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Va-Va-Voom

Author : Tom Williams

Publisher : Bloomsbury Publishing

Page : 296 pages

File Size : 16,36 MB

Release : 2024-04-25

Category : Sports & Recreation

ISBN : 139940394X

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Book Description

'Excellent' – Simon Kuper, author of the bestselling FOOTBALL AGAINST THE ENEMY 'The definitive story of how French football came of age' – Christian Karembeu 'Erudite and engrossing' – Vincent Duluc, lead football writer, L'ÉQUIPE THE PLAYERS, THE TEAMS, THE GOALS, THE GAMES, THE SCANDALS, THE GLOOM AND THE GLORY: THE STORY OF FRENCH FOOTBALL'S TURBULENT EVOLUTION OVER THE LAST 40 YEARS. French football is an enigma: a mixture of brilliance and farce, flair and frailty, stunning success and abject failure. Its domestic league is mocked on social media as an uncompetitive 'Farmers League' and its clubs ridiculed for underachieving in European competitions. But France have reached four of the past seven men's World Cup finals, French players star for the world's best clubs and at its best – the roar of the Vélodrome, the glamour of the Parc des Princes, the shimmering brilliance of Zinédine Zidane, Éric Cantona and Kylian Mbappé – French football has few equals. When it comes to scandal, meanwhile, the French are the best in the business, from sensational match-fixing affairs to squabbles over sex tapes and meltdowns within the national squad. Tom Williams brings to life French football's evolution over the last 40 years. He details how the idealistic romanticism of the national team in the early 1980s gave way to an Italian-style pragmatism that would lead Les Bleus to the summit of the international game, and examines how several star-studded club sides grappled with the thorny notion of how to win. By delving into French football's rich history, the book explains the myriad ways – tactical, technical and cultural – in which France has shaped the game's evolution around the world. Featuring exclusive interviews with great figures of the French game such as Alain Giresse, Jean-Pierre Papin, Emmanuel Petit and Blaise Matuidi, and with a cast of characters that also includes Michel Platini, Thierry Henry, Karim Benzema, Chris Waddle and Lionel Messi, it's a book no football fan will want to miss. ---- 'A comprehensive account of the highs, lows and scandals of French football' – Jonathan Wilson, author of the bestselling INVERTING THE PYRAMID



After The Match, The Game Begins - The True Story of The Dundee Utility

Author : John Robb

Publisher : Kings Road Publishing

Page : 252 pages

File Size : 10,12 MB

Release : 2010-04-26

Category : Biography & Autobiography

ISBN : 1782192727

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Book Description

The Dundee Utility stands apart from other football firms. Its members are drawn not from the supporters of one team, but from two - Dundee United and Dundee FC - all of whom share the same passion: their city. The two bands of fans stand united, except on derby day, of course! In this compelling book, authors Kenny McCall and John Robb present the complete inside story of the Utility from their unique positions, each supporting Dundee United and Dundee respectively.



Rangers 101

Author : Tommy McIntyre

Publisher : Birlinn Ltd

Page : 234 pages

File Size : 11,89 MB

Release : 2021-10-14

Category : Sports & Recreation

ISBN : 1913538559

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Book Description

Rangers 101 distils the history of the most successful football club in the world, Glasgow Rangers F.C. From their founding in 1872 and their first (drawn) League Championship, all the way through to the present day, Rangers' history is brought to life via people, matches and objects. This fascinating volume traces the nearly 150 years of this unsurpassed institution – sometimes irreverent but always faithful to the characters, controversies, disasters and achievements that have taken place to give the club such a rich tapestry of triumph. Whether an old fan or new this is a perfect partner for those who support the club, are interested in its history and who love to recall past and present glories.



The Proper Charlie

Author : Charlie Miller

Publisher : Black & White Publishing

Page : 238 pages

File Size : 49,27 MB

Release : 2014-11-17

Category : Sports & Recreation

ISBN : 1845028902

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Book Description

Charlie Miller was the best young Scottish footballer of his generation. He made his Rangers debut under Walter Smith aged just seventeen and became a vital part of the lbrox club's legendary nine-in-a-row squad. Miller won four league titles, two Scottish Cups and one League Cup with Rangers, as well as being named the Scottish PFA Young Player of the Year in 1995. Yet many believe he was a wasted talent. Here, Miller reveals how he's spent his entire life not knowing who his father is and relives his colourful upbringing in Castlemilk - one of Glasgow's toughest housing estates. He explains how the gang culture he was involved in almost ended his Rangers career before it had started and speaks openly about the impact drugs, alcohol and gambling has had on his life. Miller takes you inside the lbrox dressing-room, where he mixed with iconic figures like Ally McCoist, Brian Laudrup and Paul Gascoigne and explains how he went from Rangers hero to rock bottom.



Ally McCoist - Rangers Legend

Author : Alistair Aird

Publisher : Kings Road Publishing

Page : 450 pages

File Size : 45,54 MB

Release : 2011-10-27

Category : Biography & Autobiography

ISBN : 1843589451

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Book Description

Ally McCoist is one of Scottish soccer's best-loved characters. In a two-decade career, he won the hearts and minds of legions of fans as he established himself as one of the most popular sporting personalities in the UK. A schoolboy prodigy, it was always clear that McCoist was destined for top flight soccer. At just 16 he signed his first professional contract with St. Johnstone, shooting to prominence in the 1980-81 season, scoring 22 league goals, and playing a starring role for the Scottish youth team. He was soon hot property. After two years of mixed fortunes at Sunderland, McCoist returned to Scotland and signed with his boyhood heroes, the Glasgow Rangers. Over the next fifteen years, he established himself as arguably the greatest goal-scorer ever to play for the club. He not only gave heart and soul for Rangers but was also capped 61 times for Scotland. An authoritative and affectionate portrait of this much-loved sportsman, "Ally McCoist: Rangers Legend" charts the highs and lows of a fascinating career, culminating in McCoist reaching legendary status. It also looks at the events that helped to shape his life overcoming homesickness when first playing for an English club and how he coped when his young son had to undergo several life-saving operations. Having hung up his boots, Ally's vibrant personality made him a natural for the television screen. Now, however, he has come full circle and returned "home" after a successful spell as assistant manager at his beloved Rangers, he has taken over the reins to become manager. This wonderful book is a must-read for any soccer fan, or indeed for anyone captivated by this large-than-life character."



Anything is Possible

Author : Gareth Southgate

Publisher : National Geographic Books

Page : 0 pages

File Size : 37,30 MB

Release : 2022-02-22

Category : Self-Help

ISBN : 152913532X

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Book Description

THE INSPIRATIONAL BESTSELLER from the manager who transformed English football 'Fantastic ... I've told my son Noah, aged 11, you have to read this ... I can't tell you how much I loved it because it talks about confidence, and I struggled with confidence' CHRIS EVANS 'I loved this - full of wonderful advice I can't wait to share with my children.' HOLLY WILLOUGHBY 'Never puts a word wrong. Isn't Gareth Southgate simply the most inspiring leader in England?' KRISHNAN GURU-MURTHY 'Gareth Southgate sticks out a mile in public life because he is thoughtful, intelligent, generous, courageous and humane.' SATHNAM SANGHERA England manager Gareth Southgate has spent his career inspiring young people to think positively and reach their best, from the England men's and Under-21 team to his work with the Prince's Trust. ____________________ YOU have the potential to make ANYTHING POSSIBLE. In this hugely positive and helpful book for readers aged 12 and up, Gareth gives YOU the tools to be confident, resilient and to overcome your own challenges for your exciting journey ahead, wherever it takes you. BE BRAVE Bravery is not just the kind of heroic act that earns a medal. It's the quality we need to step out of our comfort zones and take on new challenges. BE KIND A force for good that comes from the heart, kindness changes lives. It opens up opportunities and can be our greatest strength. FOLLOW YOUR DREAMS We all have a story to tell in life. It's down to us what it will be about. So, let's begin writing YOUR STORY - and make it one that truly shines. ____________________ 'Inspirational and honest - just like the man himself.' BEAR GRYLLS 'An inspirational book' THE SUN 'It really is a great book ... lots of really nice tips for confidence, staying strong, glass-half-full mentality, what makes a good team' CHRIS MOYLES 'I feel that the lessons you're sharing, the wisdom that you're sharing, has relevance for all of us, whether football fans or non-football fans. And that's because these are some quite core lessons for life' DR RANGAN CHATTERJEE 'Southgate's analytical mind is stamped across the pages of the book; his meticulousness, his love of clarity and process. He offers tips and life lessons - focus on what you can control, do not compare yourself with others, dare to try even if it means slipping up. The tone is easy, upbeat and the messages are drummed home gently, always linking to one another ... what shines through is the warmth and inclusivity of his leadership style.' THE GUARDIAN



Quiet Man Roars

Author : David Robertson

Publisher : eBook Partnership

Page : 309 pages

File Size : 36,23 MB

Release : 2021-03-29

Category : Sports & Recreation

ISBN : 1785319140

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Book Description

The Quiet Man Roars is the enthralling story of David Robertson, one of the finest attacking full-backs Scotland has produced in the last 30 years. Spotted as a schoolboy, Robertson signed as an apprentice with Aberdeen in the early 1980s. Initially a winger, a series of unfortunate events saw David selected at left-back for a youth game and he never looked back. He made his debut for Aberdeen at 17 and was snapped up by Rangers for just shy of AGBP1m at age 22. David was an integral part of the Rangers side that won nine successive league championships and came within an ace of reaching the first Champions League final. Later, he played in the English Premiership for Leeds United before injury cut short his playing career, prompting a move into management. As a player, he was the epitome of the modern day marauding full-back. As a coach, he has already made his mark across the globe and been the subject of a BAFTA-winning BBC documentary. The Quiet Man Roars is the inside story of one of football's most respected characters.



The Goalie

Author : Andy Goram

Publisher : Random House

Page : 165 pages

File Size : 25,99 MB

Release : 2011-01-18

Category : Biography & Autobiography

ISBN : 190719567X

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Book Description

This is the story of a genius with flaws. Lots of them. On the field, Andy Goram was a defiant figure between the sticks who, in many ways, defined the history-making nine-in-a-row team that brought so much success to Ibrox; off it, he careered through three divorces and a welter of lurid tabloid headlines sensationalising his hellraising antics. In this no-holds-barred account, Goram lifts the lid on his tempestuous life in football, from the Gers' glory days to a fairy-tale chapter with his boyhood heroes: Manchester United. His life in the Old Firm is examined in depth, from the saves that broke former Celtic manager Tommy Burns's heart to a story that was buried until now: Celtic's astonishing bid to sign him. Goram's Scotland career ended in bitterness when he walked out on the squad before France 98, and here he smashes the myths that have always surrounded his relationships with Craig Brown and Jim Leighton. This is the inside story of the man the fans voted Rangers' greatest-ever goalkeeper. He remains a genius with flaws: a legend simply known as The Goalie.



Scottish Football

Author : David Ross

Publisher : Lulu.com

Page : 149 pages

File Size : 25,92 MB

Release : 2011

Category :

ISBN : 1447566912

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Book Description



Walter Smith - The Ibrox Gaffer

Author : Scott Burns

Publisher : Black & White Publishing

Page : 248 pages

File Size : 28,94 MB

Release : 2011-04-26

Category : Sports & Recreation

ISBN : 1845023994

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Book Description

This long-deserved tribute to the legendary Walter Smith sees Rangers stars past and present uniting to honour one of the most decorated and successful managers in Scottish football. Ibrox favourites from across the decades, including heroes like Brian Laudrup, Ally McCoist, Andy Goram, Jorg Albertz, and countless others, give their own unique insight into the man they affectionately call their 'Gaffer'. Light Blue legends Davie Weir, Madjid Bougherra, Nacho Novo, Pedro Mendes and Stevie Naismith offer fans a behind the scenes look at how Smith returned for his second spell at Ibrox to deliver domestic and European success against a backdrop of financial meltdown. The one thing that they all agree is that Walter Smith is simply the best!