A look at the history of soccer's development in the Netherlands and how it reflects the history of the nation itself.If any one thing, Brilliant Orange is about Dutch space and a people whose unique conception of it has led to the most enduring arts, the weirdest architecture, and a bizarrely cerebral form of soccer?Total Football?that led in 1974 to a World Cup finals match with arch-rival Germany, and more recently to a devastating loss against Spain in ...

ENEMY COMBATANT is a hyper-charged misadventure driven by a young American's rage against his government. After stumbling on evidence of CIA secret prisons in Armenia and Georgia, Peter recruits an old friend to help free a dark-ops detainee -- an impossibly reckless prison-break mission, with no skills and no resources, no connection to the captured soldiers and no solid plan for getting home -- fueled by too much alcohol, a pressure-cooker marriage and the recent death of a parent. Set d...

This follow-up to Brilliant Orange: The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Soccer is "an enchanting love letter to English football" ( The Daily Telegraph).In this playful, witty, and highly original look at English soccer, David Winner, author of the acclaimed Brilliant Orange, journeys to the heart of an essential English pastime and sheds new light on the true nature of a rapidly changing game that was never really meant to be beautiful....

Rio Ferdinand is one of the finest footballers of his generation - a born winner and one of the game's greatest stoppers. Full of outstanding stories and forthright opinions, #2Sides sees Rio reflect on his unique rise to the top of the game:- Cutting his teeth in the West Ham youth teams and becoming captain of Leeds United at the age of 22- His record-breaking transfer to Manchester United that made him one of the most revered centre-backs in world football...

'ENDLESSLY ABSORBING' Mail on Sunday'MASTERPIECE' The Times'RUTHLESS' Daily Telegraph'INCOMPARABLE' Sunday Mirror'SEARINGLY HONEST' The SunThe No.1 bestselling memoir of Roy Keane, former captain of Manchester United and IrelandIn a stunning collaboration with Booker Prize-winning author Roddy Doyle, R...

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER'Wrighty's characteristic honesty means his book is far more engrossing than most bland football memoirs' Sunday TimesIan Wright, Arsenal legend, England striker and TV pundit extraordinaire, is one of the most interesting and relevant figures in modern football.His journey from a South London council estate to national treasure is everybody's dream. From Sunday morning football directly ...

Football fans will love this insight into the life and mind of Big Sam. With nearly 20 years as a player - plus almost 25 years as a coach and manager - under his belt, Sam Allardyce is one of the most recognisable figures in British football.'Big Sam' has been a robust defensive general throughout the seventies and eighties, and an imposing touchline presence as a gaffer since 1994.Over the last four decades, Allardyce has seen it all. The game he so loves...

THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER'Outrageous, audacious, jaw-dropping' SUNDAY TIMES'An essential read' DAILY MAIL'Utterly captivating' DAILY TELEGRAPH'Hugely entertaining' GUARDIANThe fascinating life story of professional cricketer Kevin Pietersen, MBE, from his childhood in South Africa to his experiences as one of the leading lights in the world of inte...

**THE CROSS SPORTS BOOK AWARDS AUTOBIOGRAPHY OF THE YEARA SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER'Brilliant, gripping, beautifully written, real,' says Jonathan Northcroft.**So, you think you know Joey Barton. Think again.No Nonsense is a game-changing autobiography which will redefine the most fascinating figure in British football. It is the raw yet redemptive story of a man shaped by rejection and the consequences of his mistakes. He has represented Engl...

In Stillness and Speed, one of football's most enigmatic stars finally opens up about his life and career, revealing the things that motivate and inspire him. Viewed by many as one of the most influential figures in Premier League history, and scorer of the goal that Arsenal fans voted the best in the club's history, Dennis Bergkamp is a true giant of the game.As a youngster, Bergkamp learned from the Dutch master Johan Cruyff. By the time the pupil was ready to graduate f...

Andrea Pirlo is one of the finest footballers of his generation - a World Cup and Champions League winning playmaker who has redefined his position at the base of midfield, and one of the most deadly free-kick takers the game has known. This is his story, in his words.It is written with a level of humour and insight which confound his image as a dead-eyed assassin on the field of play. All the big names are in there: Lippi, Ancelotti, Conte, Maldini, Shevchenko, Seedorf, Buffon, Kaka, Nest...

The bestselling anonymous author is back with the ultimate book to challenge conventional footballing wisdom. This is football gift with a bit of attitude. Perfect for football fans and armchair referees alike.With his trademark wit, opinion and candour, The Secret Footballer will guide the reader through: The pass - geometry and positioning and intelligence; Fitness; Skills & dribbling; Power & passion; When to listen to your gaffer and when to ignore him; Data and how it is used ...