Pitch Publishing

Book SynopsisIt was the summer of 1983. Walsall were preparing for another season in the Third Division when British Airways' advertising people got in touch. The airline were embarking on an innovative promotional campaign and needed the club's help. To show how quickly continental cities could be reached from regional airports, they wanted to feature the team beneath the banner, 'They're only 90minutes away from a place in Europe'. Walsall were the only league club in the West Midlands never to have taken part in a European competition, and even their most ardent supporters didn't expect that to change any time soon. As the new season started, Walsall looked set for relegation, but they soon embarked on a League Cup campaign that saw them defeat Arsenal, stun Liverpool and come closer to reaching Europe than anyone would have dared imagine. Based on interviews with the players and management team from that fondly remembered side, 90 Minutes from Europe is an underdog story to lift the spirits and inspire us all.

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Book SynopsisFootball has never seemed so distant from its fans. Many have been alienated by the greed and shameless self-interest of the Premier League, and no one can predict how the global game will look post-pandemic. In Whose Game Is It Anyway?, Sunday Times best-selling author Michael Calvin searches for a reason to believe. Written at the height of the Covid-19 crisis, the book is a thought-provoking, deeply personal account of the role sport - and particularly football - plays in everyday life. Part memoir, part manifesto, it takes the reader on a tour of the world's greatest sporting occasions and into its outposts in sub-Saharan Africa, the Amazon Basin and the Southern Ocean. Drawn from Calvin's experience as an award-winning sportswriter, covering every major sports event over 40 years in more than 80 countries, it offers first-hand insight into such icons as Muhammad Ali, Maradona and Sir Bobby Charlton. With settings ranging from a jungle clearing to a township in apartheid South Africa, this is sport as you've never seen it before.Trade Review"There are few football memoirs which weave their way from Accrington to the Amazon, while offering a glimpse of the game's future... recounted with feeling and forensic behind the scenes insight... Whose Game is it Anyway? is a deeply personal book that will resonate with many fans." --When Saturday Comes; "Michael Calvin's latest work does not disappoint in confirming his status as one of the UK's best sports writers of modern times. An engaging patchwork of powerful ideas, brutal criticism and genuine acclaim for the heroes of Calvin's life." --David Walker, The Sports Journalists Association; "Mike Calvin's memoir deserves to be read by everyone who loves football. It's full of good tales and beautifully written too." --Paul Hayward; "A tour de force. An engaging blend of touching memoir and trenchant reporting." Ian Ridley, William Hill shortlisted author of The Breath of Sadness; "A lovely, soulful, personal read. Michael Calvin has done it again." --Jonathan Northcroft, Sunday Times; "This is a wonderful read that draws on all Calvin's experiences from his working and personal life to explore the role of sport in our lives... As a reader there is an intimacy in the writing that felt like Calvin was talking directly to me, whether this was about him having tuberculosis as a child or his encounters with sporting legends such as Muhammad Ali or Bobby Charlton... This surely has to be on the William Hill Sports Book of the Year list." --FootballBookReviews.com; "A timely and gorgeously evocative reminder of the game they're trying to steal now." --Vincent Hogan, Irish Independent; "Couldn't be better timed, with all the talk of the European Super League." --Guy Clarke, Liverpool Echo; "The book is a timely reminder of why football is so much more important than the selfish Super League clubs. It is an illuminating journey of discovery, and we end on a positive note, suggesting that there are some Premier League agents-for-change like Marcus Rashford and community-led clubs like Lewes, Accrington and AFC Wimbledon who offer real hope for the future of football." --Late Tackle; "Strongly recommend the new book from Michael Calvin, Whose Game Is It Anyway?, to anyone for whom football is a substantial strand [in their] life. That the release coincides with news of a Super League only reinforces why football needs voices like Michael's." --Alan Redmond, Football Agent

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Book SynopsisEye of the Tiger is the story of one of the most legendary figures in Glasgow Rangers' rich history, a man who epitomised what it meant to be a Ranger. Jock Shaw was a no-nonsense full-back whose fierce, uncompromising tackling earned him the nickname 'Tiger' from club supporters. He joined the Gers from Airdrie in 1938 for GBP2,000 and was a key figure in the Ibrox defence in the immediate post-war years. That defence was dubbed the 'Iron Curtain' because it seemed as unyielding as the barrier that divided Europe at the time. The book charts Jock's extraordinary journey from the coal pit at Bedlay (Annathill) to becoming Rangers' first treble-winning captain. His signing for Rangers started a remarkable association with the club, which lasted over 40 years and saw him serve as team captain, third-team coach and groundsman. He also captained Scotland and shared the distinction of beating England with his brother David. Ian Stewart worked with Tiger Shaw's family to bring you the inside track on his life and career.Trade ReviewIan Stewart has worked with Tiger Shaw's family to write his life story. Ian has written two other books: My Helicopter Sunday and Mr Struth: The Boss with David Mason. He is a civil servant, married to Yvonne, and they live in Glenboig in North Lanarkshire with their youngest daughter, Iona. He is a proud grandpa to John, Andrew and Ollie.

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Book SynopsisFootball stadiums are supposed to be packed with cheering fans. It was that way for more than 100 years until the coronavirus pandemic changed all our lives. Football managed to struggle on at some levels but without crowds - just cardboard cut-outs and fake noise instead. There was even a half measure for a while with a couple of thousand spectators allowed in. A banner at Old Trafford read, 'Football is nothing without fans', but what we discovered is that it isn't nothing, it's just better with fans there. Filled with fascinating stories, anecdotes, opinions and social media comments, Football is Better with Fans explores what it means to be a supporter. It's a light-hearted and highly dippable look at the lives of loyal fans, the fun and games they've enjoyed, their songs, banter, commitment, tattoos and traditions. The book doesn't shy away from tragedies, hooliganism or racism, but mainly it's a joyful celebration of football fandom and how we all survived when we couldn't go to games.

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Book SynopsisJust Champion: The Stories Behind Rangers' 2020/21 Title Triumph tells the tale of a league title win against all odds. Rangers were ridiculed in 2018 when they appointed rookie manager Steven Gerrard. But slowly, and methodically, he transformed the side into a machine, and one that would completely dismantle Celtic's hopes of landing an unprecedented tenth successive title. Now, 25 members of the Rangers family - from ex-players to loyal supporters - tell the story of how the title came home to Ibrox. Mark Walters, Marco Negri, Ally Dawson and Lisa Swanson are among the players featured, as is former director John Gilligan. The impressive cast list also includes comedian and broadcaster Andy Cameron MBE, former MP Sir Brian Donohoe and even one of Her Majesty's Ambassadors. TV stars, restaurateurs, coaches and entertainers all share their stories, and what connects them is an unequivocal love of Glasgow Rangers. You will laugh, cry and marvel at each of the unique tales in this book.

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Book SynopsisNot German, I'm Scouse is the hilarious, emotional and compelling life story of German Liverpool supporter Carsten Nippert. As a young boy, Carsten was fascinated by the Reds. His teenage years were marked by despair and frustration as rare TV highlights and an unreliable radio reception offered the only access to his beloved Liverpool. Fear characterised his first visits to Anfield when he encountered vitriolic Mancunians and Kopites whose dialect confused him. His whole life revolved around his unquenchable passion. An emotionally blackmailed mother had to provide a ticket for a European Cup final when her underage son announced he would travel there regardless. She was even tasked, through his will, with scattering his ashes around Anfield if she outlived him. Carsten's adventures took him to Istanbul, outwitting riot police and 'bunking in' in Athens, a sleepless round-trip to Kiev and an unforgettable party in Madrid. Not German, I'm Scouse is the remarkable tale of an unlikely Liverpool fan who became a Scouser at heart.

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Book SynopsisIt's Raining Bats and Pads: The Story of Lancashire County Cricket Club 1988-1996 vividly captures the sporting and cultural landscape of the late 1980s to mid-90s, and shows the sea change between then and now. It's a romantic jaunt through the halcyon days of Mike Atherton, Neil Fairbrother and Wasim Akram as seen through the eyes of the author, who as a child and young adult lived through that era. It harks back to the glory days of lazy linseed summers when life was much simpler, time was not strictly of the essence and kids had to entertain themselves. Although primarily a tale of Lancashire's success on the field - punctuated by some lively spectator incidents at the grounds - the book also explores broader societal questions. Is the game in a better place now? Has the standard of cricket improved? Has freedom of choice caused the game's popularity to fall among the young? And is the Hundred an allegory for a society that simply can't wait for better?

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Book SynopsisAddicted to Football: A Journey from Anfield to Almost Everywhere is the autobiography of former professional footballer Jon Newby. His career took him from a single Premier League appearance with Liverpool to playing for clubs all over the country in the top eight tiers of the football pyramid. There was also a spell in Scottish football and a venture into non-league management. As a young player, Jon achieved his dream as he walked out in front of a packed Kop at Anfield. But ultimately his name was better known by Bury, Morecambe and Colwyn Bay fans, rather than by Liverpool fans. His story gives a fascinating insight into the unpredictable world of the journeyman footballer, covering battles with injuries, managers and even his own mind. Jon's biggest battle, however, came when he was diagnosed with an incurable heart condition and the game he was addicted to put his life in serious danger.

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Book SynopsisAs Britain takes its first steps outside EU jurisdiction, how will football clubs adjust? With the FA keen on tournament success, the FA Youth Cup will play a key role in bringing academy products to prominence. Since 1952, it has showcased future stars including Sir Matt Busby's legendary 'Babes'. Over 40 years the trophy changed hands every season bar one, with the likes of Crystal Palace, Millwall, Leeds United and Manchester City lighting up the tournament with superstar teams. The current era has seen the dominance of elite sides, often owned by oligarchs or billionaire investors. From Kids to Champions tells the stories of players who didn't make it at the top level, or left the game disillusioned, along with those of the important coaches and academy directors. These men are always first to be thanked when the kids become champions.

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Book SynopsisIndia's first Test series win in England in 1971 was epic and magical, with a resonance far beyond the scorecards. The cricket was riveting, with twists and turns right up to the last ball, and the excitement was garnished by a baby elephant parading the outfield of The Oval on the final day. The victory had immense significance for a country that had gained independence from Britain less than 25 years earlier and was tottering on the brink of a history-defining war. In the background were the British illusions of moral and cultural superiority even as decolonisation went through its final phase. The Indians often accepted these illusions as they struggled for the most basic necessities of life, battling against poverty, malnutrition and illiteracy. Thus, the victory provided a major equaliser for the national psyche. Elephant in the Stadium examines the many reasons for the myth and magic that still surround the triumph, including the complex historical relationship between Britain and India.Trade Review"Superb book... style is effortless and the narrative agile... This is not a sanitised version of history nor one that is made superficially attractive. Sengupta produces a means of seeing history differently." -- Nick Tudball * Journal of the Cricket Society *"Brilliant... a very full read." * Oborne and Heller podcast *"It was a quiet year for cricket books, but arguably the best is Elephant in the Stadium, by Arunabha Sengupta, which is a social history and as much about the legacy of colonialism as it is about India's first Test series win in England in 1971." * The Times' Best Sports Books of 2022 *"Meticulously researched, bravely written. Anyone wanting a definitive history of India alongside her cricket should look no further than this book." -- Andrew Roberts * Cricket Statistics *"Sengupta's prose is so commanding there were times when this reviewer felt he was among the crowd on overcast dimly lit English days watching India's triumph. The book is also a first-class history of post-War India." -- Barry Nicholls * Australian Cricket Digest *"Unputdownable, by the most reliable cricket writer of his generation." -- Vijay Lokapally"A path-breaking book, story brilliantly told" -- Mihir Bose"Wonderful scope and depth, and so nicely written" -- David Frith"A tour de force" -- John Broom"I really enjoyed it both for the cricket and the wider background" -- David Woodhouse"The crucial Test is brilliantly brought to life [in a] book certain to challenge a few views. [It] will make us consider other views through the less comfortable end of the telescope." -- Douglas Miller * The Cricket Statistician *"Should be widely read, in India, throughout the British islands and the rest of the English speaking world." -- Martin Chandler * Cricketweb *

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Book SynopsisScotland's Swedish Adventure is the definitive story of Scotland's journey into their first ever European Championship finals, in Sweden. Having qualified for five consecutive World Cup finals between 1974 and 1990, it was surprising the Scots hadn't yet reached the Euro finals given the array of talent at their disposal. Andy Roxburgh would soon change that, and after being drawn into the ultimate 'group of death' that included the reigning European and world champions, his side repeatedly put on brave performances against superior opposition to make the nation proud. Scotland's Swedish Adventure explores the story behind their road to qualification, with exclusive insight from some of the men who made this adventure happen, including Roxburgh himself, players, journalists and fans. That Scotland qualified for an eight-team tournament, and finished fifth in the overall standings, is an achievement that doesn't get the recognition and respect it deserves. This 30th anniversary tribute remedies that.Trade Review"To help me get mentally attuned for the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign I got stick into an excellent book entitled Scotland's Swedish Adventure: The Story of Scotland's European Championship Debut." * Scotland Forever *"Filled with words from the likes of Jim McInally, Richard Gough, Maurice Malpas, Stuart McCall and fans too. This means you get a first hand view on top of John's research which gives the book a good dynamic. A very well researched and detailed effort... A good informative read and one all Scotland fans should have on their shelf." * Fitbawbag.com *"A week after the Qatar World Cup Final, Santa helped cheer me up with Scotland's Swedish Adventure. The first-ever Euro finals took place in 1960 but it was not until 1992 that Scotland made it through the qualifying rounds to an eight-nations finals. Thirty years on, the author suceeds in giving the achievement the recognition and respect it deserves." * Programme Monthly *

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Book SynopsisAs a young footballer, Clare Shine appeared to have it all. She won her first international call-up at age 13, and by 15 was part of the Republic of Ireland Women's under-17 squad. But the pressure of being a star striker weighed heavily on her young shoulders. By age 19, she had played in a UEFA European Championship and a FIFA World Cup, scored the winner in a Cup Final, won her first senior international cap and become a full-time professional player. But she had also become addicted to alcohol, experimented with drugs, suffered panic attacks and attempted suicide for the first time. This is the story of someone trapped in a world where the weight of expectancy and the battle with personal demons was all washed away, albeit temporarily, whenever she put the ball in the back of the net. It is the story of a girl struggling to find her true identity, a journey in search of confidence and self-belief from someone who seemingly had it in abundance, and a remarkable tale of recovery and achieving new goals.

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

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Book SynopsisTen Big Ears is the story of one of the biggest football clubs in the world, told through an eyewitness account that spans four decades. The story begins and ends with Barcelona in disgrace and threatened with a ban from UEFA competition. In between is a fascinating account of some of the greatest football the world has ever seen, including all five of the club's European Cup Final triumphs. Find out what it was like to attend Barcelona games in European club competitions in six different countries. Drawing on wider historical and cultural references to provide an alternative and quirky take on the rollercoaster that is Barca, this is almost certainly the only football book to reference philosophy, classical antiquity, religion, popular music and reality television dance shows. Written by a fan of another football club, Ten Big Ears is a personal and occasionally satirical account that commemorates the 30th anniversary of the club's first European Cup win in 1992. It is also a unique record of how watching the game has changed.

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Book SynopsisThe Making of the FIFA World Cup takes us on a fast-paced trip through the history of football's biggest tournament, with a comprehensive collection of the World Cup's defining moments. Filled with unforgettable episodes such as England's 1966 triumph and Maradona's 'Hand of God', the book transports us to the World Cup's most important flashpoints, recounting each moment and the story behind it. It also puts some of the World Cup's quirkiest events under the microscope: whether it's Zaire's bizarre defence of a free kick against Brazil in 1974 or a scruffy collie dog locating the stolen World Cup trophy under a car in London. From the greatest goals to the biggest controversies, from the funniest moments to the most memorable matches, The Making of the FIFA World Cup gives you an in-depth look at why the competition is sport's most-watched event - through the moments that make it so dramatic, popular and irresistibly exciting.

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Book Synopsis'It's difficult to change what's in your blood, in your body, all the history of playing that way, and you change it for what? It's analysis the English people have to do,' says Pep Guardiola, and he's right. Let's do that analysis ... English football is booming. The world's richest league has stars from around the globe. Lavishly funded academies produce technically gifted players and professional football in England is unrivalled in depth. But what have we lost? You know what 'English-style football' means: fast, physical, no pointless possession, but in the Premier League you see a different game. Has the new technical, tactical game subdued what made people love English football in the first place? Premier League clubs have amazing squads, but does the amassing of wealth at the top threaten the traditions and grassroots on which the English game was built? Through interviews with people inside and outside the game, Jon Driscoll examines how English football professionalised and the challenges it now faces.

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Book SynopsisHer Game Too is a call to arms for women to be given equal access to profile, opportunities and advancement in the beautiful game. Since the sport's early days, women have been excluded from football, with those brave enough to participate, either as fans or players, beset by misogynistic attitudes if not outright abuse. While we've seen great strides made in the battle for respect and inclusion, sadly there's still a long way to go. Matt Riley provides a platform for key voices in the movement, galvanised around HerGameToo, an organisation run by female fans to fight sexism in football. We hear from the HerGameToo founders who were name-dropped in the House of Commons, Helen Nkwocha, the first woman to coach a top-flight men's team in Europe, and HerGameToo director Natalie Atkinson among others. The book explores the roots of the movement with the story of pioneering female footballer Lily Parr, and sheds light on the future, which has looked increasingly bright since Premier League side Everton pledged its support to HerGameToo.

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Book SynopsisThe Jimmy Greaves We Knew celebrates the life and career of a national treasure through the memories of friends, family, team-mates, the media and fans. They recall a goalscoring great, a TV celebrity - most notably as one half of the legendary Saint and Greavsie - a newspaper columnist, comedian and raconteur who battled alcohol addiction. The modern game also pays tribute to this charismatic, friendly, down-to-earth, witty individual who built a reputation for hitting the back of the net playing for Chelsea, AC Milan, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham United and England. Greaves set a European record of 357 goals in 516 top-flight games and netted 44 in 57 full international appearances. Tragically, Greaves suffered a stroke in 2015 and died on 19 September 2021, when two of his former clubs, Spurs and Chelsea - plus 60,000 fans - gave him a minute's applause before they played each other at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. The love and affection is as strong as ever.

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Book SynopsisHow to be a Cricket Fan: A Life in Fifty Artefacts from WG to Wisden is a unique, nostalgic take on supporting the greatest sport, pre-internet. This relatable, universal story records how one cricketing obsessive encounters players from WG Grace to Ben Stokes, plus plenty of characters you're unlikely to have come across. With running themes of Wisden, sportsman's dinners and otterhounds, the book's hero meets Ian Botham and Linda Lusardi on the A6, drinks red wine while showing Fred Trueman his priceless collection and drives his family mad by taking them on summer holidays to buy John Arlott's old books. The colourful images on cigarette cards and the yellow linen cover of Wisden succoured a wartime evacuee who spent a lifetime trying to bring back those memories. After facing ruin, his passion culminated in him finding happiness in a dream career. This is the story of an English eccentric's journey from cricketing backwaters to entertaining the stars and becoming a leading authority on the game.Trade Review"A warm, kaleidoscopic biography of Matthew's father Edgar Lawson Appleby and a life of cricketing passion, told through 50 resonant artefacts... it's a rich trail of sporting memory. In many ways the book reveals the personal and social importance of trivia, how we accumulate it and, as Matthew says, "there's always more trivia to find". * Cumbria Life *"An engaging read... I haven't read another like it and for that reason alone it made for a good read. It is an enjoyable book and once again Pitch Publishing are to be commended for their willingness to publish a wide range of sporting books." -- Peakfan * Derbyshire Cricket blog *"It is delightful to read of events which many of us who collect cricket books and cricketana will relate to. Cricket throws up many interesting characters and some are mentioned in How To Be a Cricket Fan including stalwart county spectators and others who collect cricket grounds as spectators. There are those who collect playing at grounds too. It is part of the rich tapestry that the game has the ability to throw up and this memoir about Edgar Appleby is most enjoyable." -- Andrew Roberts * Cricket Statistics *"A wonderful tribute to a life well lived... a marvellous portrait... written superbly; told in a passionate, amusing, engaging, quirky way... a very special publication." * Keswick Reminder *"Beautifully written." * Lake District Herald *"It is immensely pleasing that his life as a cricket fan has been recorded so lovingly in this exceptional book." * Cumberland and Westmorland Herald *"I so much enjoyed reading a book that, if it can claim nothing else, is certainly unique. For collectors of cricketana generally they are in for a real treat." * Cricketweb *"Matthew Appleby describes how the game can become a near-obsession in this funny and sentimental chronicle, but there is far more to this affectionate book than a must-have list of memorabilia." * The Cricketer *"[From] the admirable Pitch Publishing... a disciplined MacGregor-type history, crossed with the very personal story of an eccentric, 100%-dedicated fan. My sense, already strong, is that the book is sure to appeal to ACS members." -- Charles Barr * Association of Cricket Statisticians *

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Book SynopsisPacked full of trivia, facts and stats, The Top 10 of Everything England covers every aspect of the Three Lions' long and colourful history in dozens of ranked lists. With a star cast of past and present internationals, the lists include the most inspirational skippers, the most prolific goalscorers, the great managers and the biggest stars in the England Women's team. Among the many memorable moments revisited are England's most iconic World Cup matches, the most celebrated wins against arch-rivals Scotland, the finest goals scored by the likes of Bobby Charlton, Gary Lineker and Wayne Rooney and the most appreciated own goals gifted by the opposition. Additionally, a host of miscellaneous categories rank England's best (and worst!) kits, the funniest fan chants, the most striking and controversial player tattoos and the bizarre incidents on and off the pitch that left supporters bewildered. Fun, informative and thought-provoking, The Top 10 of Everything England is guaranteed to spark lively debate among football fans everywhere.

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Book SynopsisFilipe d'Avillez takes us on a fascinating journey into the colourful world of the Portuguese Cup. Each year the country's top teams battle it out hoping to reach the cup final held at Jamor: Portugal's equivalent of Wembley Stadium. The book provides a unique window into the footballing culture of a country that lives and breathes the beautiful game. Starting with the away supporters of Graciosa, Filipe then follows the exploits of fans from Casa Pia, Angrense, Tondela, Leixoes and the previous year's winners, Aves, before focusing on the famed Lisbon derby between Benfica and Sporting - a match which divides the nation, whole families and even couples. Filipe's quest culminates with the Jamor experience. Sited amid a dense forest, the stadium is swamped by fans on cup final day. Hordes of them sing and drink in sweltering heat as pigs roast on skewers and ticketless families picnic around camper vans. One Thousand Miles to Jamor immerses the reader deep within the customs and culture of a truly football-mad country.Trade Review"A great read with some touching stories and written with true passion which makes you want to book a seat for the next cup final and see what all the fuss is about… It is the way that Filipe expresses the drama and love for the game which captures the reader’s imagination." -- Rebecca Hay * OMOTG Travel and Lifestyle Magazine *

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

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Book SynopsisA Plague on All Our Sports is the story of what happened when Covid-19 and sport collided, examining the impact of the pandemic through a unique lens. The book's two authors have each spent many years in sport: Mark Saggers as a radio and TV sports journalist, Bill Ribbans as a doctor and orthopaedic surgeon. Like most people, their professional lives were turned upside down by the pandemic, and both were intimately involved with the endeavours needed to help the sporting phoenix rise from the ashes. The book analyses the way Covid-19 brought global sport to its knees. It charts sports' response to lockdowns, recovery planning, the obstacles faced and the modifications required to re-emerge. What was the psychological effect of periods of padlocked gyms, domestic detention and banishment from football terraces? What were the long-term effects on mental health for professional athletes confined to 'bubbles'? Were the early promises of changing sport for the better followed through on?

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Book SynopsisOut of the Darkness reveals a grittier side of football. Former Leicester and Sunderland winger Matt Piper retired aged 24, after 16 knee operations, and his life soon spiralled out of control. His daily existence became dependent on alcohol and Valium, culminating in an ugly rock bottom. But after the darkness came light.

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Book SynopsisThree Goalkeepers and Seven Goals is the remarkable story of an incredible 5-2 comeback, using three goalkeepers, for Leicester City in their FA Cup quarter-final tie against Shrewsbury, in March 1982. Told through the eyes of fictional football reporter Bob Johnson, the story resurrects that extraordinary game in all its glory.

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Book SynopsisThis book reveals the tactical concepts behind the most successful women's team in European football - a club that has won six of the last ten UEFA Champions League titles. From match tactics to in-depth player analysis, it lifts the lid on what makes the team tick to discover how they became such a dominant force in Europe.

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Book SynopsisHorses in Training is an institution in racing - an indispensable tool for every racing enthusiast.Written in an easy-to-follow style, it is an encyclopaedia of invaluable information on the horses each trainer has in their care, with almost 20,000 horses and around 550 trainers. The book lists alphabetically the British, Irish and French trainers, their horses, the owner and breeder of every horse, foaling dates of two-year-olds and the trainer''s address and phone numbers.Fully indexed and numbering 720 pages, it includes more than 150 pages of key statistics, covering everything from big-race winners to trainer tables, fixtures and racecourse information. The book is expertly edited by Graham Dench, a Racing Post senior reporter and former form book editor.

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Book SynopsisWolves On This Day revisits all the most magical and memorable moments from the club's rollercoaster past, mixing in a maelstrom of quirky anecdotes and legendary characters to produce an irresistibly dippable gold-and-black diary - with an entry for every day of the year. From founder members of the Football League through to the Premier League era, the Wolves faithful have witnessed title triumphs in every division from One to Four, promotions and relegations, breathtaking Cup runs and European nights - all featured here. Timeless greats such as John Richards, Mike Bailey and Steve Bull, Billy Wright, Andy Thompson and Ron Flowers all loom larger than life. Revisit 25th March 1893, when Wolves won the FA Cup before an overflowing crowd in Manchester. 17th May 1972: the UEFA Cup final decider against Spurs! Or 13th December 1954, when Wolves came back to beat Honved, helping to restore national pride into the bargain!

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Book SynopsisEngland On This Day revisits all the most magical and memorable moments from the national side''s rollercoaster past, mixing in a maelstrom of quirky anecdotes and legendary characters to produce an irresistibly dippable Lions diary - with an entry for every day of the year. From the first ever international match in 1872 to the Premier League era, England''s faithful fans have witnessed decades of world domination and tragicomic failures, grudge matches, World Cup heroics, bizarre goals, fouls and metatarsals - all featured here. Timeless greats such as Bobby Charlton, Kevin Keegan and Paul Gascoigne, Steve Bloomer, David Beckham and Stanley Matthews all loom larger than life. Revisit May 12 1971, when England beat Malta 5-0 and Gordon Banks only got four touches - all backpasses! September 1 2001: Germany 1-5 England! Or July 12 1966, when the England team took a morale-boosting trip to the set of You Only Live Twice...

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Book SynopsisBradford City Miscellany collects together all the vital information you never knew you needed to know about the Bantams. In these pages you will find irresistible anecdotes and the most mindblowing stats and facts. Heard the one about the FA Cup quarter-final defeat which was blamed on the players' ill-advised visit to a chocolate factory? How about the City goalie who brought about the introduction of ballboys? Or the roly-poly inside-forward who was a lollipop baron? Do you know how many games City had played before they were admitted into the Football League? How many years it took them to win the FA Cup? Or the last time they played local rivals Bradford Park Avenue in a League match? All these stories and hundreds more appear in a brilliantly researched collection of trivia - essential for any United fan who holds the riches of the club's history close to their heart.

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Book SynopsisFrom the thousands of matches ever played by Manchester City, stretching from the early days of the 20th century to the new millennium and Premier League triumph, here are 50 of City's most glorious, epochal and thrilling games of all! Expertly presented in evocative historical context, and described incident-by-incident in atmospheric detail, Manchester City Greatest Games offers a terrace ticket back in time, taking in everything from the first game ever played at Maine Road in 1923 to the last in 2003, plus belters at the Etihad Stadium and Wembley classics. An irresistible cast list of club legends - Francis Lee and Billy Meredith, Bert Trautmann, Georgi Kinkladze and Ernie Brook - springs to life in a thrilling selection of last-day dramas, unforgettable derbies, relegation deciders, European nights and Cup crackers. In all, a journey through the highlights of City's history which is guaranteed to make any fan's heart swell with pride.

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Book SynopsisFanatical is the story of football's number one superfan. Since January 1968, Gary Edwards hasn't missed a single competitive Leeds United match anywhere in the world. He's devastated to have missed one friendly; although, rest assured, that was through no fault of his own. On his 46-year (and counting!) adventure, this uniquely passionate supporter has experienced dodgy mountainside coach nightmares, bumpy flights on cheap airlines, and aggro just about everywhere. From pink faces in Barnsley to disguises at Luton, from behind the Iron Curtain to an eerie Nou Camp, from FA hypocrisy to tragedy in Turkey, Fanatical is by turn funny, scary and inspirational in its display of extreme love for football and the mighty Whites. Enjoy this whistle-stop global tour to every club Gary has visited ever since Derby County all those years ago - by sea, by air and by Doombuggy, Gary's customised hearse!

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Book SynopsisBurnley's league title victory of 1960 remains one of the most remarkable feats in the history of English football, the club the smallest ever to win its premier title, on a relatively modest budget. Never Had It So Good reveals how Burnley's amazing title triumph was achieved - and how very different life was for a footballer in those bygone days.

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Book SynopsisGot, Not Got: The Lost World of Norwich City is an Aladdin's cave of memories and memorabilia, guaranteed to whisk you back to Carrow Road's fondly remembered 'Golden Age' of mud and magic - as well as a Canaries-mad childhood of miniature tabletop games and imaginary, comic-fuelled worlds. The book recalls a more innocent era of football, lingering longingly over relics from the good old days - Canaries stickers and petrol freebies, league ladders, big-match programmes and much more - revisiting lost football culture, treasures and pleasures that are 100 per cent Norwich City. If you're a lifelong Norwich fan, one of the army of obsessive soccer kids at any time from the Ron Saunders era to the early days of the Premier League, then this is the book to recall the mavericks - Fashanu, Fox and Peters, Townsend, Goss and Culverhouse - and the marvels of the Lost World of Football.

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Book SynopsisPride: The Inside Story of Derby County in the 21st Century is the fascinating story of one of Britain's most tumultuous football teams, as told by the people at the heart of the club. Ryan Hills gained exclusive access to almost 50 former players, managers and board members to bring you the Rams' modern history. The move to Pride Park in 1997 was supposed to mark an exciting new chapter for the club. But despite initial success, things started to go wrong. Relegation from the Premier League caused huge financial strife, leading to the arrest of three board members. On the pitch, a single promotion brought the worst season in Derby's history and a 362-day wait for a win. Since that fateful season, the club have been on a cyclical and so far fruitless mission to return to the Premier League, while dressing-room turmoil, car crashes and a man named Bobby have stood in their way. Pride gives you the inside track on a football club that refuses to accept obscurity, as revealed by those who know it best.

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Book SynopsisThe Thin White Line: The Inside Story of Cricket's Greatest Scandal tells the story of the spot-fixing scandal of 2010, which sent shockwaves through the sport. It stunned the wider sporting world and confirmed the reputation of the News of the World's Mazher Mahmood as the most controversial news reporter of his generation. It was the start of a stunning chain of events that saw the News of the World shut down, Pakistan captain Salman Butt and bowlers Mohammad Asif and Mohammad Amir banned and sent to prison, before Mahmood himself ended up behind bars. This gripping, forensic account takes the reader through the twists and turns of those fateful days late one August and beyond. For the first time, it shines a light on the tradecraft of the News of the World team and how they exposed the criminal scheming of the cricketers and their fixer Mazhar Majeed. It reveals how deeply fixing had penetrated the Pakistan dressing room, and lifts the lid on the black arts of investigative reporting which would eventually prove Mahmood's undoing.

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Book SynopsisThe Iron Curtain tells the story of rugby pioneer Phil Larder, the first coach to break through the hidden wall between rugby league and union. The journey starts with Phil's upbringing as a player, takes in the 80s rugby league revolution he sparked as national coaching director, and his jump across the barricades to rugby union in 1997. The authors examine how rugby league ideas revolutionised the concept of defence in union and changed the face of the game forever, and discuss the scientific 'quantum leaps' in analysis and conditioning under Sir Clive Woodward that led to triumph in 2003. In a book that will appeal to rugby lovers of both codes, Phil reveals the sources of his coaching inspiration, the players he loved working with and the secrets of his defensive innovation, giving his frank views on the English Premiership and the two Lions tours in which he was involved.

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Book SynopsisThe Rugby World Cup has only been in existence since 1987, yet already it is established as the sport's premier competition - six weeks of frenzied action which entrances all the rugby-playing nations. The tournament has thrown up countless memorable matches, introduced us to amazing players and witnessed some incredible scores - from Michael Jones scoring the first World Cup try to the legendary All Blacks regaining the trophy in a titanic struggle with France 24 years later. In between we have witnessed two triumphs each for Australia and South Africa, and of course England's sole victory for a Northern Hemisphere side. To date. Relive France's spectacular wins over Australia and New Zealand; Argentina's repeated upsetting of the world order; last-minute drop goals by Joel Stransky and Jonny Wilkinson, and the sheer exuberance of the Pacific Islanders - in a Rugby World Cup history which will appeal to fans of every nation.

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Book SynopsisFormer county cricketer and one-time England Test batsman Alan Butcher was looking for a new challenge after leaving his job coaching Surrey County Cricket Club. A phone call out of the blue from a Zimbabwean great alerted him to the possibility of coaching the nation's cricket team. His three years in charge presents an insight into the at times schizophrenic nature of cricket in this intriguing country. Starting at the point when Butcher was offered the job, he describes the process of moulding a team out of a dispirited and disillusioned group of players. Part cricket memoir, part travelogue, part ode to Zimbabwe, part lament for a beautiful-but-troubled country, The Good Murungu? is a fascinating insight into Zimbabwean cricket.

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Book SynopsisBarbados-born John Holder arrived in England during the 1960s as part of the second wave of West Indian immigrants recruited by London Transport after the war. While working on the Underground he was recommended for a trial at Hampshire. Impressed by his speed and hostility with the ball, they signed him on the spot. For seven years, his career as an opening bowler followed an uneven course, periods of loss of form and confidence punctuated with moments of sheer brilliance, the most noteworthy both coming in his final year at Hampshire in 1972, taking 13-128 in the same match against Gloucestershire and a hat-trick against Kent. A back injury brought his county career to a close. What better way to stay in touch than to become an umpire? A first-class umpire for 27 years, he officiated in 11 Tests and 23 one-day internationals. Former team-mate Andrew Murtagh had unique and unfettered access to his subject. A Test of Character throws an interesting light on the job of an international umpire, with all its pressures, vicissitudes, controversies and prejudices, leavened of course with a fair degree of humour too.

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Book SynopsisIf Only: An Alternative History of the Beautiful Game is a fiercely original counterfactual history of football. It is often tempting to believe in the grand sweep of history; to conclude that the triumphs of football's greatest teams were simply inevitable. The truth, however, is that history can turn on what appear, at first glance, to be infinitesimally small events. Behind all those triumphs lie the countless disappointments of teams that were denied glory by a cruel bounce, the width of a crossbar or a dubious refereeing decision. Challenging the perception that the outcome of great clashes could never have been any different to what they were, If Only reflects on what our football history could have been, what it might have been and, in some cases, what it probably should have been. Boldly turning football history on its head, If Only imagines a world in which Scotland win the first-ever World Cup, Derby County are champions of Europe and 1966 isn't the only year that England win anything.

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Book SynopsisNo city in the world is more associated with boxing than New York. So take a ringside seat on the city's greatest ever fight nights. Join the roaring crowds at iconic venues including Madison Square Garden, the Yankee Stadium, the Polo Grounds and the Long Island Bowl - in the company of boxing historian Thomas Myler. Soak up the atmosphere and enjoy all the inside stories, including the riot following the Riddick Bowe-Andrew Golota farce, and the human buzzsaw that was Henry Armstrong against Barney Ross. James J Braddock shocked the boxing world to become boxing's 'Cinderella Man' by taming Max Baer, while Tommy Farr upset all predictions by staying 15 rounds with the feared Joe Louis. New York Fight Nights is a wide-ranging, exciting trip through boxing history which enables you to follow Floyd Patterson's historic battle with Ingmar Johansson, to witness Randolph Turpin's tragic downfall against Carl Bobo Olson - and the Harry Greb-Mickey Walker slugfest that continued outside on the sidewalk.

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Book SynopsisThis is the story of Burnley Football Club's remarkable recovery from the brink of oblivion, made without the help of ultra-rich benefactors. It concerns the fall and rise of a small-town club, once renowned for its advanced playing style, tactical and coaching innovations and flourishing youth policy. From Orient to the Emirates tells how this former leading club was brought to its knees during the mid-80s by adverse economic circumstances and imprudent management, how it narrowly escaped relegation to the Vauxhall Conference in 1987 - and with it probable liquidation - to once again become a force at the top of English football. The story is largely told in the words of those who took part in this incredible 30-year journey - the directors, managers, players, support staff and supporters. It is an uplifting account of success achieved very much against the odds, founded on indomitable spirit, canny planning and, above all, hard graft. As Burnley's brilliant manager, Sean Dyche, puts it: "Maximum effort is the minimum requirement."

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Book SynopsisSweet Fighting Man is based on a collection of interviews with British boxers, from journeymen to champions. The book covers a timespan of over 50 years and features some classic personalities, such as Dave 'Boy' Green, the ever-popular British and European champion who fought for world titles against Carlos Palomino and Sugar Ray Leonard; Bunny Johnson, the first black British Heavyweight Champion, and Joe Somerville, the jovial journeyman who had literally thousands of fights in the lurid environment of the boxing booths. Boxers are fundamentally entertainers and each chapter in this book is an individual performance, giving the true flavour of the characters involved. Their thought-provoking reflections proffer a unique insight into the often rollercoaster life of a professional boxer. The interviewees also talk about many aspects of their lives away from the ring and, as they drop their guards and open their hearts, they deliver plenty of laugh-out-loud moments along the way.

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Book SynopsisInto the Woods provides a sharp insight into the true motivations of fighting men. Rather than dealing in cliche, hype or the myth of the 'noble art', former world light heavyweight champion, Clinton Woods, lays bare the culture that surrounds his sport. From meagre beginnings in a large family, on Sheffield estates decimated by Margaret Thatcher's attacks on the steel industry, to booze, drugs and tussles with the law, Woods had chaotic and bloodstained origins. Having boxed as a junior, he returned to the ring in his 20s, seeking change. On a pro journey that eventually saw him trade blows with Roy Jones Jr, Glen Johnson and Antonio Tarver, he confounded naysayers to win every title from domestic level to world. Along the way, he mixed with some of the most fascinating characters of his era. Woods's integrity, honesty and refusal to surrender forged his success. Seven years into his retirement, he has time to reflect. Into the Woods asks whether those who come from violence can ever really leave it behind.

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