Biography: sport Books

Book SynopsisInside Diego is an intimate portrait of the greatest footballer of all time, from the person in football who knew him best. As Diego Maradona's personal trainer, Fernando Signorini spent more than a decade at the superstar's side, witnessing a dizzying array of highs and lows, from helping Diego recuperate from a broken ankle in 1983 to his dramatic exit from the 1994 World Cup after a failed drugs test. Signorini offers a unique perspective on the troubled legend, giving us the lowdown not only on Diego's evolution as an athlete, but on Diego the human being, a far cry from the character we saw on TV screens. He brings us the inside track on Maradona's preparation for three World Cups: Mexico 86, Italia 90 and USA 94. We also get an insider view on his battles with fame, drugs and extramarital paternity, plus his time in charge of the Argentine national team. Brimming with incredible stories and anecdotes, Inside Diego is an intensely personal rollercoaster account of a flawed football genius.

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Book SynopsisGalvinised is the tale of two footballing brothers with contrasting fortunes who played in a golden age of the game. It's a story of glamour and heartache. Tottenham Hotspur snapped up left-winger Tony Galvin from non-league Goole Town while he was studying Russian at Hull University. Tony won the FA Cup and UEFA Cup with Spurs alongside legendary stars such as Glenn Hoddle and Ossie Ardiles. He also won 29 Republic of Ireland caps and played at Euro 88. Tony ended his playing days at Sheffield Wednesday and Swindon Town. Conversely, elder brother Chris, an inside-forward, joined Leeds United as an apprentice but struggled to break into Don Revie's iconic team. After witnessing Leeds' glory days from the subs' bench, he played across the Football League pyramid at Hull City, Stockport County and York City before finding success in Hong Kong. The Galvin brothers have tales galore from the 1960s to 1980s, and share stories of players, travelling escapades, training ground bust-ups and unforgettable matches in this unique biography.

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

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Book SynopsisYorkshire Grit: The Life of Ray Illingworth is a fascinating account of one of English cricket's most outstanding figures told by award-winning writer Mark Peel. Raised in the harsh world of Yorkshire cricket, Illingworth's all-round ability and tactical acumen made him an indispensable member of their great sides of the 1950s and 60s. Leaving Yorkshire in 1968, he went on to captain Leicestershire to unprecedented success, and also became one of England's finest captains and the first man since Douglas Jardine nearly 40 years earlier to regain the Ashes in Australia. Yet for all his success on the field, Illingworth's attritional tactics and refusal to compromise made him a controversial figure. His return to Yorkshire as manager was marred by a clash with Geoff Boycott, while his time as England's chairman of selectors and manager saw clashes with Mike Atherton and other top players. In this first biography of Illingworth for nearly 50 years, Peel reappraises a dominant personality who never shied away from controversy.Trade Review"Illingworth a great all-rounder and a great all-round biography." -- Mark Watkins * Dare Radio *"This is one I would definitely recommend." -- Steve Dolman * Peak Fan Blog *"Peel, whose previous biographies include the likes of England's cricket captain Douglas Jardine and the politician Shirley Williams, knows his market and ,as such, the first reputable biography of Illingworth is a respectful work, a conventional and fair-minded run through his life which would have delighted the man himself." -- David Hopps * The Cricketer *"Mark Peel has done cricket lovers a favour with his balanced account of the different perspectives. The author has been nominated for less well-crafted books, and his publisher has served him well." -- Douglas Miller * Association of Cricket Statisticians *"In many ways the measure of the quality of a biography is how long it takes to read, and even if Yorkshire Grit hadn’t arrived during a mini heatwave I have no doubt I would still have been unable to make it last more than two days. It is an excellent book and reminded me of many things that I had forgotten, and also made sense of aspects of Illingworth’s life that I had previously struggled to put in their proper context... and there is a good selection of photographs and an index." -- Martin Chandler * Cricketweb.net *"Yorkshire Grit: The Life of Ray Illingworth, by Mark Peel and published by Pitch, is a splendid readable biography of the Yorkshire and England legend." -- Chris Waters * Yorkshire Evening Post *"Illy’s remarkable career, loving told by master biographer Mark Peel." -- Ken Piesse * Pavilion, the Australian Cricket Society Magazine *

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Book SynopsisHenry Armstrong: Boxing's Super Champ is the story of arguably the most incredible fighter in the history of boxing - told by one of the few surviving writers to have been around during Armstrong's unique world championship reign. When Henry had his arm raised on 17 August 1938, after winning a blood-spattered 15-round decision over Lou Ambers, he became the first boxer to simultaneously hold world titles at three different weights - and somehow he managed the feat in an era of just eight weight classes, with no 'junior' or 'super' divisions. He had entered Madison Square Garden as the reigning world feather and welterweight champion, and left with the world lightweight belt strapped around his waist. Now in his 90s, veteran boxing journalist and author John Jarrett looks back on the life and career of this ring hero of his youth: a 5ft 51/2in buzzsaw they nicknamed 'Homicide Hank'. In the 85 years that have passed since then, nobody has matched Armstrong's amazing triple-championship feat. It's likely no one ever will.Trade Review"A colourful and controversial career (and life) – including financial help from actress Mae West – is covered in full, with alcoholism awaiting 'Homicide Hank' in the blue corner, and Bible-bashing awaiting 'Hammerin' Hank' in the red… One ring, twenty-two chapters, 352 pages, in 1938, real name, Henry Jackson Jr, became the only boxer in history to hold the following [world titles] at the same time – featherweight, lightweight and welterweight. Quite an achievement – just like this very well-written book, which lives and relives some great boxing action." -- Mark Watkins * Dare Radio *"Jarrett's Armstrong study is one of the more well-researched and immersive boxing books I’ve been fortunate enough to read. The colourful characters of the black and white era have rarely been so well-rendered as they are here. Jarrett takes you into the gyms, small halls, arenas and stadiums of boxing’s golden age... The 92-year-old is by most measures the oldest scribe in all of fistiana. Jarrett is also one of the most uniquely qualified. He is a vital through-line from the wonderful fighters of the mid-20th century... Jarrett lovingly compiles fight reports from the day to allow the reader to experience Armstrong's journey in real-time. 'Super Champ' leaves the reader invigorated by a time when boxing's stars spent more of their time in the ring and took on all-comers. A must-read for curious modern fans and wistful vintage watchers alike." -- Joey Mills * The Sportsman *"Henry Armstrong: Boxing’s Super Champ is John Jarrett’s retelling of the career of genuine boxing legend Henry Armstrong, the only boxer to ever simultaneously hold world titles at three different weights... [it is] the product of an enormous amount of research and editing. It might also be truer to say (and I mean this as a compliment), that Jarrett is less the author of this book and more the compiler, with the text mainly being taken from archival sources of printed material contemporary with Armstrong’s career. There are numerous sections of opinion pieces, lifted from The Ring magazine and a number of LA and New York based newspapers, by writers who have gone down in legend and/or been inducted into the various national and international boxing halls of fame." -- David Turner * Writers on Boxing *

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Book SynopsisPhenomenon is the rip-roaring story of Brazilian legend Ronaldo, examining the incredible career and life of the greatest number nine in football history. ‘The Phenomenon’ – as he was dubbed by the Italian media as he tore apart the toughest league in the world in the late ’90s – was the heir apparent to Pelé. His incredible career had it all: from a meteoric rise and jubilant highs to the crushing lows of debilitating injuries, and everything imaginable in between. Never without his trademark infectious grin, the breathtakingly brilliant Rio native combined pace and strength that frightened the best defenders in the world, with balletic agility, poise and composure that contradicted his powerful frame. Phenomenon explores Ronaldo’s roller-coaster ride, from local youth football to the biggest clubs in the world. From the mysterious heartbreak of the 1998 World Cup Final in Paris, to triumphant redemption in the Far East four years later. It’s a story that would make Hollywood scriptwriters blush.

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

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

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

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Book SynopsisIn the era of boxing's pay-per-view superstars, Tris Dixon invested in a Greyhound bus pass and spent several months traversing America on a shoestring budget, tracking down fighters from yesteryear who had vanished from the limelight. Venturing from New York to Las Vegas and from Toronto to Miami, the young writer - himself a former amateur boxer - sought out coulda-been contenders and cult heroes from the 1950s to the 2000s, all now faded from popular memory. He visited old people's homes, gyms and too many prisons, discovering that life after boxing can be a cruel place when the ropes are no longer in place to keep fighters safe from the outside world. Dixon meets men who shaped boxing history, fighting the likes of Sugar Ray Robinson, Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson. He shares their memories and weaves together their forgotten tales over the course of a remarkable American journey.

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Book SynopsisPironi: The Champion that Never Was relates the remarkable story of motor racing's forgotten man, F1 driver and offshore powerboat legend, Didier Pironi. A disastrous crash at the 1982 German Grand Prix denied him his place as France's first F1 world champion. He was killed during the 1987 Needles Trophy race.

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Book SynopsisThe Last Corinthian: The Cricketing Life of MJK Smith is the story of the illustrious cricketing career of Mike Smith, one of England's most popular captains. At Oxford he broke records by scoring centuries in each of his three Varsity matches and captained the team in his final year. He was appointed captain of Warwickshire at the age of 23, and captain of England six years later. Predominantly a leg-side player, he was a prolific run scorer in county cricket, and also an outstanding fielder at short-leg. Mike played in 50 Test matches and led several successful overseas tours. His democratic approach, modesty, integrity and unfailing good humour made him one of England's most admired captains. Mike is England's only living double international, having played rugby for England against Wales in 1956. The book draws on extensive interviews with Mike to tell his story, as well as eyewitness accounts and anecdotes from former team-mates and opponents, including Sir Geoffrey Boycott, Dennis Amiss and Bob Barber.Trade Review"A warm and detailed biography... and ...an engaging and worthwhile read." -- Brian Halford * The Cricketer Magazine *"One of the strengths of the book is that it is as much about MJK the man as it is about the cricketer... MJK’s two trips to the sub-continent, in 1961/62 and 1963/64, never were the subject of books, and no one has written at length about England’s tours to the Caribbean in 1959/60, South Africa in 1964/65 and Australian in 1965/66 since those series took place. So this one is a valuable book simply for examining those long forgotten ventures, particularly as that is done with input from MJK and others... the book is well illustrated, and has a decent index. For anyone interested in English cricket in the 1960s the book is certainly recommended." -- Martin Chandler * Cricketweb.net *"I particularly enjoyed the account of the 1965-66 Ashes series, one that has not gone down in the annals of the game as one of the best, but which from reading this account was often closely contested, and played for the most part in a good and enterprising spirit... Although cricketing biographies, especially those that focus on the playing career, can all too easily fail to capture the personality of the subject, this is a not an accusation that can be levelled at Mike Thompson’s book. He has succeeded in his aim to deliver an account of Mike Smith on the cricket field, and in so doing has also captured the sometimes enigmatic but always appealing personality of one of England’s finest post-war players." -- Richard Lawrence * Association of Cricket Statisticians *"Mike Thompson is to be congratulated on the depth and breadth of his research into his distinguished subject’s career from captaincy of Oxford to leadership of the Warwickshire and England teams. I found some of the footnotes on Mike's Oxford teammates particularly fascinating. Thompson has interviewed and corresponded with a host of Smith’s fellow players and contemporaries in both the county and international game... and built up a significant relationship with his subject... [it] gives a feeling of intimacy and reality to the narrative. Thoroughly recommended to all interested in the career of a great cricketer." -- Norman Crampton * Member of MCC and ex-Member Yorkshire and Somerset *

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Book SynopsisSweeper Keeper is the compelling story of legendary goalkeeper Tommy Lawrence, one of the heroes of Bill Shankly''s Liverpool, who has been called the first ''sweeper keeper''. A chance interview with the BBC in 2015 made Tommy Lawrence a viral sensation. The one-in-a-million-chance meeting led to a heart-warming recollection of his playing days for Liverpool.Lawrence''s story has a lot more to it than meets the eye. Known affectionately as ''the Flying Pig'', the fabled goalkeeper led a roller-coaster life. After moving to Warrington with his family as a child, Tommy became friendly with local brothers Peter and Roger Hunt. Lawrence and Roger Hunt went on to be mainstays of Shankly''s Liverpool revolution, winning league titles and the club''s first FA Cup.The romance at Anfield ended abruptly, though, and there was no testimonial. From riches on the pitch to rags on the streets, Tommy''s life story is told b

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Book SynopsisA local legend with a national cult-following, former Premier League striker Dean Windass tackles retirement and the challenges it brings. Going from 20,000 people singing your name, week in, week out, to nothing. Just silence. A silence which nearly killed him.Deano explains how football defined him. A terrier, a goalscorer, he played with a smile on his face during a career that took him north and south of the border with Aberdeen and Oxford United, Sheffield United and Wednesday, Middlesbrough and Bradford City. Popular wherever he played, his career is crystallised by one very special goal for his local club.Thousands of fans travelled from his hometown of Hull to Wembley and saw their hero score the 30m goal. Typical of Deano, it was no ordinary goal, but a stunning volley. It secured Hull City's promotion to the top flight for the first time since. Genuine Roy of The Rovers stuff'' said the BBC but what happens at the end of a career spanning more than 800 games and 200 goals, once the boots are hung up and the phone stops ringing? That''s another challenge altogether.Highs, lows, drink, divorce, despair, collapse. And then reinvention, positive mental health and learning how to live again. If it helps one more person than me, then I''m happy, says Deano, with that warmth and authenticity that won the hearts of fans at each of the clubs he represented. A proud and straight-talking Yorkshireman, he pulls no punches, to tell it all in Life After Football and shows once the final whistle blows retirement from the game comes with its own wins and losses.

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Book SynopsisNever Say Die is the gripping story of Arthur Baby' Gore, a battling tennis player of the Edwardian era and the oldest-ever winner of the Wimbledon singles title.Gore enjoyed an unparalleled 40-year career in which the game evolved from a garden-party pastime into a dynamic international sport. Thrice All-England champion, Olympic gold medallist and the first-ever Davis Cup captain, Gore was an amateur of the old school who competed in more Wimbledon tournaments than anyone else in history, all the while pursuing a hectic business life in the City of London.On court he was a dogged fighter who famously did not stop trying until the last point was played. A leading personality of the sport, he symbolised the generation that established the game in the public imagination.With analysis of his opponents and the changes he witnessed in tennis and wider society, this compelling biography provides an unrivalled insight into the life and times of a forgott

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Book SynopsisThe Fox: Harry Hopman and the Greatest Dynasty in Tennis History is the story of how one man drove a tiny nation to dominate a global sport. The Grand Slams, Wimbledon crowns and Davis Cups his players won made Australia famous. They called him simply Mr Hopman but the New York Times called him a ''one-man dynasty''.He was revered for his success but reviled for his methods. He had no formal education as a coach or trainer but relentlessly pursued sporting excellence. Hopman''s approach was revolutionary to a genteel sport, introducing the grit of gymnasiums and endurance exercises that bordered on sadistic.This book examines the many shades of Harry Hopman: the outsider who willed himself to play for his country and battled the sport''s establishment; the schemer who saw America dominate the sport and devised a way to beat them; the unquestioned leader; and eventually the ageing coach who embraced the ''me generation''.

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Book SynopsisLa Vie Jamais Racontée is the story of sporting suffragette Alice Milliat, and a captivating exploration of a forgotten pioneer of women''s sport.In an era when women''s sport is gaining well-deserved recognition, Milliat''s work remains largely unknown, yet she played a crucial role in advancing its cause.Born in 1884, Milliat fearlessly fought against societal barriers, orchestrating four editions of the Women''s World Games and establishing a French women''s football team that toured the UK.Milliat relentlessly lobbied for the inclusion of women''s athletics at the Olympics, and although she was ultimately successful, her victory proved bittersweet. Instead of being lauded, she was sidelined and faded from public view.This book sheds light on Milliat''s extraordinary life and celebrates the sportswomen she elevated during the early 20th century. With her story finally told, her invaluable contributions can be rediscovered and

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Book SynopsisBeliever in Blue is the fascinating autobiography of Marvin Andrews, who famously overcame serious injury and defied expert medical opinion to help Rangers win the title on ''Helicopter Sunday''. A year later, he led Trinidad and Tobago to an unprecedented qualification for the 2006 World Cup.Reared in San Juan in humble circumstances, Andrews overcame adversity to build a life in football. A 5,000-mile flight to Scotland opened up a career with Raith Rovers in 1997. There, he also found the local church where he was ordained in 2006. The experience would change his life forever.He became a hero when he helped Livingston FC to their first major honour in 2004 - the Scottish League Cup. When Rangers came calling, the scene was set for that drama on ''Helicopter Sunday''. The image of Marvin on his knees giving thanks to God has become iconic. His t-shirt proclaimed, ''The things that are impossible with men, are possible with God'', and so it s

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Book SynopsisAnd the Winner Is takes a fascinating look at the 70 holders of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year trophy. Together, their stories - and the moments that define them - offer a unique account of British sport in the television age.Since it was first broadcast 70 years ago, the BBC''s Sports Personality of the Year (SPOTY) is a national institution, with the announcement of the winner guaranteed to spark heated debates in the press and online, as well as in the front rooms of viewers.Why have more royals won than rugby players? What do Ronnie or Rory have to do to win? And should winning the F1 Drivers'' Championship really trump gold medals at four consecutive Olympic Games? Damon Hill''s mum certainly didn''t think so.Some of the winners, and the moments that define them, are cornerstones of the nation''s sporting fabric - Bobby Moore and the World Cup in 1966 or Andy Murray and Wimbledon in 2013. But others are less familiar: 44-year-old golfe

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Book Synopsis Torry: The Life and Career of a Football Great is the story of the remarkable Torry Gillick, a Scottish international footballer revered both in Glasgow and Liverpool.On the pitch, Gillick won every possible honour in Scottish football with Rangers across two spells at Ibrox, and was the only player signed twice by the legendary Bill Struth. At Everton, he was a key player in their famous league title triumph in 1939, making the club the last champions before World War Two.Gillick was a character and an entertainer, his skills and goals earning him a place in the Hall of Fame at both clubs. But his story is about more than his wonderful football career; it is one of a family man whose life was blighted by tragedy and heartache, but who always emerged stronger and who earned respect and friendship in and out of football.

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Book SynopsisTriumphs, Treachery and Toilet Rolls is the astonishing life story of football legend Francis Lee. With searing candour, Lee reveals how he overcame treachery and betrayals to prevail. This is Franny - uncensored.This remarkable man rose from the humblest of beginnings to become a top-class international footballer, a multi-millionaire businessman and entrepreneur, a successful racehorse trainer and then a reborn football man, returning as Manchester City''s chairman to steer the club towards its glorious 21st-century renaissance at The Etihad.From a childhood among the mills around Bolton, Lee faced up to authority and putdowns at school, at Bolton Wanderers, and to later betrayals in the boardroom, to fulfil his dreams at City, Derby County and in selling toilet rolls to the masses.This is the story of a man who crammed more into one life than anyone could aspire to - told for the first time, in his own words.

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Book SynopsisThe fascinating life story of Ted Peate, a top Victorian cricketer hailed by W. G. Grace as the world's best spin bowler. This is the first-ever biography of Peate!Peate is the cricketer whose name heads the Lord's honours board. Yet he ended his life broke and is buried in an unmarked grave at the side of the runway at Leeds-Bradford airport. Read and you'll discover: How Peate was the last man out in the famous first Ashes' Test when Australia beat England at The Oval in 1882 The truth behind Peate's character flaws, including his weakness for drink, which led to his sacking by new Yorkshire captain Lord Hawke when he was at the peak of his powers His working-class origins, his season touring local fetes with a group of clowns, plus the dramatic breakthrough that led to a tour of Australia after just one full season The murky world of the professional cricketer, including new details about the scandal-ridden 1882 England tour to Australia With unprecedented insight into Peate's life and times, the book will appeal to lovers of Yorkshire county cricket, plus anyone interested in the emergence of the England cricket team or the development of sport in Britain.

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Book Synopsis"Stunningly descriptive, compelling writing. I was moved close to tears on several occasions.” - Peter James, international bestselling crime writer 'A fabulous story guaranteed to capture people’s imagination' - Mail on Sunday In 1930, at the age of twenty-seven, Liesl Herbst was the Austrian National Tennis Champion, a celebrity in Vienna. Liesl, her husband David and their daughter Dorli came to Britain after escaping the Nazis. In London, though initially stripped of their Austrian passports and rendered stateless aliens, both Liesl and her daughter Dorli competed at Wimbledon. They remain the only mother and daughter ever to have played doubles together at Wimbledon. This moving story of escape and survival is told by Liesl’s grand-daughter. It is as much a search for the author’s own identity as for her own children and grandchildren to ensure that their remarkable family history is never lost again. Illustrated throughout with family photographs and original documents, this is a story of survival against terrible odds, an inspiring tale of resilience and hope.Trade Review"Stunningly descriptive, compelling writing. I was moved close to tears on several occasions.” * Peter James, international bestselling crime writer *'A fabulous story guaranteed to capture people’s imagination' * Mail on Sunday *'Absolutely fascinating.' * BBC Breakfast *

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Book Synopsis*** SHORTLISTED IN THE SPORTS WRITING CATEGORY AT THE 2024 SPORTS BOOK AWARDS ****** LONGLISTED FOR THE 2023 WILLIAM HILL SPORTS BOOK OF THE YEAR ***JOIN THE QUEST TO SURF THE BIGGEST WAVE IN HISTORY.In a small fishing village on the coast of Portugal, a select band of surfers take unimaginable risks, pushing the boundaries of their death-defying sport as they seek to go bigger than ever before.Their goal? To ride the Everest of the ocean - the 100-foot wave.Sports journalist Matt Majendie is welcomed into the inner circle of Nazaré''s tight community of big-wave surfers and extreme thrill-seekers, living among them for a season as he chronicles their incredible highs and terrifying lows.Follow the endeavours of Britain''s leading big-wave surfer, a former plumber from Devon, Andrew Cotton; trailblazing Brazilian female surfer Maya Gabeira; current World Record holder German Sebastian Steudtner; Portuguese Nic von

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Book SynopsisToo big for the Primary School reps, and in his day the tallest man to have played on Lancaster Park, Nugget Pringle won Wellington caps in his first season of senior rugby with the Oriental Club, and went on to win an All Black cap the following year, 1923. In the training camp before the first test against New South Wales he proved a great entertainer and his Salome was a scream, but a cauliflower ear (one of many) led to his withdrawal from the match. He scored a try in the second test, which the All Blacks won handsomely, but, despite every endeavour for the next 4 years, failed to gain a second cap. En route he played for and against the All Blacks and against New Zealand Maoris, winning all three and scoring a try in two. Fate’s fickle fingers nonetheless conspired, through injury, illness, selection policy and sheer misfortune, to cause him to miss further home internationals as well as tours to Australia and South Africa. Most importantly, although a hot favourite all season, he missed out by a whisker on a place with the 1924/25 Invincibles. With the benefit of contemporary press cuttings in the family scrapbook, and from the archives, we follow here his playing career at club, representative and national level, while we also learn of his achievements in the worlds of athletics and cricket, and how he gained the unusual distinction of playing both rugby and cricket, as well as winning the shot put, on Athletic Park. A genial giant who gave his all for the game he loved, but, in terms of his playing career and All Black appearances, was he the Unluckiest All Black? Judge for yourself.

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Book SynopsisA national hero in his playing days, Herbert Sutcliffe belongs to a select band of all-time cricketing greats. Alan Hill’s award-winning biography of the Yorkshire and England batsman charts his extraordinary transformation from cobbler’s apprentice to urbane gentleman: one of the coolest, most determined and technically accomplished practitioners the game has ever known.Blessed with the looks of a matinee idol, Sutcliffe was a complex, often enigmatic, personality. As a cricketer, he was touched with genius. His career spanned exactly the years between the wars and he performed with distinction in every one of those seasons. He scored 50,138 first-class runs, including 149 centuries, and his remarkable Test average of 60.73 is the highest for an English batsman – higher than those of Hobbs, Hammond or Hutton.Herbert Sutcliffe: Cricket Maestro calls upon the reminiscences of Bob Wyatt, Sir Donald Bradman, Sir Len Hutton and Les Ames among other illustrious contemporaries, to evoke the splendour of Sutcliffe’s achievements for Yorkshire and England, and to bring to life the vivacious story of one of the greatest batsmen ever.

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Book SynopsisThe rollercoaster career of Tony Lock, extending over twenty-five years, is the saga of a resilient cricketer who triumphed over adversity.He was an inspirational figure in Surrey’s seven consecutive championship wins in the 1950s when he forged a feared spin partnership with Jim Laker for both club and country. Controversy stalked Lock as a bowler during his destructive rule with Surrey and England but the return to the orthodox style of his youth brought renewed acclaim. He rejoiced in another role as captain in reviving the fortunes of Leicestershire and Western Australia, where he led the state to victory in the Sheffield Shield.Tony Lock was, for a legion of admirers, an incorrigible showman, with boundless enthusiasm for the game. It was said of him, for instance, that when he appealed at the Oval, someone else was given out at Lord’s. Tony Lock: Aggressive Master of Spin is an engrossing study that reveals the paradox of a volatile and vulnerable man, but an astonishingly durable cricketer; his memory will endure.

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Book SynopsisWhether it was a swashbuckling footballer whose style earned him the nickname Crazy Horse, or as a television quiz show captain who rubbed shoulders with royalty, Emlyn Hughes never did things by half. This book looks at the life of the legend who carved out a career for himself in the media.

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Book SynopsisBill Shankly is the man who shaped Liverpool Football Club. His legendary status on Merseyside and within the history of the game cannot be overestimated. Renowned for his commitment, restless energy and laconic aphorisms, he followed a respectable career as a player with an incredible one as a manager.Having been in charge at Carlisle, Grimsby, Workington and swiftly Huddersfield, he arrived at a struggling Liverpool in 1959 and transformed the club into one of the most successful in British football. This, together with the force of his incredible personality, ensured Bill Shankly would be remembered forever as one of the all-time great figures in football.With superb photography from sports photographer Steve Hale, prolific Merseyside writer Phil Thompson records Shankly's life in this delightful biography from his birth in Glenbuck to the glory days when Shankly laid the foundations for Liverpool's rise to domination of the domestic and European f

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Book SynopsisThey all excited and inspired me by how they fought their corners […] So I want to place them all round a fantasy dinner-table, not just to dine, but to relive how I saw them in action and how much they had in common.Who would be on your dream dinner party guest list? Over his 50 years in broadcasting, Archie Macpherson has seen many sports personalities come and go; in Touching the Heights he collects the 13 who have inspired him most around his fantasy dinner table. Some are well-known, others less so, but all shaped both their sport and those, like Macpherson, who watched their careers unfold.Tommy Docherty · Jackie Paterson · Jim Baxter Eric Brown · Jimmy Johnstone · Sandra Whittaker Dr Richard Budgett · Ally MacLeod · Jock Stein · Sir Alex Ferguson · Bill McLaren · Jim MacLean · Graeme SounessFrom football to golf, boxing to athletics, Touching the Heights celebrates the breadth of Scottish sporting achievement. Whether telling the tale of a boy who acquired new shoes by stealing them from the local baths, or that of a distinguished medical scientist at the centre of sporting transgender debates, one thing unites them all: Without them life would have been much poorer.Trade ReviewFrom football to golf, boxing to athletics, Touching the Heights celebrates the breadth of Scottish sporting achievement. ANN FOTHERINGHAM, Glasgow Times

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Book SynopsisYou've heard of David Beckham: the world-famous celebrity, actor, model, entrepreneur, philanthropist and charity ambassador. But what about the footballer behind the brand? Drawing on exclusive interviews with former Beckham team-mates, acclaimed author Wayne Barton explores Beckham's contribution as one of the greatest players of his generation.

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Book SynopsisA detailed account of Ron Saunders' Aston Villa reign, Odd Man Out tells how, against a backdrop of boardroom disharmony, he guided them to a first league title in 71 years (and thus far their last), only to sensationally quit the following season and join arch rivals Birmingham City with Villa on the brink of European glory.

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Book SynopsisBeliever in Blue is the fascinating autobiography of Marvin Andrews, who famously overcame serious injury and defied expert medical opinion to help Rangers win the title on 'Helicopter Sunday'. A year later, he led Trinidad and Tobago to an unprecedented qualification for the 2006 World Cup. His story is one of religious faith and glory.

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Book SynopsisBeing the fastest cyclist in the world at the start line means nothing if your mind isn't strong enough to get you to the finish lineIn 2018, Leigh Timmis became the fastest person to cycle across Europe - in just 16 days, 10 hours and 45 minutes - breaking the previous world record by an astonishing 8 days and 17 hours. But when he set out to break the record, Leigh wasn't just trying to conquer the road.As he prepared his body for this ultra-endurance world record attempt, Leigh realized that he would have to confront deeper problems to make it to the finish line. Although test results showed that he already had the physical ability of an elite athlete, something was holding him back: his troubled mind.With the support of psychologists and sports science experts, Leigh confronted the past that had left him with vulnerabilities he would need to understand and overcome in the pursuit of performance. Then, cycling for 14 hours a day, from the west coast of Portugal to the edge of Siberia, he embarked on far more than just a physical journey.The Race of Truth is the remarkable true story of personal transformation against the clock, and the astonishing feats we can accomplish when we face up to our deepest fears.Trade ReviewBrilliantly relatable, honest and funny. Leigh has immortalized his incredible story in a way that will inspire readers. * Mark Beaumont, long-distance cyclist, broadcaster and author *Inspiring AND useful - Leigh's insights on the mental aspect of preparing for a big challenge are amazing; I wish I'd read them years ago. There's so much to learn from here, about achieving athletic goals and life goals. * Sean Conway, adventurer and author *This is a great read for anyone with an interest in cycling or adventures. However, for those with an interest in sport science, psychology or team dynamics, Timmis book is so much more. It offers a brilliant case study of just what it takes and just how many people need to be involved in order to take on a credible world record attempt. * Dr Josephine Perry, sport psychologist and author of The 10 Pillars of Success *An awesome story that shows what goes on 'under the hood' of a high-performance athlete. Leigh is an inspiration. * Jamie McDonald, adventurer and author *I turned the pages as quickly as Leigh turned the pedals. This tale of mental and physical endurance is both jaw-dropping and inspirational. * Steve Silk, journalist and author *A truly incredible achievement, and a fascinating insight into elite sporting performance - what it takes, and what it gives. Leigh brings his experience of an exploration of the world by bike and distils lessons from that, alongside the learnings of taking on something as all-consuming and ambitious as this challenge, and brings us along with him on a record-breaking ride. * Leon McCarron, adventurer and author *Leigh is an exceptional human being and he writes with honesty and humour. This book is both a fascinating story and a profound inspiration. * Lord Burlington, Chancellor of the University of Derby *A bonkers, fast-paced, and adrenaline-fuelled adventure. This is a fascinating insight into the world of ultra-endurance cycling. A great read, but rather him than me! * Simon Parker, travel writer and broadcaster *A compelling story of sport and self. Leigh's honest account taps into the importance and value of mental strength, proving there's more to athletes than physical fitness. * Mike Carter, journalist and author *Leigh Timmis' bravery is doubly impressive; not only did he take on a gruelling record attempt, but he faced up to his own inner demons and vulnerabilities. * Alastair Humphries, adventurer and author *This is a spirited, candid book, about aiming high and keeping going. It's impressive that anyone can sustain such a wild pace across an entire continent, but Leigh has much more to reckon with before the physical start line appears. His enthusiasm is captivating, even when the inner battles are hard won. He writes with great affection for the teammates who steered him and, with their help, finds the best in himself. It reminded me that mindsets are built, not bestowed; that faith in yourself can be the greatest challenge of them all. A fascinating, behind-the-scenes dive into how, and indeed why, world records get smashed. A banging adventure tale too. * Stephen Fabes, author and doctor *Wowsers. Talk about grit-on-wheels. I'm in awe of Leigh's willingness to push himself to the edge, in pursuit of a deeper understanding of himself and the demons that haunt us all. A beautifully written, immersive and truly gripping read. * Anna McNuff, author and adventurer *The Race of Truth is a testament, not just to the endurance of an individual, but to the potential for all humans to achieve extraordinary things given the right mindset, circumstances and support. Leigh's story of determination, generosity and sense of adventure is an inspiration to everyone, and we are very proud to call him an ambassador for MQ Mental Health Research. * Lea Milligan, CEO of MQ Mental Health Research *

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Book SynopsisPacked with fascinating facts, hilarious anecdotes and jaw-dropping moments from rugby's rich history, this compact compendium is for die-hard supporters and newcomers to the sport alike. From the origins of the game to the secrets of the locker room, this little book contains everything you need to become the most knowledgeable fan in the room!

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Book SynopsisWritten by a lifelong Liverpool fan, this is a dramatic story of highs and lows, and how the club overcame its extended wait to be Premier League Champions Again.

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Book SynopsisTwo of the most prominent and celebrated athletes in the world, Marvelous Marvin Hagler and Sugar Ray Leonard came together to contest the $100million SuperFight on April 6, 1987 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. From Frank Sinatra to U2, Joan Collins to Whoopi Goldberg, the stars were drawn to ringside by the huge box-office appeal of the blue-collar, dominant world middleweight champion facing his nemesis, the charismatic and flamboyant Sugar Ray, who was coming out of virtually five years of retirement. Drawing on his deep reservoir of nerve, outstanding technique and a strategy which Budd Schulberg - who provided Marlon Brando with the immortal line, 'I coulda been a contender' - called a compound optical illusion, Leonard won on points. It was boxing's greatest comeback, but to this day the judges' decision remains bitterly contested and not merely by the protagonists. But the story of The SuperFight is much more than the story of the fight, for it details two remarkable lives, the demons that drove both men and the formidable challenges they overcame inside and outside the ring. Hagler grew up in the Newark, New Jersey ghetto of Central Ward, where a riot/rebellion rooted in racism claimed the lives of 26 people, injured 1,000 more and, to the young teenager, was "like the end of the world". Fuelled by anger, he climbed to the top of his domain and ruled for seven years as champion, one of the most accomplished in boxing's annals. Leonard was an Olympic gold medallist and all-American hero whose career was cut short by a detached retina after he became the world welterweight king. He was Muhammad Ali's gifted and anointed successor but he succumbed to alcohol and drug abuse and for years was tormented by a secret - the sexual abuse he endured as an amateur boxer by a trusted coach. As provocative and polarising in its own way as Ali's defining rivalry with Joe Frazier, this is the story of The SuperFight, of Marvin Hagler and Ray Leonard and a fierce fire that still burns.Trade Review“Leonard moved, he boxed, he frustrated his opponent and that’s all part of fighting, too. The skulduggery, irritating the man in front of you - he wasn’t playing with him, he had a strategy. And don’t ever be fooled by the pretty face. Ray Leonard was a pit bull with a pretty face. Outside the ring, he was cute, articulate, smart, great looking, but deep down inside he was a vicious animal. When it comes to this fighting thing, he’s like a monster. Hagler was a ferocious animal himself, of course, and over the years, if you didn’t try to take him out, you couldn’t keep Hagler off you. You couldn’t just box this man. Look what he did to Hearns, which was brutal, amazing” - Mike Tyson … “The SuperFight is the story of two of the sport’s greatest, Marvelous Marvin Hagler and Sugar Ray Leonard. It was one of the great fights, one of the epic fights, one of the biggest shocking fights of all-time and people still argue to this day over who won the fight. The author is a guy who respects the sport and cares about the sport and it’s important for people to know about the greatness of the sport and about the great fighters they might not always be aware of or how great they really were” - Teddy Atlas, The Big Fight with Teddy Atlas podcast … “Want to know the story behind the story of Leonard v Hagler? Everyone loves Brian Doogan’s hot new book on one of boxing’s greatest mysteries. It’s a knockout” - Ron Borges, Boston Herald … “The book is as enthralling as The SuperFight itself” - Gordon Marino, Wall Street Journal … “Painstakingly researched, entertainingly explained, Doogan’s interviews with both men and those connected to them reveal the behind-the-scenes machinations that enabled the richest fight in history to be made, grossing nearly $100 million. The book opens with Mike Tyson’s assessment of Leonard’s character: ‘Ray Leonard was a pit-bull with a pretty face. Outside the ring he was cute, articulate, smart, great looking. But deep inside he was a vicious animal. When it comes to this fighting thing he’s like a monster.’ The SuperFight is the perfect gift for fight fans” - Colin Hart, The Sun … “A long-lasting fascination with one of the greatest fights of all time has resulted in a wonderfully detailed and insightful book about Sugar Ray Leonard versus Marvelous Marvin Hagler. Brian Doogan, a vastly experienced sportswriter, weaves that epic of 33 years ago into the background of the golden era of Leonard, Hagler, Duran and Hearns and examines the still-running controversy over the decision in favour of Sugar Ray. This book is a must-read” - Jeff Powell, Mailonline … “The SuperFight, Brian Doogan’s book on the controversial Leonard-Hagler clash, is a must-read for boxing fans. I have never known a big fight which so divided opinion among respected judges” - Ian Darke, ESPN and BT Sport … “What makes Doogan’s book unique is the deep dive he takes with both fighters in and out of the ring. In disparate ways, the two had a past darkness in common. Doogan visited their lives and careers in depth. They were the centerpiece of the 1980s, after both beat Tommy Hearns and Roberto Duran. Doogan tells a story that had not yet been told and deserved to be told in the rich, multi-layered context in which only Doogan can bring it. The SuperFight is a gem” - Joe Santoliquito, The Ring … “Brian Doogan joined me on the Fight Night podcast to talk about his new book, The SuperFight. I’ve read it and it’s a belter” - Adam Catterall, talkSPORT … “A great book on one of the epic fights” - Matt Macklin, Sky Sports, former world middleweight title challenger

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Book SynopsisFrom the tennis court to the boxing ring, the athletics track to the football pitch, the visibility of women in sport has been gathering pace. Women's competitions are increasingly popular. In Roar Sam takes a deep dive into the experiences of some of sport's most high-profile female athletes - some have overcome heartbreaking adversity to reach the top of their game; others have succeeded in the face of prejudice. Like Sam, all have been propelled by sheer grit and determination to succeed. Many now campaign for women's equality and acceptance in sport, knowing the confidence it can bring young girls and the message that they can achieve anything. Featuring a series of candid interviews from some of sport's most successful women, Sam lifts the lid on what it takes to reach those heights: from coping with puberty to foregoing teenage fun to pursue a dream; from the punishing physical training schedule to the mental power needed to win or bounce back from defeat; and coping with the pressure of the media spotlight. And, what it feels like in that magical moment when you step up to the podium knowing every sacrifice has been worth it.Roar is a celebration of the bold and fearless - the women empowering future generations to follow in their footsteps - but it is also an inspiring look at how sport can change lives and challenge society.Table of Contentsi: Foreword: Gabby Logan MBE ii: Introduction: Sam Quek MBE 1: Making History - Paula Radcliffe MBE 2: Into the Unknown - Amy Williams MBE 3: Unlocking Potential - Dame Katherine Grainger 4: Never Give Up - Dame Sarah Storey 5: Strength and Power - Fatima Whitbread MBE 6: In the Moment - Sky Brown 7: Breaking Down Barriers - Shaunagh Brown 8: For the Love of Sport - Sheila Parker MBE 9: Trust and Responsibility - Kate Richardson-Walsh OBE 10: Digging Deep - Rebecca Adlington OBE 11: Conquering Expectations - Christine Ohuruogu MBE 12: Building a Legacy - Baroness Tanni Grey-Thompson DBE iii: Afterword: Sam Quek MBE iv: Acknowledgements

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Book SynopsisSteve Cauthen commenced his 14-year 'English Odyssey' in April 1979. The erstwhile 'Kentucky Kid' had taken American racing by storm. A champion jockey at 17 and a Triple Crown winner at 18, the teenage prodigy became a bona fide celebrity but a slump of 110 consecutive losers saw him cross the Atlantic seeking to resurrect his career. Within weeks of his arrival 'The Kid' won an English Classic, the 2000 Guineas. He'd go on to become the only jockey to win both the Derby and the Kentucky Derby (plus those of Ireland, France and Italy); be the most recent jockey to win an English Triple Crown courtesy of Oh So Sharp in 1985; and secure three jockeys' championships - making him the only man to win titles in both America and England. Moreover, Cauthen was a supreme stylist who transformed English race-riding: his streamlined American toe-in-the-iron seat and clock-in-the-head judgement of pace sparking widespread imitation. The list of household names benefiting from his sublime talents are legion and this most articulate of jockeys recalls every one of them in his own inimitable style along with all the attendant highs and lows in this first complete retelling of his 'English Odyssey'.

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Book SynopsisThis is the story of ‘Cockney’ Cliff Lines and his memories of 70 years spent in horseracing. Knowing nothing about racing or even how to ride, Cliff started as a 14-year-old apprentice to Noel Murless, and the book details his life, from riding a winner for the Queen, trying to make it as a jockey, through being a work rider/head lad to Michael Stoute, pre-training and eventually training himself. It covers the trials and tribulations he endured: apprentice accommodation, bullying, doping scandals, the stable lads’ strike and his own health issues including a brain tumour. The stories of famous horses he worked with, such as JO TOBIN, SHERGAR and SONIC LADY, and those he nurtured in their early years, including PILSUDSKI and FUJIYAMA CREST, the last runner in Frankie Dettori’s Magnificent Seven, are all covered, as are his travels with horses around the world by boat and plane from 1954 to the present day. And despite all the ups and downs, Cliff genuinely has no regrets about his lifetime in the Thoroughbred racing industry.

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