Given that I have never read a book by Ashley Cole, David Beckham or Frank Lampard, I can safely say that I have never read a soccer book that I didn't like. With the holidays approaching and the possibility of some free time being available here is a list of the books that I've acquired over last twelve months.
Any of you have other books that you might want to recommend?
“Foul”, By Andrew Jennings, published by HarperCollins.
“The Italian Job”, by Gianluca Vialli and Gabriele Marcotti, published by Random House.
“Behind the Curtain:Football in Eastern Europe”, by Jonathan Wilson, published by McArthur & Co.
“The Bonnie Prince-My Football Life”, by Charlie Cooke and Mark Knight, published by Mainstream Publishing Company.
"Best and Edwards,” by Gordon Burns, published by Faber and Faber Ltd.
"The Best of Charlie Buchan's Football Monthly,” edited by Simon Inglis, published by English Heritage.
"Forza Italia", by Paddy Agnew, published by Random House.
"’78 How a nation lost the World Cup," by Graham McColl, published by Headline Book Publishing.
"Morbo-the story of Spanish football," by Phil Ball, published by W.S.C. Books Ltd.
"The Leaguers -the making of professional football in England, 1900 – 1939," by Matthew Taylor, published by Liverpool University Press.
"Once in a Lifetime-the extraordinary story of the New York Cosmos," by Gavin Newsham, published by Atlantic books.
"tor!-the story of German football," by Ulrich Hesse-Lichtenberger, published by W. S.C. Books Ltd.
"The Thinking Fan's Guide to the World Cup," edited by Matt Weiland and Sean Wilsey, published by HarperCollins books.
"The Lost Babes-Manchester United and the forgotten victims of Munich," by Jeff Connor, published by HarperSport.
"Sir Alf," by Leo McKinstry, published by HarperSport.
"Football and Fascism-the national game under Mussolini," by Simon Martin, published by Berg Publishers.
"Jackie Milburn-a man of two halves," by Jack Milburn, published by Mainstream Sport.
"Colin Bell-reluctant hero," by Colin Bell with Ian Cheeseman, published by Mainstream Publishing.
"My Father and other Working-Class Football Heroes," by Gary Imlach, published by Yellow Jersey Press.
"Garrincha,” by Ruy Castro, published by Yellow Jersey Press.
"Highbury - The Story of Arsenal in N. 5", by Jon Spurling, published by Orion Books.
I've read Gary Imlach's book-- highly recommend it to everyone! I might have to look into 'Morbo- the story of Spanish football' by Phil Ball, Bobby. I don't think I've ever come across that title.
As for me, I read a little bit of everything.
A few weeks ago, I bought 'The First World Atlas of Football' by Radovan Jelink and Jiri Tomes. I expect to receive it the first week of January. I've heard good things about it.
I have only ever read 2 Football books. Both have already been mentioned but I just want to 2nd "How Soccer Explains the World." Fascinating for the Fan and non-fan alike.
Last edited by wickedzoot on December 21st at 11:38 AM.
Bobby what do you make of the two young argies that have joined, madrid, history tells us that a lot of these argies fail to make big impact at these big clubs and end up going to smaller clubs even when they are talented, you look at cambiaso at madrid, aima, requlme , dont you feel that they need to play in another smaller league and then mature to play for a bigger club
You are a bit mistaken, henry14. For starters, Cambiasso doesn't play for Atletico Madrid, he plays for Inter Milan.
Secondly, there are quite a few Argentines at 'big clubs': Lionel Messi at Barcelona, Javier Zanetti at Inter, Lisandro Lopez at Porto, Cambiasso at Inter, Lucho Gonzalez at Porto, Saviola at Barcelona, Alfredo Di Stéfano at Real (back in the day), Fernando Redondo at Real, etc.
I would also like to point out that Gabriel Paletta-- while still not a first choice in the starting 11, is a player at Liverpool. I suspect that Liverpool will loan him out for a time to gain experience.
In terms of Higuian and Gago they are incredibly talented young players-- they haven't started playing yet and you are predicting failure! How about giving them some time before jumping to conclusions?
[I support Argentina (and Spain) internationally.]
Feel free to correct me on any of my points, Bobby.
Last edited by atleti_female on December 21st at 7:48 PM.
Cambiasso was at Real and didn't make it, so they sold him. Saviola has bounced around from club to club and no one seems to want him (a bit of a mystero to me, I confess). Riquelme and Aimar both had talk of big moves but they never happened, although Riq still could I guess.
I don't think Gago and Higuain are making huge mistakes going to Real since the galacticos era is over and their spanish players are getting old, so they might actually get a look. Still wouldn't be surprised to see atleast one of them move on in the not-too-distant future, though.
you should know that real madrid are just like chelsea they are intrested in the hottest thing on the markert, they will be no patience with the two young argies and l am afraid it can cost them.you can not say aima was a big succes at valencia, or requlme at barca
My favorites are The Miracle of Castel Di Sangro by Joe McGinnis; John King's trilogy - Football Factory, Headhunters, England Away; and The Football Tribe by Desmond Morris
Speaking of Argentine greats, I thoroughly enjoyed: "Yo Soy El Diego (I Am the Diego/God)". I never liked the guy much (although I'm not an England fan!), but he has an incredible story and the most exciting and talented player I've ever seen.
Good question. I think that that Newcastle are a big club but not on the same level as Man Utd or Liverpool.Probably because they haven't got the same history. Good idea for a blog tho.... Those BBC forums are a riot :)
I agree-- the BBC boards ARE a riot! I love skimming through them.
Back on topic:
How about this criteria in order to be considered a 'big club':
1)At least two domestic golden ages with sustained success. A lot of clubs have had one period of success, but don't have the resources to remain big (ie Saint Etienne and Man City).
2)Two or more European titles. This would eliminate clubs such as Marseille and Red Star.
Everything else can be argued about (such as international fan base, great players, impressive stadium, history, etc). With the criteria listed above, you end up with ManU and Liverpool from England, Real Madrid and Barcelona from Spain, Milan, Inter and Juve from Italy, and Ajax. Oh, and Bayern Munich.
In the EPL, Arsenal and Chelsea are on the cusp of being 'big' clubs. Arsenal need to win that elusive European Cup and prove they can continue their stylish play after Wenger retires. Chelsea are in their 1st golden age.
The reason Newcastle is a big club is because they consistently get 55000 people in their stadium, attract players and spend money--even if they don't get good results. Plus, that area of England is near the birthplace of the game as I understand it.
The size of the club has to do with the club's supporters more than success. Chelsea have been successful over the past few years, but Villa are considered a larger club and in general are considered a large club in spite of their lack of success over the past years.
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