Autobiography: sport Books

Book SynopsisHailing from a cycling-mad family from Cardiff, Luke Rowe represented Great Britain at junior and under-23 level. He turned professional with Team Sky in 2012 and won a stage of the Tour of Britain that season. He quickly established himself as one of the British team's key riders in both the one-day Classics and the Grand Tours, including the Tour de France.Luke rode the Tour in every season between 2015 and 2022, playing a key role as the road captain as Sky won the yellow jersey in 2015, 2016, 2017 and 2018, and when Ineos retained the title in 2019. After retiring in 2024, Luke co-presents the Watts Occurring podcast along with his teammate and long-time friend Geraint Thomas.

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Book Synopsis*WINNER OF BEST SPORTS WRITING AT THE SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2023**Out now: Includes brand new material*THE AWARD-WINNING SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER'Neville at his authentic best. [He] is the closest thing to a spokesman there is for English football.' Sunday Times'Brilliant.' Mail on Sunday'Gary Neville usually talks a lot of sense, and writes it too . . . Neville's words are timely.' Henry Winter, The Times__________The beautiful game is under threat. The greed and selfishness of the biggest clubs is harming the sport, with smaller clubs struggling for financial survival and supporters being left behind.It's time to fix football.__________Football is the people's game. A sport accessible to everyone and enjoyed by millions around the world.But football is broken. Beneath the glamourous sheen of the Premier League, it's a game that's rusting and rotten. The growing influence and wealth of the biggest teams is harming the game, leaving fans out of pocket and smaller clubs clinging to survival. The European Super League, which looked to eradicate competition in favour of guaranteed profits, was just the beginning.This isn't what football is about. Something's got to change. Enough is enough.Gary Neville has had a front-row seat in football for over 30 years, witnessing the sport at every level - as a player, a coach, a pundit and an owner. Most of all, he's a fan. Shocked by the state of the game, Gary looks to find out how we got into this mess, who's responsible, and what we can do about it.The People's Game is Gary's vision for a brighter future. Drawing on interviews with those at the epicentre of the sport's biggest issues - from the role of ownership to the lack of funding in the football league, the rise in racism, ownership models and the future of the women's game - he explains how football has sleepwalked into this mess and offers a new path forward. With stories from his own playing career, as well as insight into some of the biggest footballing decisions in recent history, this is a total look at the game today.This is a passionate, personal and critical account of how football lost its soul, and what we can do to get it back.__________

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Book Synopsis'Very funny on almost every page, wonderfully self-deprecating and very sharp on the ludicrous behaviour of the modern player' - Sunday Times'The funniest man in British sport' - Metro**A Sunday Times Sports Book of the Year****Shortlisted for the National Book Awards****Longlisted for the Telegraph Sports Book Awards Autobiography of the Year**You become a footballer because you love football. And then you are a footballer, and you're suddenly in the strangest, most baffling world of all. A world where one team-mate comes to training in a bright red suit with matching top-hat, cane and glasses, without any actual glass in them, and another has so many sports cars they forget they have left a Porsche at the train station. Even when their surname is incorporated in the registration plate.So walk with me into the dressing-room, to find out which players refuse to touch a football before a game, to discover why a load of millionaires never have any shower-gel, and to hear what Cristiano Ronaldo says when he looks at himself in the mirror.We will go into post-match interviews, make fools of ourselves on social media and try to ensure that we never again pay £250 for a haircut that should have cost a tenner. We'll be coached and cajoled by Harry Redknapp, upset Rafa Benitez and be soothed by the sound of an accordion played by Sven-Goran Eriksson's assistant Tord Grip. There will be some very bad music and some very bad decisions.I am Peter Crouch. This is How To Be A Footballer. Shall we?Trade ReviewHowever overpaid and preening you might assume Premier League footballers to be, think again. They're worse, according to this amusing insider's account * Sunday Times Sports Book of the Year *Who knew that a footballer could be funny? ... What you realise, as you laugh out loud, is that football has been taken too seriously by too many people for too long... Most other football books wither by comparison * Daily Mail Sports Book of the Year *As someone who's been there, done it and got the ill-fitting T-shirt, Crouch is well placed to shed light on the bizarre world of the modern player in a funny, down-to-earth way... He made his name on the pitch ... but with this book, Crouch proves he is a good sport off it, too. -- Jade Craddock * Sun *On his way to being a national treasure... most enjoyable * Daily Telegraph *The funniest man in British sport * Metro *

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Book SynopsisTHE EXTRAORDINARY STORY OF THE ICE-SKATING DUO WHO BECAME THE NATION'S FAVOURITES - NOW THE SUBJECT OF A MAJOR ITV BIOPIC. When Jayne Torvill and Christopher Dean collapsed to the ice at the climax of their routine to Bolero in the 1984 Winter Olympics, the judges could find no fault, awarding them 12 maximum scores of 6.0, while 24 million viewers watching at home in Britain simply looked on in amazement. Suddenly, we were all experts in figure skating, and we wanted to know more about the couple at the heart of it all. Despite intense interest in them, Torvill & Dean kept their lives private, with many still wondering if the pair were really a couple. They turned professional and would eventually spend eight years working on ITV's Dancing on Ice, but still much of their story remained unknown. Now, in Our Life on Ice, Torvill & Dean finally open up about the challenges they have

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Book SynopsisNEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER * “This book is going to become the sports gambling bible…The formula’s in the book.” —Pat McAfee “The greatest and most controversial sports gambler ever” (ESPN) Billy Walters shares his “rollicking and edgy life story” (The Wall Street Journal)—revealing the secrets to his fiercely protected betting system and breaking his silence about Phil Mickelson.Nobody controls the odds like Billy Walters. Widely regarded as “the Michael Jordan of sports betting,” Walters is a living legend in Las Vegas and among sports bettors worldwide. With an unmatched winning streak of thirty-six consecutive years, Walters has become fabulously wealthy by placing hundreds of millions of dollars a year in gross wagers, including one Super Bowl bet of $3.5 million alone. Competitors desperate to crack his betting techniques have tried hacking his phones, rifling through his trash, and bribing his employees. Now, after decades of avoiding the spotlight and fiercely protecting the keys to his success, Walters wants to pass along his wisdom to future generations of sports bettors. Gambler is more than a traditional autobiography. In addition to sharing his against-all-odds American Dream story, Walters reveals in fascinating detail the secrets of his proprietary betting system, which will serve as a master class for anyone who wants to improve their odds at betting on sports. Walters also breaks his silence about his long and complicated relationship with Hall of Fame professional golfer Phil Mickelson. On a typical weekend gameday packed with college and pro sports, Walters will bet $20 million. It’s a small sum for someone with his resources today, but an unbelievable fortune for the child who was raised by his grandmother in extreme poverty in rural Kentucky. By the age of nine, Walters became a shark at hustling pool and pitching pennies. As a young adult, he set records as a used-car salesman, hustled golf, and dabbled in bookmaking. He eventually moved to Las Vegas, where he revolutionized sports betting strategy and became a member of the famed Computer Group, the first syndicate to apply algorithms and data analysis to sports gambling. He built a fortune while overcoming addictions and outmaneuvering organized crime figures made infamous by Martin Scorsese’s film Casino. In Gambler, Walters shares everything he’s learned about sports betting. First, he shows bettors how to mine the information we have at our fingertips to develop a sophisticated betting strategy and handicapping system of our own. He explains how even avid bettors often do not grasp all of the variables that go into making an informed wager—home field advantage, individual player values, injuries or illness, weather forecasts, each team’s previous schedule, travel distance/ difficulty, stadium quirks, turf types, and more. Variable by variable, Walters breaks down the formulas, betting systems, and money-management principles that he’s developed over decades of improving his craft. From a self-made man who repeatedly won it all, lost it all, and earned it all back again, Gambler is at once a gripping autobiography, a blistering tell-all, and an indispensable playbook for coming out on top.

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Book SynopsisJoe Simpson is the author of several bestselling books, of which the first,Touching the Void, won both the NCR award and the Boardman Tasker Award. His later books are This Game of Ghosts - the sequel to Touching the Void - Storms of Silence, Dark Shadows Falling, The Beckoning Silence and one previous novel, The Water People.Trade ReviewGrippingly told...there is no question Simpson is a brilliant adventure writer. There are passages that had my heart racing * Observer *Eloquent, spine-chilling stuff * SUNDAY TIMES *No one conjures the thrill of altitude better than Simpson...A hugely enjoyable book...As far as mountaineering literature goes this is about as good as it gets * Sara Wheeler, Spectator *An engrossing read. Nobody evokes the physical and psychological realities of climbing better...a powerfully written book...as vivid as anything Simpson has yet produced * Sunday Telegraph *Heart-stopping stuff...This is not a book for the fainthearted and perhaps should come with a government health warning...a book that will have your fingers clutching imaginary rocks and palms sweating over every page * Scotsman *

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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 SynopsisThe must-have gift for every football fan this ChristmasLife is a beautiful game but how should you play it?To be a manager, you have to perform always. You cannot live in history. It''s now and tomorrow that counts'----''A joyous and defiant portrait'' Daily Telegraph, Books of the YearFor Sven-Göran Eriksson, one of the world's most revered and respected football managers, the game has come to an end.He leaves us with his parting reflections, looking back on what he has achieved, experienced and learned over a lifetime in service to the beautiful game. It is a journey that has taken him from a small club in his native Sweden, across every continent, to competing on the world's stage.Before his death, he was able to impart the lessons he's learned along the way about life, leadership and love and to speak candidly about his extraordinary successes, as well as overcoming his failures.On the field, he led some of the finest sportsmen on earth to great victories and heartbreaking defeats, and in the process left his indelible mark on the game. This is a story of lives touched and connections made in the dogged pursuit of excellence. But for Sven the true journey he wanted to share is the one he made on the inside the man that he became.Because A Beautiful Game is far more than the tale of a successful football manager. It is the story of the biggest game of all what makes a good life. A story that endures, long after the final whistle.----''No book could match the emotional heft of A Beautiful Game'' Daily TelegraphREMEMBERING SVEN-ÖRAN ERIKSSON ''Great manager and superb man-manager'' John Terry''One of the very best and a man who will be sadly missed by everyone in the world of football'' Michael Owen''I could play my best football under him'' Micah Richards

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Book SynopsisHarness the power of adaptability to embrace change, overcome obstacles and achieve success.Women are facing more pressure and stress than ever before. Between work, childcare, caregiving responsibilities, maintaining relationships and looking after finances, many are struggling to manage the demands placed on them, with a significant number feeling overwhelmed and unable to cope at times. These challenges are something that Denise Lewis understands well; as an athlete, broadcaster, woman, and mother, her life, like that of many women, is one of constant adaptation. Now, Denise is determined to help women harness the power of adaptability. She aims to teach you how to become your own life coach and navigate the many roles we take on throughout life. In Adaptability, she will guide you through seven key lessons learned from her experiences both on and off the track, including maintaining your identity, building resilience, seeking support, trusting your instincts, and more. By applying these principles, women from all backgrounds can unlock their full potential, develop the tools to overcome challenges, and embrace their multifaceted identities both at work and beyond.While we may not be able to have it all, we can come close by consciously cultivating the skills needed to thrive in every area of our lives.

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Book SynopsisWINNER OF THE WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR AWARDOn a fateful night in 2009, Tyler Hamilton and Daniel Coyle met for dinner in Boulder, Colorado.Trade ReviewBrilliantly detailed and wholly convincing: with Coyle's skill and Hamilton's honesty, the book was always likely to be excellent. This is no generalised or theoretical exploration of a doping culture but a forensic description of how it worked. Armstrong used to say there would always be sceptics who didn't believe in his story, but now the sceptics are those who, ostrich-like, continue to believe. They should be compelled to read this book, and though the collision with reality will cause them to shudder, the good news is that they will be riveted by a well-told story and will be the better for knowing the truth. -- David Walsh * Sunday Times *The broadest, most accessible look at cycling’s drug problem to date. * New York Times *The news leaks about The Secret Race have vastly undersold its importance. Tyler Hamilton's book is a historic, definitive indictment of cycling's culture of doping during the Armstrong era. Here's the reality. The Secret Race isn't just a game changer for the Armstrong myth. It's the game ender. No one can read this book with an open mind and still credibly believe that Armstrong didn't dope. It's impossible. That doesn't change the fact that he survived cancer and helped millions of people through Livestrong, but the myth of the clean-racing hero who came back from the dead is, well, dead. The book is the holy grail for disillusioned cycling fans in search of answers. The book's power is in the collected details, all strung together in a story that is told with such clear-eyed conviction that you never doubt its veracity. * Outside magazine *Astonishingly candid... an extraordinary confessional. -- Matt Dickinson * The Times *Riveting... Just about every significant detail in the USADA evidence is here. And it is brilliantly conveyed by an insider who can see both sides of the story: the institutional corruption, which eats away at the culprits, as well as the crippling pressure on riders to conform. We can expect plenty more books to be published on this conspiracy, for it is arguably the most audacious ever plotted in the world of sport. But it feels as though Hamilton's is likely to become the definitive work on the subject. -- Simon Briggs * Daily Telegraph *

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Book SynopsisIn this inspiring memoir, undefeated five-time world champion boxer Andre Ward--aka Son of God--shares the gripping narrative of his unforgettable career, his rock-solid faith, and why boxing was never the biggest fight of his life.Andre Ward was the undefeated light heavyweight boxing champion of the world when he walked away from the ring and did not look back. Now that he has taken off his gloves for the final time, the Olympic gold medalist is ready to share the heartbreaking and uplifting stories of his formative years and unprecedented boxing career. Motivational, faith-building, and utterly compelling, this memoir offers an inspiring story of overcoming a broken childhood behind-the-scenes drama from Andre''s epic championship bouts, complicated relationships with managers and promoters, and shocking decision to retire at the top of his game insight into breaking destructive generational bonds, forgiving those who have h

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Book SynopsisFrom an early age, Lee McKenzie had access to a motorsport world that most are rarely allowed into. From spending time in the paddock as a teen to becoming a highly respected Formula One journalist and presenter, Lee has been at the heart of motorsport for almost twenty years.On the frontline of one of the most watched sports on the planet and gaining the respect of F1 world champions with her tough but fair interview approach, Lee has shared experiences, hire cars, parties and friendships with a host of drivers from Michael Schumacher to Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel to Jenson Button.Inside F1 tells the stories of the careers of seven stars of the sport using her personal contact and interviews throughout the years. Lee's unique perspective takes us through the highs and lows, the controversies and crashes that led to some of the biggest and most memorable interviews in recent years. Lee's close relationship with the drivers makes Inside F1 an enthralling behind-the- scenes account of one of the biggest sports in the world.

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Book SynopsisAn incredible and personal story of ultra-running that looks at the determination, science and hidden history behind the sport, and explains why women ultra-runners outperform men.

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Book SynopsisNOMINATED FOR AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE YEAR, SPORTS BOOK AWARDSMichael Carrick was the heartbeat of Manchester United. For more than a decade he was the player that made them tick. In his book, he reveals how to win relentlessly while playing under legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson, invites us to experience the camaraderie and clashes inside the United dressing room, and lets us feels what it's like to walk out on the Old Trafford pitch alongside some of the biggest names in the game - from Ronaldo to Scholes to Giggs, Rooney and the rest.In his seventeen-year professional career, Michael has won twelve major trophies at United, winning the Premier League five times, as well as three League Cups, the FA Cup, the Europa League, the Club World Cup and the Champions League.In Between the Lines, Michael honestly reveals for the first time his battles with mental health, growing up in the north-east, his struggles with the national side, as well as the redemption he has found with his family and his team.*All of Michael Carrick's proceeds from the sale of the book will be donated to the Michael Carrick Foundation, dedicated to providing financial support to community services that will give underprivileged children living in the North and North East better opportunities so that they feel safe, valued and inspired.*

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Book Synopsis***THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 'A heroic outsider - a pleasure to read.' - The Guardian'A fulsome evocation of football before the Premier League.' - The i'Such a good storyteller...joyous.' - Financial Times'Honest, raw, revealing and very funny. How to live a life and career to the full. Insightful book about the most successful outsider inside football ever...' - Henry Winter, Chief Football Writer, The Times'Pat is a wonderful one-off...and this is the story of why that is.' - John Murray, Chief Sports Correspondent, BBC Radio 5 Live'Unusually vibrant and elegant with heroic doses of humour, insight and self-effacement, this is an absolute must-read for the football connoisseur.' - Omid Djalili 'The biggest influence of my professional career both on and off the pitch.' - Graeme Le Saux'I grew up captivated by Pat Nevin the player. As a man he taught me even more about the beauty of the game. One of football's great mavericks, and Chelsea's greatest players. And he can spin a mean tune too.' - Sam Matterface 'I used to walk miles to see Pat Nevin play football and I'd do the same now to read his thoughts. Always challenging, always entertaining.' - Lord Sebastian Coe'A refreshingly honest and thought-provoking autobiography. As deftly delivered as some of Pat's ball skills in his 1980's heyday.' - ToffeeWeb Pat Nevin never wanted to be a professional footballer.His future was clear, he'd become a teacher like his brothers. There was only one problem with this - Pat was far too good to avoid attention. Raised in Glasgow's East End, Pat loved the game, playing for hours and obsessively following Celtic. But as he grew up, he also loved Joy Division, wearing his Indie 'gloom boom' coat and going on marches - hardly typical footballer behaviour!Placed firmly in the 80s and 90s, before the advent of the Premier League, and often with racism and violence present, Pat Nevin writes with honesty, insight and wry humour. We are transported vividly to Chelsea and Everton, and colourfully diverted by John Peel, Morrissey and nights out at the Hacienda.The Accidental Footballer is a different kind of football memoir. Capturing all the joys of professional football as well as its contradictions and conflicts, it's about being defined by your actions, not your job, and is the perfect reminder of how life can throw you the most extraordinary surprises, when you least expect it.

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Book SynopsisForged by Speed is mountain biking legend Steve Peat's incredible life story, from the Steel City of Sheffield to the top step of the world championship podium. Honest, compelling and funny, it is the autobiography of a British sporting legend.

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Book SynopsisValentino Rossi is the greatest living motorcyclist. His legions of fans adore him (over 4,000 turned up to see him in Leicester Square last March). He has fought through the 125 and 250 class groups to win the World Championships five times and has been ranked in the top three places at the World Championships for the last nine years. He is currently the MotoGP World Champion, and has won on a Honda bike - considered the best - and most recently on a Yamaha - considered the worst. He is arguably the greatest racer ever - and certainly the most entertaining - his post race antics and cheeky personality have won him as many fans as his on-track prowess. He is the kind of star who only comes along once in a while - a Muhammad Ali or Pele - hugely talented, massively driven, yet also scorching charismatic, unnervingly rebellious and totally endearing - a twentieth-century version of the hell-raisers of old.All who know Rossi say he is a consummate professional, that he works haTrade ReviewWhile the autobiography details everything you could want to know about him and his career, you don't need to be a bike fan to enjoy it. It is truly inspiring stuff ... to remain true to yourself and instead of following where the path may lead, to go where there is no path and leave a trail. -- Emma Parker Bowles * The Sun *

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for the 2022 Sports Book Awards''brave ... visceral ... a brilliant, brilliant read ... I would recommend this book to everyone.'' Nihal Arthanayake, BBC Radio 5 Live''so honest ... everybody should read Hooked to understand what anybody in this situation has been through.'' Susanna Reid, Good Morning Britain''a fantastic book ... a remarkable read.'' Richard Madeley, Good Morning Britain''Brave, poignant and very moving. This book will change lives.'' Jamie Redknapp''A courageous, emotional and vitally important book.'' Jeff StellingPaul Merson''s wonderfully moving and brutally honest memoir of battling addiction for three decades.For twenty-one years Paul Merson played professional football. He won two First Division titles with Arsenal and was one of the finest players of his generation. But for thirty years Paul Merson has also been an addict. Alcohol, drugs, gambling: a desperately unenviable cocktail of addictions and depression which has plagued his entire adult life and driven him to the verge of suicide. ''I''ve come to realise that I''m powerless over alcohol ... I''m an alcoholic. My drinking and gambling have left a lot of wreckage.'' Until recently the drinking and gambling were still raging. ''I wanted to kill myself. I couldn''t go on anymore. I just couldn''t see a way out.'' Then something clicked. ''One day, I was walking home from the pub late on a Sunday evening, and I thought to myself: I''ve had enough of feeling like this, every day of my life. I rang up Alcoholics Anonymous the next day, and since then I haven''t had a drink.''Hooked is Merson''s wonderfully moving and brutally honest memoir of battling addiction, searingly charting his journey over three decades. It is absolutely unflinching in detailing his emotional and psychological troughs and in raking over the painful embers of an adult life blighted by such debilitating issues. Hooked will kick-start a crucial national conversation about addiction, depression and the damage they wreak. ''Addiction is the loneliest of places. You''re a slave to insecurity and ego. But it has to be you that wants things to change. Never be afraid to talk: the more you talk about the addictions the more it takes the power out of them. You''re never alone.''Trade ReviewBrave, poignant and very moving. This book will change lives. -- Jamie RedknappA courageous, emotional and vitally important book. -- Jeff StellingEven when baring his soul, Paul Merson is entertainingly fluent in the language of football. The Merse's new book, Hooked, is frank, sometimes funny, often horrifying. * Irish Examiner *

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Book SynopsisOne of the most talked-about and bestselling books of last year, this is the no-holds-barred autobiography of a sporting legend driven to the brink of self-destructionThe bestseller that has everyone talking.In this, his first, autobiography, Iron' Mike Tyson pulls no punches and lays bare the story of his remarkable life and career. Co-written with Larry Sloman, author of Antony Keidis's best-selling memoir Scar Tissue', this is a visceral, and unputdown-able story of a man born and raised to brutality, who reached the heights of stardom before falling to crime, substance abuse and infamy.Full of all the controversy and complexity that you would expect from a man who delighted as much as he shocked, this is a book that will surprise and reveals a fascinating character beneath the exterior of violence.If you think you know all about Mike Tyson, read this book and think again.Trade Review‘Might be the most soul-baring book of its genre ever written’ Washington Post ‘Savagely compelling… A voyage through the great American underbelly’ Telegraph ‘Sensational… Fascinating… An epic tale’ Daily Mail ‘Completely riveting’ Janice Turner, The Times ‘A fallen hero mauled by excess’ Evening Standard ‘A gripping and indecently enthralling autobiography . . . Tyson’s life reads like an Elmore Leonard thriller’ Telegraph ‘Undisputed Truth, is the American dream writ large in raw detail: think Citizen Kane scripted by the writing team of The Wire’ New Statesman ‘Utterly gripping’ Janet Street-Porter, Independent ‘Addictive’ Geoff Dyer, Observer ‘Extraordinary’ Sunday Times

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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 SynopsisIn December 2012, Juliana Buhring became the first woman to circumnavigate the world by bicycle. With only a few months of training and little sponsorship, support or money she left from Naples on 23 July 2012 to cycle the world. Raised in a religious cult as a child, Juliana finally broke away as a young adult and found her soul mate - an explorer seeking the source of unmapped rivers in Africa. When he was killed by a crocodile, her world went dark. To escape her grief, she decided to set herself a challenge. Having never seriously ridden a bike, she set out to ride around the world. 18,000 miles, 152 days, 4 continents, 19 countries, 29 punctures, 6 big mountains, 1 desert and a cyclone later, she made it back just days before Christmas with a Guinness World Record. Empowering, inspiring, often humorous, This Road I Ride is testimony to the power of sheer will to overcome any obstacle. Discover a true story of adventure, blood, sweat and gears.Trade ReviewAn incredible journey that is awe inspiring and completely captivating. I couldn't put the book down, couldn't wait to find out how Buhring would overcome the next barrier! She makes one realize that great dreams are possible to achieve. One of my all time favorites! * Lynne Cox, author of Swimming to Antarctica *The story of Juliana Buhring's record-setting trek around the world by bicycle is impressive in itself. She endured fear, doubt, and pain to achieve a truly remarkable feat. But Buhring is more than an athlete - she's a phoenix, who rose from the ashes of a horrific childhood and a devastating personal loss to test herself against the unknown. You'll be amazed and inspired by this book. * Daniel H. Pink, author of Drive *I read this book in a single sitting, transfixed by Juliana's incredible story . . . The physical achievement of riding around the world pales in comparison to the mental achievement of holding herself together and staying the course through such hardship. This is one of those stories that just pulls you along for the ride. Once I embarked, it just whisked me along until the end. * Alex Honnold, author of Alone on the Wall *This is an inspirational memoir about the power of one's undefeatable determination that will appeal to adrenaline seekers * Publishers Weekly *Buhring's book is a testament to the human will to overcome and survive as well as a moving portrait of a woman on a deeply personal quest to define the meaning of her life. A searching, engaging memoir from an author who "can be at home no matter where I am in the world." * Kirkus *No woman had ever bicycled around the world when Buhring decided to try. With only a few months' worth of training and the support of a good friend in Naples, she would set out to pedal more than 18,000 miles across 19 countries. She was driven to such an extreme endeavor after the death of her soul mate, an adventurer, had immobilized her with grief. As she describes in this plainspoken memoir, once the idea for the ride across the globe took root, any negative reactions she received only added to her determination to see it through. Buhring takes the reader on the trip with vivid vignettes, including meeting friendly people and unfriendly dogs, across cultures and through headwinds, mountains, rain, and freezing cold. Just as compelling as the adventure, however, is her internal journey to manage her grief, deepen her understanding of the man she lost, and reconnect with the world. Buhring insists she is not extraordinary, just an ordinary person pushing outside her comfort zone. That is exactly what makes her story so amazing. -- Bridget Thoreson * Booklist *Escaping a cult, grieving the loss of her soulmate to a crocodile and then becoming the "fastest woman to cycle the globe" seems like fantasy, but the story Juliana Buhring tells in This Road I Ride is all true. Inspirational * Women's Fitness *

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Book Synopsis''Essential reading for players, fans and coaches'' - Steven Gerrard ''A cracking read'' - Chris Evans''I couldn''t put it down'' - Joey BartonWhat are the greatest games ever played? From Jurgen Klopp to Gary Neville, Xavi to David Beckham, Jamie Carragher speaks with teammates, rivals, managers and legends of the sport to identify and analyse football''s greatest encounters.As Carra and his contributors take you into the dressing rooms and out onto the pitches of the world''s most celebrated stadiums, they relive some of the defining moments of their playing careers as well as many more from the greatest football matches ever played - from title deciders and cup finals to against-all-odds comebacks, tactical masterclasses and old school classics. Packed full of hilarious stories, exclusive anecdotes and refreshing appraisals, in The Greatest Games Jamie Carragher takes you into the heart of these matches, revealing new insights into the teams, players and coaches that have shaped football.Trade ReviewA fresh insight into classic games. Essential reading for players, fans and coaches. * Steven Gerrard *I couldn't put it down. Great insight into some iconic football matches. * Joey Barton *A cracking read. * Chris Evans *A terrific book. I would recommend anybody who loves football to read it from cover to cover. They won't be able to put it down. * Gary Newbon *Great read * John Barnes *

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Book SynopsisGarry Sobers is a cricketing legend, the greatest all-rounder of all time. In this revealing and honest autobiography, Sobers talks about his upbringing and about the tragic accident that inspired him throughout his career. He explains how he helped the West Indies to become the most feared cricketing nation in the world, setting them on a course of success that would run for another 20 years. He also provides authoritative views on the current state of the game and the future of cricket.Trade ReviewThe book is as entertaining as this great player was in his heyday * David Llewellyn, Independent *Cricket fans will be reminded not only how irresistible he was as a cricketer, but also how his uninhibited and generous-spirited personality made him so easy to like and so difficult to forget * Edward Smith, Sunday Telegraph *

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

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Book SynopsisRichard 'Ricky' Hatton was born in 1978 and grew up in Hattersley, Greater Manchester. As a young amateur fighter he won several British titles and boxed at the World Junior Boxing Championship in Cuba, before turning pro in 1997. He went on to be champion of the world four times at light-welterweight, was awarded an MBE for services to sport in 2007 and is widely seen as one of Britain's greatest ever boxers. He lives in Gee Cross with his girlfriend Jennifer and has three children, Campbell, Millie and Fearne.

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Book Synopsis''I don''t think anyone, apart from Don Bradman, is in the same class as Sachin Tendulkar.'' -Shane WarneReaders are in love with Sachin Tendulkar''s autobiography: ''A must read for anyone who knows cricket'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''An idol . . . An inspiration'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''A great book by one of the all time greats'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''Brings back so many wonderful memories''⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''This book has made me feel proud to be a lover of the game and has inspired me to succeed in everything I do.'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐The story of the greatest cricket player of all time, told in his own words. __________The greatest run-scorer in the history of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar retired in 2013 after an astonishing 24 years at the top. The most celebrated Indian cricketer of all time, hTrade Reviewit's a gem in the way it captures the moment - Sydney Morning Heraldthere's a lot of emotion in here, from start to finish - Launceston Examiner

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Book Synopsis*Sports Book Awards Autobiography of the Year**Shortlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award**The Sunday Times Sports Book of the Year* *The Times Sports Book of the Year* *Telegraph Football Book of the Year*Readers love The Boy on the Shed''A journey full of emotion . . . Spectacular'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''Honest, insightful and shows how football really has to sort itself out'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''Paul Ferris writes from the heart, a wonderful book'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''Exceptional'' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐''Ferris''s wonderful memoir represents a twin triumph. He has endured every kind of setback in life but has invariably reinvented himself; and his writing is a pure pleasure.'' The Sunday Times ''Enough depth and humanity to make your average football autobiographyTrade ReviewThis will be one of the most talked about football books of 2018. * Henry Winter *A remarkable piece of writing...Life, death, love, leaving home, motherly relationships, striving, all weaved into the football journey and every page I found myself relating to his experiences, some very personal...So much more than a sporting memoir. You could take so much from it without an interest in football. * Simon Bird, Football Correspondent, Daily Mirror *An excellent read. * Alan Shearer *Paul Ferris has a good story to tell, in fact several, Irish and Geordie, politics and football, and he tells it well, avoiding the obvious pitfalls of trying to be either lyrical or philosophical or too clever. * Hunter Davies *It is also not a run-of-the-mill book about football, but a well-rounded, exceedingly candid account of his life on and off the pitch and of his family, warts and all. * Belfast Telegraph *Unique, interesting, extremely emotive and gives some insight that supporters have never heard before...His story is raw and will keep you engaged without using any exaggerations which try to win over readers...Ferris has pushed himself forward extremely well in his new book, so well that any Newcastle supporter's book collection will be incomplete without The Boy on the Shed in it. * Newcastle Chronicle *Paul Ferris has written a book that transcends genres...Ferris writes with the sort of fluency that, on the pitch, once impressed peers such as Paul Gascoigne.Ferris has gone beyond standard sports autobiographies. The Boy On The Shed is of a time and place, of Ireland, of Northern Ireland, of growing up a Catholic on a Protestant estate in Lisburn in the 1970s. It is a story of everyday sectarianism and its effects...These books offer a window on another world. Paul Ferris spent much of his childhood in Lisburn looking through one. What he saw, how he understood it and didn't understand it, is gripping. * Irish Times *Once opened, you will be unable to put it down. * Chronicle Live *Superb * Oliver Holt *What a life, what a book...it is excellent. Sports book of the year. * BBC Radio 2 Simon Mayo *A stirring testament to the strength of the human condition and the power of ideas. * Sunday Times Northern Ireland *An early contender for sports book of the year, The Boy On The Shed is not only a great story of a man who came tantalisingly close to making it as a top-flight footballer (and went on to achieve so much else besides), but is simultaneously engaging, well-paced and, like the very best stories, well written. * Press Association *Paul Ferris's compelling memoir is different. For starters, he wrote it all himself, beautifully. Also, it extends well beyond football...It has been quite a journey from the garden shed he used to climb, back in Lisburn, that gives this engaging book its title - and one which thoroughly confounds the notion of the idiot footballer. * Daily Mail *The appeal of his astute story-telling is that this book works on levels that reach far beyond football. The Boy on the Shed reveals an impressive triumph of human resilience over adversity as well as a truly gifted wordsmith. * Sunday Mirror *Quite simply one of the best football memoirs I've ever read and I've worked my way through rather a lot. Paul Ferris writes beautifully and weaves a fascinating tale that lures you into not wanting to put this wonderful book down. A masterpiece of the genre. * Brian McNally *Football memoirs rarely produce great literature but Ferris's The Boy on the Shed is a glistening exception, which sets a short career with Newcastle United against the backdrop of a Catholic childhood in a protestant stronghold of Northern Ireland. He's witty, emotional and painfully self-revealing. If, as Alan Shearer intimates in the foreword, a second book is on the way, he may turn out to be the new Frank McCourt. * The Guardian *Ferris writes so well about the sensation of playing that those who have never kicked a ball are given a glimpse of how to be a footballer. This is so much more than a memoir about the game, however. This is rare male honesty about crippling shyness, love and despair and so very moving about the relationship between a mother and her son. * Alyson Rudd, The Times *If by any chance you like a good book and you are not averse to sport, even football, take this recommendation. It is called The Boy on the Shed and it was written by Paul Ferris. Ferris's story is fascinating and stylishly told. -- David Walsh * The Sunday Times *In a genre too often mired in platitudes, former Newcastle and Northern Ireland winger Ferris's account of growing up Catholic in Protestant Lisburn - and the football career that promised him a way out - stands out for its honesty and humour. * i Paper *A fascinating life story, bearing much heart and soul as well as being 'warts and all'. It is well worth reading for its honesty and its insights by any reader and will be a particularly absorbing read for anyone with an interest or love for 'the beautiful game' as well as Ulster readers and those who remember the would-be local football star from these shores. * Irish Tatler *This is a fascinating life story, bearing much heart and soul as well as being warts and all'. It is well worth reading for its honesty and its insights by any reader and will be a particularly absorbing read for anyone with an interest or love for 'the beautiful game'. * Ulster Tatler *A roller coaster read with appeal beyond football fans, this is a tale of struggle and tragedy, of love and hope, and offers humbling reality as an alternative to the traditional "rags to riches" adventure. * Daily Express *In literary terms, his autobiography is far and away the best book here. Not for nothing was it shortlisted for the William Hill sports book of the year award. As with Nick Hornby's peerless classic it will endure beyond a convenient Christmas stocking filler for your dad. That's because it's not about sport, but rather about the far bigger themes of family, pain, identity, masculinity and loss. -- Robert Crampton * The Times *The Boy on the Shed has enough depth and humanity to make your average football autobiography look like a Ladybird book. * The Telegraph *Ferris's wonderful memoir represents a twin triumph ... and his writing is a pure pleasure. * The Times *Ferris's book offers new insights into professional sport - and what happens when the dream curdles. * Irish Independent *

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Book SynopsisEarly in their lives, Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson and Monique Lamoureux-Morando chose ice hockey to be the sport they wanted to pursue. They didn’t let the absence of girls hockey teams get in their way—they just played on boys teams. Nor did they let competitive adversity on the ice stop them on their way to a thrilling gold-medal victory at the 2018 Olympics, the United States’ first gold medal in women’s ice hockey in 20 years. They also did not allow roadblocks and discrimination off the ice deter them from taking on the big business of elite international and Olympic sports. The success of Monique, Jocelyne, and their team thrust them into the center of the fray in the struggle for gender equity, whether for women in hockey and in sports in general, or in society at large. In Dare to Make History, the Lamoureux twins chronicle their journey to the pinnacle of their sport, the challenges of competing as elite athletes while becoming new mothers, their efforts along with almost 150 other hockey players to start a new professional women’s hockey league, their training to come back for the 2022 Winter Games in Beijing, and their contributions as role models championing the dreams of future generations of girls in sports, education, and the workplace. This is their inspiring story—the story of all girls and women, as well as boys and men, who simply want a level playing field.Trade Review“This book takes you on Jocelyne and Monique’s wild ride to success and what it took to get there. It’s more than a story about hockey or sports. It’s more than a story of hard work, determination, and embracing adversity. This is a story of clear and serious purpose." - Mika Brzezinski, Co-host, MSNBC’s Morning Joe "Parents who want their children to succeed in sports will find this book instructive, but more importantly, parents who want their children to succeed in life as good, honest, and brave humans will find this book invaluable and truly inspirational.” - Heidi Heitkamp, Former US Senator (D-ND) “For anyone looking for a blueprint on how to turn hard work into gold, this is an extraordinary story about a family believing in one another. The Lamoureux twins champion a cause bigger than themselves—fighting for gender equity. These stories leave you wanting more.” - Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Track & Field Olympic Champion "Beyond the twins’ gripping account at the 2018 Olympics, they explain that winning Gold was just part of the journey. They accomplished their goal of leaving the game in a more equitable place for the girls who would come after them. They are champions in life!” - Julie Foudy, ESPN analyst, Two-time World Cup and Olympic Soccer Champion "Dare to Make History is a compelling story of grit, resiliency, and living your core values. Monique and Jocelyne share their inspirational story of chasing Olympic gold and putting that dream on the line to fight for equity in hockey. After having to play with boys and facing discrimination throughout their youth hockey years, Monique and Jocelyne demanded more equal opportunities and a culture change within the sport. At the doorstep of the Olympics, they risked it all to further the cause of equality. Through confidence and determination, these women fought to make the journey easier for the next generation of women hockey players. This book will motivate you to advocate and cheer 'for the ones left behind'—the young women still struggling for their own sheet of ice. I am inspired by Monique, Jocelyne and the rest of the US women’s hockey team and their efforts to address inequalities in the sport. These young women created new paths, fans, and dreams within the sport of hockey. Dare to Make History is a reminder that we have the ability and obligation to drive change for the betterment of the next generation." - Valerie Camillo, President of Business Operations, Philadelphia Flyers “For all these [athletic] accomplishments, it is their work off the ice that they chose to highlight in this memoir: not only their efforts to succeed in a male-dominated sport, but also to change hockey so that the girls who came after them would have an easier time than they did.” – Kirkus Reviews “It’s a powerful story of athletic perseverance, teamwork, and hard-earned victory—and so much more. The book also details the twins’ battle for gender equity in a male-dominated sport and society. The authors provide a behind-the-scenes look at how their demands for more equitable treatment from USA Hockey (USAH)—and their refusal to accept anything less than equitable treatment—changed the game forever and are changing society as well.” – Publishers Weekly "Most of us know that Monique and Jocelyne Lamoureux were exceptional hockey players who led the United States to the Olympic gold medal in 2018. What we did not know is how exceptional they are as storytellers. What an incredible story they tell in Dare to Make History, challenging built-in bias to become great, fighting for equity even it if meant risking everything, overcoming obstacle after obstacle to be the best in the world. This is a goosebump narrative told with seriousness, fun, humor and the enduring message that dreams can come true if you never stop believing in them." - Buzz Bissinger, New York Times Bestselling Author, Friday Night Lights "The book tells the inspiring story of their rise to become gold medal-winning hockey players in the 2018 Olympics and their ongoing fight for gender equity within a male-dominated sport and society...Having already achieved many of their early aspirations and goals, the Lamoureux twins wanted to leave the game better than they entered it by creating opportunities and equity for generations to come." – Fansided "It’s a comprehensive, exciting account of their careers that also lends valuable insight into how the sport of women’s hockey has grown and shifted over that timespan. And it’s told by two people who not only witnessed that growth but put in so much effort themselves to help foster it." – The Ice Garden "Dare to Make History: Chasing a Dream and Fighting for Equity is everything you are hoping for in a memoir, it explains the highs and lows of personal life while also reflecting on how each sister rose to fame in the women’s hockey world. From the beginning, both attribute many of their qualities to their parents constantly having them focus on being good people on and off the ice, even giving credit to their mom for sparking their desire to play for Team USA in the Olympics. Readers will get an intimate look into the lives of two transcendent women who have faced adversity throughout their careers. Monique and Jocelyne detail everything from their early youth hockey days playing with the boys, their successful high school and college careers, to their decision to fight for equity with USA Hockey. Throughout the story it is clear just how dedicated and selfless their efforts are to ensure young girls will have a better future in hockey than ever before." – Women’s Hockey Life

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Book SynopsisThe Sunday Times bestsellerJudy Murray provides the ultimate insight into life with her tennis champion sons Andy and Jamie.What happens when you find you have exceptional children? Do you panic? Put your head in the sand? Or risk everything and jump in head first?As mother to tennis champions Jamie and Andy Murray, Scottish National Coach, coach of the Fed Cup, and general all-round can-do woman of wonder, Judy Murray is the ultimate role model for believing in yourself and reaching out to ambition. As a parent, coach, leader, she is an inspiration who has revolutionised British tennis. From the soggy community courts of Dunblane to the white heat of Centre Court at Wimbledon, Judy Murray’s extraordinary memoir charts the challenges she has faced, from desperate finances and growing pains to entrenched sexism.We all need a story of ‘yes we can’ to make us believe great things are possible. This is that story. Longlisted for the William Hill Sports Book of the Year Award ‘Quite simply, she is inspirational, passionate and great fun’ ObserverTrade ReviewThis truly is the inside story of Andy and Jamie's remarkable rise. Compelling...This is a positive, life-affirming view. -- Alan Patullo * Scotland on Sunday *A cracking book -- Chris Evans breakfast show, BBC Radio 2A fascinating and incriminating document. As well as mapping out the travails of tennis parenthood, it offers a window into generations of patronising, belittling attitudes to women in sport… She should be considered a national treasure -- Simon Briggs * Daily Telegraph *Judy's account is honest and open... She is passionate about getting children into sport...Judy Murray has plenty to feel proud about. * Scotsman *Quite simply, she is inspirational, passionate and great fun -- Kirsty Wark * Observer *A life both defined and enriched by tennis, which reveals a woman whose own achievements are no less impressive than those of her superstar sons * Radio Times *

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Book SynopsisAS SEEN ON NETFLIX'S AT HOME WITH THE FURYSTHE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AND AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR** TELEGRAPH SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR **DOUBLE WINNER: BEST AUTOBIOGRAPHY & BEST OVERALL SPORTS BOOK OF 2020________________________________ 'Incredible stories... you don't have to be a boxing fan to enjoy it' SCOTT MILLS, BBC RADIO 1'One of sport's most heart-warming stories' SUNDAY TIMES, SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR'A must-read for any boxing fan.' WORLD BOXING NEWS'If you know someone who is a fan of the People's Champion then they'll love this.' TALKSPORT XMAS GIFT GUIDEThe extraordinary story of the rise and fall and rise again of Tyson Fury...THE GYPSY KING.A Manchester lad from Irish Traveller stock, born three months premature and weighing just a pound at birth, Tyson (named after his father's boxing hero) grew up to become one of the most unlikely heavyweight champions in history. This 'dream come true' soon turned to nightmare, however, as alcohol and cocaine abuse took hold and Tyson was stripped of his titles. What followed was the darkest moment of his life - detailed in this book for the first time - in which he came within seconds of ending everything.THE PEOPLE'S CHAMPION.Like all the greatest stories, though, there is redemption and Tyson defies all the odds and literally drags himself to his feet. 10 million people around the globe watched Fury fight Wilder in the biggest fight of the boxing calendar. Speaking candidly about his struggles with mental health, this is Tyson Fury as you have never seen him before.A BRITISH ICON.________________________________ Behind the Mask is an unflinching story from the greatest boxer of our time and a man who has demonstrated strength of a very different kind by conquering his demons.________________________________ 'It's a great book, if I could read, I'd buy it' BILLY JOE SAUNDERS, WBO World Super-Middleweight Champion'I didn't believe boxers could be role models, but Tyson Fury has changed my mind... This 30-year-old Mancunian has made us all think twice about the possibilities of redemption.'SIMON KELNER, INDEPENDENT'Tyson Fury has become Britain's most unlikely inspirational figure... the sight of a broken Fury caught a mood with the public. Never was the epithet "People's Champion" more apt'RON LEWIS, THE TIMES'Tyson Fury is an amazing real-life champion' SYLVESTER STALLONE, star of Rocky'You may not have any interest in boxing at all and you will find this story about Tyson's life fascinating' BBC RADIO 5 LIVE'An unusual, heartening story, nicely told. There is much to amaze and admire' SUNDAY TIMESTrade ReviewSpeaking candidly about his struggles with mental health, this is Tyson Fury as you've never seen him before. * Daily Telegraph *Fury delivers on his Behind The Mask promise. Beneath the rowdy showmanship is a gifted athlete with bottomless reservoirs of determination and a rare willingness to be frank about his vulnerability to depression […] you may have to take him more seriously than your instincts suggest. * The Sportsman *‘The story of his recovery and resurgence... struck a chord with fans around the world. When his autobiography, Behind the Mask, was released in November 2019, it reached the No 1 spot on Amazon’s charts within 24 hours.’ * iNEWS *‘Behind the Mask is his unflinching account of how he overcame his battles with obesity, anxiety, drink and drug abuse, depression and despair to become one of the most exciting fighters of boxing’s modern age.' * Penguin.co.uk *His autobiography Behind The Mask and ITV programme has shown how vulnerable people are to depression and other mental health issues. The country should make him an ambassador for mental health awareness. -- Letter from reader, The Sun

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Book Synopsis'George Raveling is a legend on sports, business, and the great game of life' TIM FERRISS'I'm proud to call George a mentor and a friend' MICHAEL JORDAN'George Raveling is the mentor you wish you had' RICH ROLL'This is a must-read book' CHARLES BARKLEYGame-changing wisdom from pioneering coach and Nike executive George Raveling, coauthored by bestselling author Ryan Holiday - with a foreword by basketball legend Michael JordanGeorge Raveling knows all about beating the odds. A living legend, he has been a game-changing basketball coach, stood at the side of Martin Luther King Jr, mentored Michael Jordan and shaped the world of sports as a Director at Nike. But his life began in the shadow of segregation, death and mental illness. Here, he teams up with bestselling author Ryan Holiday to share the lessons drawn from his extraordinary life and career. This is not a memoir, but a blueprint for anyone who wants to overcome obstacles and achieve success on their own terms. You'll find strategies for discovering purpose, insights on how to keep evolving and growing, advice for building meaningful connections, and tactics to compound daily victories into your greatest achievements. From finding a mentor to building a legacy, this book provides tools to not just navigate life, but to live it with intention and impact. And it all starts with the question: what are you made for?

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Book SynopsisIn It for the Long Run is ultrarunner Damian Hall’s story of running a first marathon aged thirty-six, dressed as a toilet, and representing Great Britain four years later. His midlife-crisis running problem escalated to 100-mile ultramarathons and record-breaking bimbles, culminating in his 261-mile Pennine Way run in July 2020.In 1989, Mike Hartley set a record/Fastest Known Time (FKT) for the Pennine Way, running Britain’s oldest National Trail in two days and seventeen hours, without stopping for sleep. Hartley’s record stood for thirty-one years, until two attempts were made on it in two weeks in the summer of 2020. First, American John Kelly broke Hartley’s record by thirty-four minutes. Then Hall knocked another three hours off Kelly’s time.Hall used his record-bothering run to highlight concerns for our climate and ecological emergency: his attempt was carbon negative, he created no plastic waste, and he and his pacing runners collected litter as they went, while also raising money for Greenpeace. A vegan, Hall used no animal products on his attempt. Scrawled on his arm in permanent marker was ‘F F F’, standing for Family, Friends, Future.Packed with dry wit and humour, In It for the Long Run tells of Hall’s nine-year preparation for his attempt, and of the run itself. He also gives us an autobiographical insight into the deranged, custard-splattered, hedgehog-dodging world of ultramarathon running and record attempts.

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Book Synopsis''Adrian has a unique gift for understanding drivers and racing cars. He is ultra competitive but never forgets to have fun. An immensely likeable man.'' Damon HillThe world's foremost designer in Formula One, Adrian Newey OBE is arguably one of Britain's greatest engineers and this is his fascinating, powerful memoir.How to Build a Car explores the story of Adrian's unrivalled 36-year career in Formula One through the prism of the cars he has designed, the drivers he has worked alongside and the races in which he's been involved.A true engineering genius, even in adolescence Adrian's thoughts naturally emerged in shape and form he began sketching his own car designs at the age of 12 and took a welding course in his school summer holidays. From his early career in IndyCar racing and on to his unparalleled success in Formula One, we learn in comprehensive, engaging and highly entertaining detail how a car actually works. Adrian has designed for the likes of Mario Andretti, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill, David Coulthard, Mika Hakkinen, Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen, always with a shark-like purity of purpose: to make the car go faster. And while his career has been marked by unbelievable triumphs, there have also been deep tragedies; most notably Ayrton Senna's death during his time at Williams in 1994.Beautifully illustrated with never-before-seen drawings, How to Build a Car encapsulates, through Adrian's remarkable life story, precisely what makes Formula One so thrilling its potential for the total synchronicity of man and machine, the perfect combination of style, efficiency and speed.Trade Review‘Quite superb…This book pulls off the remarkable feat of being a first-class autobiography and textbook all in one. For those studying the evolution of the F1 car between the late ‘80s and now, it decodes all the mysteries previously hidden by competitive secrecy while revealing the man behind most of the greatest cars of that time period.’ Motorsport Online ‘In this gripping memoir, Newey reveals the highs and lows of his race to the top.’ Mail on Sunday Books of the Year ‘The greatest Formula One designer of his – or any other – age.’ Sunday Times ‘Newey has a legitimate claim on the title of "Britain’s greatest living engineer".’ Daily Telegraph ‘Adrian Newey has created more winners than all the super-brain computers in Formula One put together.’ The Times ‘Creative genius… the leading Formula One designer of his generation… refreshingly honest.’ Guardian ‘The most accomplished man in the world’s most glamorous sport… The Michelangelo of motorsport.’ New Yorker ‘If you love finding out how things work, if you’re a car nut, if you’re intrigued by the sport’s politics and even if your interest in Formula 1 is but a passing one, you absolutely must read this book.’ Octane Magazine ‘How to Build a Car encapsulates through Adrian’s remarkable life story, precisely what makes Formula 1 so thrilling.’ Car Mechanic ‘How to Build a Car gives a tremendous insight…fantastically entertaining.’ Daily Express ‘Honest…hilarious…inspirational.’ Motorsport Magazine ‘Illuminating reading.’ F1 Racing Magazine ‘How to Build a Car is an emphatic hit. It’s one of the most enjoyable F1 books I’ve read in quite some time.’ WTF1 ‘How to Build a Car is an essential read for all fans of motor racing.’ F1 Fanatic ‘Adrian Newey is one of Formula 1’s finest technical brains… The prose is sharp, punchy… you learn almost without realising.’ Autosport

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Book SynopsisTHE NO. 1 BESTSELLER''Well worth a read if you want the inside track on life on the lower rungs of the tennis circuit. Warts and all.'' Judy Murray''As elegant and powerful as a Federer backhand ... It's Kitchen Confidential for tennis.'' Ed Caesar''A really wonderful read ... Conor Niland has delivered an all-timer for tennis and sports journalism'' Ashlee Vance''Conor Niland may only have managed a career-high ranking of 129 only? that is some achievement in itself! but The Racket, his account of how he managed this, is up there with the best half-dozen books on tennis ever written.'' Geoff DyerGenuinely such a brilliant book, a brilliant read' Ciarán Murphy, Second Captains PodcastOne of the best Irish sports books of the last decade' Kieran Shannon, Irish Examiner''If it''s not a contender for Sports Book

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Book Synopsis‘I rode back down the hill to the athlete’s village. Some of Team Scotland had been watching on the big screen and I arrived to hugs of congratulations. I went inside for a shower and ceremoniously dropped my heart rate monitor into the bin. It was the first day of the rest of my life.’ A little before 1.30 p.m. on Sunday 21 July 2013, Lee Craigie crossed the finish line at Cathkin Braes in the southern outskirts of Glasgow several minutes ahead of her nearest competitor to become the British cross-country mountain bike champion. Lee’s win was the culmination of seven years of training and sacrifice, but it marked the beginning of the end of her competitive career; less than a year later, at the same venue, this time representing her native Scotland at the Commonwealth Games, she crossed the line and quit professional bike racing for good. Lee Craigie is one of Scotland’s great bike racers, yet she has accomplished much more since retiring. In Other Ways to Win she tells her story of growing up near Glasgow and discovering the freedom of cycling – skipping French lessons and heading off into the Campsie Fells to see just how far she could ride. These teenage adventures established cycling as the thread which would run through her life – not only through her racing life and into a new life of two-wheeled adventure, but also through the positive impact she would have on the lives of others, particularly encouraging other women through her work with the Adventure Syndicate. Written with breathtaking honesty, she recounts epic adventures along the Tour Divide, Silk Road and the Highland Trail 550, and examines themes of friendship, loss, identity and the power of the outdoors – and, of course, cycling. Lee Craigie’s story is a welcome reminder that there is more than one way to win at cycling – and life.

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Book SynopsisLewis Hamilton's explosive arrival on the Formula 1 scene has made front-page headlines. In My Story, for the first time Lewis opens up about his stunning debut season in grand prix racing, as well as his dad Anthony, his home life and his early years. The only book with the real story, as told by Lewis.In his first season in F1, Lewis Hamilton thrilled the world of motor racing by finishing on the podium in his first nine consecutive races the first driver to do so in the sport''s 57-year history and drove to victories in Canada, America, Hungary and Japan. But bare statistics alone do scant justice to the amazing impact Lewis Hamilton has had on the sporting landscape. My Story gives the real account from Lewis himself, as he sets the record straight about his colourful life on and off the track.Given a grounded upbringing by his dedicated father in unremarkable Stevenage, Lewis tells about how he first tried out go-karting while on a cut-price family holiday in Ibiza. In his book he gives the real version of events at a motor sport dinner where, as a nine-year-old wearing a borrowed suit, he approached McLaren team boss Ron Dennis with the immortal words that were to change his life forever.He rose rapidly through the Junior and Formula ranks, dominating every series with his raw speed and canny race craft. Here Lewis candidly recalls those key moments that shaped his career and went some way towards compensating for the sacrifices made by his father Anthony in getting his son to the top.Lewis also charts how he got into the sport and was signed up by Ron Dennis, what motivates him, who are his closest friends, how he copes with the constant travelling, and the physical and mental challenges of driving a state-of-the-art Formula 1 car. He looks back in detail at the 2007 World Championship the race wins, the frightening crash in Germany, his intense rivalry with team-mate Fernando Alonso, his special relationship with Ron Dennis, and the furore over the Ferrari allegations right up to the dramatic last race of the season in Brazil.Trade Review‘Lewis will create the benchmark for a whole generation of drivers…He is already turning television viewers back on to motor racing’ Jackie Stewart ‘Lewis Hamilton is a phenomenon – nobody has come into the sport and done what he’s done’ Murray Walker Few 22-year-olds have achieved enough to warrant 290 pages of reminiscence, but Hamilton is the exeption.' 'Hamilton is not only outstandingly gifted as a racing driver, he is genuinely articulate and charming.' The Daily Telegraph

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

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Book SynopsisTHE CROSS SPORTS BOOK AWARDS AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE YEAR The Sunday Times bestseller is 'brilliant, gripping, beautifully written, real,' says Jonathan Northcroft. So, you think you know Joey Barton. Think again. No Nonsense is a game-changing autobiography which will redefine the most fascinating figure in British football. It is the raw yet redemptive story of a man shaped by rejection and the consequences of his mistakes. He has represented England, and been a pivotal player for Manchester City, Newcastle United, Queens Park Rangers, Marseille, Burnley and Glasgow Rangers, but his career has featured recurring controversy. The low point of being sent to prison for assault in 2008 proved to be the catalyst for the re-evaluation of his life.   No Nonsense reflects Barton’s character – it is candid, challenging, entertaining and intelligent. He does not spareTrade Review'Barton's compelling autobiography...probes the dark undertow of his past' -- Donald McRae * Guardian *'The book is brilliant and in many ways as No Nonsense as the title claims' -- Matt Lawton * Daily Mail *'Frequently jaw-dropping' -- Matt Dickinson * The Times *'Brilliant, gripping, beautifully written, real' -- Jonathan Northcroft'Powerful story...It is superbly written...What makes Barton's book engaging is the candour with which he describes his personal crusade against the demons of violence in his nature and the revelation of inside track details' * Daily Express *‘…this tale of a council estate “scally” (his word) made good through grit, determination and the learning from setbacks is far more than a football book’ * The i *‘Book of revelations: No Nonsense is, to all intents and purposes, Joey Barton: The Director’s Cut. Unshackled from the limitations of Twitter’s 140 characters, expanded and coloured in with the help of an articulate ghost writer, Michael Calvin. Together they lay waste to the “superficial bollocks” of the modern game’ * When Saturday Comes *‘This is a terrific book, one of the best I’ve read. There aren’t many I’ve read and finished and thought damn I’ve finished. This is one of them’ * Sportnetwork.net *‘One of the most remarkable and candid sports books of the year’ -- Terry Staunton * When Saturday Comes *

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