The legendary players and great managers of the HoopsFrom the thousands of matches ever played by QPR, stretching from their Victorian foundation to the Premier League era, here are 50 of the most glorious, epochal, and thrilling games of all. Expertly presented in evocative historical context, and described incident-by-incident in atmospheric detail, this book offers a terrace ticket back in time, taking in historical highlights from their first matches at Welford's Field in Kensal Rise to Loftus Road, Jim Gregory's QPR Revolution, the plastic pitch, and beyond. An irresistible cast list of club legends-Stan Bowles and Les Ferdinand, Tony Ingham, George Goddard and Rodney Marsh-springs to life in a thrilling selection of famous firsts, derby showdown successes, Southern League title clinchers, last-day dramas, European nights, Cup finals, and that unforgettable Sixties Double. This journey through the highlights of the Hoops' history is guaranteed to make any fan's heart swell with pride.
The Sky Blues' 50 finest matchesFrom the thousands of matches ever played by Manchester City, stretching from the early days of the 20th century to the new millennium and Premier League triumph, here are the most glorious, epochal, and thrilling games of all. Expertly presented in evocative historical context, and described incident-by-incident in atmospheric detail, this book offers a terrace ticket back in time, taking in everything from the first game ever played at Maine Road in 1923 to the last in 2003, plus belters at the Etihad Stadium and Wembley classics. An irresistible cast list of club legends-Francis Lee and Billy Meredith, Bert Trautmann, Georgi Kinkladze and Ernie Brook-springs to life in a thrilling selection of last-day dramas, unforgettable derbies, relegation deciders, European nights, and cup crackers. This journey through the highlights of City's history is guaranteed to make any fan's heart swell with pride.
A variety of games spanning the entire history of Barnsley Football Club, from its origins as Barnsley St Peters to the present-day. Over 50 matches are included, from 4,600 fixtures. They include 2 FA Cup FInals, Semi-FInals, recent cup triumphs against Liverpool at Anfield and Chelsea at Oakwell, the recent new Wembley experience and the last play-off at the Millennium Stadium. Also included is the historic game against Bradford City after which Barnsley obtained promotion to the Premier League. Apart from a summary report, reference is also made to post-match comments from managers and players. The reason for inclusion of a particular match varies according to several key factors. It might be a notable FA Cup game against formidable opponents, maybe a key battle that resulted in promotion, a spectacular score line or even a fixture in which the brilliance of one or more players was exceptional. From the latter, examples include Frank Eatons first ever five goals in one match, the great Tommy Taylors hat-trick in only his second appearance for the club and a brilliant individual performance by Arthur Kaye. Also included are several famous games in which the players performed exceptionally well even in the face of defeat.
From the thousands of matches ever played by Derby County, stretching from the foundation of the Football League across more than 120 years to the Premier League era, here are 50 of the club's most glorious, epochal and thrilling games of all! Expertly presented in evocative historical context, and described incident-by-incident in atmospheric detail, Derby County Greatest Games offers a terrace ticket back in time, taking in the curse-breaking FA Cup victory of 1946 and the glory days of the Rams' championship seasons. An irresistible cast list of club legends &– Steve Bloomer and Dave Mackay, Igor Stimac, Steve Howard and Brian Clough &– springs to life in a thrilling selection of promotion parties, 1970s European giant-killing nights and clashes with the old enemy from along the A52. In all, a journey through the highlights of Rams history which is guaranteed to make any fan's heart swell with pride.
Fifty of Cardiff City's most memorable games from across the club's historyFrom the thousands of matches ever played by Cardiff City, stretching from the club's Victorian foundation to the era of Malaysian ownership, here are the Bluebirds' most glorious, epochal, and thrilling games of all. Expertly presented in evocative historical context, and described incident-by-incident in atmospheric detail, this book offers a terrace ticket back in time, taking in everything from the famous FA Cup triumph of 1927 through great European nights to the two cup finals reached since the millennium. An irresistible cast list of club legends-John Charles and Brian Clark, Derek Tapscott, Phil Dwyer and Phil Stant-springs to life at wonderful moments such as promotion day against Leeds in 1952, and 1999's heroic 0-0 draw with eight men at Cambridge United. This journey through the highlights of City's history is guaranteed to make any fan's heart swell with pride.
Lee McCulloch plays for Rangers and is club captain. He signed for his boyhood heroes in July 2007 in a GBP 2 million transfer from Wigan and he has helped the club to three SPL titles and a UEFA Cup Final. His popularity with the Rangers fans has increased dramatically in recent months during the turmoil at Ibrox. When others walked out, Lee stated he would play for the club for nothing and was also the first player to pledge his future to the Rangers newco. In his explosive autobiography, McCulloch opens up on the turmoil at Rangers in the past two years as the club was sold by Sir David Murray to Craig Whyte and the historic events that followed, from administration to liquidation and to the club being reformed under Charles Green. He lifts the lid on the remarkable and fascinating inside story from the dressing room and their battles with those in power at Ibrox. From his humble upbringing in Lanarkshire where he was driven to succeed in football by his strict disciplinarian father, to joining Rangers and how his first season there left him in tears and regretting the decision to move to Ibrox, this book has it all.Lee was also a success at Wigan and was the club's record signing when he joined them from Motherwell in 2001 for GBP 700,000. He was recently voted into their all-time Greatest XI and tells the story of their rise to the English Premiership and the part he played. Lee has been capped for his country 18 times and tells what it was like to play under five Scotland managers - Berti Vogts, Walter Smith, Alex McLeish, George Burley and Craig Levein. He also reveals boozing sessions with Berti Vogts that left him shocked and opens his heart on why he quit Scotland under George Burley and the bust-ups that followed with the SFA. With his high profile as Rangers captain, his loyal following including more than 50,000 Twitter followers, and his unique insight into the recent turmoil at Ibrox, Lee McCulloch's autobiography is Simp-Lee the Best.
As modern football grapples with the implications of a global crisis, this book looks at first in the game’s history: The First World War. The game’s structure and fabric faced existential challenges as fundamental questions were asked about its place and value in English society. This study explores how conflict reshaped the People’s Game on the English Home Front. The wartime seasons saw football's entire commercial model challenged and questioned. In 1915, the FA banned the payment of players, reopening a decades-old dispute between the game's early amateur values and its modern links to the world of capital and lucrative entertainment. Wartime football forced supporters to consider whether the game should continue, and if so, in what form? Using an array of previously unused sources and images, this book explores how players, administrators and fans grappled with these questions as daily life was continually reshaped by the demands of total war. From grassroots to elite football, players to spectators, gambling to charity work, this study examines the social, economic and cultural impact of what became Football's Great War.
This bibliography is an entertaining and knowledgeable tribute to the beautiful game. The second edition features over 2000 new entries - including greatly increased coverage of football films and music - making over 7000 references to books and other items in total.
George Best was one of the greatest footballers ever to have walked the Earth - an absolute legend. His ability as an all-round player was, and still is, unsurpassed. He was highly skilful, a tough tackler and great in the air. As well as being an exceptionally gifted sportsman, George also had a unique gift when it came to people. His open and friendly nature meant that others were naturally drawn to him and he always had time to get to know anyone and everyone.Perhaps because of this, George Best reached so many people. As well as the legions of football fans who watched, awestruck, as he played, he also touched the hearts of everyone with whom he came in contact on a day-to-day basis; from club managers to the groundsmen at Old Trafford, Bestie had time for them all; it seems that almost everyone has a story to tell about him!Bernie Smith is an avid collector of everything to do with the late, great man and Maureen Hunt worked in the newspaper industry for over twenty years. From banknotes to team photographs, to signed shirts and even underwear, there is not much out there relating to George that they don't know about or possess! While gathering memorabilia they discovered that almost every keepsake, souvenir or trophy has a humorous, heart-warming or poignant story attached to it. Piecing together these gems of history, they have complied a fitting tribute to a genuine icon.Take, for example, the incredible journey of the pair of limited edition 'George Best' boots that ended up on a stall at Brick Lane market in London to eventually become the treasured possession of a man who idolised him; or the boy whose house backed onto the United training ground and who would jump over the fence to stand at the back of the nets to watch the Best magic and act as a ball boy when necessary; or even a gold thong, signed by George himself, that was bought at auction and left in a drawer...until now!Packed with anecdotes and rare photographs, this delightful book will be a welcome addition to any Best fan's collection and is a wonderful way to commemorate the man who was who both hero and friend to so many people.'The genius of George Best on the football field is well documented, as is the celebrity lifestyle which such genius often attracts. This book gives an insight into the much less well known human side of his life and the many unsung acts of kindness which were so typical and which endeared him to everyone who was fortunate enough to know or meet him. I count myself privileged to be amongst that number' - Doug Ellis, President Emeritus - Aston Villa Football Club'George Best was a fine fellow to share company with off the football field. It doesn't surprise me that the stories in this book celebrate the real side of George. George had a snooker table in his house and he loved to play the game. He was one of the nicest people you would ever wish to meet, with a great sense of humour' - Dennis Taylor, 1985 Embassy World Snooker Champion and fellow Belfast boy'Besite can only be described in one word - fantastic! - Ron 'Chopper' Harris
Davie Meiklejohn had few equals in British football between the wars. According to his admiring contemporaries, he was "e;a tactical genius,"e; "e;ahead of his time"e;-"e;the greatest ever Ranger."e; Fast-tracked by manager William Wilton, the former Maryhill junior was part of a title-winning side in his debut season. There would be many more championships to celebrate for this born leader, though Rangers' failure to lift the Scottish Cup for 25 long years became a music-hall joke-until May, 1928, when Meik led his team to a hoodoo-busting 4-0 rout of arch rivals Celtic. In 1931 the tragic on-field death of Celtic keeper John Thomson saw Meiklejohn at his dignified, inspirational best. He enjoyed international adventures, a post-playing career in journalism, and a twelve-year stint as manager of Patrick Thistle-yet at the height of his fame, Meik lived in a modest two-bedroom flat, no more than 100 yards from Ibrox.
