA Cup Final ever with Stanley Matthews finally lifting the trophy. The top flight witnessed its closest-ever finish, and internationally the Mighty Magyars gave England a footballing lesson, as did Uruguay and Argentina. Sheffield Wednesday’s star striker Derek Dooley tragically lost a leg, and exasperated players went on strike over the unfairness of the contract system and the maximum wage. Others travelled to Colombia in a bid to make mega-money in a FIFA-banned rebel league. Many negotiated the first-ever image rights deals and endorsed everything from football boots and Lucozade to cigarettes and paint. In a fitting tribute to the new queen, eight of England and Scotland's best teams would clash in a one-off tournament to mark the start of Elizabeth II's reign, the Coronation Cup.Trade Review"A welcome follow up to 1923… Close has produced a very interesting book, indeed. Highly recommended. Rating: 10/10." -- Mark Watkins * Dare Radio *"This book is fantastic... wonderfully told tales of the Mighty Magyars, the Matthews Final and the story of Derek Dooley." * Fussball Geekz TV *"Close does the events of the year full justice... it's to his credit that he tells an honest tale and not one that could have been so easily sugar-coated." * On Yorkshire magazine *"Marvin Close has done a fine job with this memory jogger of a time when players freely smoked before matches...and travelled on buses with the fans." * Sports Journalists Association News *"Marvin Close draws on hours of painstaking research to paint a vivid picture of football in Britain in 1953... a fascinating narrative." * Backpass magazine *

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Book SynopsisMastering the Premier League is the story behind the success of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. It offers an in-depth look at the tactical concepts underlying a footballing superpower - revealing who does what, how and why. Discover the secrets of the game model developed by Guardiola that sets City apart from the rest. When Guardiola joined Manchester City in 2016 there were doubts that he could replicate his successful model of football in the English game. But after a single season of acclimatisation we saw those doubts shattered as City won the Premier League in 2017/18 with a record 100 points. Beyond the trophies and the records, however, lies a yet more intriguing story - of how Guardiola adapted and perfected the tactical principles that had made him so successful at Barcelona and Bayern Munich. Who played the key roles on the field, enabling Manchester City's successes of 2017-19. And why the other Premier League sides were unable to stop the City juggernaut sweeping aside all in its path.

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Book SynopsisA People's History of Tottenham Hotspur is the story of how fans helped create the identity of a world-famous club and tells a story from a perspective rarely acknowledged. Drawing on social history, contemporary press reports and first-hand interviews with the fans themselves, authors Martin Cloake and Alan Fisher trace the club's development from being the team of the suburbs and the rising south, through the glory years and the arrival of mass, popular culture, and into the modern era of the game. It is not a tale of trophies won and lost, of players bought and sold. Instead, it is the story of how one of the game's oldest and most famous teams was formed and established by its fans and how its identity was created by them. It evaluates how the fans' relationship with the club has evolved, as the game has changed: from those bygone days, when a club was at the heart of a local community, to the modern era, where the world's leading football clubs have to compete as multinational 'brands', appealing to fans on a global scale, stretching much further and wider than the north London footprint than the club's founders would have ever imagined.

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Book SynopsisPotter, Hopcutt and a Desk in East London charts the improbable rise of Östersunds FK (OFK) from the Swedish fourth division to the Europa League. Looking for a distraction from their mundane office lives, two childhood York City fans are drawn in by the ascent of two men with loose connections to their hometown club, OFK manager Graham Potter and midfielder Jamie Hopcutt. As a passing interest becomes a full-blown obsession, the pair follow Östersunds across Europe, from a war-torn Ukraine, to a Howard Kendall-themed bar in Bilbao, to a defining night at the Emirates. Fascinated by the people they meet along the way, the pair discover a team of misfits rejected at almost every level, a fan base confused by their Scandinavian fascination and a club not afraid to do things differently while knocking out some of Europe's most storied clubs. This book is an ode to the underdog and an invigorating reminder of the power of football fandom to provide the perfect escape.

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Book SynopsisLeeds United fanatic and gifted storyteller Rocco Dean brings us the next chapter in the Whites’ recent history with a match-by-match account of two wildly contrasting and unforgettable seasons. Leeds’ first two seasons back in the top flight after a 16-year absence were anything but dull. Bielsa’s electrifying brand of breathless football took the Premier League by storm, but while their team stole the hearts of the neutrals, the Covid-19 pandemic robbed Leeds supporters of the chance to see the triumphant return in the flesh. In Season Two the fans returned but the team lost their zest, culminating in the sacking of Bielsa and a dramatic scrap for survival that was only settled with the last kick of the season. Looking beyond the intoxicating action on the pitch, this book captures the wisdom and unique nature of ‘El Loco’, the anguish of lockdowns and football behind closed doors, the joy of returning to stadiums, the despair of a relegation battle and the grief of becoming a ‘Widow of Bielsa’. Fans of Rocco Dean’s previous Bielsa book, Marcelo Bielsa vs The Damned United, will love this enthralling sequel.

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Book SynopsisAcclaimed author Carrie Dunn, one of the most respected voices in women’s football, brings us a unique insight into a fast-growing and massively popular sport at a crucial moment. This is the third book in Dunn’s popular series exploring the women’s football pyramid. The Lionesses' famous triumph, beating old rivals Germany at Wembley to become European champions, gave them a platform to call on the world to do better when it comes to women's football – to give girls equal opportunities to boys, and to lift up inspiring female role models. But was it too little too late? While Women's Super League matches sold out if they could guarantee a gold-medal-winning Lioness, the rest of the pyramid still had their own challenges to face. From training pitches to home stadia, from sponsorship to electricity bills, women all over England continued to fight a battle that had been going on for more than a century – to be treated as footballers, not second-class citizens. This is the story of the season after the summer before.

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Book SynopsisRevolution of Wolves charts the dramatic progress of Wolverhampton Wanderers both on and off the pitch over the last 20 years, starting with the club’s first promotion to the Premier League. From local-born benefactor Sir Jack Hayward to global investment conglomerate Fosun International, the boardroom changes have been matched by those in the dugout as Wolves went from a traditional English-based 4-4-2 team under Dave Jones and Mick McCarthy to a cosmopolitan European outfit under Nuno Espirito Santo. The book brings us exclusive interviews with those at the heart of the story. Alongside all the promotion winners, managers such as Glenn Hoddle and Paul Lambert give their first interviews about their time at Wolves. We hear stories from the likes of Paul Ince, Joleon Lescott, Karl Henry, Conor Coady, Diogo Jota and Ruben Neves as well as boardroom insight from Jez Moxey, Steve Morgan and Jeff Shi. Revolution of Wolves is the most comprehensive and authoritative work ever written about the modern Wolverhampton Wanderers.

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Book SynopsisShankly, My Dad and Me is the fascinating story of Gordon Milne, one of Bill Shankly’s first and most important Anfield signings, who played a key part in transforming Liverpool into a footballing dynasty. Moulded by his footballing father, Gordon was a successful player, manager and administrator at home and abroad. He played with, for, worked alongside and managed some of football’s most legendary names: Finney, Moore, Mortensen, Greaves and Lineker to name a few. Capped 14 times by Sir Alf Ramsey, he narrowly missed out on selection for the World Cup-winning squad in 1966. But this book is not about games, goals or medals; for Gordon, facts and figures remain secondary. Instead, this enthralling account spans six decades of an incredible journey through the game and his encounters along the way. From Preston to Newcastle via Liverpool, Blackpool, Wigan, Coventry, Leicester, Turkey and Japan, Gordon recounts his tale with honesty, humility and humour – while remaining eternally grateful for a bout of glandular fever! With forewords by Mark Lawrenson and Gary Lineker.Trade Review"A fascinating read." -- Mark Watkins * Dare Radio *"An extraordinary life in football. A nostalgic and evocative journey." -- Christopher Wood * Red All Over The Land *

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Book SynopsisBob Bond takes us on a nostalgic journey through FA Cup history, telling the story of football's oldest competition through captivating match cartoons.For a century and a half the FA Cup's power to excite and fascinate fans the world over has never ceased. Every year we wait for the balls to fall out of the velvet bag to see where 'our team' will be travelling to, and as always, we'll be hoping and believing that this year will be 'our year'.This book recalls not only the cup finals, but some of the great matches, players, goals, upsets and infamous moments in FA Cup history. In days gone by, the match cartoon was a regular newspaper feature. But now, with instant TV coverage and endless replaying of incidents, it is a thing of the past. So, take a trip down memory lane with the history of one of the world's greatest football competitions elegantly depicted in illustrated form, from Victorian times to the present day.Trade Review"Vibrant football art brought to life… Key FA Cup ties (and Finals), since the competition began, are drawn and described in colourful fashion. A real treat for the eyes. Even my home club, Reading, are featured in a 3-3 draw with Preston North End (who first won the Cup in 1938) and I particularly love the ‘strictly’ diving David Seaman on page 239. It’s a great, fun way to bring soccer statistics to life with FA Cup magic in all the cartoons and caricatures. Rating: 9/10." -- Mark Watkins * Dare Radio *

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Book SynopsisThe Unhappy Hero delves into the emotionally turbulent life of Denmark and Luton Town hero Lars Elstrup.Elstrup captivated Europe by scoring the pivotal goal for Denmark against France in the 1992 European Championship, and became a hero at Luton as he helped rescue them from relegation. But despite his footballing success, he endured an ongoing struggle with paralysing performance anxiety and depression. He left top-level football in 1993, seeking a fresh start and embarking on a spiritual path. He joined the cult of The Heart of the Sun, but found he could not escape his demons.This is an intimate portrait of one of football's most scandalous figures, exploring the psychological pressure and performance culture prevalent in the clubs he played for, including Feyenoord and Luton. The book shines a light on mental health in sport and the immense pressures faced by athletes, to spark a broader conversation around mental well-being in society and the need for discussion and support.Trade Review"Lars's ups and downs with football AND ups and downs with depression are sympathetically described as well as his unusual involvement with the so-called Heart Of The Sun cult… Lars Elstrup is quoted in the book as saying, 'A football match is a team effort'. Just as this book is, taking two to write it, and well." -- Mark Watkins * Dare Radio *

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Book SynopsisFrom Red to Read: The Story of Fergie's First Fledgling at Manchester United is the compelling tale of former professional footballer Dr Alan Tonge and his journey from Manchester United to PhD graduate. Alan became Sir Alex Ferguson's first acquisition when he signed for the Red Devils as a schoolboy in January 1987. He turned professional with his boyhood club but suffered the heartbreak of being released when he was 19. A move to Exeter City provided the opportunity to play first-team football under World Cup-winner Alan Ball before a serious back injury ended Tonge’s football career at the age of just 22. After feeling completely lost and enduring mental-health battles, Tonge rebuilt his life by reinvesting in his education. He achieved numerous academic qualifications, culminating in a PhD, alongside a successful career as a university lecturer. From Red to Read is the inspirational story of a man who found an alternative route to success and happiness after his dreams of a football career were cut short.

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Book SynopsisBring Me that Horizon is a fascinating quest into the heart and soul of Portuguese football.Journeying across its landscape, from old and forgotten bastions of invincibility to new, muscled industrial areas where dreams come true, the book uncovers the multiple identities of Portugal as a nation.Whether visiting historical clubs that were miraculously brought back to life or getting to grips with the complexity of Portugal's 'Game of Thrones' fight for supremacy, the book traces a route north to south, island to island, without forgetting the profound connection with Africa and Brazil.From Eusébio's glorious career to Cândido de Oliveira's adventures as a British intelligence agent, the book reveals a nation that already had fantastic tales to tell before it became the flavour of the month for football hipsters at the turn of the millennium. There's much more to Portugal's football heritage than Ronaldo and Mourinho.

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Book Synopsis90+2: Last-Minute Moments that Changed Football History is a thrilling, exhilarating and rousing journey through some of the most dramatic sporting events of the last 40 years. The book takes the reader on an unforgettable trip through the late twists that defined some of football’s biggest matches, with late goals of great consequence that deserve a lasting place in history. There are the title races brought to stunning conclusions, the roller coaster of emotions that come via last-gasp goals in relegation battles and incredible cup final finishes that left one side elated and another in despair. There are the scarcely believable second-leg recoveries and some epic international tournament showdowns.90+2 is a glorious look at some of the craziest conclusions that football has ever seen. The board going up to signal the amount of added time marks the very moment the chaos begins. This is football at its most intense!

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Book SynopsisRise of a New Dynasty charts FC Barcelona Femini''s journey from 2019 to 2023 with in-depth tactical analysis and player interviews. Barcelona is an iconic brand in European and world football, and the men''s team''s success has been mirrored by the achievements of the women''s team, creating a sense of unity throughout the club.Barcelona Femini has emerged as one of Europe''s most dominant forces of recent times, winning the UEFA Women''s Champions League in 2021 and again in 2023 to solidify their legacy.The book explores the factors behind their sustained growth, analysing the tactics and strategies that led to their success in Europe. It highlights the contributions of Ballon d''Or winner Alexia Putellas, as well as other superstars like Caroline Graham Hansen and Aitana Bonmati, and examines how they came together as a cohesive unit to conquer Europe.

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Book SynopsisBring Me Sunshine is the remarkable story of Luton Town''s rise from non-league to the Premier League, told through exclusive interviews with players, coaches and executives who made it happen.It''s a story made all the more remarkable by the obstacles they had to overcome along the way, not least on the two occasions when manager Nathan Jones left in search of a bigger stage. Yet Luton''s outstanding success in player recruitment, exemplified by history-making midfielder Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, allowed the side to bounce back from the setbacks that came their way.Bring Me Sunshine goes behind the scenes to find out how the Hatters consistently triumphed in the transfer market, and unearths further secrets to their success. This is a book not only for Luton supporters, but for all football followers who love a classic rags-to-riches tale.

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Book SynopsisThe Man with the Plan: Howard Wilkinson''s Leeds United is the extraordinary tale of how Wilkinson revived a football club that had fallen on hard times, and developed the best team in the country.When this master builder became manager of Leeds United in 1988, the team was struggling at the bottom of the Second Division, but a meeting of the minds with chairman Leslie Silver and a ten-year plan for the transformation of the club was hatched. In less than four years, Leeds had won promotion to the top flight, become Football League champions and were back in European competition for the first time in 13 years.It was an extraordinary period in the history of the game: at the start of a new era at home and abroad, with the arrival of the Sky-backed Premier League and UEFA''s new-look Champions League. With both came a new level of wealth thanks to ground-breaking television deals. Leeds were once again at the top table of English

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Book SynopsisThe Sons of Revie is the definitive account of ten incredible seasons at Leeds United, told through the eyes of a young supporter who grew up on the glory and heartbreak of cheering on his team from the Scratching Shed at Elland Road and all around the country.The 1960s and 70s was a golden age for English football, a time when legends were made at all the biggest clubs in the country, yet an unfashionable club with no history of success emerged from the bottom of Division Two to tower over the rest.Led by their visionary manager, Don Revie, a squad almost entirely made up of home-grown youngsters rewrote the record books and became one of the greatest teams in history, chasing multiple trophies every season and winning almost everything there was to win, yet their legacy would be dominated by controversies and disappointments as they so often fell at the final hurdle, by fair means or foul.From Dirty Leeds to Super Leeds, there has never been a

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Book SynopsisEuro 1984 tells the fascinating story of perhaps the greatest of all European Championships: one that was barely covered on UK television, after none of the home nations qualified. It was a footballing summer that thrilled so many with wonderful displays of attacking football and iconic matches, featuring majestic players.The story begins with a wealth of captivating stories which emerged through the qualifying stage: dramatic tales of success, failure and controversy which all combine to add to the allure of this greatest of tournaments.The finals played out in France, at a time when the European Championship was still in its infancy as an eight-team tournament. It proved a watershed for the competition, as great games in wonderful stadiums captured the imagination across the continent; at a time when idealism still prevailed over pragmatism, when adventurous football was rewarded.Euro 1984 r

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Book SynopsisPlaying to Fix tells the story of a group of Dubai street cricketers who chased down the dream of international cricket, working their way from dusty, tape-ball cricket on desert pitches to the international stage and almost reaching the pinnacle of world cricket only to throw it all away by being drawn into the murky world of match fixing.This is the story of the United Arab Emirates team, who were on the brink of qualifying for the 2019 T20 World Cup in England. Instead of making it to the finals, a number of the players were seduced by the illegal betting syndicates operating across in the Indian subcontinent. They fell from the incredible high of competing against and in some cases beating the world''s best cricketers, to the shattering low of being caught by the ICC''s anti-corruption unit for match fixing, resulting in lengthy bans and a very public humiliation.With unprecedented insight and access to those fighting to rid cricket of

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Book SynopsisLions in the Wilderness: England''s Decade of Decline traces the trials and tribulations of the England football team in the 1970s.It was a decade that began with the Three Lions being deposed as holders at the 1970 World Cup in Mexico, and ended with them failing to appear in another major tournament until the 1980 European Championship. Manager Sir Alf Ramsey, who led England to their famous 1966 World Cup Final triumph over West Germany at Wembley, lost his job in the wake of his side''s calamitous failure to qualify for the 1974 tournament, while ultimate successor Don Revie walked out in highly controversial fashion to take charge of the United Arab Emirates and leave Ron Greenwood to pick up the pieces of his country''s shattered reputation.Lions in the Wilderness also focuses on the personalities who shaped English football in the 70s and charts the growing emergence of black players, culminating in right-back Viv Anderson becoming the first

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Book Synopsis The Summer of Total Football: The 1974 World Cup captures the mood of a memorable 24 days in the early 1970s as the balance of footballing power shifted.Throughout history, the World Cup has often discovered people's champions' that do not become tournament winners, such as the Netherlands in 1974. Beaten by the host nation, West Germany, the Dutch captivated the crowds at WM74, spearheaded by their captain, Johan Cruyff. This was supposed to be Cruyff's World Cup and right up until the final, he demonstrated why. But West Germany, who were galvanised by their own talisman, Franz Beckenbauer, had other ideas. Initially burdened by being the home team, they improved as the tournament progressed and refused to be overawed by the Dutch. The indomitable spirit of West Germany, which characterised their style in the decades after 1974, came to the fore as they won their second World Cup.This was the World Cup of Total Football', a style of play that was pr

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Book Synopsis Rise of the Underdogs: Football's New World Order is the ultimate guide to the changing landscape of modern football.As FIFA president Gianni Infantino declared, There are no more small teams and no more big teams.' This book goes in search of how and why these changes have come about from Croatia, a nation of just four million people, reaching the World Cup Final to Morocco writing African football history.Each chapter explores how football clubs and associations are breaking down barriers, with stories of icons such as Erling Haaland, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Mohamed Salah. There are first-hand accounts from those who helped them conquer the odds and reach unprecedented heights, as well as behind-the-scenes insights into why clubs and countries worldwide are breaking new ground.With exclusive views from coaches, players and other professionals worldwide, this is a far-reaching guide to football''s exciting new landscape.

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Book SynopsisFifty Great World Cup Matches and Why You Should Watch Them ! is a highly entertaining guide to the most memorable matches of the last 13 tournaments, from West Germany 1974 to Qatar 2022, analysing 50 great games.Each match is discussed in detail, including the events leading up to it and its legacy. Written in an engaging style, the book brings to life the thrilling match-ups, the legendary players and the surrounding controversies, immersing the reader in every tournament.For those who remember the games, the book will revive fond memories and provide a fresh perspective, while readers who do not are in for a treat in discovering for the first time a plethora of magical World Cup moments.This fascinating book will give you a deeper appreciation of the great teams and players, and how they fit into the World Cup narrative of the last 50 years, reminding you why the World Cup is the greatest football competition on Earth.

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Book SynopsisWhen the Covid-19 lockdown hit in March 2020, millions of people suddenly found themselves confined to their homes, with their lives on hold as the planet fought a deadly pandemic.Land of the Giants: My Journey Through the World of Table Football chronicles the author's discovery of a vibrant Subbuteo sub-culture and the emergence of an online community that was determined to keep alive a game under threat.Over a period of three years Derek Air met and interviewed dozens of those dedicated to the game.This book tells their stories: the collectors who scour the charity shops, collectors' fairs and online auction sites in search of that rarity they hope will complete their collections; the players who take the game so seriously that they train as hard for competition as their 11-a-side counterparts; the artists, who paint their figures and bring to life great teams, past and present and even those that recreate famous stadia at sc

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Book SynopsisFrom Medals to Toffee Tins celebrates the 150th anniversary of Heart of Midlothian - Edinburgh''s oldest and most successful football club - by examining its long and varied history through the unique lens of 150 memorabilia objects.This lavishly illustrated book charts triumphs of the trophy-laden golden periods of the 1890s and 1950s, the glory of the players who went to war in 1914 and more recent Scottish Cup successes, as well as the great teams and legendary players from every era of the club''s history. The story is told through every type of Hearts memorabilia imaginable, including medals, caps, programmes, tickets, badges, menus and photographs, as well as more unusual items such as boots, scarves, lamps, ceramic tiles and the toffee tin of the title.In this digital age, preserving history through tangible items has never been more important, and Hearts fans will love this beautifully presented showcase of the memorabilia of their favourite cl

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Book SynopsisUnder the Floodlights! is the fascinating story of the League Cup, charting its rich history through 64 seasons, with contributions from the people who were there - players, fans, managers, journalists and match officials.The competition was conceived in 1960 as an alternative to the FA Cup, with midweek cup matches to be played under the floodlights. Initially, though, it was met with indifference by clubs and derision by Fleet Street.The format of the competition was changed several times, and it wasn''t until 1967 that it really picked up traction when the final was moved to Wembley and changed to a single leg.It went from strength to strength, with all 92 clubs competing over the next few years and European places up for grabs. Unlike the FA Cup, the League Cup final has featured clubs from the bottom tiers of the Football League.As the competition approaches its 65th anniversary, this book brings us the full untold story.

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Book SynopsisTinpot is the story of football''s lost tournaments: the strange and forgotten competitions that sparked into life before shuffling off their mortal coil. The book tells their stories, giving them the spotlight they deserve.It''s time for something different. It''s time to go somewhere new. It''s time to wander off the highways of football history and see where long-discarded paths lead.England''s major football tournaments seem to have been with us forever. The FA Cup stretches back over 150 years, while the Football League is the oldest competition of its kind in the world. They are the survivors - the bright ideas that quickly caught on. Yet, behind these successes lie countless failed experiments. But they still have their stories to tell.

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Book SynopsisFor the Love of Darlo is the inspirational autobiography of multi-award-winning writer and Darlington FC devotee Paul Hodgson, who overcame severe disability to achieve his ambitions.When Paul was seven months old, he was struck down by meningitis and left severely disabled. On being sent to boarding school in 1973, he had almost no speech, had to be propped up and could neither dress nor feed himself. But by the time he left, he could sit up unaided and talk, albeit with a stammer, and also feed himself. Paul praises the staff who helped him, but sadly, there were bad experiences with other staff members, which Paul reveals in the book.Before he started at boarding school, Paul''s mum surprised him by taking him to see Darlington FC. It was a watershed moment. He became a fan for life.As well as charting his 50 years as a Darlo fan, Paul''s story offers a unique insight into what it was like to grow up in a ''special school'' in the unenlighten

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Book SynopsisNobody Remembers Second: Aston Villa 1989-1993 charts a fascinating period in Villa''s history and features exclusive interviews with many of the central characters.There were two League Cup wins in the 1990s, but apart from that the huge Midlands club failed to match its former glories.However, in the 1989/90 season, manager Graham Taylor and players such as Paul McGrath, Gordon Cowans and David Platt powered the side to the runners-up spot behind Liverpool, and for much of the season they were in title contention despite narrowly avoiding relegation the season before.Three years later, new manager Ron Atkinson also led a title charge, with a vastly changed squad. That bid faltered at the finish, when Manchester United became the first champions of the newly formed English Premier League.This book delves into the 1989 to 1993 period in unprecedented detail and gets the views of Atkinson, then club secretary Steven Stride

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Book SynopsisViva Colombia: A Social History of Colombian Football tells the story through 15 distinct episodes and 15 national team players.The book covers everything from the joie de vivre of the Colombian style - personified by Carlos Valderrama - to the travails of Colombian society illustrated by the tragic murder of Andrés Escobar in the aftermath of Colombia''s 1994 group-stage exit. The narrative examines how personal stories interlink with the wider history of the nation.Despite many complexities, Colombia is often reduced to a series of off-beam stereotypes which exoticise, eroticise or misrepresent it. This book offers a timely corrective, telling the story through the eyes of a number of its key historical protagonists.From Colombia''s first World Cup appearance in 1962 through to the present day, we discover what some of the most emblematic players to wear the shirt tell us about the Colombian nation.

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Book SynopsisWhat role has industry played in the growth and development of English football? What were the origins of some of the country''s most famous clubs? Do the links between industry and football still endure today?Work and Play: The Industrial Roots of English Football takes a look at the roots of some of English football''s most famous clubs, and how the relationship between industrial communities and football clubs still survives at a local level throughout the semi-professional and grassroots game.Writer David Proudlove visits post-industrial cities, towns and villages around the country examining the places and facilities - including grounds and former grounds - that sustain clubs that were born as works teams. He talks to supporters, volunteers and club officials, while sharing his own experiences, and celebrates the continued survival of these clubs in this fascinating exploration of the ties between football and industry.

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Book SynopsisIt was just after five o'clock on 4 May 1949 as the Avio Linee Italiane Fiat G.212, carrying 18 players of AC Torino and 13 other passengers, was preparing to land at Turin's Aeritalia airport.?Thick fog meant visibility was poor, and strong winds had blown the plane off course. Disorientated, the plane was around ten miles from the runway and flying in excess of 100mph, when suddenly, out of the fog emerged the Basilica of Superga. With no time for the pilot to react, the plane crashed into the Basilica, killing all 31 passengers instantly including manager Erno Egri Erbstein, English coach Leslie Lievesley, and three well-known Italian sports journalists: Renato Casalbore, the founder of Tuttosport, Renato Tosatti, Gazzetta del Popolo, and Luigi Cavallero, La Stampa.Known as Grande Torino, in honour of their achievements, AC Torino had dominated their domestic league, and on the international stag

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