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Books, unlike movies, are rare. We do have the internet to buy books these days but the ones that were released earlier are still hard to find. Despite the fact that there are e-books, they never match the feel of reading an actual book. I have not read much, but here are the ones that I think a football fan shouldn’t miss.
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What is it about: How a journalist spent twenty long years with the greatest manager that the English National Team never had, Brian Clough.
Why is it good: Brian Clough is possibly one of the greatest characters that English football has ever produced. In this book, Duncan Hamilton doesn’t stop with the achievements of Clough. He describes in detail how Clough won the back to back European Championships with a unheralded Nottingham Forest team, how he fell out with his life long partner Peter Taylor and how he finally lost his battle with alcohol.
Clough was a man of pure, God-given talent and a lifestyle to match that. If you want to know him, this is the book that you should read.
The Neurotic Genius of Dutch Football
What is it about: By the name, you should have guessed it. David Winner’s brilliantly written book talks about Dutch’s Total Football, the heart-breaking 1974 finals, Johan Cruyff, Ajax and other things.
Why is it good: Winner explores how and why the Dutch play(ed) the way they do. In Netherlands, everyone follows the principle of totality. Everyone is supposed to do their bit, their part in lives. Towards the end of the book, Winner explains why the Dutch have tremendously underperformed when it comes to the International stage.
Read this book and you will be able to connect the dots looking backwards.
Hooliganism described at its very best
What is it about: Certainly, the book is not only about football. John King covers sexism, racism, working class mind, politics, rivalries, violence and of course, hooliganism.
Why is it good: You have probably seen the movie. How is the book different from the movie? It is not that mainstream and it is even more violent. Reading the book, you can’t help but feel that you are actually sitting in a cold Chelsea supporting bar in London. Awesome read.
A beautiful tale on how a lowly team makes it to the big league!
What is it about: How a lowly league team from Castel Di Sangro, Italy with an population of 5,500 people finds its way to the second tier of Italian Football.
Why is it good: First of all, this book was written by an American so it gets pretty basic at times. Despite that, the book covers the first season of Castel di Sangro Calcio in Serie B in such a fantastic manner that you end up falling in love with this team. The book doesn’t stop with the football as it explores more into the personal lives of the players.
Totally funny and hysterical!
What is it about: It is a story of how a village team enters the FA Cup and finally ends up winning it. It is hysterically funny at times.
Why is it good: The characters in this book will stick in your mind for years. This is the story of a local, village team that picks up a few ex-professionals and ends up winning the FA Cup. Part satire, part passionate and part funny, this is a book that you should not miss.
A travelogue into history
What is it about: The author, Simon Kuper traveled to more than 22 countries and explored how football shaped them. In detail, he describes about the characters that he met, the conditions that he faced and much more.
Why is it good: Do you know how the Dutch feel about the 1974 finals, do you have any idea about how the Argentinians feel about the Hand of God? Well, Simon Kuper does!
How can a simple game shape an entire nation? Read this book to find out.
Football vs Apartheid
What is it about: During the Apartheid years in South Africa, the prisoners in the Robben Island were restricted from playing football. But they resisted, fought and won their rights back. For nearly 20 years, the prisoners ran an eight club, 1500 player league according to the rule books! An inspiring read.
Why is it good: As the title says, this is not just a game. This game gave more than 1500 footballers reason to keep on their struggle. It helped them live on. The game unified prisoners who belonged to various societies, regions and what not.
It covers the cruel conditions that the prisoners had to face, the political drama, the discrimination and of course, the beautiful game.
The struggles of a second division Footballer
What is it about: How Garry Nelson, a second division player struggles with the every day life despite having made more than 750 League appearances.
Why is it good: If you think that the life of a professional footballer is all about glitz and glamor, then you are wrong. This book takes you back to the basics – the struggle to get on the team, the occasional glory and blows to the gut. This book is better than any superstar’s ghost written autobiography will ever be!
The life of Brian Clough at Leeds United
What is it about: The second book on my list about Brian Clough. The book is about Clough’s ill-fated 44 day reign as the manager of Leeds United.
Why is it good: I’ve seen the movie, you have seen the movie and most of the football-watching population has seen the movie. The book, just like the movie, is fantastic. It deals with the sheer genius, cockiness and character of Brian Clough and beautifully captures his days at Leeds United.
A beautiful tale of a Football fan
What is it about: The book is about a fan’s relationship with his football club, Arsenal FC. It also recaps some of Arsenal’s matches between the years 1968 and 1992 including the famous title decider in 1989.
Why is it good: It is an ultimate football fan’s book. The protagonist relates love, family troubles, career and almost everything with the team he loves. Although the book is primarily about Arsenal, any football fan would love it. In one part, the author wants to shift his allegiance to another club but ends up being emotionally unable to do so!
A great book on football, life and even more.
I’m sure I have missed some great ones. Please share them in the comments section.
