Football variants and related games Books

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 SynopsisScrum Queens charts the fascinating journey of women's rugby, from widespread social disapproval to the modern era of Olympic recognition and professionalism. This meticulously researched book features all the major moments in women's rugby and celebrates the pioneers and players who have made the game what it is today.

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Book SynopsisAddresses the physical conditioning of rugby. This volume presents readers with training principles, an overview of the fundamentals of rugby, and an explanation of the physiological demands of the sport and how they impact on training.

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Book SynopsisScottish rugby has a long and glorious history, great players, great games, great memories. The progress of the game they play in heaven has been photographed all the way along its journey, and it is those photos that author Steve Finan has rooted out from dusty newspaper and magazine archives, and various other collections photos not seen for 40 or 50 years. Squarely aimed at the sports nostalgia market, the book contains around 200 photos of team line-ups, action shots, spectators, Sevens tournaments, and the grounds where the game was played. Readers will recognise the men on the field, remember the games they strived so hard in, and very probably see themselves among the crowds. Great care has been taken to show the game at all levels, from the world record crowd-setting Scotland-Wales match of 1975, to fun-in-the-sun Sevens tournaments on the summer circuit, and Orkney RFC anniversary celebrations. It's all here. The All Blacks tours are shown (the Haka looks just the same set against a backdrop of Aberdeen multi-storey flats as it does in a World Cup Final). The greats of the past are highlighted, as well as the weekend club rugger lads. This is Scottish rugby.

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Book SynopsisImagine a Springbok as a finished product coming off a factory assembly line. What are the components required? And what does it take for them to cohere into a successful team? Author Liz McGregor spent two years behind the scenes interviewing the players, coaches, wives and girlfriends, mothers and teachers. She also spoke to the Bok doctor and physiotherapist, the sponsors, brand managers and the logistics guy. And then theres the boss, the South African Rugby Union. What she discovered is as fascinating as it is complex: that parents play a crucial role, as do those early coaches and teachers who identify and nurture talent; that injury lurks behind every corner; that it takes incredible courage to go back onto the field to face another battering; and that the business of the Springboks is one that is both well and poorly managed, depending where you look. By the end of her journey, McGregor had developed a deep regard for the players and many of the people who work to put the best team South Africa can offer onto the field. Nelson Mandela showed how a Springbok team can unite a nation. But there are parts of the Springbok Factory that are in urgent need of repair or, indeed, replacement.Trade Review"This is the best, most insightful, book on Springbok rugby I have ever read." -- John Dobson, Western Province rugby coach "A must-read for any true rugby supporter." -- Nick Mallett

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Book SynopsisA celebration of Rugby Union, based upon a sports journalist's recollections of 50 years of following the sport, before the game moved into its modern period, governed by money and media interests. The book begins and ends with the historic Scotland-England match at Murrayfield in 1925.

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Book SynopsisAs the scorer of the only try in England''s historic World Cup victory in 2003, Jason Robinson''s career has scaled the peaks. Yet while his career has been statistically impressive -- with 37 tries in 102 starts for Sale, 22 tries in his 35 England appearances and a remarkable 11 tries in 10 Lions appearances -- it is perhaps for his character and personal achievements that Jason is best loved. As England''s first black Rugby Union captain. Jason has given what has in the past been regarded as a stuffy, public school game a much wider profile. Away from the pitch, Jason''s conversion from bad lad to religious family man has made him a role model and, while this part of his career has been well-chronicled little is known about the man behind the achievements -- his sense of fun, love of practical jokes and fast food in equal measure. Author Dave Swanton delves behind the public persona of Billy Whizz'', a nickname he acquired at Wigan in his Rugby League days. Swanton first saw Jason Robinson play for Wigan in 1992 while working for Warrington Wolves. When Dave later joined Wigan as PR man in 1998 their careers became inextricably linked. Their paths continued to be intertwined when Jason moved across to Rugby Union with Sale Sharks in 2000, shortly after Swanny became Media and PR Manager. For the last eight years Jason Robinson has called him his right hand man''. Together Swanny and Robbo have fuelled the rise of Sale from suburban Rugby Union club to a Premiership team challenging for European honours. When they joined, Sale were still adjusting to the demands of the newly professionalised game, playing before crowds of 3,000 at the quiet bonhomie of their Heywood Road home. 5 years on, the club groundshare with Stockport County, have seen their average gate rise to nearly 10,000 and regularly challenge for the top European and domestic honours. Jason''s subsequent disappointments with the England and Lions teams are also documented and only serve to throw into sharp relief his previous achievements. Yet Jason remains most famous for the dazzling side-steps that form the basis of his elusive running style. As Neil Squires of the Daily Express discovered when invited to tackle a rampant Robbo in training, One moment a rapidly approaching Jason Robinson is filling my vision, the next he is nowhere to be seen. There is no hole in the ground, no scorched grass, not even a sound as he vanishes. It''s like tackling a gust of wind. Robinson''s step, Rugby''s most watchable magic trick, is even more jaw dropping from the pitch than the stands. The balance and acceleration belong to one of the most highly tuned sports cars, the change of direction to a zigzag''.

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Book SynopsisFeatures chapters on: Aston Villa, Barnsley, Birmingham City, Bolton Wanderers, Everton, Fulham, Liverpool, Manchester City, Queen's Park Rangers, Southampton, Swindon and Town Tottenham Hotspur. How much do you really know about the origin of your club? Would you like to read about it in fascinating detail? Few people are aware that, of the 41 clubs that have played in the FA Premier League since its inception in the 1992-3 season, 12 can trace their origin directly to a church. However, many of these 12 famous football clubs know little about their origins or founders. John Motson, the 'voice of football', writes in the Foreword: ‘This book sets the record straight. Drawing on original materials from a variety of sources, peter Lupson has been able to bring these pioneers to life and to transport us back to the time in which they lived. Their remarkable contribution to our great national game is at last given the recognition it deserves. We have good reason to thank God for them.'Trade Review"Imagine a soccer game like this: No referees, no free kicks, no penalty kicks. No wonder players gathered for a quick prayer before kickoff. I would never have known that without reading a fascinating book called Thank God for Football and hearing from the author Peter Lupson all about his 11-year odyssey through the history of many of England's original professional clubs." -- Richard Starnes * Ottawa Citizen *"Peter's book makes a fascinating reading, as much as a social commentary of the times as a history of football. I was glad to be in Soho Square on stinking hot night to celebrate its publication and commend "Thank God for Football" to you as a good read." -- Ian L. Johnson * Southampton Daily Echo *

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Book SynopsisKnown to thousands of rugby fans as a knowledgeable, passionate and witty broadcaster, and as an entertaining and popular after-dinner speaker, Phil Steele's confident demeanour and humorous disposition mask a life-long battle against depression and anxiety heightened by heartbreak and tragedy in his personal life. Nerves of Steele is a remarkable story and reveals the real Phil Steele, a man known only by his very closest friends and family.The Cardiff-born 'Ely Boy', who dreamed of playing for Wales, suffered his first bout of debilitating clinical depression when he saw his promising rugby career with Newport RFC wrecked by injury at only 23, just as his eye-catching performances had earned him a call up to the Wales B squad.The curse of mental illness and its malevolent twin, chronic anxiety, hung over Phil for years, who describes his suffering as 'like living under a cloak of constant unease' and at times even sapped his will to go on living. His vulnerability was repeatedly tested by losing both patents whilst still in his twenties, his younger sister to alcoholism and his beloved wife Liz who died from a brain tumour aged 48, only a month after being diagnosed.Nerves of Steele is, however, an uplifting story of how, despite all the mental anguish and personal tragedy, Phil's determination, strength of character and infectious personality has enabled him to conquer his condition and live a full and rewarding personal and professional life. With mental illness believed to affect one in every four people, Nerves of Steele will resonate with those that have experienced it themselves as well as their loved ones who've also been affected by it - and offer them all real hope for the future.Trade Review'In the early 1980s when Welsh rugby was not exactly overflowing with gifted players, I went to cover a match at Rodney Parade where one player that caught my eye was an unknown young full back named Phil Steele, he was a breath of fresh air.'; Barry John, Wales and British & Irish Lions; 'I've been lucky enough to get to know Phil during my time as Wales coach. He is an excellent broadcaster who genuinely wants Wales and Welsh players to excel and I respect his friendly and personal approach. I also admire the fact that he has been able to do this while facing personal and life changing challenges.' Warren Gatland, Ireland, Wales and British & Irish Lions coach; 'Phil Steele embodies all that is great about the culture of Welsh rugby. His strength of character and sense of fun are all the more impressive given some of the dark and devastating times he has endured. His candour in discussing his experience of depression has given others the courage to do the same and helped remove the stigma of an issue that touches so many people. I am proud and privileged to call him a friend.' Carolyn Hitt, Writer and Broadcaster;Table of ContentsCONTENTSForeword by Dennis Gethin1. Plaster of Paris - and Panic2. My Family and other 'A' Levels3. The College of Knowledge4. In a 'Newport State of Mind'5. Marriage, Birth and Deaths6. Drinking at the Well and Speakeasy7. Special Kids, Special Times8. To Be or Not To Be ... A Teacher?9. Headphones and Headaches10. Team Kate11. Blowing the Whistle on Depression

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Book Synopsis'I, Steven Paul Fenwick, have a revelation to make that may surprise many readers. My first international representative rugby union honours were playing for England. There I was, in the line-up up for the English national anthem, in full regalia and the red rose on my chest representing England. I know this may come as a shock and it still feels as odd now as it did all those years ago, but bear with me, don't judge me quite yet!' An icon of Welsh rugby and one of the stars of the great Wales team of the 1970s, Steve Fenwick won three Triple Crowns, two Grand Slams and played in all four Tests of the 1977 Lions tour to New Zealand. He is also one of the very few members of that illustrious team to not have told his story, until now. Witty and engaging with a very dry sense of humour, Steve Fenwick's autobiography tells the story of the schoolboy from Nantgarw who became one of the most celebrated players in the rugby world, and his hilarious anecdotes and recollections of a glittering career during a golden age of Welsh rugby will delight and enthral readers in Wales and beyond.Trade Review'A player I would go to war with.' JPR Williams; 'On and off the field there was no fiercer or more determined competitor.' Brynmor Williams; 'It was that marvellous quick pass from Fenwick that gave Phil Bennett that superb try.' Bill McLaren; 'One of the outstanding centres of the 1970s.' Willie John McBride; 'Steve was an exceptionally talented centre and a tremendous goal-kicker. If I had to pick a team, Steve would be an automatic choice in my rugby union and rugby league teams.' Tom David; 'One of the most unselfish players I ever played with, who possessed a golden match-winning talent for creating a last-minute try or taking long-range goal-kicks which inevitably split the posts.' Gareth Davies; 'Steve was a fine rugby footballer in both codes, a reliable kicker and solid in defence.' Jim MillsTable of ContentsForeword by Brynmor Williams Prologue 1. Wearing the Red Rose 2. Schoolboy 3. Taff's Well RFC 4. Working and Playing 5. Beddau 6. Bridgend 1974-77 7. Bridgend 1978-81 8. Start of international career 9. Wales 1976-77 10. 1978 Grand Slam and 'the Dive' 11. Playing for Wales 1979-81 12. Playing for the Lions 13. Invitational Rugby Tours 14. Crossing the Great Divide 15. My return to rugby 16. No more rugby - what now? Epilogue

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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Book SynopsisRugby On This Day revisits many of the sport's most magical and memorable moments which might otherwise have slipped under the radar. Here are over 700 unusual and hilarious highlights, all mixed in with a maelstrom of quirky anecdotes and legendary characters to produce an irresistibly dippable rugby union diary - with an entry for every day of the year. Apart from the usual rousing title wins and stupendous tries, every fan has their favourite rugby memories, be they moments of inspiration on the pitch, streakers or 20-man brawls. As well as recalling events that will make you laugh, cry, or shake your head in disbelief, Rugby On This Day also benefits from brilliant research which delves deep into the game's history, gathering together so many original stories and tit-bits to create a snapshot of the diverse and often bizarre world of rugby union.

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Book SynopsisThe first biography of the enigmatic coach who has completely transformed the England rugby team.After Eddie Jones began coaching England's rugby team, they won 22 of their next 23 matches. The side that limped out of the 2015 World Cup was thoroughly revitalised. But who was the unconventional figure responsible for this change of fortune? And, given recent setbacks, will Eddie be able to inspire England to bring their best to the 2019 World Cup?From his school days playing alongside the legendary Ella brothers to his masterminding of Japan's jaw-dropping World Cup victory over South Africa, Eddie Jones has always been a polarising figure, known for his punishing work ethic. Constantly controversial, never complacent, Jones has truly shaken up English rugby. Drawing on over a hundred interviews with former teammates, players, administrators, coaching colleagues and Jones himself, veteran rugby writer Mike Colman brings a rare level of insight to his biography of this singular man.Trade ReviewPersonalities don't come bigger than Eddie Jones, whose colourful and somewhat crazy rugby career was always going to make a blinding book...Mike Colman was knocked back in his attempts to make this an authorised biography but pressed ahead anyway - and it was certainly worth the effort. Colman has stolen a march on any subsequent accounts of Jones's life...It makes for very entertaining reading. * Rugby World *Jones is a fascinating bloke and if you are interested in rugby or coaching or management this is a fascinating read. * Rugby Spy *Table of Contents1: LARPA BOYS 2: LITTLE GREEN MAN 3: SCHOOL OF HARD KNOCKS 4: CLASS ACT 5: FIGHTING HARADA 6: BOSS WALLABY 7: THE CLIVE AND EDDIE SHOW 8: ALL OR NOTHING 9: DOWN AND OUT 10: THE HELP 11: RED FACES 12: INSIDE THE BOKS 13: RUGBY SAMURAI 14: EDDIE-SAN 15: THE BLOSSOM AND THE ROSE 16: NO DAME EDNA 17: THE EDDIE EFFECT 18: UNSTEADY EDDIE 19: BUSTED FLUSH 20: AUTUMN HARVEST 21: HOME STRETCH EPILOGUE: DESTINATION JAPAN

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Book SynopsisRay Gravell was undoubtedly one of Wales and rugby's greatest characters. He touched the hearts of all who met him, and his sincere interest in everyone made you feel better after being in his company. This volume brings together touching and humorous anecdotes about him by friends and acquaintances.

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Book SynopsisBy 1971 no Lions team had ever defeated the All Blacks in a Test series. Since 1904, six Lions sides had travelled to New Zealand and all had returned home bruised, battered and beaten. But the 1971 tour party was different. It was full of young, ambitious and outrageously talented players who would all go on to carve their names into the annals of sporting history during a golden period in British and Irish rugby. And at their centre was Carwyn Jones – an intelligent, sensitive rugby mastermind who would lead his team into the game’s hardest playing arena while facing a ferocious, tragic battle in his personal life, all in pursuit of a seemingly impossible dream. Up against them was an All Blacks team filled with legends in the game in the likes of Colin Meads, Brian Lochore, Ian Kirkpatrick, Sid Going and Bryan Williams. But as the Lions swept through the provinces, lighting up the rugby fields of New Zealand the pressure began to mount on the home players in a manner never seen before. As the Test series loomed, it became clear that a clash that would echo through the ages was about to unfold. And at its conclusion, it was obvious to all that rugby would never be the same again.Trade Review'Brilliantly written – evocative, powerful and utterly gripping' * Rugby World *'Outstanding . . . On all sort of levels, it is a compelling read. The quality of the Lions backs, the coaching intelligence of Carwyn James, the shrewd management of Doug Smith, the growing Kiwi horror at what was unfolding: all of it feels strangely fresh, partly because it is so well told and partly because so much fascinating detail has lain untouched for ages' -- Robert Kitson * Guardian *'Special. Wondrous insights into the Lions' only New Zealand win ... loved it' -- Stephen Jones * The Sunday Times *'enthralling ... brilliantly chronicled through the eyes of those that were there' * Western Mail *'splendid ... not only for those of us well steeped in nostalgia, but of a wider and more immediate interest' * The Scotsman *

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Book SynopsisRugby's long history is full of tales of inspirational courage. Yet there has never been a rugby player quite as remarkable, quite as jaw-droppingly brave, as Ian McKinley. On January 16, 2010, the young fly-half was one of Ireland's hottest rugby prospects. But his life was about to change forever. While playing for University College Dublin, a horrifying injury to his left eye saw McKinley's vision, his world and his future come crashing down around him. The injury left McKinley blind in one eye and bereft, forcing him into early retirement, his life plans scattered in the wind. After relocating to Italy to heal and rebuild himself as a youth rugby coach, a heartbroken McKinley battled on until, in the end, he vowed to do whatever it took to once again play the sport he loved. As he discloses in Second Sight in painstaking detail for the first time, McKinley poured his heart and soul into finding a way to play. He endlessly researched specialist goggles and he tenaciously fought his case against sceptical World Rugby bosses until finally, finally, he did the impossible - he came back. On November 11, 2017, against Fiji, McKinley became the first visually impaired man to ever feature in a Test match, playing at fly-half for Italy - his beloved, adopted nation. His efforts drew gasps of admiration from the crowd and tears of respect from teammates and opposition alike. In Second Sight, McKinley outlines how returning to rugby gave him the chance to highlight his skill at the highest level but, more importantly, how it helped him make peace with his injury and the unique way fate has intervened in his life. After eventually retiring for a second, and final, time in March 2021, in Second Sight McKinley tells an astounding sporting story like no other - and a tale that deserves to be heard, and applauded, around the globe.

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