Sports teams and clubs Books

Book SynopsisFrom respected surfing authority Matt Warshaw, The History of Surfing presents a breathtaking and complete look at the history and culture of the sport. 'Meticulously researched, smartly written, beautifully laid out ... required reading.'—Outside Magazine Matt Warshaw knows more about surfing than any other person on the planet. After five years of research and writing, Warshaw has crafted an unprecedented history of the sport and the culture it has spawned. At nearly 500 pages, with 250,000 words and more than 250 rare photographs, The History of Surfing reveals and defines this sport with a voice that is authoritative, funny, and wholly original. The obsessive nature of this endeavor is matched only by the obsessive nature of surfers, who will pore through these pages with passion and opinion. Here, at last, is the definitive history of surfing. THE PERFECT GIFT: Packed with stunning photogra

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Book SynopsisShortlisted for the 2024 Illustrated Sports Book of the YearLaunched as rugby hit fever pitch at the 2023 World Cup, Remarkable Rugby Grounds is the perfect title for the passionate rugby fan who will be astonished at the worldwide reach of their favourite game.Remarkable Rugby Grounds continues the blend of earlier Remarkables' by mixing some of the world's cathedrals of rugby with some of the quirky club grounds and local pitches set in beautiful locations.We travel Around the World in 80 pitches' with grounds in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Hong Kong, Japan, Alaska, Argentina, Romania, along with the Six Nations venues.Apart from Aviva Stadium/Lansdowne Road in Dublin (which has a train running beneath the grandstand), the Principality Stadium in Cardiff, Murrayfield and Twickenham, there are the genteel splendours of Bath's Recreation Ground nestling alongside the River Avon or the historic home of Richmond FC one of the founding clubs of English rugby.Featuring 80 of the Trade Review‘While cricket and football stadiums have long been revered and celebrated, rugby grounds haven’t been given quite the same level of adulation – until now. Ryan Herman seeks to redress the sporting imbalance, selecting 80 rugby grounds to fawn over.’ — Pitch Magazine ‘A beautiful collection of some of the most magnificent places to watch and play rugby.’— Phil Caplan, TALKSPORT ‘A resplendent coffee-table book.’— RugbyWorld

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Book SynopsisThis is an A-Z collection of some of Liverpool FC's fans' favourite chants. Including timeless tunes and clever or funny lyrics, this book will gladden the hearts of Reds fans of any age.

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Book Synopsis75 MILLION FANS. AN ANNUAL INCOME OF MORE THAN 500 MILLION. AND A STORY THAT HAS NEVER FULLY BEEN TOLD - UNTIL NOW. ''A wonderfully entertaining history'' Sunday Telegraph ''When historians 1,000 years from now try to fathom the cult of Manchester United Football Club, White will be a good place to start'' Financial Times MANCHESTER UNITED: THE BIOGRAPHY contains everything a football fan needs to know about the club, from its birth in the smog-bound mud of Newton Heath to the Theatre of Dreams. From the solid yeomanry of Lancelot Holliday Richardson, through the gilded days of Law, Best and Charlton, to the dazzling artistry of Cristiano Ronaldo and becoming 20-time English football champions.Award-winning journalist and lifelong red Jim White brings the history of this extraordinary club to life - unofficial and unbiased, it is written with the passion of a true fan.Trade ReviewA rich and thoroughly enjoyable tapestry Sunday Business Post All encompassing yet readable Irish Times **** London Metro A must read for anyone who takes football seriously RTE Guide

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Book SynopsisThe leaping Springbok on the green jersey of South Africa is one of the most iconic emblems in world rugby. At the same time, no symbol in world sport has ever done so much to divide – and then unite – a nation. Respected by opponents and supported passionately by South Africans, the Springboks have been a powerhouse rugby nation for over a century, yet the emblem that now sits alongside the Protea on the chests of the players was once a symbol of violent oppression in apartheid South Africa, the epitome of the white man’s dominance over people of colour in the Republic. Told in the words of Springboks past and present, Our Blood is Green explores what it means to play for South Africa – from schoolboy dreams to the sacrifices required to make it to the very top – as well as the myriad difficulties the players have faced over the years, from the horrors of apartheid through to the emerging rainbow nation in the 1990s and the multi-cultural World Cup-winning team of today. It is a fascinating, powerful and poignant read that explores the unity of a brotherhood that fights to transcend race, culture and class while simultaneously striving to become the best team on the planet. Our Blood is Green examines what it truly means to be a Springbok and it is told the only way it can be – by the players themselves.

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Book SynopsisAs Marcelo Bielsa's interpreter, Salim Lamrani was his right-hand man throughout his first season in charge of Leeds United. As a privileged witness to that remarkable 2018/19 campaign, Lamrani tells the inside story of how the club came within a hair's breadth of returning to the Premier League before winning promotion in the very next season to end a 16-year exile. Lamrani lays bare the secrets behind Bielsa's methods, starting with the demands he makes in an intense pre-season, through to the Argentinian tactician's unwavering loyalty to a highly effective style of play - a style based on possession, collective coverage, rapid transitions, changes of tempo and constant attack. For him, beauty is non-negotiable. Thanks to Bielsa, the players of Leeds United were the actors in an unforgettable epic, which made an indelible mark on millions of supporters. Taking us match by match through Bielsa's first year in English football, Lamrani weaves a fascinating narrative and paints an intimate portrait of a unique football genius.

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Book SynopsisLiverpool FC Cult Heroes is devoted to 20 players who, over the years, have won a special place in the hearts of the Anfield faithful - not necessarily the greatest footballers, but a unique brotherhood of mavericks and stalwarts, local lads and big signings. The cast list alone is enough to stir up memories and tug at the heartstrings of any Reds fan - Elisha Scott, Billy Liddell and Joey Jones, Johnston, Carragher and Suarez - recalling how these charismatic personalities ignited passion on the terraces. Find out which Red icon was left at a motorway service-station as a prank. Which striker was involved in a punch-up with Italian waiters after a European Cup semi in Milan. And which skipper was carried through Lime Street station on the shoulders of fans. Discover and delight in the magical qualities of these 20 mere mortals elevated to cult status by the Red half of Liverpool.

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Book Synopsis''Football history at its best'' SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY''Hugely moving... a very good book indeed'' FOUR FOUR TWO''Kuper is an original, sophisticated and adventurous writer. The story he has to tell... is fascinating and pressing'' SUNDAY TIMESIn FOOTBALL AGAINST THE ENEMY Simon Kuper crossed the globe in search of the links between football, politics and culture. In AJAX, THE DUTCH, THE WAR he skilfully pieces together an alternative account of World War II. He looks at the lives of the footballers who played for the Dutch club, the officials and the ordinary fans during this tumultuous period and challenges the accepted notion of the War in occupied Europe. With almost 80 per cent of Amsterdam''s Jewish Corner wiped out during the war, the long-held belief that, by and large, half the Dutch population had some kind of link to the Resistance has, of late, come into question. Kuper explores this issue and looks deeper into the role Trade ReviewAt last, the long-awaited follow-up from the author of the classic FOOTBALL AGAINST THE ENEMY... hugely moving... a very good book indeed * FOUR FOUR TWO *An intriguing social history, full of quirky observations and anecdotes, written with winning geniality... Kuper has produced a beguiling book, not only for aficionados of the beautiful game or connoisseurs of Jewish history, but for anyone curious about our not-so-distant past * FINANCIAL TIMES *Passionate and moving * GUARDIAN *Football history at its best * SCOTLAND ON SUNDAY *His writing combines scholarly graft, a feel for political complexity, and quiet but powerful wit * INDEPENDENT *Kuper is an original, sophisticated and adventurous writer. The story he has to tell... is fascinating and pressing * SUNDAY TIMES *

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

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Book SynopsisThe hugely acclaimed novel of ''70s football and the turmoil of the game''s most charismatic and controversial manager, from the bestselling author of GB84 and Red or Dead.One of Mike Atherton''s ''Top Ten Best Sports Books'' in The TimesIn 1974 the brilliant and controversial Brian Clough made perhaps his most eccentric decision: he accepted the position of Leeds United manager. A successor to Don Revie, his bitter adversary, Clough was to last just 44 days.In one of the most acclaimed British novels of recent years - subsequently made into a film starring Michael Sheen - David Peace takes us into the mind and thoughts of Ol'' Big ''Ead himself, and brings vividly to life one of football''s most complex and fascinating characters.Trade Review"'The most extraordinary novel about football yet to appear.' Tim Martin, Independent on Sunday"

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Book SynopsisPhilippe Auclair has been France Football's and RMC Radio's UK correspondent for over a decade, and is a prolific freelance journalist on both sides of the Channel. In 2009 he wrote the critically acclaimed and prize-winning Cantona: The Rebel Who Would Be King. He is also a regular contributor to The Blizzard magazine, and a bestselling author in his native France. He lives in London.Trade ReviewThe football book of the year. -- Ian Herbert * Independent *Illuminated by finely turned phrases and vivid insights. -- Richard Williams * Guardian Sports Books of the Year *Superb . . . a thoroughly recommended read. -- James Olley * Evening Standard *

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Book SynopsisIt's time we all stopped whining and learned a thing or two from The Toughest Cyclists Ever. Including: Stephen Roche, whose cure for exhaustion was to go up a gear and fight harder, all the way to the ambulance. Eddy Merckx, who hurt himself so badly in breaking the Hour record that, he estimated, he shortened his career by a year. Beryl Burton, who crushed her (male) rival's morale with the offer of a piece of liquorice, before speeding past to victory. Nicole Cooke and Edwig Van Hooydonck, who rejected dope and became legends. The Hardmen tells the stories - the good bits, anyway - of the 40 most heroic Cyclists ever. Their bravery, their panache and their Perfect Amount of Dumb. It reminds us that suffering on a bike liberates us from our daily lives, and that, in the words of Lance Armstrong "pain is temporary, quitting lasts forever"; proof that even assholes can be insightful.Trade ReviewFresh, often amusing, always impressive. The Velominati's relish and innocent love of the sport comes through time and time again-they just get the whole contrast between the pain and beauty of cycling that makes it so irresistible. An unharnessed, joyous celebration. * RideVelo *Full of bravery, stupidity, panache, pluckiness and nerve, each story is a reminder of a certain sense of escapism that sport can provide. But at what cost? For some, it involved shortening careers by up to a year and, for others, being wheeled away in an ambulance. Either way, helping celebrate road cycling with a unique (and, at times, painful) viewpoint, The Hardmen proves that we can learn a thing or two from some of the world's best sportsmen * Men's Health *

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Book SynopsisHow much do you really know about Newcastle United? Put your Magpies knowledge to the test with this bumper book of brainteaser quizzes and fascinating facts, beautifully illustrated by one of the world's leading sports artists. It's packed with trivia on all the Newcastle greats - from 'Wor Jackie' Milburn to Supermac and Shearer, from 'King Kevin' Keegan to Rafa Benitez and beyond - providing hours of highly dippable fun and entertainment. On his retirement in 1984, which player left the field by helicopter still dressed in his kit? Which club favourite made 95 appearances for Peru? Alan Shearer once scored a goal 10.4 seconds into a Premier League game against which club? Who was the first Newcastle United player to win the Premier League Golden Boot? The Magpies take to the field for each home game to the sound of which Mark Knopfler song? Trivquiz Newcastle United holds the answers to all these questions and hundreds more.

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Book SynopsisHow much do you really know about the club you love? You can find out by exploring the 1,000 questions set out in 100 categories that make up this Everton quiz book. It s not often that books on football make reference to Bob Dylan, the London Underground, Pink Floyd, The Godfather, the Beatles, Shakespeare, Rising Damp and The Who, but this one does! Call Yourself a Toffees Fan? is a quirky, challenging affair for real Everton fans who can test themselves or take on each other, with the emphasis on enjoyment and discovery. Try these for size: in the 1966 FA Cup Final between Everton and Sheffield Wednesday, which surname appeared on both sides? What was unique about the 1962/63 season at Goodison Park? Who is the only Everton manager to score the winning goal in a European Cup Final? You will struggle to find anything as comprehensive as this eclectic collection. It s a must for Everton fans of all ages and you might not see anything quite like it again.

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Book SynopsisThe ultimate guide to Real Madrid. The Real Madrid Handbook is an entertaining compendium of fascinating facts, match coverage, stories, personalities and trivia from the biggest club team on the planet. Rab MacWilliam traces the history of Real Madrid from the early 20th century, examining its progress in the domestic cup and league, and analyses the impact that the Republic, the Spanish Civil War and the repressive authoritarian aftermath had on the club. He relates how the stunning success in European football in the mid-1950s to the early 1960s was one of the factors that helped to ease Spain’s integration into Europe and explores the club’s rise to become one of the most skilful and dominant teams in the global game over the last thirty years. Fascinating, informative, irreverent and insightful, The Real Madrid Handbook is the perfect guide to the history of this extraordinary club.

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Book SynopsisTHE FIRST AND ONLY AUTOBIOGRAPHY FROM REAL MADRID GALÁCTICO AND WORLD CUP SUPERSTAR LUKA MODRIC.''Enthralling.'' Oliver Holt, Mail on SundayAwesome' Match Magazine''Solemn, soulful and occasionally romantic' Alyson Rudd, The Times''an illuminating insight into the career of one of the greatest players in the modern game'' Late TackleOn a level with the great midfield players of the last 20 years.' - Sir Alex Ferguson, CBEFor the first time, Real Madrid galáctico and Croatian legend Luka Modric tells the story of his journey from a childhood in his war-torn homeland to becoming a serial UEFA Champions League winner and one of the most celebrated footballers in the world. Regarded as one of the great midfield players of the last 20 years, Luka reveals the difficulties of growing up during the Croatian War of Independence and his beginnings as a footballer.The FIFA World Cup finalist sets the record straight regarding key moments at DinTrade ReviewEnthralling -- Oliver Holt * Mail on Sunday *Awesome * Match *Solemn, soulful and occasionally romantic. -- Alyson Rudd * The Times *A wonderfully talented midfield player who in my opinion is on a level with the great midfield players of the last 20 years. -- Sir Alex FergusonWe played together at Tottenham and Real and I have always considered him a great player and a great guy… When you read his story you will understand how you can succeed in life despite all the difficulties and prejudices towards you. -- Gareth BaleLuka's life and football story is incredible. In this book the readers will be able to see for themselves how much hard work and sacrifice stands behind his fantastic success. Emotions are the baseline of this story. -- MarceloPlaying alongside Luka, I realized very early on what kind of football genius he is. In this book I found out about the difficult path that my great friend had to tread in order to reach the top. Only the strongest of characters can do that. -- Karim BenzemaPlaying with Luka is incredibly fun and I enjoy it. His book recounts how many difficult obstacles he had to go through to become the best in the world. It's an instructive and inspiring story. -- Toni KroosLuka is a wonderful player, talented and responsible. He is a great man as well, always putting the team first. This book makes it perfectly clear how he managed to become the best in the world by staying the same humble guy through and through. -- Raphaël Varane...an illuminating insight into the career of one of the greatest players in the modern game. * Late Tackle *Table of ContentsForeword by Sir Alex Ferguson CBE Foreword by Zvonimir Boban Chapter One Chapter Two Grandpa Luka Exile The School Bell Chapter Three Staying in Zadar My Favourite Coach The Hajduk Disappointment Back to the Ball Chapter Four In the Big City Football Academy The First Loan – Zrinjski The Second Loan – Inter Zaprešic And Love Came Calling That's It The Return of the Champion Chapter Five Ups and Downs at Dinamo The Blazing Renaissance The European Siren Song Chapter Six UEFA Euro 2008 – the Euphoria and Drama Licking Wounds A New Life in London To Catch a Break Fears for Vanja My First Champions League Stormy Seas and Marital Port Chapter Seven Another Summer of Unease The Real Deal Limited Game Time The Turning Point Mother Courage The Uncompromising Mourinho Ciao, Carlo! La Décima The World Cup in Brazil A Season of Injuries El Grande Falling in France Chapter Eight Gloomy Days You Need to Fall Before You Can Fly The Race for the Treble Chapter Nine Preparations for Russia Nigeria Argentina Iceland Denmark Russia England The Final Chapter Ten And the Awards Go To... ...One More Thing Acknowledgements Author Biographies Index

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Book Synopsis'Genius ... Squires' creativity shines through in this collection - there's simply no one better at what he does.' - Best Football Books of 2019, FourFourTwo***Half-and-half scarves? VARs? England winning penalty shoot-outs?Modern football can be baffling. But if you're contemplating throwing it all in for the simpler pleasures of quantum mechanics, don't despair just yet: help is at hand.In Goalless Draws, David Squires unpicks the modern game with an unmissable selection of his Guardian football cartoons from 2014 to the 2018 World Cup. From the ever-dizzying managerial roundabout to the absurdities of the transfer window, and from the annual tradition of poppygate to the 'stable genius' of José Mourinho, the result is a riotous reminder of all the pitfalls of the modern game, as well as everything that keeps us coming back for more.

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Book SynopsisCeltic's Cult Heroes is devoted to 20 players who, over the years, have won a special place in the hearts of the Parkhead faithful - not necessarily the greatest footballers, but a unique brotherhood of mavericks and stalwarts, local lads and big signings. The cast list alone is enough to stir up the memories and tug at the heartstrings of any Hoops fan - Stein, Johnstone and Nicholas, Larsson, McInally and Aitken - recalling how these charismatic personalities used to ignite passion on the terraces. Find out which Celtic icon scored direct from a corner, was made to retake it and promptly scored again. Who celebrated his Scottish Cup Final hat-trick with a somersault, and which heroes were affectionately known as 'Yogi Bear' and 'The Golden Crust'. Discover and delight in the magical qualities of these 20 mere mortals elevated to cult status by the green half of Glasgow.

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Book SynopsisThe story of the world's most formidable rugby team.The record of the All Blacks in world rugby is unmatched. From the famous pre match challenge of the haka to the scintillating brand of rugby they play, the team draws thousands around the world to stadiums and TVs to watch them play. Over the years, some of the greatest players to ever pick up a rugby ball have worn the iconic black jersey – names like Lomu, Meads, Carter and Barrett. From the first ever tours to the modern World Cups, the All Blacks embody a legacy of excellence that strikes fear into the heart of their opponents.'Son, you've got to be prepared to piss blood to wear this jersey.' - All Black flanker Mark Shaw to debutant Mike Brewer, 1986.The 1924/5 All Black side won an astonishing 31 games in a row on their tour to the United Kingdom, France and North America. When they arrived back in New Zealand they were dubbed 'The Invincibles'.Table of ContentsThe History • How an All Black is made • What the jersey means • The Haka • Famous Victories • Great Players.

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Book SynopsisNow for the first time in paperback, and using photographic and written archives of the "Daily Mirror" (including unseen material), this book takes us on a nostalgia-packed journey through the club's evolution from its beginnings as a south London munitions factory team, through the nurturing of some of the game's fabled characters.

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Book SynopsisCeltic is an unusual football club, inspiring strong feelings in almost everyone. It is of course virtually impossible to chronicle all that has happened in the history of the club, but this little gem draws together some of the most interesting, quirky and downright odd events that have taken place over their long and auspicious existence. Packed with facts, stats, trivia, stories and legend, the reader will delve deep to find out all about the events and people who have shaped the club into what it is today. Featured here are a plethora of stories on this charismatic football club ranging from how the club was formed, to little-known facts about players and managers. Here you will find player feats, individual records and plenty of amusing quotes. Rivalry with Rangers, favourite managers and cult heroes from yesteryear a book no true Celtic fan should be without.

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Book SynopsisBirmingham City On This Day revisits the most magical and memorable moments from the club's distinguished history, mixing in a maelstrom of anecdotes and characters to produce an irresistibly dippable Blues diary - with an entry for every day of the year. From its beginnings as Small Heath Alliance in 1875 right through to the modern era and golden goals at Wembley, here are all the rollercoaster highs and lows. The club won the first ever Second Division title in 1893; Blues were the first English team to compete in European competition and the first to reach a European final. Birmingham City have twice won the League Cup and twice reached the FA Cup final. Relive the day in 1963 when Blues beat Villa to win a first major trophy, remember when Darren Carter's penalty clinched promotion in Cardiff, and when Obafemi Martins shocked Arsenal to recapture the League Cup. Recall the exploits of legends such as Joe Bradford, Gil Merrick and Bob Latchford, Trevor Francis, Michael Johnson and Christophe Dugarry.

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Book SynopsisGribble's unique mystery, featuring the actual Arsenal squad of 1939, sends Inspector Anthony Slade into the world of professional football to investigate a case of deadly foul play on and off the pitch.

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Book SynopsisEverything you ever needed to know about Leicester City.

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Book SynopsisNow for the first time in paperback, this is a unique and magnificent collection of superb photographs of Liverpool Football Club from the very early days until 1992, freshly selected from thousands of images in the Daily Mirror's extensive archive.

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Book SynopsisThe bestselling autobiography of the greatest rugby player of our time: Brian O''Driscoll.Since 1999, when he made his international debut, there has been no greater player in world rugby than Brian O''Driscoll. In 2010 Rugby World magazine named him its world player of the decade - and since then the legend has only grown.Now, at the end of his amazing career - which culminated in fairy-tale fashion with Ireland''s victory in the 2014 Six Nations championship - he tells his own story. Honest, gritty and thoughtful, Brian O''Driscoll''s Autobiography is not just an essential sports book. It is an essential book about family, friends, hard work, courage and imagination.''Honest, charming and revealing - a thoroughly good read'' Rugby World''A thoroughly enjoyable read ... After reading The Test I warmed even more to O''Driscoll as a player and a man. He stood for a new ethos in Irish sport that refused to accept mediocrity or glorious failure'' Fergal Keane, Irish Times''O''Driscoll''s honesty ... takes the reader to a place they simply have not been before'' Vincent Hogan, Irish Independent''A must-read insight into the life and mind of Ireland''s greatest rugby player'' Irish Mail on Sunday''There are fascinating insights into the lengths he was willing to go to perform at the highest level'' Sunday Business PostBestseller, April 2015Trade ReviewA thoroughly enjoyable read ... After reading The Test I warmed even more to O'Driscoll as a player and a man. He stood for a new ethos in Irish sport that refused to accept mediocrity or glorious failure -- Fergal Keane * Irish Times *O'Driscoll's honesty ... takes the reader to a place they simply have not been before -- Vincent Hogan * Irish Independent *The Test allows the reader to get to know O'Driscoll the person, the husband, the father and the friend. It is honest, charming and revealing - a thoroughly good read * Rugby World *A must-read insight into the life and mind of Ireland's greatest rugby player * Irish Mail on Sunday *There are fascinating insights into the lengths he was willing to go to perform at the highest level * Sunday Business Post *

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Book SynopsisPlymouth Argyle Miscellany collects together all the vital information you never knew you needed to know about the Pilgrims. In these pages you will find irresistible anecdotes and the most mindblowing stats and facts. Heard the one about the 90-year-old director who was registered as a squad member? How about the two London-born midfielders called Lee Hodges who both played for the club? Or the penalty kick that ended up in the hippo pen at Plymouth Zoo, Home Park's 70s neighbour? Do you know which Greens forward let young children swing from his outstretched arms? Which Pilgrim became a saint by saving a baby from drowning? Or how long Sean McCarthy wore his undergarments before celebrating his 200th goal? All these stories and hundreds more appear in a brilliantly researched collection of trivia - essential for any fan who holds the riches of green-and-white history close to their heart.

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Book SynopsisA dozen Sunderland legends come together to tell the stories behind their favourite ever games for the club - enabling Black Cats fans of all ages to relive these magic moments through the eyes and emotions of the men who were there, playing their hearts out for the red-and-white stripes...Niall Quinn relives the rollercoaster 1998 League Division Two play-off final which went to 4-4 before Charlton pinched it 7-6 on penalties; Jim Montgomery recounts heroic tales of the landmark 1973 FA Cup Final. Ever the crowd pleaser, Gary Rowell waxes lyrical about a 4-1 defeat of Newcastle at St James' Park, while the club's all-time record scorer Bobby Gurney remembers a ten-goal thriller back in 1935! Sunderland greats Marco Gabbiadini, Len Ashurst and Charlie Hurley also turn in characteristic star performances, winding back the clock to relive treasured memories of the Match of Their Lives for the Black Cats.

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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 SynopsisIrresistible anecdotes, irrepressible characters, mindblowing stats and facts. Here's all the vital information you never knew you needed to know about Portsmouth FC, coupled with a day-by-day diary of magical and memorable moments from Pompey's rollercoaster history. Heard the one about the Fratton Park cleaner who claimed she was the holder of the FA Cup? How about the full-back who could throw the ball 37 yards? Or the bedridden invalid cured by Pompey's winning goal in the 1939 Cup Final? Turn back the clock to 17 May 2008, when Kanu's strike against Cardiff saw Portsmouth lift the FA Cup. Revisit 23 April 1949 when the lads were crowned Football League champions. Or 31 August 1946, when club legends Jimmy Dickinson and Peter Harris both made their debuts against Blackburn! A brilliantly researched collection of trivia - essential for any fan who holds the riches of blue-and-white history close to their heart.

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Book SynopsisA collection of short biographies on the great Sunderland players named as Player of the Year who helped to define the club's image and set the standard for its future stars. It is suitable for any true fan interested in the history of their beloved club. Each chapter is illustrated and gives season by season stats and total appearances.

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Book SynopsisBestselling author and sports radio talk show host Michael Holley tells the epic, inside story of the rise and dominance of Tom Brady, Bill Belichick, and the New England Patriots.

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Book SynopsisIpswich Town's Championship win of 1961/62 was one the greatest shocks in the history of professional football in England. No one could have conceived of how a small-town club would break into the top division of English football and take the Championship trophy at their very first attempt, a feat never achieved before or since. This is the story of that season in a match-by-match account set against the background of the news stories of the day. Also included is an analysis of the players, the team tactics and the manager Alf Ramsey, plus a statistical breakdown of the season.

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Book SynopsisTHE MOST COMPREHENSIVE BIOGRAPHY OF ARSENE WENGER EVER PUBLISHED, NOW FULLY REVISED AND UPDATED TO THE END OF HIS ARSENAL CAREER. When Arsene Wenger arrived at Arsenal in 1996, he was little known to fans at the club and many doubted he could bring back the glory days of George Graham. But soon he was transforming the way the team played, melding the famous English defensive spine of Tony Adams, Martin Keown, Lee Dixon, Nigel Winterburn and David Seaman with a hugely creative foreign attacking spirit, epitomised by Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry and Robert Pires, that could both outplay and outmuscle their rivals. At the same time, he introduced new ideas on diet, exercise, training and tactics, which many players believe extended their careers. Having won numerous trophies, and led the Invincibles to an unprecedented unbeaten league season in 2003-04, Wenger then had to help the Gunners through the next stage of their development when they moved from Highbury to the Emirates Stadium, a move that was followed by a nine-year trophy drought. Despite the financial constraints he faced, he still managed to keep the club playing in the Champions League year after year while remaining true to his philosophy of how the game should be played. Some began to question whether he had been left behind, despite picking up back-to-back FA Cups in 2014 and 2015, and in the end in April 2018 he decided the time was right to step away.  Now, in this updated edition of John Cross's acclaimed biography, the author provides a compelling account of the man and his methods across 22 years in charge. He assesses the scale of Wenger's achievements and whether the criticism he faced towards the end was justified. Arsene Wenger builds into the most complete portrait of the Frenchman yet written. 

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Book SynopsisHow much do you really know about Manchester United? Put your knowledge to the test with this bumper book of brainteaser quizzes and fascinating facts, beautifully illustrated by one of the world's leading sports artists. It's packed with trivia on all the great Man United sides and players - from the 'Busby Babes' to 'Fergie's Fledglings', from Charlton, Law and Best to Rooney, Ronaldo and Rashford - providing hours of highly dippable fun and entertainment. Which player earned a taekwondo black belt and seriously considered abandoning his football career to work as a docker? Which Republic of Ireland international was raised in orphanages? Son of a Greco-Roman wrestling champion, which striker served in the Norwegian army? Which United striker made history when he played for Stockport County alongside his father? Which player appeared opposite Cate Blanchett in the 1998 movie Elizabeth? Trivquiz Manchester United holds the answers to all these questions and hundreds more.

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Book Synopsis*****Shortlisted for International Autobiography of the Year in the Telegraph Sports Book Awards 2021'This account is often poetic and sometimes haunting.' - FourFourTwoTriple European Footballer of the Year. Once World Footballer of the Year. European Champion two UEFA Super Cups, European Champion with the Dutch National Team in 1988 and numerous national championships with both Ajax and AC Milan. Marco van Basten is known as one of the greatest footballers of all time, but his personal life has always remained somewhat of a mystery, until now.Basta is the raw, honest, but above all gripping autobiography of Marco van Basten.It's the unfiltered story of his rise to fame, from being under the wing of Cruyff and experiencing life as an Ajax player to being propelled into the spotlight following Euros '88 - and scoring the greatest goal ever to win a major final - and playing for AC Milan at the peak of Italian football's popularity.But despite countless successes, Marco van Basten experienced many low points, including losing a childhood friend, battling with pain after his numerous fluffed operations, and ultimately coming to terms with life after playing football.Basta is his story.

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Book SynopsisWhen the final whistle was blown at Upton Park on 10 May 2016, it was more than a football match that had ended. West Ham United's victory over Manchester United was the club's spectacular swansong after 112 years at its spiritual home. The Boleyn's Farewell: West Ham's Final Game at Upton Park delves into one of the club's most historic nights, with insight from players, fans and others who were there. Everything from the atmosphere before the game, Winston Reid's winner and the digitised Bobby Moore switching off the stadium lights, the build-up and aftermath of the game, as well as the on-pitch action are recounted and celebrated within these pages. This was an evening that would come to define a generation and is unforgettable for many West Ham supporters. While the Boleyn Ground no longer stands, memories of the stadium and the Hammers' glorious farewell performance will endure. The Boleyn's Farewell is the definitive account of one of the most significant matches in West Ham's long history.

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Book Synopsis55 Olympic medals. 6 Tour de France victories. Countless world records and world championship victories. Since the year 2000, British Cycling, Team Sky and INEOS have dominated the sport of cycling to an unprecedented degree. But at what cost? Did Sir David Brailsford, Peter Keen and the other brains behind British Cycling's massive and sudden dominance in the modern era find a winning "Moneyball" formula? Or did their success come down to luck and personal chemistry? Did this organisation, founded on relentless, ruthless efficiency contain contradictions which threatened to overwhelm it, amid accusations of drug-taking, bullying and sexism? The Medal Factory tells the full story from amateurish beginnings through a sports-science revolution to an all-conquering, yet flawed, machine. Through interviews with Brailsford and Keen, Shane Sutton, Fran Millar, Chris Boardman, Sir Chris Hoy and many other key players, Kenny Pryde interrogates the parts of the story - lottery funding, marginal gains - that we think we know, and reveals others that have remained hidden, until now.Trade ReviewA fine, reasoned and informed book * Herald *Pryde has done an excellent job of explaining the other side of the British cycling story, making sense of the machinations behind medal-winning performances. * Road.cc *Pryde's narration of events bears comparison with Matt Rendell's The Death of Marco Pantani, predominantly on the strength of his investigative tenacity, and unquestionably lays claim to pride of place on your bookshelf * TheWashingMachinePost.net *

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Book SynopsisTo celebrate 50 years of watching Manchester City, Steve Mingle presents an array of memories spanning the whole period. The Best and Worst of Everything includes heroes and villains, triumphs and disasters, moments of genius and heinous cock-ups. Here are Steve's most memorable games, players and incidents in a weird and wonderful range of categories. There's much to look back on with affection - the best wins at Old Trafford, the Goat's spawniest finishes, Bell's finest goals, the best wins with ten men - but also plenty of pain, as Steve looks back on the worst goalkeeping howlers, City's jinxes and the biggest villains ever to have darkened the club's doorways. Amongst all this, Steve selects his favourite hard men, pie-eaters and comedy moments as well as providing hard statistical input - who have really been City's penalty kings? Who do we wish we could have played every week? It's a fascinating book packed with memories good and bad, full of debating points for City fans of all ages.

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Book SynopsisAston Villa On This Day revisits all the most magical and memorable moments from the club's distinguished past, mixing in a maelstrom of quirky anecdotes and legendary characters to produce an irresistibly dippable diary of Villa history - with an entry for every day of the year. From the club's Victorian foundation by the congregation of Handsworth's Villa Cross Wesleyan Chapel through to the Premier League era, Villa's rollercoaster history takes in FA Cup glory from the Victorian age to the 1950s, Third Division ignominy in the early '70s followed by league championship success just a decade later, all crowned by European Cup victory in Rotterdam. Pivotal historic events such as Villa committee man William McGregor's founding of the Football League form a backdrop against which Villa Park heroes - Archie Hunter, Pongo Waring and Peter McParland, Andy Gray, David Platt and Paul McGrath - all loom larger than life.

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Book SynopsisDerby County 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 Rams diary - with an entry for every day of the year. From the club's formation in 1884 through to the Premier League era, the black-and-white faithful have witnessed Football League and Cup triumphs, hard-fought derby matches, European adventures and heartbreak - all featured here. Timeless greats such as Dave Mackay, Jackie Stamps and Steve Bloomer, Kevin Hector, Stefanio Eranio and Charlie George all loom larger than life. Revisit 29 March 1975, when Roger Davies scored all five against Luton (and had two disallowed). 1 June 1967: the arrival of young boss Brian Clough from Hartlepools United. And 28 April 1996: when a Robin Van der Laan goal pipped visitors Palace to automatic promotion to the Premier League.

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Book SynopsisLiverpool FC is rarely out of the news and always is the subject of interest from inside and outside of the world of football. From Kenny Dalglish, Alan Hansen and Graeme Souness through Michael Owen, Robbie Fowler and Jamie Redknapp to Jamie Carragher, Steven Gerrard, John Henry and coach Jurgen Klopp, few clubs can boast as many people with so much to say for themselves, especially in the case of Bill Shankly, football's most quoted man. Liverpool have a proud tradition and a very loyal support, and this book aims to capture the flavour of both. In 2019 the Reds came to within a point of their long-awaited 19th title, but ultimately avoided disappointment by finishing their season winning the UEAF Champions League. With the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup also won by the end of 2019, Klopp now knows what it takes to win and few will be surprised if Liverpool are front and centre when it comes to handing out trophies in 2020. The Little Book of Liverpool, brim-full with more than 170 quotes, celebrates the club's continued success at home and abroad. Table of ContentsThe Liverpool Way • Shankly's Sayings • Red Stars • The Kop on Top • Inside the Boot Room • Comings and Goings • Secrets of Success • Magic Moments • You'll Never Walk Alone.

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