Sports teams and clubs Books
Pitch Publishing Ltd Heart of Midlothian; 51 Shirts: Moments in Time
Book SynopsisHeart of Midlothian are a football club steeped in history, famous for their iconic maroon and white colours. Author Grant Young takes us on a journey from the late 1950s to the Championship-winning season of 2020/21, experienced through 51 match shirts, each brought to life with a compelling story and stunning photographs. Grant doggedly tracked down the shirts over a 20-year period to bring them together for the first time in print. Immerse yourself in extraordinary kits revered by fans throughout the decades: eye-catching kits of the 70s and 80s, flamboyant kits from the 90s, then on to the 2000s and kits associated with successful seasons and an owner who would take the club to the brink. Discover shirts from the 1959 League Cup Final, the Scottish Cup wins of 1998 and 2006, plus the incredible 2012 duel against city rivals Hibernian, along with obscure and extremely rare shirts. Finally, we move to the current-day shirts accompanied by the highs and lows of relegation, promotion, demotion and becoming a fan-owned club.
£24.00
Pitch Publishing Ltd City of Stars: The Controversial Story of Paris
Book SynopsisCity of Stars: The Controversial Story of Paris Saint-Germain is a detailed history of Europe's youngest super club, from their time as a small Parisian side in French football's Second Division to a global powerhouse that epitomises modern football. After many highs and lows and two major takeovers in the 1990s and 2010s, PSG have been catapulted to the forefront of world football thanks to Qatari billions and look set to remain a major force for years to come. But a deep dive into their history shows a club of tradition, loyal fans and remarkable players that preceded the Qatari era. However, controversy seems to follow the club in one guise or another, whether it be violence from Ultras, business dealings from their owners or even being a title challenger affected by a match-fixing scandal. Paris Saint-Germain's history is rich, vibrant, polarising but never dull.
£17.09
Pitch Publishing Ltd Anatomy of a Genius: Leo Messi's tactical
Book SynopsisAnatomy of a Genius is a tactical breakdown of Lionel Messi's playing career at FC Barcelona. Despite spending his whole career with the club, the Argentine genius had to adapt and improve his game to become the foundation of Barca's modern success. This book explores his journey - from emerging as a talented prodigy to becoming the best player on the planet - through an enthralling narrative, in-depth tactics and key statistics. A great deal has been written already about the famous boy from Rosario, as his story has been told time and again by journalists and renowned authors. Anatomy of a Genius digs deeper to uncover things we don't already know, delving into stats and tactics to reveal the how and why behind one of the world's greatest athletes and his phenomenal career.
£11.69
Pitch Publishing Ltd Summer of 63: Revie's Plan for Leeds United
Book SynopsisSixtythree, Sixtyfour takes an enthralling, in-depth look at one of the greatest transformations in football, as Don Revie moulded a Leeds United side teetering on the brink of relegation to Division Three into one of the most feared teams in Europe. Revie had arrived at Leeds in November 1958, on the back of an illustrious playing career with Leicester City, Hull City, Manchester City and Sunderland. In March 1961, he was appointed player-manager at Leeds before quickly taking over the reins as full-time gaffer. He fashioned a team of experience and untested teenagers that quickly developed into a force to be reckoned with. Sixtythree, Sixtyfour uncovers the truth behind the 'Dirty Leeds' tag that has prevailed for almost 60 years. Gleaned from the private collections of photos, telegrams and scrapbooks of players, and the testimonies of Leeds and opposition fans, Gary Edwards presents an amazing account of one man's vision to turn a failing side into the club's greatest-ever team.
£15.29
Pitch Publishing Ltd Two Posts and a Field: Cultural Impact, Social
Book SynopsisTwo Posts and a Field is a unique look at Liverpool FC through the eyes of Neville Gabie (artist and lifelong fan) and Stephen Done (writer and curator at the LFC Museum). Richly illustrated, it is part travelogue, part exploration of the LFC Museum's hidden treasures and part personal story, as Neville takes us from his childhood listening to games on the radio in South Africa to watching his first match at Anfield in 1973. The book tells the story of Neville and Stephen's roadtrip to find the home and birthplace of Mo Salah in Egypt's Nile Delta and of Avi Cohen, a player who broke the cultural mould when he signed from Maccabi Tel Aviv in the 1980s. It shines a spotlight on the struggles of Liverpool's home-grown talent for racial equality, contrasting Trent Alexander Arnold with Howard Gayle, the first black player to be signed by Liverpool, with the backdrop of the Toxteth riots. The stories are brought to life by Gabie's beautiful goalpost photos, which stretch back 20 years.
£13.49
Pitch Publishing Ltd Rovers Till I Die: The Story of Bob Crompton,
Book SynopsisRovers Till I Die is the fascinating story of Blackburn's most famous personality, Bob Crompton, a man of humble birth who achieved soaring success in and out of football. Born the son of a beer seller in a town where work was hard and wages poor, Crompton broke the shackles of his working-class roots. He became a legendary captain of England and Blackburn Rovers, whom he led to two First Division championships. The first footballer to own a motor car, he later manufactured them. After a plumbing patent made him a rich man Crompton diversified into various businesses, generating a personal wealth that led to him being co-opted to the Rovers' board. He later served as coach and manager, masterminding an FA Cup Final victory and promotion. Yet he remained misunderstood, his character shaped by personal tragedy and a target for those connected with the club who envied his success. Rovers Till I Die is the definitive story of a Blackburn legend who achieved his aspirations and more.
£15.29
Pitch Publishing Ltd Spice Up Your Life: Liverpool, the 90's and Roy
Book SynopsisSpice Up Your Life: Liverpool, the Nineties and Roy Evans is the fascinating story of arguably the most significant decade in the long history of Liverpool FC. After the Reds' most dominant and successful decade in the 1980s, the early 90s saw a rapid decline in the club's fortunes under the stewardship of Liverpool icon Graeme Souness, who was sacked in January 1994. Spice Up Your Life charts the gradual renaissance at Anfield under Souness's replacement and long-term boot-room member Roy Evans, the much-adored 3-5-2 formation, the infamous 'Spice Boys' moniker and the revitalisation of a football club that looked to be in freefall. The book explores the emergence of many of Anfield's youngest and brightest stars - from Steve McManaman to Jamie Redknapp, Robbie Fowler to Michael Owen - and credits Evans, as the last Liverpool manager from the legendary boot room, for bringing the Merseyside club back to prominence and ready to retake its perch at the top of English football.Trade Review"Spice Up Your Life recalls in a vivid, fascinating and insightful text the challenges faced by Liverpool in the 1990s and the revitalisation of a football club that looked to be in freefall." * Love Wirral *
£15.29
Pitch Publishing Ltd El Más Grande: The Story of River Plate,
Book SynopsisEl Más Grande is the story of Argentina's biggest and most successful football club, River Plate. From their humble origins in the southern districts of Buenos Aires, River grew into one of the largest clubs in South America, earning the nickname 'The Millionaires' as they established themselves at the iconic Monumental Stadium. Over the years, River have propelled some of the greatest talents on the continent to fame, whilst enchanting generations of fans with their stylish play. The book journeys back to the 'máquina' team of the 1940s, arguably the most attractive club side of the pre-television era, with its fabled frontline of Moreno, Loustau, Pedernera, Labruna and Muñoz. It takes us through the great sides of the 1950s, 70s and 90s right up to the all-conquering reign of present coach Marcelo Gallardo. Along the way, we discover the great players who have worn the distinctive white shirt with the red sash - from Bernabé Ferreyra, Alfredo Di Stéfano and Enzo Francescoli to Manchester City's new signing Julián Álvarez.Trade Review"Mark Orton has deftly written a most interesting book, based on his travels to, and love of, South America – specifically football and River Plate, Argentina’s biggest club… this is a great, informative read." -- Mark Watkins * Dare Radio *
£21.25
Pitch Publishing Ltd Fear and Loathing at Goodison Park: Everton Under
Book SynopsisFear and Loathing at Goodison Park chronicles the David Moyes era at Everton, when a fallen giant of the English game fought to re-establish itself among football's elite. With relegation dogfights making way for Champions League qualification and the first cup final since 1995, David Moyes' tenure was underpinned by stability and a hopefulness that success would soon return to the blue half of Merseyside. It was, however, a period when the notion of success was redefined, not only for Everton but within the game as a whole. With the financial gulf widening in a league deluged by an influx of foreign investment and media conglomerates, Moyes' Everton became synonymous with operating on a shoe-string budget, in an era of multi-million -pound transfers and bloated wages. With billionaire takeovers reshaping the landscape of English football forever, the people's club's hopes of breaking through football's glass ceiling faded, leaving only fear and loathing at Goodison Park.Trade Review"There’s plenty of good detail in Fear and Loathin… A pleasure to chew over the 272 pages, Toffee lover or otherwise." -- Mark Watkins * Dare Radio *"An exhilarating and passionately written text... Lou’s knowledge of events and, more importantly, his deep passion as a supporter is clearly evident." * Love Wirral Magazine *
£15.29
Pitch Publishing Ltd Flamengo: Winning all the Cups
Book SynopsisStephen Brandt tells the story of how Brazilian club Flamengo became the best football team in the world, winning cups at every level before beating the mighty Liverpool in 1981 to capture the Intercontinental Cup. On one side were the kings of Europe who'd recently won their third European Cup in six years, and on the other side Flamengo, who had just won the Copa Libertadores. Amid the dying days of a military dictatorship, Flamengo brought home a country-unifying title, a feat not seen since Pele's Santos won back-to-back Intercontinental Cups in 1962 and '63. Along the way, we meet the special players of that golden generation, including the legendary Junior, the underdog Nunes, Zico, the small-statured talent who was dubbed the next Pele, and the brilliant Tita. The Brazilian side managed by Paulo Cesar Carpegiani played an attractive, free-flowing style of football that Europeans had never seen before. Just a year later they provided many stars for Tele Santana's great team that lit up the 1982 World Cup.Trade Review"Flamengo... gives the history of the club, their rivalry with Vaso da Gama and goes through the decades from 1981 to bring us up-to-date. All in a fairly fascinating way." -- Mark Watkins * Dare Radio *"Flamengo: Winning all the Cups by Stephen Brandt is an exceptional book that fills a significant void in English literature on Brazilian club football." * The Football Library *"Writer and podcaster Stephen Brandt takes a fresh look at this club in his new book. Flamengo: Winning All the Cups not only goes through the history of the club... It provides social and sporting context to Flamengo... Stephen Brandt perfectly captures the history of the club and the impact of wealth on Brazilian soccer." -- Rob Hay * World Soccer Talk *"Stephen Brandt is a writer who specialises in getting into the fine detail of his subject, writing about football all across the globe, and his passion for this team and the club’s history shines through on every page… [Flamengo] is well worth a read for anyone with even a passing [interest] in Brazilian football or specifically of Flamengo itself, well researched and told with genuine passion." -- Karl Hornsey * On:YorkshireMagazine *
£17.09
Pitch Publishing Ltd When The Sky Was Blue: The Inside Story of
Book SynopsisWhen the Sky Was Blue celebrates Coventry City’s nine-season adventure in the Premier League, from founder members to relegation, through a compelling array of brand-new interviews with managers, players and other key figures from the time. While not the most glamorous club to have played in the division, few can match the Sky Blues for madcap tales. This book tells those stories through the memories of those who were there. Hear how Bobby Gould’s decision to hold pre-season in an army barracks led to near-death experiences and career-ending injury. Savour the glitz and glamour of Ron Atkinson’s whirlwind spell at Highfield Road. Relive Gordon Strachan making Robbie Keane Britain’s most expensive teenager. Oh, and there’s also those heart-stopping relegation battles, FA Cup heartbreak and the time Coventry City became ‘The Entertainers’.Trade Review"Very much striking the right tone as the writer wished in his intro, this is 224 pages of shared 'memories of players, managers and key individuals' – beginning where Rich Chamberlain came in as a fan, 15 August, 1992, Coventry City v Middlesbrough. City won, 2-1. A case of, 'While the sky is blue, we’ll never lose!' So, relive again, or for the first time, several mid-table finishes and lower orders and an 8th, according to this commendable book." -- Mark Watkins * Dare Radio *"Surprising in its honesty throughout: rarely do football tomes featuring ex players manage to go beyond the platitudinal 'great bunch of lads' and 'top, top coach', yet here we have genuine insight, sometimes lingering anger, as egos clash and hatchets are occasionally buried or continued. It is extremely refreshing to read for this reason. It regurgitates very little and finds new angles on old tales, adding much to the sum total of Coventry City knowledge from that time. The author needs applauding for his efforts in this regard. The book provoked plenty of nostalgia and much joy was found in the sense of hanging out with some of the favourite players of my Highfield Road childhood and adolescence. I consumed it in huge great chunks larger than Micky Quinn’s appetite." * Live in Some Other Moment *"When Coventry City were relegated from the Premier League in 2001, it ended an unbroken run of 34 years in the top flight of English football, a record for longevity bettered by only ten clubs in history. This books looks at the glamour of the sometimes madcap Premier League years under the management of Bobby Gould, Phil Neal, Ron Atkinson and Gordon Strachan." * Backpass magazine *"It's a very good read. I was in Lanzarote, I lay there on my sunbed and read the whole book. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it brought back a lot of memories and also jigged a few things I hadn't remembered. It's very well put together and I would advise anybody who supports Coventry or enjoys the nostalgia and history to go out and buy it." -- Steve Ogrizovic * Coventry City legend *
£15.29
Pitch Publishing Ltd The King Takes Over: Liverpool and the Dalglish
Book SynopsisThe King Takes Over: Liverpool and the Dalglish Years 1985–1991 is a fast-paced and nostalgic account of a time when Liverpool were the best team in the land, and played a brilliant style of football still talked about more than 30 years on. It is the story of how Liverpool’s greatest player became one of its greatest managers. Taking a wistful look back at the glory years of 1985–1991, the book revisits the great games and goals of the Kenny Dalglish era. It examines the circumstances of the Heysel tragedy and how Dalglish became Liverpool’s first player-manager in the darkest period in both the club and the city’s history, amid the chaos wrought by Thatcher’s government. How did the Hillsborough disaster impact Dalglish, the club, players and fans? How did John Barnes, the first black player signed by Liverpool, overcome racism from the terraces to become a legend in red? Why did the Reds not win the championship for 30 years after 1990? What were the real circumstances behind Dalglish’s shock resignation in 1991?Trade Review"Shareef Abdallah... takes us back to the third phase of the Reds' 'glory days', that’s after managers Shankly and Paisley (Bob, with the greatest cup haul, of all) to this, an attractive era played under Kenny Dalglish and so winning yet more silverware for the Anfield trophy cabinet... Heysel (1985), Hillsborough (1989), a 'photo finish' title-decider with Arsenal (1989), John Barnes suffering racism dribbling down the wing and 'King' Kenny’s resignation (and on to a first Premier League title with Blackburn Rovers) are all covered - and much more... A fine read." -- Mark Watkins * Dare Radio *
£15.29
Pitch Publishing Ltd Scotland 101: An Introduction to the National
Book SynopsisScotland 101 captures a flavour of all aspects of supporting Scotland, exploring the good and the bad, the highs and the lows, the joy and the sorrow. There are days Scotland fans will remember forever and days they’d rather forget – from Archie Gemmill’s dribble around the Dutch in 1978 to Gary McAllister’s penalty miss in 1996. There’s the 9-3 defeat to England in 1961, but there’s also Jim Baxter taking the mickey out of them in 1967; Jimmy Cowan’s heroics at Wembley in 1949 and Estonia’s no-show in Tallinn in 1996. Sometimes we’re not even sure if an event was good or bad, like Tommy Gemmell kicking Haller up the backside or the Tartan Army invading Wembley and breaking the crossbar. There’s hope and expectation. But there’s also despair and disaster. Scotland 101 is your guide to those moments that make following Scotland an adventure like no other.Trade Review"Tom Brogan has followed up his dissection of Scotland's 1982 World Cup campaign (We Made Them Angry) with Scotland 101, which, as the title suggests, offers up the details behind 101 of the most interesting, memorable, bizarre and fascinating moments and people in the history of the Scottish national football team. And what a history that involves... this excellent offering is full of varied and wonderful anecdotes." * On Magazine *
£17.09
Pitch Publishing Ltd Pride Before the Fall: How Derby County went from
Book SynopsisPride Before the Fall: How Derby County went from Play-Off Final to Near Extinction is the ultimate cautionary tale of how chasing Premier League riches can lead a club to the brink of collapse. It’s a story of how one of English football’s greatest clubs were on the cusp of Premier League football, but instead were left to rue play-off heartache and then went down a path of EFL charges and legal battles, phantom takeovers from American and Saudi businessmen, administration, points deductions and a seemingly endless stream of financial woes. That tiny snowflake in the background would turn into a raging snowstorm. But before all that England and Manchester United’s record goalscorer Wayne Rooney turned up to partner with former Barcelona captain Phillip Cocu to lead a play-off push back to English football’s top tier – at least that was the plan. The book examines how a founding member of the English Football League – and two-time First Division champions – were nearly wiped off the face of the earth.
£17.09
Pitch Publishing Ltd Former Glories and New Beginnings: Aberdeen FC,
Book SynopsisFormer Glories and New Beginnings takes us on a nostalgia-filled journey through Aberdeen FC’s glory years, while looking ahead to a promising future. The mere mention of the word ‘Gothenburg’ to older Dons fans instantly conjures memories of European nights under the floodlights, of Simpson and Strachan, McLeish and Miller, of Munich and Madrid. Mention ‘Gothenburg’ to younger fans and they know – it is a story etched in the annals of Scottish football. This book recreates not just one magical European trophy-winning night in May 1983, but the club’s trophy-laden golden era of the late 1970s to mid-80s. The moment a young manager called Alex Ferguson arrived, the balance of power began to shift. Only the best win championships, only the best win trophies at home and abroad. Forty years on, Aberdeen has been away from the top table for too long. Under the stewardship of Dave Cormack, the club is entering a new era, giving fans high hopes for the future.
£17.09
Pitch Publishing Ltd Marcelo Bielsa vs The Premier League: Living,
Book SynopsisLeeds United fanatic and gifted storyteller Rocco Dean brings us the next chapter in the Whites’ recent history with a match-by-match account of two wildly contrasting and unforgettable seasons. Leeds’ first two seasons back in the top flight after a 16-year absence were anything but dull. Bielsa’s electrifying brand of breathless football took the Premier League by storm, but while their team stole the hearts of the neutrals, the Covid-19 pandemic robbed Leeds supporters of the chance to see the triumphant return in the flesh. In Season Two the fans returned but the team lost their zest, culminating in the sacking of Bielsa and a dramatic scrap for survival that was only settled with the last kick of the season. Looking beyond the intoxicating action on the pitch, this book captures the wisdom and unique nature of ‘El Loco’, the anguish of lockdowns and football behind closed doors, the joy of returning to stadiums, the despair of a relegation battle and the grief of becoming a ‘Widow of Bielsa’. Fans of Rocco Dean’s previous Bielsa book, Marcelo Bielsa vs The Damned United, will love this enthralling sequel.
£15.29
Pitch Publishing Ltd Reign of the Lionesses: How European Glory
Book SynopsisAcclaimed author Carrie Dunn, one of the most respected voices in women’s football, brings us a unique insight into a fast-growing and massively popular sport at a crucial moment. This is the third book in Dunn’s popular series exploring the women’s football pyramid. The Lionesses' famous triumph, beating old rivals Germany at Wembley to become European champions, gave them a platform to call on the world to do better when it comes to women's football – to give girls equal opportunities to boys, and to lift up inspiring female role models. But was it too little too late? While Women's Super League matches sold out if they could guarantee a gold-medal-winning Lioness, the rest of the pyramid still had their own challenges to face. From training pitches to home stadia, from sponsorship to electricity bills, women all over England continued to fight a battle that had been going on for more than a century – to be treated as footballers, not second-class citizens. This is the story of the season after the summer before.
£11.69
Pitch Publishing Ltd Revolution of Wolves: A Premier League Trilogy
Book SynopsisRevolution of Wolves charts the dramatic progress of Wolverhampton Wanderers both on and off the pitch over the last 20 years, starting with the club’s first promotion to the Premier League. From local-born benefactor Sir Jack Hayward to global investment conglomerate Fosun International, the boardroom changes have been matched by those in the dugout as Wolves went from a traditional English-based 4-4-2 team under Dave Jones and Mick McCarthy to a cosmopolitan European outfit under Nuno Espirito Santo. The book brings us exclusive interviews with those at the heart of the story. Alongside all the promotion winners, managers such as Glenn Hoddle and Paul Lambert give their first interviews about their time at Wolves. We hear stories from the likes of Paul Ince, Joleon Lescott, Karl Henry, Conor Coady, Diogo Jota and Ruben Neves as well as boardroom insight from Jez Moxey, Steve Morgan and Jeff Shi. Revolution of Wolves is the most comprehensive and authoritative work ever written about the modern Wolverhampton Wanderers.
£21.25
Pitch Publishing Ltd The Establishment Boys: The Other Side of Kerry
Book SynopsisSet during Kerry Packer's World Series Cricket revolution, this book tells the story of the Australian Test cricketers plucked from the backwaters of the domestic game to take on full-strength international sides.Some became cricketing greats. Others were lost in the footnotes of history. But all have important stories to share.From 1977/78 to the reconciliation, two Australian sides competed in parallel universes: World Series Cricket's glamorous rock star realm and the attritional reality of Test cricket fought by predominantly younger, poorly paid men honouring the baggy green. Friendships were broken, and new bonds formed, as the public first sided with the traditional game before backing World Series Cricket in greater numbers.Kerry Packer eventually won the cricketing war. However, Test cricket survived because of those who carried the Australian banner for the game. These players became known as the 'Establishment Boys' and until now they have barely been acknowledged.
£16.99
Pitch Publishing Ltd Ipswich Town Miscellany
Book SynopsisUpdated for 2024, and (hopefully) to coincide with the club's return to the Premier League, Ipswich Town Miscellany is a collection of information you never knew you needed to know about the club it's also the perfect companion for Ipswich Town On This Day.Full of intriguing anecdotes and incredible stats and facts, like the tale of the striker whose shot cleared the stand and hit a horse ploughing a field, and the local Cub Scout pack who made tea in the Portman Road centre circle.Find out which World Cup finals was graced by no fewer than six Ipswich Town players; or which legendary Town boss is statistically the club''s most successful, and which great manager only comes third on the all-time list. And at which match the club produced its first programme, a game that was watched by only 2,000 fans.All these stories and hundreds more appear in a brilliantly rese
£11.69
Headline Publishing Group The Official History of The FA Cup: 150 Years of
Book SynopsisExplore the complete history of The FA Cup in this definitive illustrated book. The FA Cup is the oldest national football competition in the world, and one of the most beloved and popular tournaments in football. In 2022, it will be 150 years since the inaugural Football Association Challenge Cup was clinched by Wanderers Football Club at Kennington Oval. Since then, 'The Cup' has become one of the premier tournaments in the sport, and an iconic mainstay of the English game.The Official History of The FA Cup, produced in partnership with The Football Association, is a lavish, illustrated tribute to this iconic competition. Filled with stunning photographs spanning the full history of the Cup, this book celebrates the most exciting, significant and memorable goals, games and upsets in English football history. Featuring insightful commentary on The FA Cup's development and evolution, details of every FA Cup-winning side, and an exclusive foreword by Arsène Wenger, this is an essential companion for anyone with a love of the competition – which is to say, fans of football everywhere.Table of ContentsForeword by Arsène Wenger • Introduction • Origins • The First Finals (1871-79) • Enter the Professionals (1880-92) • The Cup Takes Form (1893-1922) • The Cup Finds Its Home (1923-39) • Matinee Idols (1945-58) • The Rise of the Manager (1959-72) • The Age of the Upset (1973-89) • Doubles All Round (1990-2006) • The Future (2007-) • The Early Rounds; Match Officials; The Third Round; Anatomy of an Upset; Broadcasting the FA Cup; FA Cup Sponsorship; FA Cup Final Day.
£20.00
C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd Newcastle United Stole My Heart: Sixty Years in
Book SynopsisThe magnificent story of a writer’s lifelong obsession with his city and its football club. When 5-year-old Michael Chaplin landed in a strange city of ships in the late 1950s, he looked in vain for something that would anchor him to it, make him feel at home. Then, one Saturday afternoon, it came: the roar of a crowd, and a football team to support. Young Michael became an avid Newcastle United fan, and has remained one–if sometimes disenchanted–for over sixty years. In this football memoir with a difference, the celebrated playwright and screenwriter tells the story of his six-decade love affair with the club, each chapter recreating an iconic Newcastle match: the players who graced the game, the managers in the dug-out, and the backdrop outside the stadium–both the changing face of Newcastle, and the ups and downs of Michael’s own life and career. This vivid, thoughtful and entertaining book is an absolute must-read for all Newcastle United supporters, and indeed–given that the club is often described as everyone’s second favourite–for football fans everywhere…Trade Review'Newcastle United Stole My Heart is a testimony to the power of modern sport and how it reaches way beyond the playing fields. … Beautifully written.' -- The Irish Times
£11.39
Icon Books Sunderland AFC
Book SynopsisThe definitive history of Sunderland AFC. Formed by a group of teachers nearly 150 years ago in 1879, Sunderland AFC have a long and storied history in English football. The club has won six top-flight titles, only six other teams have won more, and they have lifted the FA Cup twice - in 1937 and in 1973. The Black Cats are renowned for having one of the largest and most loyal fan bases in the country, and records have regularly been broken for attendance figures at the Stadium of Light. After hitting a nadir with back-to-back demotions from the Premier League down to the third division in 2018, the club are now back on the ascendancy and plotting a return to the top-flight. Drawing on interviews with key players, managers and staff members, esteemed club historian Rob Mason delves into Sunderland's 150-year history, charting the glorious highs and the ignominious lows to trace how the Black Cats have come to dominate football in the North-East.
£17.00
Hawksmoor Publishing Champions Again: The Story of Liverpool's 30-Year
Book SynopsisWritten by a lifelong Liverpool fan, this is a dramatic story of highs and lows, and how the club overcame its extended wait to be Premier League Champions Again.
£9.99
Pitch Publishing Ltd Call Yourself a Blues Fan?: The Ultimate Chelsea
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 Blues quiz book. You will struggle to find anything as comprehensive as this eclectic collection. This quirky, challenging book is a must for Chelsea fans of all ages, and you might not see anything qui
£9.49
Pitch Publishing Ltd Call Yourself a Hammers Fan?: The Ultimate West
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 West Ham quiz book. It s not often that books on football make reference to Inspector Morse, Dostoyevsky, Shredded Wheat, The Everly Brothers, Fawlty Towers, Catch-22 and EastEnders, but this one does! Try these for size: which West Ham United player in the 1980 FA Cup Final had already scored for another club in an earlier FA Cup Final? Which two players with West Ham United connections appeared in 43 games between them for Blackburn Rovers when they won the Premier League in 1994/95? And who is the only man to manage West Ham United in two different centuries? You will struggle to find anything as comprehensive as this eclectic collection. This quirky, challenging book is a must for West Ham fans of all ages, and you might not see anything quite like it again.
£9.49
Liverpool University Press Played in Liverpool: Charting the heritage of a
Book Synopsis
£21.99
Soccer Books Ltd Classic Reprint: History of the Everton Football
Book SynopsisOriginally published in 1929, this book tells the story of the Everton Football Club from its formation in 1878 until 1929. As original hardback copies are virtually impossible to locate without spending a small fortune, we have decided to make it available as part of our Classic Reprint series of books.
£17.95
Pitch Publishing Ltd The Albion Miscellany (West Bromwich Albion FC):
Book SynopsisThe Albion Miscellany collects together all the vital information you never knew you needed to know about West Brom. In these pages you will find irresistible anecdotes and the most mindblowing stats and facts. Heard the one about the Albion star who thought there was a different, hotter sun on a pre-season trip to Portugal? How about the winger who bought a shed off a fan during a series of corners? Or the GBP2 million acquisition who turned out to be Cyrille Regis's nephew? Do you know who gave rise to the club's 'Baggies' nickname? Why Albion officials painted a match ball with gold and stuck a stuffed thrush on top? Or which club record Lateef Elford-Alliyu holds? All these stories and hundreds more appear in a brilliantly researched collection of trivia - essential for any Baggies fan who holds the riches of the club's history close to their heart.
£9.49
Pitch Publishing Ltd Norwich City Miscellany: Canaries Trivia,
Book SynopsisNorwich City Miscellany collects together all the vital information you never knew you needed to know about the Canaries. In these pages you will find irresistible anecdotes and the most mindblowing stats and facts. Heard the one about the first Brazilian-born player in English football? How about the stand built on the site of an ancient hunting camp, dating back to 11,500BC? Or the fashion designer who was worried about City getting his kit muddy? Do you know which 'England Manager' led City to the Mr Clutch Cup? Which winger was locked in the toilet by his team-mates for a four-hour away coach trip? Or how many days it took to build the new stadium on Carrow Road? All these stories and hundreds more appear in a brilliantly researched collection of trivia - essential for any Canaries fan who holds the riches of the club's history close to their heart.
£9.49
Pitch Publishing Ltd Spurs On This Day: Tottenham Hotspur History,
Book SynopsisSpurs On This Day revisits all the most magical and memorable moments from the club's glorious past, mixing in a maelstrom of quirky anecdotes and legendary characters to produce an irresistibly dippable diary of the club's history - with an entry for every day of the year. From their Victorian roots as Hotspur FC up to the Premier League era, Spurs fans have witnessed a unique FA Cup victory as a non-League side, League and Cup triumphs, hard-fought derbies and unforgettable European nights - all featured here. Timeless greats such as Glenn Hoddle and Danny Blanchflower, Dave Mackay, Jurgen Klinsmann and Bill Nicholson all loom larger than life. Revisit January 22, 2008 when Spurs beat Arsenal 5-1 in the Carling Cup semi-final. May 6, 1961 when Spurs became the 20th century's first Double winners. And July 13 2001, when Steffen Freund scored against Stevenage, his first and only Tottenham goal!
£9.49
Pitch Publishing Ltd Leeds United Miscellany: United Trivia, History,
Book SynopsisLeeds United Miscellany collects together all the vital information you never knew you needed to know about the Whites. In these pages you will find irresistible anecdotes and the most mindblowing stats and facts. Heard the one about David Harvey's suicidal monkey? How about the chairman who spent GBP240 on a goldfish for his office? Or the gypsy who urinated on Elland Road's corner flags to help Don Revie lift an ancient curse? Do you know when a Leeds side last wore sock tags? The fate of the orange kit worn once in 1970? Or how many miles of pipe make up the undersoil heating system at Elland Road? All these stories and hundreds more appear in a brilliantly researched collection of trivia - essential for any Leeds United fan who holds the riches of the club's history close to their heart. Featuring a foreword by Leeds legend Eddie Gray.
£9.49
Pitch Publishing Ltd Anfield of Dreams: A Kopite's Odyssey
Book SynopsisMid-Atlantic, 10 April 1954: The Queen Elizabeth's crew commit to the deep a coffin containing the remains of Liverpool Football Club, relegated that day to the Second Division. Istanbul, 25 May 2005: Liverpool's heroes hold aloft the Champions League trophy, after the greatest final ever. Between those pivotal dates, the Reds touched glittering heights and plumbed the darkest depths. But what about the fans who followed the club every step along the turbulent way? On this journey of a lifetime, Neil Dunkin relies on the cast of characters including Shankly, Paisley, Dalglish, Benitez, Pele and even Ursula Andress...and the action swings from Liverpool to Rome, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, the High Andes, even the top of one of Istanbul's tallest minarets. Subject high acclaim, this title was shortlisted in the Best New Writer category at the 2009 British Sports Book Awards.Trade ReviewAn amazing book - Redlady21 on Liverpool Daily Post football forum. Dunkin talks with great passion about the beautiful game in a language football fans will appreciate. This is not a book solely for Liverpool supporters; anyone who worries that clubs have become highly prized assets should read it and realise that is not an inevitable state of affairs - The Birmingham Post. A fascinating relationship between travel and sport exists only in the heart of the true fan. There is a real sense of this unique perspective in Dunkin's passionate ode to Liverpool FC, which culminates in the "sublime" Champions League victory in 2005. The ups and downs in the club's and the city's history and heritage are cleverly and lovingly charted in the year that Liverpool is the European City of Culture. Football lovers will lap this up but Dunkin's passion and fine line in anecdotes make the book worthy of a much wider readership - Michelle Stanistreet, Daily Express. All I can say is get this book if you see it - Once you start reading it you'll be transported back to a time when life was harsh but so much fun and you'll be brought through good times, bad times sad times right up until the final whistle in Istanbul. The book is superb - Red All Over.Table of ContentsDepths Of DespairThe Messiah From Glenbuck18 Steps To HeavenHeartbeat Of A CityThe Scouse SixtiesSound That Rocked The World1966 And All ThatThat Scarf Is Somebody's Life28,000 HeadsPaisley, The Champion ManagerA Threesome In Rio: Pele, Ursula Andress And MeTarnished SilverBetter Than The BraziliansDeath In The AfternoonTwilight Of The GodsEagles Over The AztecaBack To The Boot RoomSpaced Out And Star StruckThe French Kopite Comes HomeOur Incredible TrebleCotopaxi 2 Kopites 0 (Match Abandoned)Liverpool Will Not Leave MeFrom Austria To EternityImmortality In Istanbul
£8.54
Pitch Publishing Ltd Celtic On This Day: History, Facts & Figures from
Book SynopsisCeltic FC On This Day revisits all the most magical and memorable moments from the club's glorious past, mixing in a maelstrom of quirky anecdotes and legendary characters to produce an irresistibly dippable diary of Hoops history - with an entry for every day of the year. From humble yet proud origins, charitably assisting in feeding the poor of Glasgow's East End, the club is now a global institution with a worldwide following. Along the way, the green-and-white faithful have witnessed famous European exploits, record winning runs and attendances, countless triumphs on the Scottish scene and the one-off glories of all-British victories in 1902, 1938 and 1953 - all featured here. All-time greats including Jimmy Quinn, Patsy Gallacher and Jimmy McGrory, Billy McNeill, Kenny Dalglish and Henrik Larsson loom larger than life, appearing alongside all-conquering Celtic heroes such as Willie Maley, Jock Stein and Martin O'Neill.
£9.49
Pitch Publishing Ltd Manchester United Match of My Life: Seventeen
Book SynopsisSeventeen Manchester United legends come together to tell the stories behind their favourite ever games for the club - enabling Red Devils 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 shirt...Lee Martin recalls the 1990 FA Cup Final; hat-trick hero Alex Dawson describes the eight-goal semi-final thriller which landed United in the Cup Final so soon after the Munich air disaster. Ever the crowd pleaser, Dwight Yorke waxes lyrical on winning the Treble that unforgettable night in Barcelona - while Gary Pallister basks in the memory of sinking Liverpool at Anfield as United closed in on the 1997 Premier League title. Old Trafford greats Bryan Robson, Martin Buchan and Paul Scholes also turn in characteristic star performances, winding back the clock to relive treasured memories of the Match of Their Lives for United.
£9.49
Wymer Publishing 100 Facts - West Ham
Book SynopsisFootball fans love nothing more than to read about their favourite teams. Although this books is aimed at young teenagers they will delight all ages with their mixture of funny and enlightening stories and will give hours of pleasure discovering quirky facts about your favourite team. Each title is also augmented with a selection of sketches by the young sketch artist Becky Welton that depict some of the stories within.
£8.18
De Coubertin Books Tunnel of Love: Football, Fighting and Failure:
Book Synopsis
£9.49
Empire Publications Ltd Kicking Through the Troubles: How Manchester
Book SynopsisFrom growing up in a warzone to befriending the greatest football manager in the history of the game, John White''s story is remarkable. Growing up in Northern Ireland in the 1970s was tough but the prospects for John, a Catholic raised in the Short Strand area of Belfast, were even more restricted. Hemmed in on all sides by Protestants and patrolled on a daily basis by British army forces, John and his neighbours soon learned to make light of the searches, patrols and threats of attack by neighbouring communities, even accepting regular interruptions to games of street football as a daily occurrence. Shining through the darkness was the one thing that united this intensely divided community. It all began with George Best, the pride of the province and hero to every schoolboy in his native Belfast. The greatest player in the world regularly turned out for the national team in the most infamous city in the world at the height of The Troubles and these were the first big football matches John watched as a child. From there it was logical to follow Manchester United''s fortunes and a lifelong romance was born as he joined the fortnightly exodus of Irishmen from both sides of the community to Old Trafford. Later, John founded a cross-community Supporters Club with the express aim of uniting Catholics and Protestants and their shared passion for United. It was in this role that he began hosting charity dinners in Belfast and befriending many United legends, foremost among them the Boss, Sir Alex Ferguson. It''s fair to say that John''s relationship with ''Fergie'' was at odds with his fi rebrand media persona. Ever willing to help Irish charities, Sir Alex was a regular at John''s events and eventually placed his trust in the Carryduff MUSC to help promote his own charity, The Elizabeth Hardie Ferguson Charitable Trust Fund, named after his late mother. Sir Alex became a regular visitor to John''s home in Carryduff and even visited John''s father''s regular haunt, the local bookmakers shop in the Short Strand. Following the 1997 Good Friday Agreement, much of the daily antagonism of the 1970s has disappeared from Belfast life but not all. As John reflects on his life in the city, he takes a realist''s view of the current situation in the Province.
£9.45
BackPage Press Limited Spain: The Inside Story of La Roja's Historic
Book Synopsis
£16.99
BackPage Press Limited Spain: The Inside Story of la Roja's Historic
Book SynopsisThis is the story of the greatest achievement in the history of international football. After decades of failure, Spain won Euro 2008 and then the World Cup in 2010. At Euro 2012 they became the first team to win three consecutive tournament titles. This book has remarkable eyewitness accounts and new interviews with star players.
£9.49
Vision Sports Publishing Ltd The Biography of Leeds: The Story of the Whites
Book SynopsisAn affectionate, insightful portrait of the club beloved by millions of fans around the world.
£18.00
Pitch Publishing Ltd Huddersfield Town Miscellany: Terriers Trivia,
Book SynopsisHuddersfield Town Miscellany collects together all the vital information you never knew you needed to know about the Terriers. In these pages you will find irresistible anecdotes and the most mindblowing stats and facts. Heard the one about the striker who scored 223 goals in 268 appearances for the club? How about the centre-forward who netted 289 goals in just 40 games before joining Town? Do you know what has been the longest journey (by road) any Huddersfield Town team has had to make to play a Football League fixture? When Town were unbeaten at home in the FA Cup for 19 years? Or which Town player had a record 32 letters in his name? All these stories and hundreds more appear in a brilliantly researched collection of trivia - essential for any fan who holds the riches of blue-and-white history close to their heart.
£9.49
Pitch Publishing Ltd Got; Not Got: Derby County: The Lost World of
Book SynopsisGot, Not Got: The Lost World of Derby County is an Aladdin's cave of memories and memorabilia, guaranteed to whisk you back to the Baseball Ground's fondly remembered 'Golden Age' of mud and magic - as well as a Rams-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 - Rams stickers and petrol freebies, league ladders, big-match programmes and much more - revisiting lost football culture, treasures and pleasures that are 100 per cent Derby County. If you were a Junior Ram, one of the army of obsessive soccer kids at any time from when Cloughie's lads won the League to the early days of the Premier League, then this is the book to recall the mavericks - Mackay, Lee and Hector, George, Saunders and Gabbiadini - and the marvels of the Lost World of Football.
£11.69
Pitch Publishing Ltd Got; Not Got: Liverpool: The Lost World of
Book SynopsisGot, Not Got: The Lost World of Liverpool is an Aladdin's cave of memories and memorabilia, guaranteed to whisk you back to Anfield's fondly remembered 'Golden Age' of mud and magic - as well as a Reds-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 - Reds stickers and petrol freebies, league ladders, big-match programmes and much more - revisiting lost football culture, treasures and pleasures that are 100 per cent Liverpool. If you're a lifelong Liverpool fan, one of the army of obsessive soccer kids at any time from when Shanks won his first '60s silverware to the early days of the Premier League, then this is the book to recall the mavericks - Keegan, Dalglish and St John, Rush, Barnes and Souness - and the marvels of the Lost World of Football.
£11.69
Parthian Books The Blues are Back in Town: A Year and a Lifetime
Book SynopsisFor around twenty years, Nick Fisk believed that one day he would find a letter on his doormat from Cardiff City FC requesting his services on the football pitch. When he realised it was unlikely he was ever going to be offered the role of groundsman, he decided the next best thing would be to write about the club instead. A former member of the not especially notorious non-hooligan gang, The Sad Crew, Fisk has plenty of experience to draw from, in terms of going to football matches, and coming up with ridiculous chants that nobody ever joins in with. In The Blues Are Back in Town Nick charts the 2014/15 season, following the team and its fans, and trying to rediscover his passion for the recently relegated club, while at the same time, reflecting on the good old days. The blog he kept, The Fisk Report, gave an insight into not just what it's like to be a typical fan, but what supporting The Bluebirds is like through the eyes of a Fisk. It is a funny, enigmatic and personal book about the passion and belief of being a football fan.
£8.54
Headline Publishing Group The Little Book Of Spurs: Bursting with over 170
Book SynopsisAfter the dog days of the last three decades, it seems as if the sleeping giant of White Hart Lane is stirring once more. With the management reigns of Christian Gross, Harry Redknapp and AVB now distant memories, the club is on the march once more under the leadership of Daniel Levy, looking forward to bringing back the glory days. With exciting young English talent, such as Eric Lamela, Deli Alli and Ryan Sessegnon, along with experienced internationals Christian Eriksen, Jan Vertonghen and Son Heung-min, and now under Jose Mourinho's unique management style, there is a belief that success is within their reach. Perhaps more than most, the club has had its share of ups and downs and more than its share of characters. This book is a collection of quotes from those who have passed through London N17 and some who are still there, soundbites that range from the inspired to the insane, from the profound to the surreal. From Danny Blanchflower, Jimmy Greaves, Paul Gascoigne and Sir Alan Sugar, to Daniel, Mauricio and Harry Kane, few clubs can boast so many people with so much to say for themselves. Tottenham Hotspur have a proud tradition and a very loyal support, and this book captures the flavour of both. Table of ContentsGlory, Glory, Tottenham Hotspur • Heroes of the Shirt • Beat your Neighbours • In the Boardroom • Gaffer Chatter • It's Great to be a Lilywhite • Magic Moments.
£6.99
Headline Publishing Group The Little Book of Man City: More than 170 Blue
Book SynopsisManchester City stormed to the clubs fourth Premier League title in 2019, the fourth championship in seven seasons, which is a far cry from the 44-year wait which ended in 2012! It is hard to believe that less than 20 years ago, City were in what is now League One. Their loyal fans spent so many years riding on the wildest roller-coaster in English football, with so many ups and downs that they hardly knew in which division they were competing, but things have changed and now City are among not only England's elite, but also Europe's. This incredible journey is recorded in this updated edition of The Little Book of Man City, a selection of the wit and wisdom of the great characters who have been associated with the club. From managers, such as Malcolm Allison, Kevin Keegan, Roberto Mancini and Pep Guardiola, via garrulous fans such as Radio 1's Mark and Lard and the Gallagher brothers to voluble players such as Francis Lee, Dennis Tueart, Rodney Marsh, Kun Aguero and Vincent Kompany, here are more than 170 funny and biting quotes for the avid fan of 'the only club in Manchester'. As their chaplain once said, 'Imagine where City would be if I hadn't been praying for them all these years.'Table of ContentsQuotes from more than 100 legendary characters who have made Manchester City one of the most interesting clubs in English football. From Francis Lee and Malcolm Allison, to Roberto Mancini, Pep Guardiola, Sergio Aguero and Vincent Kompany, together with the thoughts of famous fans, such as the Gallagher brothers, every aspect of the life of a Manchester City player or supporter is shown in true sky blue moon colour.
£6.99
Headline Publishing Group The Little Book of Man United: Over 170 United
Book SynopsisThe Little Book of Man United is a collection of words of wit and wisdom by and about Manchester United's players, managers and officials past and present. Since the arrival of the Premier League, no club in England can match the Red Devils' 13 titles, two UEFA Champions League victories, the FIFA World Club Cup, six triumphs in the FA Cup, three in the League Cup and 11 in the FA Charity/Community Shield – and there was plenty more glory in the club's first 115 years too. From Alan Hansen's falsely prophetic 'You'll never win anything with kids' to Eric Cantona's existentialist aphorism on the theme of seagulls, sardines and trawlers, the book contains more than 170 Red Devilish football quotes. Each quote is attributed to its source and, where appropriate, entries will be accompanied by explanatory asides and/or supporting statistics. Broken down into seven chapters, each one focuses on what makes being a supporter of Manchester United FC such a special experience. Table of ContentsThe United Way • Heroes of the Shirt • Gaffer Talk • Into Europe • Magic Moments • Fergie's Sayings • The Glory Days.
£6.99
