Association football (Soccer) Books

Book Synopsis''an enjoyable and interesting journey through football'' Donald McRae, The Guardian''This is really good. Raw, funny and revealing on football, on Ferguson, Clough, Dalglish & worth getting for the Roy Keane selfie story alone. Emotional on his ITV exit. Talent like Tyldesley''s appeals to all ages.'' Henry Winter''Started reading this and couldn''t stop ... wise and entertaining on the big names and games. Clever work.'' Paul Hayward''Clive Tyldesley''s brilliant, emotive commentaries became the soundtrack to matches that will stay with the fans for the rest of their lives.'' Oliver HoltFootball changes everything. It changes how we feel, how we think, how we behave. It turns us into someone else. You love your team first. It''s tribal. Except I did love something else. I loved the idea of commentating on my team, on every team. I loved it even more than my team. I ditched the girl next door for the diva on the

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Book SynopsisThe Hibs are Here is the follow up to Ian Colquhoun's previous book on Hibernian Football Club: From Oblivion to Hampden. That culminated in the club's successful League Cup winning season in 1991/92. This next volume is subtitled Miller to Millennium and charts the period from 1992 through to 1999. With fresh insight via exclusive interviews with a number of the club's players, coaches and managers, Colquhoun threads these together with a fan narrative and analysis of that iconic decade. He relives the joy of a UEFA Cup run, reaching another cup final and an historic third-placed finish in the Scottish Premiership; the highs and lows of an instant promotion following relegation; and the heartbreak of losing that final and two semi-final defeats. From the pen of a passionate Hibs fan who was there for it all, The Hibs are Here is a wonderful trip down memory lane for any Hibernian supporter.

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Book SynopsisIT'S A ROCKY ROAD! Game Changer is the eighth book in the football-tastic Roy of the Rovers illustrated fiction series, and the second Rocky of the Rovers story. Part of the third season, this exciting series is written by award-winning author Tom Palmer.The newly formed Melchester Women’s team are going from strength to strength in their first full season of professional football, lead by the tenacious Rocky Race. But behind the scenes, the morale of the club is low. After a shocking incident in a men's European game, and the recent Race family tragedy, Rocky, her brother Roy, and the whole club is struggling to deal with the aftermath. What’s more, she's fighting with Ffion her friend! Can she maintain her match-winning performances? How is she supposed to deal with everything that’s happened? And just where does her footballing future lie? Enjoyed this title? Pick up The £100 Million Game next to continue the story!Praise for the Roy of the Rovers series:EPIC! - Match of the Day MagazineI love the way that they are about so much more than football: they are about heart, values and family. Both graphic novel and fiction titles are compelling, engaging and a lot of fun. Lace up and get reading. - Jim Sells, Programme manager for Sport & Literacy, National Literacy Trust.Read with my 7 year old who is football mad, really enjoyed it and left us wanting to read the next one in the series! - GoodReads Review

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Book SynopsisBig Deal! is crammed with transfer stories that have never been heard before outside the boardroom. With contributions from Jurgen Klopp, Sven-Goran Eriksson, Gerard Houllier, Claudio Ranieri, Kevin Keegan, David Moyes, Sam Allardyce and Martin O'Neill, it's the inside track on some of the biggest transfers in British football.

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Book SynopsisMatt Coughlan steps into the wonderful world of the groundhopper: in short, the collector of football grounds. While taking a light-hearted look at this growing cultural phenomenon, can Coughlan cement his own groundhopping credentials? He sets out on a quest to boost his groundhopping tally to at least 100 grounds.

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Book SynopsisThe Dark Side of the Copa Libertadores uncovers the sinister, violent and corrupt goings on that bubble beneath the surface of this famous South American football tournament. This captivating book charts the successes and miseries, heroes and villains, laughter and tears, screams and silence that punctuate the tournament's history.

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a huge range and FREE tracked UK delivery on ALL orders.

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Book SynopsisA yearbook of Asian domestic and international football during the 2022-23 season. Includes full statistics of international matches played by the 48 Asian countries with player information and a final League table and Cup Final information for each country. This book also contains statistics for the AFC Champions League 2022 and AFC Cup 2022.

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Book SynopsisAs Liverpool Football Club's head of nutrition, Mona Nemmer ensures the champion players eat right and this fascinating book will inspire the next generation to follow. With a foreword by Jurgen Klopp, Mona takes us behind the scenes at Anfield and the training ground and details the favourite recipes of LFC.

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Book SynopsisA football session planner for delivering high-quality training sessions.

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'I knew nothing about football before knowing Cruyff.' – Pep GuardiolaJohan Cruyff is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football history. Throughout his playing career, he was synonymous with Total Football, a style of play in which every player could play in any position on the pitch. Today, his philosophy lives on in teams across Europe, from Barcelona to Bayern Munich and players from Lionel Messi to Cesc Fabrecas. My Turn tells the story of Cruyff's life starting at Ajax, where he won eight national titles and three European Cups before moving to Barcelona where he won La Liga in his first season, in 1973, and was named European Footballer of the Year. He won the Ballon d'Or three times, and led the Dutch national team to the final of the 1974 World Cup, famously losing to West Germany, and receiving the Golden Ball as the player of the tournament.Off the field his life was more turbulent, surviving a kidnapping attempt and bankruptcy. This honest and unflinching autobiography also explores his life after retirement, when he became a hugely successful manager of Ajax and then Barcelona when he won the Champions league with a young Pep Guardiola in his team. My Turn is the inspirational account of a legendary football hero, voted European Player of the Century, in his own words.In March 2016 Cruyff died after a short battle with lung cancer bringing world football to a standstill in an outpouring of emotions. A brilliant teacher and analyst of the game he love, My Turn is Johan Cruyff's legacy.

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Book SynopsisTHE BRILLIANT SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER.  ‘A searingly honest account of the Arsenal legend’s quest to recover from alcoholism. Unflinchingly brave.’ Sunday Mirror Being Addicted was only half the story, now comes the stunning new autobiography from Tony Adams, now appearing on Strictly Come Dancing.      Tony Adams was a charismatic figure on the football field, a true leader for Arsenal and England. He won league titles in three separate decades, and after the Gunners moved to their new stadium at the Emirates, it was fitting that a statue of him was erected outside to celebrate his extraordinary career. But, for much of that time, he was also drinking heavily and eventually admitted in his book Addicted that he was an alcoholic. Now, in that book’s stunning successor Sober, Adams reveals what happened nextTrade Review"Addicted was like his football style - honest, brave, inspired and unwavering. It gave me the inspiration to deal with my own issues; here was a man openly talking about his problems and embracing life’s challenges. Reading it had a huge influence on me and I can’t wait to get stuck into Sober, I’m sure it will give many strength, myself included. Bless you Tony." -- Robbie Williams

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Book SynopsisIn 2003-04, Arsenal overcame every conceivable challenge to complete a 38-game league without a single loss. It was a feat unequalled in modern football. But for Arsene Wenger''s ''Invincibles'', a team including legends Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp, it was a challenge that went far beyond sport.Based on exclusive players interviews, this definitive book relives the pivotal games and moments, and allows the Invincibles to tell their own story. It takes readers inside the locker room, to reveal the teamwork, the psychology and the struggle behind one of the greatest teams in history.Trade ReviewDelightful . . . a football book that takes the team not the stars as its starting point -- David Goldblatt * Guardian *This book is so full of exclusive interviews you'll soon feel like part of the squad. A worthy tribute to one of English football's best ever teams, it makes you long for one more game at Highbury * Shortlist *Unbeatable insight. The inside story of one of English football's greatest teams -- Henry Winter * Daily Telegraph *Perceptive and well-wrought . . . Provides all-areas access to the inner workings and passions of a top club and a famous team -- Sunday Times, Books of the YearThe story of an amazing season wonderfully told through the eyes of the men who made it happen. I can't recommend it highly enough -- Andrew Mangan * Arseblog *Fascinating for any sports fan and truly a gold mine for Arsenal supporters * Alan Davies *A fascinating and engrossing read from start to finish. Provides wonderful insight and anecdotes as well as revealing the dynamics and determination from within the dressing room -- John Cross * Daily Mirror *I picked it up and couldn't put it down. Brilliantly depicts a piece of football history * David Dein, Arsenal Vice-Chairman (1983-2007) *This is research at its riveting best. My only complaint about the book is that it had to end -- Patrick Barclay, author of The Life and Times of Herbert ChapmanIf you were there in 71 and/or 2004, buy the book. If only now do you appreciate that we probably had four of the six best payers on the planet back then, buy the book and read their words. Let me make it simple. If you are an Arsenal supporter, buy the book -- GoonerholicThis is a book that contains some of the most evocative prose I have encountered in a book about football and without doubt solidifies Lawrence's place in the very top tier of sports writing in English. The story and characters are fascinating enough, but it is how they come to life and dance in Lawrence's writing that makes this book such a wonderful telling of an incredible tale * Huffington Post *Lawrence is a writer who will help the reader to appreciate the football on the pitch with an understanding of how the game is played few can match. At the same time she never fails to appreciate the passion that makes us fans * Morning Star *A gripping account of Arsenal's undefeated title winning season of 2003/4 -- Owen Gibson * Guardian *

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award 2022Craig Bromfield was just 13 years old when Brian Clough, on a whim, took him and his older brother Aaron in.They came from Southwick, a depressed area of Sunderland, where they lived with their abusive stepfather, and from where they longed to escape. After initially meeting Clough while out begging for money, Clough later invited the brothers to stay at his house. From there a relationship formed which would see Craig living with the Cloughs for nine years, where he was a first-hand witness to the many aspects of Clough's character his gruffness, his humour, his big-heartedness.This is a beautiful, inspirational story, which has never before been told, about Clough's gentleness and capacity for generosity. Discover a very different side to this iconic man, one away from the cameras and the football, which shows him for the person he really was.Trade Review“One of the most incredible, emotional, feel-good stories you will ever read” – Daniel Taylor “Craig Bromfield’s love letter, and apology, to the great football manager is an unexpected and moving delight.” – Matt Dickinson, The Times Chief Sports Writer "It's rare to hear anything new about someone like Brian Clough, one of football's true giants. Rarer still that it can make you laugh and cry in equal measure. Quite simply, it's an amazing story." – Jeff Brown, BBC Look North “Be Good, Love Brian has got everything – love, friendship, laugh-out-loud comedy, football, and a heart-breaking betrayal. Craig Bromfield's feel-good story about Brian Clough's life changing generosity ends up something akin to a modern-day Shakespearian tragedy” – Simon Hattenstone, The Guardian “Gorgeously moving, hilariously funny and incredibly insightful. Craig Bromfield’s beautifully written book about his life with Brian Clough is one you’ll never forget as there are laughs, tears and life lessons. It also solved lots of Christmas present dilemmas as I bought ten copies.” – Julie McAffrey, Daily Mirror “The story is astonishing, the writing is wonderful. It is a story about Brian Clough, packed with detail never before shared and from a perspective never before explored. But more importantly, it is a story about Craig Bromfield. You are swept along on his journey, revelling in his joy, grieving in his pain. The emotional honesty of the account is disarming. It means you are there with him. You are inside the dressing room. You are willing him to do the right thing. And in those moments when he falters, life’s context brings empathy. Football fans should read it. But this is more than a football book.” – Adam Bate, Sky Sports

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Book SynopsisMeet the UK's most notorious football hooligans. Author Andrew Woods has come face-to-face with Millwall's most famous firm and now, for the first time, the Bushwackers reveal all about their bloodiest battles and fiercest rivalries - in their own words. But among the camaraderie, the battles of wits with the police and the exhilarating toe-to-toe run-ins with the opposition, this book also examines the history of hooliganism and why measures brought in to combat violence have failed. Packed with hilarious characters. shocking tales and plenty of excitement, no stone is left unturned in this journey into the dark side of football. With stories from the 1960s to the present day - including the infamous Luton riot of 1985, the 'Mad Season' of 2001/02 and the ongoing war with West Ham's ICF - No-one Likes Us, We Don't Care is the ultimate collection of tales from the terraces.

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Book SynopsisAlmost as soon as Gazza burst on to the scene at Newcastle United, the young Geordie was the centre of attention: Vinnie Jones''s notorious ball-handling showed the lengths people would go to try to stop him. Then, with England on the verge of possibly reaching the World Cup final in 1990, came Gazza''s tears - the moment that brought a whole new audience to the sport and helped set the football boom of the 1990s on its way. But then came a career-threatening injury, mental health problems, self-confessed alcoholism and family disputes, as life in the full glare of the media spotlight became too much. Now, at the end of his top-flight playing career, Gazza is ready to confront his demons. The result is quite simply the most remarkable footballing story you''ll ever read: what it''s like being Paul Gascoigne, in his own words.

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Book SynopsisMartin O’Neill is one of the most fascinating and respected figures in football. In On Days Like These, he tells the story of his remarkable career.'You'll never get your head out of this . . . The stories are fantastic' – John MotsonFor the first time, Martin O’Neill reflects on one of the most varied and successful football careers in the British Isles. With a journey spanning over fifty years, Martin dives into the exhilarating highs of trophies, promotion and World Cup fights – and the painful lows of fan confrontations, boardroom drama, relegation scraps and getting fired.Read fascinating stories from his journey as a player, his breakthrough with Distillery in Northern Ireland, to joining Brian Clough’s legendary Nottingham Forest team as it rose from the Second Division all the way to winning back-to-back European Cups.Go behind-the-scenes on his international career for Northern Ireland, Trade ReviewYou'll never get your head out of this . . . The stories are fantastic -- John Motson, legendary football commentatorBrilliant . . . an entertaining read filled with fascinating stories, biting humour and searing honesty * The Belfast Telegraph *Every word of it is his . . . full of vim. Not to mention tales of conflict * Telegraph *Entertaining . . . An extraordinary career * Guardian *This fascinating biography does not disappoint, revealing what life has been like at the highest level of the game for nearly 50 years, the exhilarating highs and devastating lows, the triumphs and disappointments * Choice *

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Book SynopsisThe story of Ipswich Town FC from 1960 to 1982 when the club rose from the lower leagues to become one of the leading clubs in the country, winning trophies under two iconic managers, Alf Ramsey and Bobby Robson - an era all fans of the 'Tractor Boys' look back on with pride.

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Book SynopsisTest your football knowledge with over 300 funny and fascinating questions about the beautiful game.How much do you know about football – and the world? Test yourself and your friends with over 300 brain-busting questions from Football School. Discover questions on star strikers, crafty coaches, momentous matches and much, much more. Packed with hilarious cartoons and fascinating trivia, this spin-off from the bestselling series is the perfect way for fans to learn more about the beautiful game.Trade ReviewThis is a brilliant new edition quiz book for football fans everywhere. * The Strawberry Post *

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Book SynopsisGet inside the mind of football's most enigmatic icon‘Zidane is the master’ PeleOne of modern football’s most brilliant players - and one of its most iconic and mysterious figures - Zinedine Zidane’s football career is the stuff of legend. A World Cup-winner with France, he became the world's most expensive player in 2001 when he moved from Juventus to Real Madrid for £46million, where his exceptional talent earned him a reputation as one of the greatest players of all-time. His playing career concluded explosively when he retired after being sent off for head-butting Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final. But his football career was far from over. After a spell coaching in Spain, he was appointed manager of Real Madrid in 2015 and immediately demonstrated that his skill as a manager matched his talent on the pitch, leading the team to successive Champions League victories and establishing him as one of the new managerial greats.Rarely speaking to the press, Zidane is known as a man who ‘speaks only with the ball’. In this definitive biography, Patrick Fort and Jean Philippe take us behind the scenes of his exceptional career, revealing the man behind the legend.Trade ReviewA book that becomes more and more interesting as the pages turn. * L'Equipe *The portrait of a sensitive and generous man. * Tele Magazine *

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Book SynopsisBlack and White Knight: How Sir Bobby Robson Made Newcastle United Again is a story of rebirth and redemption. Fractured, disillusioned and second bottom in the Premier League, the Magpies were heading one way under Ruud Gullit: down. The magic of Kevin Keegan's 'Entertainers' era was a distant memory, but in September 1999, Sir Bobby Robson, a son of County Durham, returned home and became a catalyst for change. Talisman Alan Shearer was smiling and scoring, and everyone was dreaming again. Three years later, Newcastle qualified for the Champions League, where they went toe-to-toe with the likes of Inter Milan, Barcelona and Juventus, making history on an amazing journey and playing a brand of football full of energy, verve and attacking intent. A genius in man-management, Sir Bobby's experience and aura gave the club its soul back; Black and White Knight details how he mended divisions and massaged egos to make Newcastle everyone's second favourite team once again.

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Book SynopsisDo you think you know the laws of football better than the officials?Could you be the man in black and make the right decisions?The ultimate footie quiz book is back with 300 dilemmas for you to solve!*Test your knowledge of the game with You Are The Ref, featuring illustrations from legendary artist Paul Trevillion's famous series. With expert text from the referees' referee Keith Hackett and an array of bizarre and entertaining scenarios for you to adjudicate on, this is an engrossing and entertaining read. Includes a special in-depth section on the controversial rules around the VAR system and questions covering everything from mid-game bust-ups and unexpected intrusions on the pitch to bitter disputes about penalties, these sporting conundrums will give even the biggest football fan a run for their money.

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Book SynopsisThe Cornerstone Collection is the most comprehensive and innovative account of the history of the Premier League. It distils that history to 45 key players and examines it through the lens of every club that has ever played in the top flight since its inaugural season. It is a journey from front to back both in terms of eras and positions on the pitch. Football has all kinds of stories to tell, both on and off the field. Straightforward narratives of triumph or failure, milestone moments that were a lifetime in the making and everything in between. Each club have their own protagonists, every team a tale to tell. The people behind those events shaped the course of English football history and became forever etched in the minds of those watching. They are the foundation of what became modern football. Their stories tell us how far the game has gone and where it might be going. They are the cornerstones of the Premier League.

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Book SynopsisGoing to the Wire looks at a dozen teams, from the 1970s to the present day, whose survival came down to the season's final day. It captures the drama and the passion that comes when not only league survival, but jobs and even a club's very existence can be on the line.It's all here, as Tom Brogan looks at the drama of late, late goals, on those days when fans can spend more time with ears pressed to radios, or eyes glued to mobile phones, all for news from another ground! The passion, the shredded nerves, bitten fingernails, the absurdities of blatant time-wasting, fake news of goals' elsewhere and ultimately teams coming back from the dead.Relegation is all part of the game, but one that no fan wants their team to get dragged into, but great escapes can make heroes of the unlikeliest of players. Tottenham Hotspur, Everton, Middlesbrough, Burnley, Derby County and Coventry City are just a few of the clubs whose final-day e

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Book SynopsisSince 1921, Rochdale AFC had always competed in the English Football League. Their continued membership - albeit isolated to the bottom two tiers - was a badge of honour in the face of little on-field success. However, in May 2023, the unthinkable happened and Rochdale AFC were relegated out of the Football League for the first time in the club''s history.A nightmare scenario for most football fans, author Chris Fitzgerald decided to embrace Rochdale''s newfound non-league status and planned out a season which would see his club compete against the likes of Dorking Wanderers, Ebbsfleet United and Solihull Moors; as well as some other traditional Football League names battling for a return to the ''92 club'', such as Chesterfield, Hartlepool United, and York City.Into the Unknown is the story of a club and its fans finding their feet in the uncharted territory of non-league football... and the colourful clubs and characters encountered along the

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Book SynopsisThis is the incredible story of Swindon Town's rise over a frenetic five-year period under manager Lou Macari. It's a tale of unprecedented success and unfortunate consequences, told by a long-term supporter and Macari himself, through exclusive personal interviews, 40 years after his momentous arrival at the County Ground.

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Book SynopsisHeading for Dementia is an unflinchingly honest exploration of dementia and football. Former Bolton, Burnley and Blackpool player Paul Fletcher examines the nature of dementia and the perils of heading a football for a living through a deeply personal insider account. It's a must-read for anyone who cares about the beautiful game.

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Book Synopsis''A great book'' JAMIE CARRAGHER ''Joyously discursive - as if Tristram Shandy has written a football book'' FRANK COTTRELL-BOYCE''Does anyone in this room think that I can do wonders? I''m a normal guy from the Black Forest . . . I am the normal one'' Jurgen Klopp, 9 October 2015Jürgen Klopp''s announcement in January 2024 that he was to step down as Liverpool manager at the end of the season would see an unprecedented outpouring of grief from his adopted city. The Anfield Wrap has followed Liverpool through nine remarkable years, ten cup finals, and eight trophies, and now the ''normal one'' is finally set to return to a normal life.But the story of Klopp and Liverpool is a special one. A city haunted by tragedy and economic hardship rapidly found itself reinvigorated and redrawn by one man''s philosophy, and an approach to life and football that was driven by joy, passion and inclusivity. Klopp''s arrival led n

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Book SynopsisTurning Points: Moments that Defined Football History dives into the archives to reveal some of the most important stories from the annals of the beautiful game. From the FA ban of women's football to Marc-Viven Foe's death and Frank Lampard's ghost goal', this book uncovers the moments that shaped the course of football history.

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Book SynopsisPacked with fun facts, career stats and lots of jokes, the Football Superstars series tells the story of South Korea's talisman and Tottenham Hotspur forward Son Heung-min. The series is aimed at building a love of reading from a young age, especially among football-loving children who are reluctant readers.

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Book SynopsisThe Twentieth Anniversary Edition*WINNER OF THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR* Fever Pitch is Nick Hornby's million-copy-selling, award-winnning football classic'A spanking 7-0 away win of a football book. . . inventive, honest, funny, heroic, charming' IndependentFor many people watching football is mere entertainment, to some it's more like a ritual; but to others, its highs and lows provide a narrative to life itself. But, for Nick Hornby, his devotion to the game has provided one of few constants in a life where the meaningful things - like growing up, leaving home and forming relationships, both parental and romantic - have rarely been as simple or as uncomplicated as his love for Arsenal.'Hornby has put his finger on truths that have been unspoken for generations' Irish TimesBrimming with wit and honesty, Fever Pitch, catches perfectly what it really means to be a football fan - and in doinTrade ReviewFunny, wise and true -- Roddy Doyle

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Book SynopsisPut your Manchester United knowledge to the test with the ultimate quiz book for Red Devils' fans.Do you think you know it all about Manchester United? Could you name the colours the team originally played in? The most decorated player in the club’s history? Do you know which sides United have beaten most, and vice versa? Or which foreign countries have supplied the most United players?Whatever your area of interest or depth of knowledge, this expertly assembled quiz will have some testing questions for you. From the club’s earliest days right through to the Busby Babes, the glory years under Sir Alex Ferguson and beyond, Think You Know It All? Manchester United will challenge your knowledge of players, managers, records and more.Featuring an entertaining mix of questions and puzzles, this is the perfect test for new and veteran United fans alike. Proving you know it all about your club has never been such fun – or so tricky.

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Book Synopsis*THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER*This is the remarkable story of a local lad who grew up in the shadow of Upton Park and became Mr West Ham': a one-club man who lived the dream.A modern footballing legend, Mark Noble is the embodiment of what it means to be a Hammer, pouring his heart and soul into the club he supported as a boy. Born and raised in Canning Town, Mark joined the West Ham youth squad in 2000 and made his senior-team debut aged just 17.Now, after over 20 years, with a wealth of memories and more than 500 appearances for his boyhood club under his belt, Mark finally looks back at his remarkable career, reflecting on his journey from boot boy to club captain, bossing the midfield, scoring pressure penalties and becoming an inspirational figurehead on and off the pitch.This is the story of a brilliant footballer, a genuine ambassador and a local legend. This is the unforgettable autobiography of Mark Noble.

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Book SynopsisTrade Review“Deep and intelligent…a portrait of football greatness.” — Arsène Wenger "A comprehensive primer into the entwined histories of the two titans and the commercial forces that have molded their careers and, by extension, the sport." — New York Times “While these two soaring greats are known for their transcendent wonder on the field, this rollicking narrative plunges into the complex backstories and entire ecosystems that propelled their colliding trajectories. With a pair of epic hero stories like The Last Dance or Homer’s Odyssey in cleats, this book traces the journey from aspirational prodigies to global commercial billboards, explaining how these two juggernauts and their rivalry shaped the most popular, and lucrative, era of the world’s most beloved sport.” — Roger Bennett, founder, Men in Blazers Media Network "This rigorously researched book avoids becoming hagiography. The result is an ambitious and valuable study for all those who want to understand the modern world of football that Mr. Messi and Mr. Ronaldo have helped forge." — The Economist “This book explains the brilliant backstory behind how each player became a start and how that stardom changed the footballing landscape not just in Spain but in the wider world as well…I read it in a day.” — Rebecca Lowe, NBC Sports "Excellent... A brilliant follow-up to The Club." — The Independent (UK) "Impressive." — Boston Globe An absorbing cautionary tale for soccer fans and students of sports finance alike. — Kirkus Reviews

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR WINNER OF THE BRITISH SPORTS BOOK AWARDS FOOTBALL BOOK OF THE YEAR Why does an international footballer with the world at his feet decide to take his own life? On 10 November 2009 the German national goalkeeper, Robert Enke, stepped in front of a passing train. He was thirty-two years old and a devoted husband and father. Enke had played for a string of Europe''s top clubs, including Barcelona and Jose Mourinho''s Benfica and was destined to become his country''s first choice in goal for years to come. But beneath the veneer of success, Enke battled with crippling depression. Award-winning writer Ronald Reng pieces together the puzzle of his friend''s life, shedding valuable light on the crushing pressures endured by professional sportsmen and on life at the top clubs. At its heart, Enke''s tragedy is a universal story of a man struggling against his demons.It should be on every British football fan''s reading list' MetroTrade ReviewOne of the most remarkable sports books ever written… A Life Too Short: The Tragedy of Robert Enke… stands as the definite work on mental illness in football -- Sam Wallace * Daily Telegraph *Incredible… It’s a stunning, fascinating and ultimately heartbreaking piece of work that has done so much to further the understanding between mental illness and sport. It is also a reminder that, for all the status and all the luxury which come with being a professional footballer, those lucky enough to make a career from the game are still human beings, too -- Tom Hopkinson * People *An intensely moving book that transcends football -- Raphael Honigstein, GuardianA tragic book, but a brilliant one. Reng's is one of the best sports books to have been published in years * Westdeutsche Allgemeine Zeitung *This is a powerful book which transcends football. * Sport Magazine *

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Book Synopsis''There isn''t a funnier sports book this year - there might not be one for the next decade'' Irish Times Books of the Year_________The hilarious memoir from the funniest man in football!Roddy Collins is a football man - now in the sixth decade of a career as a player (at sixteen clubs), manager (twelve clubs) and commentator. And he is a funny man: an unequalled raconteur with a sharp eye for the absurdities of the professional game and spectacular recall. He has made friends wherever he has gone, along with some high-quality enemies. When John Delaney said he could get Roddy a job if he''d just stop criticising him, Roddy replied that he''d ''rather dig holes in the road''.Now, with the brilliant Paul Howard, Roddy puts it all down on paper for the first time - the adventures, the rows and the craic - in what is not only one of the funniest but also one of the most eye-opening books ever written about professional football.SHORTLISTED FOR SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR AT THE IRISH BOOK AWARDS________''[It] might be the funniest book written since Roddy Doyle''s The Van . . . There''s a laugh on every page'' Irish Examiner''Terrific. You will love it'' Joe Brolly, Sunday Independent''Fantastic. Can''t remember a sports book with so many stories to propel it along. There''s at least three different movies in it'' Malachy Clerkin''Candid tales of football, family and everything in between - just brilliant'' Irish Independent''A riot!'' Brendan O''Connor''What a life, what a book. I highly recommend it'' Tadhg Coakley, Irish ExaminerTrade ReviewThere isn't a funnier sports book this year - there might not be one for the next decade * Irish Times Books of the Year *Terrific. You will love it. Raw and tender and wild and honest, it will captivate you . . . great stories pack the pages * Sunday Independent *A rollercoaster ride and a great read. It's hard not to love Roddy Collins after reading The Rodfather -- Tadhg Coakley * Irish Examiner *Excellent and hilarious * Second Captains *Hard to imagine there'll be a more entertaining sports book for quite a while * Irish Times *A riot! -- Brendan O'ConnorFascinating and hilarious. Starts with a bang and never falters. Anarchic and wonderful -- Joe BrollyFantastic. Can't remember a sports book with so many stories to propel it along. There's at least three different movies in it -- Malachy ClerkinCandid tales of football, family and everything in between - it's no surprise The Rodfather's memoir is just brilliant * Irish Independent *A big man, with big emotions, and a big life . . . a fascinating read * Sunday Independent *What a great book The Rodfather is. A walk on the wild side of football - and a few other games - terrifying and yet massively entertaining. Paul Howard is the best writer in the country -- Declan LynchReally fabulous * Pat Kenny Show *[The Rodfather] might be the funniest book written since Roddy Doyle's The Van . . . There's a laugh on every page * Irish Examiner *

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Book SynopsisBorn in 1980, Steven Gerrard made his Liverpool début in November 1998 as a second-half substitute against Blackburn. His first start came against Tottenham Hotspur a week later. As well as his skilful tackling and brilliant passes, Gerrard is also capable of scoring spectacular goals. His strike against Manchester United during the 2000-01 Treble season was voted Liverpool's best ever Premiership goal. Gerrard gained his first England cap against Ukraine in 2000 and scored his first goal for his country in September 2001 with a magnificent strike from 25 yards in the 5-1 win over Germany.As well as collecting winner's medals in the League Cup (twice), FA Cup (twice), UEFA Cup, Champions League and the European Super Cup, Gerrard picked up the PFA Young Player of the Year award in 2001 and PFA Player of the Year for 2006.

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Book SynopsisPaul Canovilles story is one of extreme racist bigotry, shattering career-ending injury, a decline into drug abuse, battles against cancer, family tragedy and a determination to beat the odds. Canoville was Chelsea''s first black first-team player, making his debut in 1982. But as he warmed up on the touchline, his own supporters began chanting ''We don''t want the nigger!'' The racist bile continued whenever he played, but within a year he had won over the terraces with his explosive pace and skill. Canoville fell out with the Chelsea board and moved to Reading in 1986, where injury suddenly ended his career at the age of 24. This started a downward spiral including the death of his baby in his arms, two bouts of life-threatening lymph cancer, drug abuse and homelessness. But Canoville fought back. In this explosive and shocking story, Paul finally explains why, despite everything, he is more positive than ever and has remained a fervent Chelsea fan all his life. This is a story of hoTrade Review'one of the most powerful sports books ever written...an exceptional account of an extraordinary man' * Pat Nevin, Chelseafc.com *'unputdownable' * Observer *'a compelling read skilfully put together' * Mirror *'compelling' * Henry Winter, Daily Telegraph *

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