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Brimming with big names, big occasions and strong storylines, Anfield South charts Liverpool''s special relationship with Wembley Stadium.By former broadcasting and sport executive Brian Barwick OBE who, as chief executive of the FA, opened the new Wembley Stadium in 2007.Since their first appearance at Wembley for the 1950 FA Cup Final, Liverpool FC have played there almost 50 times, leading fans to affectionately nickname the national stadium ''Anfield South''.This compelling book showcases various aspects of Liverpool''s special relationship with Wembley Stadium and its many matches played there, including:Fascinating stories galore – from on the pitch, in the dressing room and on the terraces, and, of course, the motorways'' and railways'' ''football specials''That landmark day in 1965 when Liverpool finally broke their FA Cup hoodoo and lifted the famous trophy, under Bill Shankly''s leadershipA journey into the 1970s when Liverpool would play in three more FA Cup finals at the national stadiumThe succession of Shankly''s Liverpool by Bob Paisley''s Liverpool – and how the quietly spoken man took the team to Wembley season after season, including retaining the European Cup thereClashes with near-neighbours Everton in the 1980s, with the Merseyside masters meeting five times at Wembley during the decadeA 1990s FA Cup Final when the Liverpool players'' Wembley white suits (cream, actually!) became a major talking point and the ''Spice Boys'' legend was bornInto the 21st century and a new stadium, with more Wembley magic courtesy of charismatic German manager Jürgen KloppAs a lifelong Liverpool fan who has attended most of the Reds'' games at Wembley, the author understands that every trip to the national stadium is a unique tale in itself. Every journey holds a story, every match a memory – every goal is treasured. Anfield South captures a unique relationship.

Bring Me Sunshine is the remarkable story of Luton Town''s rise from non-league to the Premier League, told through exclusive interviews with players, coaches and executives who made it happen.It''s a story made all the more remarkable by the obstacles they had to overcome along the way, not least on the two occasions when manager Nathan Jones left in search of a bigger stage. Yet Luton''s outstanding success in player recruitment, exemplified by history-making midfielder Pelly Ruddock Mpanzu, allowed the side to bounce back from the setbacks that came their way.Bring Me Sunshine goes behind the scenes to find out how the Hatters consistently triumphed in the transfer market, and unearths further secrets to their success. This is a book not only for Luton supporters, but for all football followers who love a classic rags-to-riches tale.

Poolies at Heart is a deeply personal and richly varied celebration of Hartlepool United told by players, managers and fans.Looking back across the decades, the book reveals the realities of life at the lower end of football’s spectrum at one of the north-east’s oldest clubs. Inside you’ll discover:Exclusive insider insight from the likes of former managers Danny Wilson, Kevin Phillips and Ronnie Moore, Peter Taylor’s daughter Wendy Dickinson, plus Hartlepool United legend Brian HonourThe inside story of how Brian Clough came to manage HartlepoolThe euphoria surrounding promotion the season after relegation, as remembered by WilsonAn epic FA Cup tie against Sir Matt Busby’s Manchester United, which Hartlepool almost wonPhillips’s account of his tenure as manager, interviewed just one week before he was sackedThe Egyptian international who turned out for the Pool in the 1920sInsights on how John McGovern was first spotted by Peter Taylor, and given his Hartlepool debut as a teenagerFan memories of the ups and downs of this unique club across the decadesIn every account, through every high and low, a love of the club shines through. Featuring recollections of favourite moments, memorable games and a plethora of personalities, this is the ultimate celebration of the Pools.

The definitive story of Everton’s 133 years at Goodison Park, told with help from those who were there to witness the action and drama. Foreword by Everton’s most successful captain, Kevin Ratcliffe.Written by the Liverpool Echo’s Everton reporter Christopher Beesley.As the Blues make their once-in-a-lifetime journey to a new home by the banks of the Mersey at Bramley-Moore Dock, Beesley takes us on an absorbing ride through Goodison Park’s rich history, including:Everton’s glory days... The 3-1 win over Bayern Munich; the 5-0 thrashing of Manchester United in the same 1984/85 season; the 4-0 win over West Ham when the Blues closed in on their last title; plus the Charity Shield fixture when the World Cup, league championship and FA Cup trophies were all on displayLandmark occasions... Wayne Rooney’s first Premier League goal against Arsenal; the first-ever penalty shoot-out in European competition; the Gwladys Street’s last stand; the first use of floodlights; the visit of the ‘other’ Everton; David Moyes’ explosive first game in charge and Johnny Carey’s last after he was sacked while taking a taxi rideMerseyside derbies... Jarrad Branthwaite and Dominic Calvert-Lewin ending a 14-year hoodoo; Andrew Johnson keeping score; dramatic winners from Lee Carsley and Dan Gosling; The Dogs of War by Royle appointment; and when more than 100,000 watched in two groundsDixie Dean... A special section on Everton’s and English football’s greatest goalscorer, including of course the day of his hat-trick against Arsenal to reach 60Quirky stories… Sylvester Stallone adding a touch of Hollywood stardust as ‘Rocky’ came to Goodison; when Everton were the ‘away’ side on home turf; a match abandoned due to hooliganism; Sam Chedgzoy forcing a change in the corner-kick ruleCovering the full gamut of this historic ground’s fascinating history – from Goodison’s first fixture in 1892 to its final one in 2025 – this book is a must-read for Everton fans of all ages.

Forgotten Football Clubs of Great Britain and Ireland is a nostalgic journey through the histories of clubs that left an indelible mark on the sport, yet no longer exist.Philip O''Rourke delves into the narratives of 50 defunct teams from around England, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland, uncovering their origins, achievements and the circumstances that led to their extinction. Along the way, we learn about their key players and managers and any controversies surrounding them.Inside you’ll discover:Interviews with fans and journalists that help bring the story of each club to lifeHow George Best ended up playing for a League of Ireland sideThe History of Wanderers FC and how they won the first FA CupHow the first ever Welsh Cup finalist, Druids FC, became a forgotten clubThe story of Renton FC, the Scottish club who were once world champions but are now just a memoryHow one English club, Corinthians, influenced some of the world’s top sides despite staying at amateur level for so longHow Drumcondra AFC took on Europe, but now just play in the local football leagueThis engrossing book is a heartfelt tribute to the teams that once brought joy to their supporters, but now survive only in memory or archival record.

Explore the careers of every goalkeeper who has stood between the sticks for Merseyside giants Everton FC, with exclusive insight from some of the keepers themselves.Meticulously researched, this compelling book is brimming with fascinating stories of the club’s leading last lines of defence, including:Ted Sagar and his 24-year spell with the ToffeesDouble title-winner Gordon West and his comedic partnership with skipper Brian LaboneThe inimitable Neville Southall’s rise through the football pyramid, including the punishing training routines and elite mentality that set him apartNigel Martyn, whose calming presence proved invaluable at both ends of the Premier League tableThe exploits of US international Tim Howard, Everton’s goalscoring goalkeeperEngland number-one Jordan Pickford, and how his relationship with Alan Kelly highlights the importance of a top-level goalkeeper coach in the modern gameThe history of Everton Women’s goalkeepers, including a detailed portrait of former England goalie Rachel Brown-FinnisWith chapters covering every period of the club’s rich goalkeeping past, this book is a must-read for Evertonians and goalkeeping aficionados everywhere.

Step inside the wonderful world of Alpine football in this unique book brimming with enthralling eyewitness accounts of matches involving teams from western Europe’s most mountainous region.Yodel When You’re Winning is the first English-language book dedicated to football in all eight Alpine countries (Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Slovenia and Switzerland).Covering a 20-year period, it offers an alternative and sometimes quirky perspective that takes in various aspects of Alpine culture:Discover why an Austrian team celebrated a 5-0 victory by wading into ice-cold glacial meltwaterRelive the Champions League adventure of tiny Thun from the Bernese OberlandRead an immersive account of hiking up to 6,300ft to see a match at Europe’s highest permanent football stadiumHear a diverse range of views – from players to club administrators, through to an actor from a classic football film set in the region, plus a politician involved in debates about the behaviour of local ultrasLearn about the impact of high altitude on footballers, as well as the game’s consequences for the environmentAbove all, this is a book for anyone who loves to watch and learn about football in beautiful or unusual places.

Journey into the Unknown explores the early years and development of pan-European football competition alongside changing British attitudes to overseas teams.There was once a belief in Britain that England and Scotland were among the leaders in the development of football and therefore de facto champions of the game. But when UEFA introduced a competition for Europe’s top clubs, the Brits got a rude shock. It soon became clear that sides like Real Madrid, AC Milan and Benfica possessed more technically gifted players, and that Football League clubs had much to learn.This fascinating book:Examines the development of pan-European football competitions, from the Mitropa Cup and Latin Cup to the introduction of the European Cup in 1955Explores the reluctance of England to get involved, from the stand-off with FIFA to the Football League denying Chelsea the chance to enter the first European CupCovers Scotland’s early adventures, with Hibernian the first club to play in European competition and Rangers making early stridesLooks at Manchester United’s early years in Europe, ending with the Munich tragedy in 1958, including Sir Matt Busby’s role in encouraging British involvementIncludes how Europe influenced clubs like Tottenham Hotspur, the first English trophy in 1963, Celtic’s success in 1967 and Manchester United winning the European Cup in 1968, Cup Winners’ Cup successes and Liverpool’s domination of EuropeTurns the spotlight on British xenophobia and the threat of playing abroad, with violence on and off the pitch and suggestions of cheatingDiscover how European club competition became an exciting spectacle that opened the football community’s eyes to just what was possible. Scotland and England gained a foothold in Europe, but things took a disastrous turn with the Heysel Stadium tragedy in 1985.

Diamonds in the Rough explores the fairy-tale phenomenon of footballers who rose from the non-league to make their mark at the game’s top levels. For all the glitz and glamour of the Premier League and EFL, they are hugely indebted to non-league football for the role it has played – and continues to play – in springboarding so many players to success.The book relives the rise of 100 players from the humble non-league who made it to the big time of top-level football. It gives you:The inside track on climbing the football pyramid as a non-leaguer, revealed through exclusive interviews with players, managers and coachesHuman-interest stories galore: from Troy Deeney being spotted playing at Sunday League level, to Ethan Pinnock turning to the solace of non-league after being released by an academy, only to rise againA metaphorical ‘trip on the Tube’ to unearth the best talent out of the London non-league sceneAn exploration of the non-league roots of numerous EFL striking greatsStories of the goalkeeping Goliaths who have graced non-leagueA scout’s advice on what it takes to unearth a ‘non-league gem’In this unique book, you’ll discover where the players’ careers started, where they got their big breaks, plus their routes to the top. A must-read for all football lovers!

Relive Scotland’s epic journey to and at the 1990 World Cup in Italy: the trials and tribulations, the dramatic games and goals that defined Scotland’s fifth World Cup in a row.It was 1986 and Alex Ferguson had just led Scotland to a disastrous World Cup in Mexico. Coming away with just one goal and one point in three games, he resigned and joined Manchester United a few months later. Andy Roxburgh, a former PE teacher who had never managed a league club, was his shock replacement. ‘Andy who?’ asked the press.In this engrossing book you’ll discover:Why Roxburgh was such a shock appointment, assessing the other contenders for the jobRoxburgh’s management style and the background of his assistant Craig BrownThe roller-coaster ride that was Scotland’s dramatic qualifying campaign, with full game reports and analysisWhich players made the World Cup squad, and did Roxburgh pick the right team and tactics?Game by game reports and analysis: from the opening match against Costa Rica to the glorious Sweden game, to the dramatic Brazil clash in TurinThe aftermath: Scotland qualifying for Euro 1992, their first European ChampionshipFeaturing players’ and fans’ stories, this is the definitive account of that glorious long hot summer. It’s a must for all Scottish football fans and anyone who loves the iconic 1990 World Cup.

Supporting a lower-division club may not always be rewarding, but it''s rarely dull. Welcome to Never Never Land, an intimate and personal story of Southend United and English football over the past 60 years.The book chronicles memorable matches as United challenge for promotion and battle against relegation. With action, sights and sounds from the terraces, stands and TV screens, it offers a front-row seat to the club’s most triumphant highs and devastating lows.Inside you will discover:Unique personal experiences of memorable Southend United matches over 60 years, interwoven with the author’s own storyHow NOT to end up supporting Liverpool: despite this being the city of his birth and hailing from a Liverpool-supporting family, Williams chose an uncelebrated lower-division Essex teamWhat it takes to support Southend United: battling the axis of commiseration, ridicule and misunderstanding afflicting supporters of lower-division clubsAn exploration of the key characters, on and off the pitch, who have helped to build United’s historyInsights into the challenges of supporting Southend United in Australia and the author’s endeavours to spread the word 12,000 miles away Never Never Land is a must-read not only for Southend United supporters, but fans of lower-division Football League clubs everywhere.

The inspirational and relatable real-life story of how accountant Peter Wright transformed himself from being mildly active to an endurance event extraordinaire.Foreword from Rory Coleman, the UK’s leading ultramarathon coach.Forty is the age when people tend to wind things down to a life a bit more ordinary. Not Peter. Having put his questionable athletic ability and mild asthma to one side, he catches the running bug and completes the London Marathon. Only, this isn’t the end of the story. Instead, it provides the springboard for a passion for endurance challenges.Follow Peter as he:Crosses desert, tropical rainforest and Arctic tundra, to raise more than L100,000 for charityCompletes the Marathon des Sables, the Jungle Ultra, the Western States 100, the Cape Wrath Ultra and many other gruelling challengesRuns a marathon while dragging a carTakes the ultimate test while nearing 50: rowing the Atlantic Ocean on a very small boat with his friend and fellow adventurer, Steve HayesInspiring, hilarious and jaw-dropping, this book shows what you can achieve if you put your mind to it, and why age – and a lack of athletic ability – is no barrier to pushing beyond your imagined limits.

Veteran Fleet Street sportswriter and stroke victim Neil Harman tells seven vivid sporting stories: tales of doubt, fear and ultimately of fierce determination in the face of a frightening condition.A former SJA Sports News Reporter of the Year, Neil suffered a brain haemorrhage on May Bank Holiday 2023, spent four months in hospital and had to face a retirement very different from the one he had planned. This inspirational book includes:Neil’s own deeply personal story as well as interviews with six people from the world of sport who have suffered a stroke, including the great Olympian Michael Johnson and former captain of the Australian rugby union side Michael LynaghVivid descriptions of the stresses and strains of life on a stroke ward, where hope is so often in short supply but where sadness and humour mix in the strangest of atmospheres A candid account of how not only the life of the stroke victim is turned upside down but how their family and friends cope with the personality changes that inevitably follow such a physical and mental upheavalAnalysis of the key elements that can assist a successful rehabilitation from a stroke – strength, positivity, patience, inspiration and a never-say-die attitudeThis powerful book will provide inspiration to those living each day with the debilitating effects of a stroke, showing there can be light at the end of the tunnel.

Scottish football authors David Stuart and Robert Marshall cross the border to salute the contributions and successes of their fellow countrymen and women who have displayed their skills in the English football leagues – from the end of the Second World War to the present day.They take a celebratory look at great Scots – Law, Mackay, Bremner, Dalglish, Gemmill, Strachan, McAllister and other – who have played their part in era-defining teams crafted by the likes of Bill Nicholson, Don Revie, Brian Clough and Bob Paisley, plus Scots managers Matt Busby, Bill Shankly and Alex Ferguson.As well as celebrating the top-notchers, the book pays tribute to various lesser lights – Caledonian cult heroes who’ve been immortalised in England’s green and pleasant land, including Jim McNichol (Torquay United), Willie Carr (Coventry City) and Ted MacDougall (Bournemouth).These riveting tales of Anglo-Scottish players are brought to life by stunning colour images of trading cards, matchday programmes and magazines.

Football for the Soul journeys through the European game – from Bilbao to Berlin, Paris, Naples, Amsterdam and beyond – drawing on candid personal interviews to get to the heart of what makes football special and why it matters so much.By BBC Sport journalist Alex Bysouth.Exploring and uncovering some of the most unusual and intriguing stories in European football, this unique book includes:Exclusive behind-the-scenes access at Athletic Club in Bilbao, featuring interviews with players, directors, fans and journalistsFresh insight into the Berlin football scene, from those who live and breathe itAn exclusive interview with Johan Cruyff’s trusted former right-hand man and extensive details about his legacy at Ajax and beyondReflections from a unique Parisian derby and time spent with Red Star, one of France’s oldest clubsUnique and wholesome personal stories from the football world, including with Andorra’s record-breaking, shirt-collecting former captainOn-the-ground interviews in Naples with the city’s second club to tell their unusual storyAccess to Serie A legends during a weekend spent discovering the cult of Italian football nostalgiaUntold tales from the teams behind the non-league Champions League and a pioneering new multi-club ownership modelFootball for the Soul is a must-read for fans who want feel-good, wholesome tales that help make sense of why we really love the beautiful game.

Iconic darts showman Bobby George gives you the inside story of his extraordinary life and epic playing career in an era when the sport was dominated by huge personalities who were household names.Bobby has teamed up with long-time friend, sports reporter and BBC commentator Dave Bracegirdle to pen this no-holds-barred autobiography.Nicknamed ‘The King of Bling’, Bobby possesses the most famous walk-on in darts. Incredibly, he didn’t touch a dart until his 30th birthday, yet within three years was lifting the first of his two News of the World titles. Two world championship finals followed, one played with a broken back.In this riveting tell-all book, he:Provides personal reflections on his dazzling playing career, including epic encounters with his contemporaries, while mourning the loss of his great friend Eric BristowBrings you the inside track on everything from building his own mansion (the 18-bedroom George Hall), to digging his own fishing lakes, losing four toes and appearing alongside Johnny Depp in the movie London FieldsRelives his experiences on ITVs controversial documentary Gone To Pot, American Road Trip and the BAFTA-nominated travel series The Real Marigold HotelBobby remains one of Britain’s most recognisable and charismatic entertainers. This revealing autobiography is a must-read for all darts fans and sports-nostalgia lovers.