Va-Va-Voom


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




Steve Perryman: a Spur Forever


Book Description

In this new autobiography, legendary Tottenham Hotspur player and manager Steve Perryman recalls his time at Tottenham, the players he shared the dressing room with, the managers he learnt from (including the great Bill Nicholson) and the colourful adversaries he squared up to on the pitch. He also tells of his time in management, including his spell working with Ossie Ardiles at Spurs under the chairmanship of the controversial Alan Sugar, and his successful period in Japan where he won the league Championship. As honest and uncompromising in his book as he was as a player, A Spur Forever is a must-read.




Quiet Man Roars


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.




Anything is Possible


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




The Goalie


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.




The Football Ramble


Book Description

Downloaded over ten million times a year the Football Ramble podcast has established itself as the essential, independent voice of football punditry. The weekly podcast has resonated with supporters around the world and their sold-out live shows have been a massive hit. This book is a collaboration from all four presenters and will tackle the real issues from fans you won’t see or hear on Sky Sports, or anywhere else for that matter. From the weird and wonderful, from the Alan Pardew to the Kevin Keegan, the Ramble has it covered. Putting all aspects of the game under the microscope, this book is a timely reminder of why we just can’t take our minds off football.




Troy Deeney: Redemption


Book Description

*** 'Footie book of the year.' - The Sun TROY DEENEY is best known as Watford FC's former captain and a thorn in Arsenal's side. But behind the successful and gritty football persona is a remarkable story of resilience. In this brutally honest and inspirational memoir, Troy shares what it was like to grow up on Europe's largest council estate, where his mum worked three jobs and his father, a notorious drug dealer, was frequently in and out of prison. He shares stories of self-sabotage, from simply not turning up to Aston Villa's football trials as a teenager, playing while drunk to being imprisoned for affray at the height of his career. But Troy never gave up, even when it meant playing professional football with an ankle tag. He went on to score 20+ goals in three successive seasons and became the Club Captain, an FA Cup finalist, promotion winner and Watford's record scorer. He also became an outspoken player advocate and - in an age of bland footballer interviews - is a sought after voice on football and footballers today. Engaging, endearing and insightful, this book is where Troy comes to terms with his turbulent past.




Ally McCoist - Rangers Legend


Book Description

Ally McCoist is undoubtedly the finest Scottish goal-scorer of the last 30 years. In a career that spannedmore thantwo decades, he won the hearts and minds of legions of fans as he established himself as one of the most popular sports personalities in the UK. This authoritative and affectionate portrait of this much-loved sportsman charts the highs and lows of a fascinating career including a couple of injury-stricken years culminating in McCoist reaching legendary status. It also looks at the events that helped to shape his life such as how he overcame his homesickness when first playing for an English club, the effect his parents' separation had on him, and how he coped when his young son had to undergo several life-saving operations. Having hung up his boots, his vibrant personality made him a natural for the television screen and he carved a niche for himself with a role in sporting media. Now, however, McCoist has come full circle and returned home to be assistant manager at his beloved Rangers. This wonderful book is a must-read for any football fan or indeed for anyone captivated by this larger-than-life character."




Whistle Blower


Book Description

The outspoken and hard-hitting autobiography of one of the most highly-rated, recognisable and controversial football referees of modern times. Mark Clattenburg found himself in the centre circle, whistle in hand, at the start of 450 Premier League matches during a highly eventful 13-year career in football's top flight. He has shaken hands with, issued red and yellow cards to, and been sworn at by hundreds of players. He has been screamed at and shared jokes with dozens and dozens of managers. And he's felt the wrath of thousands upon thousands of irate fans. His autobiography is the ultimate guide to what it's really like to be in the referee's spotlight. It offers numerous intriguing insights into the daily trials and tribulations, the acute stresses and strains, of a top-flight referee. Clattenburg takes the reader into the referee's room, the players' tunnel and out on the pitch to experience precisely what a referee goes through on match day.