Best Soccer Books 2011

There are numerous classic soccer books. Just as Mssrs Dickens, Lawrence, Twain et al. have stood the test of time there are certain books that are 'must haves' in any soccer fans library. The following are my 'must haves'.

The world Cup of 1990 was a pivotal tournament for English soccer. Coming after English clubs had been in the European wilderness, England needed a good tournament. England responded with their best performance since the World Cup was won all those millennia ago. On the back of the surge in interest following this tournament the English Premier League was conceived and the rest is history.
Peter Davies' book tells the complete story of the tournament that changed English soccer. Davies had almost unlimited access to the squad and follows them on their trip around Italy. He gives telling insights into the strangeness of Gazza, the insecurity of John Barnes and the passion of the England skipper Terry Butcher. Set amongst the backdrop of Gazzamania, dancing Africans and a blubbing Diego, this book has it all. A book like this will probably never be written again.
I have read this book countless times since I first purchased it and it is still an amazing read. Davies has a writing style that always compels you to keep reading regardless of how many times you have churned over the words before. In my humble opinion this has to be the number one soccer book of all time.

First published in 1972, this book became an instant classic. Hunter Davies spent a whole season with the Spurs team and was granted unrestricted access to all the players and staff. It goes without saying that this type of book will never be allowed again in today's media savvy world of professional soccer. Amongst the main stories of this book are the all-consuming dedication of legendary manager Bill Nicholson, dressing room banter, money worries of established England internationals and the insecurities of a record signing.
I only managed to finally get a copy of this book at the beginning of the year read the whole book in two days. The book must have been an amazing read when it was first published in the 70's but I believe it takes on an even greater significance when comparing it to today's extravagantly paid, cosseted players. I couldn't believe the part of the book where Ralph Coates, Spur's record signing, revealed that he and his wife had been placed by the club in an unfurnished flat with no phone and no help. And then they wondered why he felt homesick!
If you like your soccer history or even just would like an insight into what goes on in the dressing room then this is the book for you.

Perhaps the most famous soccer book of all time. Certainly the only one to have been turned into a film in which Colin Firth starred. If you liked the film, then I would urge you to read the book as it is miles better. Similarly, if you didn't like the film and are a soccer fan then I would urge you to read the book as the film doesn't come close to doing it justice. As an avid soccer fan, it is impossible to read this book and not at some point recognise yourself and say "I've done that!" or "Yep. Been there!". The joy of this book is not just that it is very funny at times but that it shows how soccer as a game can completely obsess you even to the detriment of your everyday life.
A wonderful book and I implore you to read it if you haven't already done so.

A lot has been said about soccer autobiographies. Firstly, it is blatantly obvious that the majority aren't written, or even come close to being written by themselves. Secondly, there has been a fairly recent avalanche of books being written by players still playing whereas autobiographies used to be the domain of the long-since retired. As a rule, you have to just get over the first point. Would you really want to read 500 odd pages of soccer speak? That's what ghost-writers are for! With regards to the second point I tend to avoid the mid-career book if possible. I am still slightly scarred from attempting to read the Wayne Rooney book published to coincide with the 2006 World Cup.
Don't just look for famous players. Some of the better ones are written by players who didn't reach the upper echelons of the game such as Steve Claridge or Garry Nelson. There are good ones "written" by famous players but for every Tony Adams there seems to be three Frank Lampard's. These are my favourite three from the 37 (yes I counted!) that I have read.

Diego Maradona is a genius. Fact. Diego Maradona is a total nutcase. Fact. You won't be able to put this book down once you have started it. Also a fact.
As you would expect from Maradona this is a no-holds barred account of his life. Not always believable (that might be my natural bias as an Englishman!) but definitely readable this is a fascinating insight into what made the man a God in his homeland, a footballing genius turned into a pariah and the long and winding road in between.
Maradona was the man who won a World Cup on his own, turned an Italian footballing backwater into Serie A champions and then very nearly killed himself with a well documented cocaine addiction.
This book makes your head spin as it sucks you into Maradona's world of pressure and expectation and you come out of it full of admiration for the survival instinct of the great man. Read it now!

I absolutely loved this book when I first read it. Unfortunately since I first read it, the personal problems of Gazza seem to have dimmed the memories of what a fantastic player and lovable character he was. I would urge anybody reading this to forget all the stuff you have read about him in the press over the last few years and remember him for what he was: a lad who played the game with a smile on his face.
This book is full of the renowned Gazza practical jokes, amusing anecdotes about big players and a tragic insight into the troubled person he would become. For me, the most shocking thing about this book is the real reason why Bryan Robson was sent home from the 1990 World Cup. Shame on you Bryan!

Everybody loves David Beckham! David Beckham is a national institution in England. He has the record for national appearances (for an outfield player), has played for three of the world's biggest clubs, won countless honours and eve married a Spice Girl. Although Mr. Beckham has a reputation for being bland, this book is surprisingly candid and there are revelations about 'that row' with Sir Alex, 'that free-kick' with Glenn Hoddle ad various other episodes in his much-envied life. Not the best book but nowhere as bad as most soccer fans have been led to believe. Definitely worth a read. And if you are a fan of Mr. Beckham then it is a must-read.

Looking for a soccer gift for that important man/woman in your life. Already bought them every book going on the subject of soccer. I have a compiled a list for you of all the soccer books that are out between now and Christmas. These are certainly on my list and I will review them on here in the New Year.

1.Soccer Men.Profiles of the Rogues, Geniuses and Neurotics Who Dominate the World's Most Popular Sport by Simon Kuper.

All of Simon Kuper's soccer books so far have been outstanding. From Soccer Against the Enemy(see above!) through to Soccernomics his writing style and attention to detail have won him many awards. This book promises to go straight to the soul of soccer and features, amongst others, Lionel Messi, Kaka, Jose Mourinho and Arsene Wenger.
Personally, I cannot wait to read this!

2. Red. My Autobiography by Gary Neville

Gary Neville is football's equivalent of Marmite. You either love him or hate him. Manchester folk really love him and Liverpool folk really hate him. He has long been thought of as a shop steward type figure and his burgeoning reputation as a well informed pundit on Sky Sports is adding to his no-nonsense reputation. This book promises to not hold back and has very frank opinions on exactly why the English national team has not lived up to expectations in recent years. Well worth a read!

3. Scholes. My Story by Paul Scholes

One of England's best-loved midfielder's and an institution at Old Trafford, Paul Scholes has now retired and bought out his book to celebrate his retirement. Scholes was renowned for shying away from the limelight and led a very quiet life. This is in contrast to his dominating personality on the pitch. The book promises to shed light on his 20+ years at Old Trafford plus the real reason on why he quit Old Trafford.

4. There's A Golden Sky: How Twenty Years of the Premier League Has Changed Football Forever by Ian Ridley

Ian Ridley is one of my favourite sports journalists and I can't wait to get this book! Due to his high standing in the game, Ridley has had access to areas that are normally protected at all costs. Also involved are lower league clubs and the book promises all kinds of interesting little nuggets that the football fan will love and embrace. I urge people to read this book!

5. Worst Football Kits Of All Time by David Moor

A real coffee table book. Definitely one to dip in and out of. We all remember horrific kits such as Hull City's tiger kit, Coventry's dodgy brown number and Everton's pink away kit. They are all in here plus many more.Well worth a peruse and a great potential stocking filler.

Men love trivia. Most men anyway. Dropping that clever little fact or quote into the conversation with mates can make you feel uber-intelligent and show your mates you know your stuff. I have to admit I have stocked up on these books over the years. They make great stocking fillers as presents and provide great coffee table reading material. Underneath is a list of books I recommend to top up your soccer knowledge, wow your mates and turn yourself into a soccer geek.