Chelsea FC: The Official Biography

Chelsea FC: The Official Biography

Author: Rick Glanvill

Publisher: Headline

Published: 2006-07-31

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780755314669

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CHELSEA FC: THE OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY goes to the heart of what gives the club its personality. The author has access to all the key characters, including Mourinho, Abramovich and the star players, plus legendary names of the past. He addresses all the controversies, including: the near suffocation through lack of cash in the 1970s and in 2002; the impact of Abramovich's money; the club and fans' response to racism; how the hooliganism which dogged Chelsea for years has been tackled. On the lighter side, Chelsea is regarded as the country's glamour club, and fashions, good and dreadful, will feature alongside celebrity fans and the worlds of art and music. And then there is the football at the core of it all, creating moments of huge tension and excitement.


Book Synopsis Chelsea FC: The Official Biography by : Rick Glanvill

Download or read book Chelsea FC: The Official Biography written by Rick Glanvill and published by Headline. This book was released on 2006-07-31 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: CHELSEA FC: THE OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY goes to the heart of what gives the club its personality. The author has access to all the key characters, including Mourinho, Abramovich and the star players, plus legendary names of the past. He addresses all the controversies, including: the near suffocation through lack of cash in the 1970s and in 2002; the impact of Abramovich's money; the club and fans' response to racism; how the hooliganism which dogged Chelsea for years has been tackled. On the lighter side, Chelsea is regarded as the country's glamour club, and fashions, good and dreadful, will feature alongside celebrity fans and the worlds of art and music. And then there is the football at the core of it all, creating moments of huge tension and excitement.


Chelsea Football Club

Chelsea Football Club

Author: Rick Glanvill

Publisher: Headline

Published: 2007-05

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780755314683

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The history of Chelsea features glamour, controversy, hooligans, high and low fashion, huge excitement on the pitch and terrible disappointments. In the Chelsea FC: The Official Biography, Rick Glanvill brought the century of the UK's highest profile club to life in words. In this pictorial history, he has researched never-before-made-public images to show the breadth of the club's 100 years in photographs. Fully integrated and highly designed, with over 200 colour and black and white photographs and fascinating accompanying text on the story of the club, The Official History in Pictures offers all fans, and anyone with an interest in the biggest story in British football, unforgettable images and legendary faces from the past 100 years.


Book Synopsis Chelsea Football Club by : Rick Glanvill

Download or read book Chelsea Football Club written by Rick Glanvill and published by Headline. This book was released on 2007-05 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The history of Chelsea features glamour, controversy, hooligans, high and low fashion, huge excitement on the pitch and terrible disappointments. In the Chelsea FC: The Official Biography, Rick Glanvill brought the century of the UK's highest profile club to life in words. In this pictorial history, he has researched never-before-made-public images to show the breadth of the club's 100 years in photographs. Fully integrated and highly designed, with over 200 colour and black and white photographs and fascinating accompanying text on the story of the club, The Official History in Pictures offers all fans, and anyone with an interest in the biggest story in British football, unforgettable images and legendary faces from the past 100 years.


Michael Ballack

Michael Ballack

Author: Euan Reedie

Publisher:

Published: 2008-10

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9781844546619

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As a technically outstanding national captain, Michael Ballack has established himself as Chelsea FC’s midfield lethal weapon. His visionary passing, goal-scoring prowess, and perfect timing make him the player to watch whenever the Blues are on the pitch. Equally competent with both feet, he can turn defense into attack with killer results. This is the story of Ballack’s rapid rise to prominence, beginning with the start of his career at age seven with the BSG Motor club. After signing with Kaierslauten, Ballack went on to become a three-time winner of the German player of the year award. His subsequent three seasons at Bayer Leverkusen and four at Bayern Munich cemented his reputation as the premier attacking midfielder with an eye for a goal and one of soccer’s greats


Book Synopsis Michael Ballack by : Euan Reedie

Download or read book Michael Ballack written by Euan Reedie and published by . This book was released on 2008-10 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As a technically outstanding national captain, Michael Ballack has established himself as Chelsea FC’s midfield lethal weapon. His visionary passing, goal-scoring prowess, and perfect timing make him the player to watch whenever the Blues are on the pitch. Equally competent with both feet, he can turn defense into attack with killer results. This is the story of Ballack’s rapid rise to prominence, beginning with the start of his career at age seven with the BSG Motor club. After signing with Kaierslauten, Ballack went on to become a three-time winner of the German player of the year award. His subsequent three seasons at Bayer Leverkusen and four at Bayern Munich cemented his reputation as the premier attacking midfielder with an eye for a goal and one of soccer’s greats


Commitment

Commitment

Author: Didier Drogba

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Published: 2015-11-19

Total Pages: 336

ISBN-13: 1473620716

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The story of one of the most recognisable and successful players in world football. Didier Drogba is renowned for his heading ability, sharp shooting and sheer strength. He has played for his native Ivory Coast and for clubs in France, China and Turkey, but it is as a Chelsea striker that he is best known. His feats with Chelsea have made him a cult hero among supporters. In Didier Drogba's honest and revealing autobiography he will talk about life as an immigrant in Paris, the importance of his education and how finding success later than most professional footballers has kept him grounded. In 2012 Didier was voted Chelsea's greatest ever player. He talks from a privileged behind-the-scenes position about tactics and how he felt mentally and physically as well as anecdotes from the dressing room. Didier provides unique insight into important and controversial matches from the first trophy he won with them in 2005 to the Premier League title a decade later; as well as what persuaded him to stay when he was at his lowest ebb. Away from football Drogba has been widely applauded for his involvement in trying to broker peace in the Ivorian civil war - he is a UN Goodwill Ambassador and does a huge amount of work with the Didier Drogba Foundation - Time magazine named him one of the world's 100 most influential people. Go behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge and find out about life on and off the field for this humble Chelsea hero.


Book Synopsis Commitment by : Didier Drogba

Download or read book Commitment written by Didier Drogba and published by Hodder & Stoughton. This book was released on 2015-11-19 with total page 336 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The story of one of the most recognisable and successful players in world football. Didier Drogba is renowned for his heading ability, sharp shooting and sheer strength. He has played for his native Ivory Coast and for clubs in France, China and Turkey, but it is as a Chelsea striker that he is best known. His feats with Chelsea have made him a cult hero among supporters. In Didier Drogba's honest and revealing autobiography he will talk about life as an immigrant in Paris, the importance of his education and how finding success later than most professional footballers has kept him grounded. In 2012 Didier was voted Chelsea's greatest ever player. He talks from a privileged behind-the-scenes position about tactics and how he felt mentally and physically as well as anecdotes from the dressing room. Didier provides unique insight into important and controversial matches from the first trophy he won with them in 2005 to the Premier League title a decade later; as well as what persuaded him to stay when he was at his lowest ebb. Away from football Drogba has been widely applauded for his involvement in trying to broker peace in the Ivorian civil war - he is a UN Goodwill Ambassador and does a huge amount of work with the Didier Drogba Foundation - Time magazine named him one of the world's 100 most influential people. Go behind the scenes at Stamford Bridge and find out about life on and off the field for this humble Chelsea hero.


Josa Mourinho - Made in Portugal

Josa Mourinho - Made in Portugal

Author: Luís Lourenço

Publisher: Dewi Lewis Publishing - Dewi Lewis Media

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780954684334

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Jose Mourinho arrived in London in the summer of 2004 and has made an immediate impact on English football. He is both reviled and admired in equal measures for his unmistakeable self-confidence, drive and ambition. This fascinating book charts his rise from relatively humble beginnings as assistant coach to Sir Bobby Rosbon to become the most sought-after club manager in Europe. Long-time family friend and Portugese journalist guides us through the formative years to his current work. This official biography is fascinating and extraordinary.


Book Synopsis Josa Mourinho - Made in Portugal by : Luís Lourenço

Download or read book Josa Mourinho - Made in Portugal written by Luís Lourenço and published by Dewi Lewis Publishing - Dewi Lewis Media. This book was released on 2004 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Jose Mourinho arrived in London in the summer of 2004 and has made an immediate impact on English football. He is both reviled and admired in equal measures for his unmistakeable self-confidence, drive and ambition. This fascinating book charts his rise from relatively humble beginnings as assistant coach to Sir Bobby Rosbon to become the most sought-after club manager in Europe. Long-time family friend and Portugese journalist guides us through the formative years to his current work. This official biography is fascinating and extraordinary.


Over Land and Sea

Over Land and Sea

Author: Alexandra Churchill

Publisher: History Press

Published: 2015-07-06

Total Pages: 0

ISBN-13: 9780750960212

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Chelsea Football Club had only been in existence for nine years when war was declared in 1914, but it already formed a vibrant new part of the community. At home they participated in their first FA Cup Final (dubbed the "Khaki FA Cup Final") in 1915, held recruitment drives at matches, debated over whether the league should continue in a time of war, and proudly published letters sent back to the club from the front. At the onset, 50 soccer balls were sent to fans who were regulars in the forces, or men who had scrambled to enlist. More fans followed them and tried to form companies of Chelsea fans in their battalions. Players joined up and left, most of them for the Footballers Battalion. Exchanging one game for another, they put aside their club differences and fought side by side with men from rival teams.


Book Synopsis Over Land and Sea by : Alexandra Churchill

Download or read book Over Land and Sea written by Alexandra Churchill and published by History Press. This book was released on 2015-07-06 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Chelsea Football Club had only been in existence for nine years when war was declared in 1914, but it already formed a vibrant new part of the community. At home they participated in their first FA Cup Final (dubbed the "Khaki FA Cup Final") in 1915, held recruitment drives at matches, debated over whether the league should continue in a time of war, and proudly published letters sent back to the club from the front. At the onset, 50 soccer balls were sent to fans who were regulars in the forces, or men who had scrambled to enlist. More fans followed them and tried to form companies of Chelsea fans in their battalions. Players joined up and left, most of them for the Footballers Battalion. Exchanging one game for another, they put aside their club differences and fought side by side with men from rival teams.


Rebels for the Cause

Rebels for the Cause

Author: Jon Spurling

Publisher: Random House

Published: 2012-11-02

Total Pages: 299

ISBN-13: 178057486X

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Arsenal's on-field success has been well documented. But what has never been written before is the equally remarkable history of Arsenal's rebels, both on and off the pitch. Spanning almost 120 years, and set against a backdrop of turbulent social and political change, Rebels for the Cause assesses the legacy and impact of Arsenal's most controversial players, officials and matches. From hard men like '30s player Wilf Copping to the reformed wild ones of recent years such as Tony Adams, Jon Spurling highlights the infamous figures whose refusal to conform has made them terrace legends. Mavericks such as '80s star Charlie Nicholas and the 'King of Highbury' Charlie George are here, as are '70s lads Alan Hudson and Malcolm Macdonald. The book also focuses on the club's revolutionary founding fathers, David Danskin and Jack Humble, the terrifying '20s 'soccer Tsar' Sir Henry Norris and David Dein's controversial introduction of free-market economics to Highbury in the regressive '80s. Also investigated are the stories behind Arsenal's most infamous tabloid exposés. Featuring extensive interviews with 15 former players, Rebels for the Cause is an indispensable guide to the alternative history of Arsenal Football Club, shedding new light on the origins of the rivalry with Tottenham, on many of Highbury's cult heroes and on the struggle of several players to adapt to life outside the game.


Book Synopsis Rebels for the Cause by : Jon Spurling

Download or read book Rebels for the Cause written by Jon Spurling and published by Random House. This book was released on 2012-11-02 with total page 299 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Arsenal's on-field success has been well documented. But what has never been written before is the equally remarkable history of Arsenal's rebels, both on and off the pitch. Spanning almost 120 years, and set against a backdrop of turbulent social and political change, Rebels for the Cause assesses the legacy and impact of Arsenal's most controversial players, officials and matches. From hard men like '30s player Wilf Copping to the reformed wild ones of recent years such as Tony Adams, Jon Spurling highlights the infamous figures whose refusal to conform has made them terrace legends. Mavericks such as '80s star Charlie Nicholas and the 'King of Highbury' Charlie George are here, as are '70s lads Alan Hudson and Malcolm Macdonald. The book also focuses on the club's revolutionary founding fathers, David Danskin and Jack Humble, the terrifying '20s 'soccer Tsar' Sir Henry Norris and David Dein's controversial introduction of free-market economics to Highbury in the regressive '80s. Also investigated are the stories behind Arsenal's most infamous tabloid exposés. Featuring extensive interviews with 15 former players, Rebels for the Cause is an indispensable guide to the alternative history of Arsenal Football Club, shedding new light on the origins of the rivalry with Tottenham, on many of Highbury's cult heroes and on the struggle of several players to adapt to life outside the game.


Carlo Ancelotti

Carlo Ancelotti

Author: Carlo Ancelotti

Publisher: Rizzoli Publications

Published: 2010-10-19

Total Pages: 272

ISBN-13: 0847835588

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The entertaining, revealing, and controversial bestselling autobiography of one of the most respected figures in the world of soccer. Carlo Ancelotti is one of only six people to have won the Champions League—European soccer’s most coveted trophy—as both player and coach. After a successful career playing for several of the most important teams in Italy—and for the Italian national team—Ancelotti went on to become one of the most acclaimed and outspoken coaches in European football, managing Italian giants Parma, Juventus, and Milan before moving to Chelsea, one of the Premier League’s most successful clubs, in 2009. The book moves from anecdotes of his life growing up in Reggio Emilia to stories of his time playing among the best footballers in the world. With a characteristic mixture of sharp insight and humor, Ancelotti explores the differences between the Italian and the English games, shares his thoughts on soccer’s future with the MLS in America, and reflects on the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. With a preface by the legendary former captain of the Italian national team, Paolo Maldini, this book is at once a tactician’s bible from one of the world’s most celebrated footballing minds, the fascinating story of an ordinary man reaching great heights, and in part a revealing tell-all from an outspoken insider in the cut-throat world of European soccer. The perfect book for anyone with a passion for the beautiful game.


Book Synopsis Carlo Ancelotti by : Carlo Ancelotti

Download or read book Carlo Ancelotti written by Carlo Ancelotti and published by Rizzoli Publications. This book was released on 2010-10-19 with total page 272 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The entertaining, revealing, and controversial bestselling autobiography of one of the most respected figures in the world of soccer. Carlo Ancelotti is one of only six people to have won the Champions League—European soccer’s most coveted trophy—as both player and coach. After a successful career playing for several of the most important teams in Italy—and for the Italian national team—Ancelotti went on to become one of the most acclaimed and outspoken coaches in European football, managing Italian giants Parma, Juventus, and Milan before moving to Chelsea, one of the Premier League’s most successful clubs, in 2009. The book moves from anecdotes of his life growing up in Reggio Emilia to stories of his time playing among the best footballers in the world. With a characteristic mixture of sharp insight and humor, Ancelotti explores the differences between the Italian and the English games, shares his thoughts on soccer’s future with the MLS in America, and reflects on the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. With a preface by the legendary former captain of the Italian national team, Paolo Maldini, this book is at once a tactician’s bible from one of the world’s most celebrated footballing minds, the fascinating story of an ordinary man reaching great heights, and in part a revealing tell-all from an outspoken insider in the cut-throat world of European soccer. The perfect book for anyone with a passion for the beautiful game.


Last Night When I Was Young

Last Night When I Was Young

Author: Geoffrey Littlefield

Publisher: Grosvenor House Publishing

Published: 2021-11-18

Total Pages: 196

ISBN-13: 1839758988

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Last Night When I Was Young saw me riding thoroughbred racehorses as if I were Doug Smith and Fred Winter. In the same vein, I played football as Jimmy Greaves did for Chelsea and I was a Test Match batsman emulating the great PBH May. I hit the biggest serve as Mike Sangster in the Davis Cup, as well as bobbing and weaving in the boxing ring exactly like my favourite Dick Tiger, the world middleweight champion. I was unstoppable behind the wheel of a racing car as Britain's first world champion Mike Hawthorn but on the speedway track I rode with stylish aplomb interpreting my hero, Ronnie "Mirac" Moore. Swinging a mashie niblick as Peter Alliss was no handicap. Rugby Union at Twickenham when my body swerve was very sharp - Richard Sharp. When the Olympics came around, I ran the race of my life both over long distances and over one lap hurdles respectively as Gordon Pirie and the great David Hemery. With eyes open, I loved watching the upright Dorothy Hyman dip and throw herself over the line whilst I fell in love with Mary Rand hitch-kicking her way into Olympic history. Fantasy is then mixed with fact. The jockeys' journeys from completing exacting apprenticeships to becoming champions on the Flat and the National Hunt. Smith riding two-year-olds on the edge in the One Thousand Guineas and the Two Thousand Guineas. Whereas Winter was jumping off the edge of the world in The Grand National. The trials and tribulations with the relative success of the 1960's Chelsea football team from Drake's ducklings morphing into Docherty's uncut diamonds. A fourteen-year-old boy from New Zealand leaves home to become the first speedway superstar. The fight of the week from the USA brings us a Nigerian boxer who confounds convention and fights his way to the top of two weight divisions. A classical English batsman, an amateur as such who set records as a captain and whose impact on Test cricket is second to one. Birdies and bogeys abound, yet our golfing hero is a true British legend. 152 miles per hour as a world record was a cannonball service that belonged to a British no.1 tennis star that left us far too early. The first British world motor racing champion whose play-boy antics on and off the track caused his untimely death. A brief yet scintillating career as England's fly-half sees a jaw-dropping piece of rugby played over and over - sixty years later. The hackles on the neck rise again through an Olympic television commentary that almost matches the magnitude of the performance and the world record that was set. All are sporting yesterday's, worthy of repeat, a young boy's memory listing every feat.


Book Synopsis Last Night When I Was Young by : Geoffrey Littlefield

Download or read book Last Night When I Was Young written by Geoffrey Littlefield and published by Grosvenor House Publishing. This book was released on 2021-11-18 with total page 196 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Last Night When I Was Young saw me riding thoroughbred racehorses as if I were Doug Smith and Fred Winter. In the same vein, I played football as Jimmy Greaves did for Chelsea and I was a Test Match batsman emulating the great PBH May. I hit the biggest serve as Mike Sangster in the Davis Cup, as well as bobbing and weaving in the boxing ring exactly like my favourite Dick Tiger, the world middleweight champion. I was unstoppable behind the wheel of a racing car as Britain's first world champion Mike Hawthorn but on the speedway track I rode with stylish aplomb interpreting my hero, Ronnie "Mirac" Moore. Swinging a mashie niblick as Peter Alliss was no handicap. Rugby Union at Twickenham when my body swerve was very sharp - Richard Sharp. When the Olympics came around, I ran the race of my life both over long distances and over one lap hurdles respectively as Gordon Pirie and the great David Hemery. With eyes open, I loved watching the upright Dorothy Hyman dip and throw herself over the line whilst I fell in love with Mary Rand hitch-kicking her way into Olympic history. Fantasy is then mixed with fact. The jockeys' journeys from completing exacting apprenticeships to becoming champions on the Flat and the National Hunt. Smith riding two-year-olds on the edge in the One Thousand Guineas and the Two Thousand Guineas. Whereas Winter was jumping off the edge of the world in The Grand National. The trials and tribulations with the relative success of the 1960's Chelsea football team from Drake's ducklings morphing into Docherty's uncut diamonds. A fourteen-year-old boy from New Zealand leaves home to become the first speedway superstar. The fight of the week from the USA brings us a Nigerian boxer who confounds convention and fights his way to the top of two weight divisions. A classical English batsman, an amateur as such who set records as a captain and whose impact on Test cricket is second to one. Birdies and bogeys abound, yet our golfing hero is a true British legend. 152 miles per hour as a world record was a cannonball service that belonged to a British no.1 tennis star that left us far too early. The first British world motor racing champion whose play-boy antics on and off the track caused his untimely death. A brief yet scintillating career as England's fly-half sees a jaw-dropping piece of rugby played over and over - sixty years later. The hackles on the neck rise again through an Olympic television commentary that almost matches the magnitude of the performance and the world record that was set. All are sporting yesterday's, worthy of repeat, a young boy's memory listing every feat.


The Accidental Footballer

The Accidental Footballer

Author: Pat Nevin

Publisher: Monoray

Published: 2021-05-20

Total Pages: 355

ISBN-13: 1913183394

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*** THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 'A heroic outsider - a pleasure to read.' - The Guardian 'A fulsome evocation of football before the Premier League.' - The i 'Such a good storyteller...joyous.' - Financial Times 'Honest, raw, revealing and very funny. How to live a life and career to the full. Insightful book about the most successful outsider inside football ever...' - Henry Winter, Chief Football Writer, The Times 'Pat is a wonderful one-off...and this is the story of why that is.' - John Murray, Chief Sports Correspondent, BBC Radio 5 Live 'Unusually vibrant and elegant with heroic doses of humour, insight and self-effacement, this is an absolute must-read for the football connoisseur.' - Omid Djalili 'The biggest influence of my professional career both on and off the pitch.' - Graeme Le Saux 'I grew up captivated by Pat Nevin the player. As a man he taught me even more about the beauty of the game. One of football's great mavericks, and Chelsea's greatest players. And he can spin a mean tune too.' - Sam Matterface 'I used to walk miles to see Pat Nevin play football and I'd do the same now to read his thoughts. Always challenging, always entertaining.' - Lord Sebastian Coe 'A refreshingly honest and thought-provoking autobiography. As deftly delivered as some of Pat's ball skills in his 1980's heyday.' - ToffeeWeb Pat Nevin never wanted to be a professional footballer. His future was clear, he'd become a teacher like his brothers. There was only one problem with this - Pat was far too good to avoid attention. Raised in Glasgow's East End, Pat loved the game, playing for hours and obsessively following Celtic. But as he grew up, he also loved Joy Division, wearing his Indie 'gloom boom' coat and going on marches - hardly typical footballer behaviour! Placed firmly in the 80s and 90s, before the advent of the Premier League, and often with racism and violence present, Pat Nevin writes with honesty, insight and wry humour. We are transported vividly to Chelsea and Everton, and colourfully diverted by John Peel, Morrissey and nights out at the Hacienda. The Accidental Footballer is a different kind of football memoir. Capturing all the joys of professional football as well as its contradictions and conflicts, it's about being defined by your actions, not your job, and is the perfect reminder of how life can throw you the most extraordinary surprises, when you least expect it.


Book Synopsis The Accidental Footballer by : Pat Nevin

Download or read book The Accidental Footballer written by Pat Nevin and published by Monoray. This book was released on 2021-05-20 with total page 355 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: *** THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER 'A heroic outsider - a pleasure to read.' - The Guardian 'A fulsome evocation of football before the Premier League.' - The i 'Such a good storyteller...joyous.' - Financial Times 'Honest, raw, revealing and very funny. How to live a life and career to the full. Insightful book about the most successful outsider inside football ever...' - Henry Winter, Chief Football Writer, The Times 'Pat is a wonderful one-off...and this is the story of why that is.' - John Murray, Chief Sports Correspondent, BBC Radio 5 Live 'Unusually vibrant and elegant with heroic doses of humour, insight and self-effacement, this is an absolute must-read for the football connoisseur.' - Omid Djalili 'The biggest influence of my professional career both on and off the pitch.' - Graeme Le Saux 'I grew up captivated by Pat Nevin the player. As a man he taught me even more about the beauty of the game. One of football's great mavericks, and Chelsea's greatest players. And he can spin a mean tune too.' - Sam Matterface 'I used to walk miles to see Pat Nevin play football and I'd do the same now to read his thoughts. Always challenging, always entertaining.' - Lord Sebastian Coe 'A refreshingly honest and thought-provoking autobiography. As deftly delivered as some of Pat's ball skills in his 1980's heyday.' - ToffeeWeb Pat Nevin never wanted to be a professional footballer. His future was clear, he'd become a teacher like his brothers. There was only one problem with this - Pat was far too good to avoid attention. Raised in Glasgow's East End, Pat loved the game, playing for hours and obsessively following Celtic. But as he grew up, he also loved Joy Division, wearing his Indie 'gloom boom' coat and going on marches - hardly typical footballer behaviour! Placed firmly in the 80s and 90s, before the advent of the Premier League, and often with racism and violence present, Pat Nevin writes with honesty, insight and wry humour. We are transported vividly to Chelsea and Everton, and colourfully diverted by John Peel, Morrissey and nights out at the Hacienda. The Accidental Footballer is a different kind of football memoir. Capturing all the joys of professional football as well as its contradictions and conflicts, it's about being defined by your actions, not your job, and is the perfect reminder of how life can throw you the most extraordinary surprises, when you least expect it.