If you want one of those football books that are full of amusing stories about players and managers then this definitely is not for you. But, if you want to read a very candid book about a professional sportsman’s battle against the demon drink and a life lived on the very edge of chaos then this will be the perfect football book for you. Amongst the many talking points within the book, Gullit explains the secret of the tiki-taka style of playing, as well as explaining why one striker can be better than three strikers. He talks in detail about his highs and lows at Sunderland, regrets of taking on the manager’s job at Ipswich Town when he realised the training kit was blue and also why he refused to sign Robbie Savage. From 1963 to 2016, Hugh McIlvanney wrote about sport for the Observer (30 years) then the Sunday Times (23 years). Released a year after his departure from the Observer and two years before his investiture as an OBE, this collection came out at a fascinating hinge in the timeline of the European game, a couple of seasons into the era of the Premier League and Champions League.

Brilliant written and intensively researched, this is one of those football books that you won’t be able to put down. More of a memoir than a football autobiography, Ian Wright’s book is a must read for any Arsenal fan or football fan alike. Refreshing in its honesty and not one of those “all about me” football books, this will make a great gift for any football fan.A highly recommended read for anyone who loves the game and one of the best football books available at the moment. We learn the reason for Forest’s training trips to Scarborough – Peter Taylor, Clough’s assistant manager and the yin to his yang, had a flat there and wouldn’t hire a furniture van – and see examples of Clough’s generosity, but not without tales of his pigheadedness and pride. While the book is often hilarious, Hamilton’s accounts of Clough’s spectacular falling-out with Taylor, his descent into alcoholism and his death are heartbreaking. One of the most recognisable faces in British football, and the ex England manager, Sam Allardyce’s autobiography is blunt, to the point and pulls no punches. Peace’s masterful novel depicting the 44-day tenure of Brian Clough as manager of Leeds United depicts how his paranoia and loneliness (and irrationality) grow with his increasing isolation. Insomnia takes hold and the Clough of the novel struggles to understand why the skills and practices that made him a brilliant football player – prior to career-ending injury – and then a mercurial manager, have apparently deserted him. This is a powerful book which is full of opinions on his former side Arsenal and their failings in the Premier League in recent years and also the England national side and their inability to perform at major tournaments.

Published 12 months after the first book, we feel that he could have combined the two however this is still an entertaining book in it’s only right and you can easily dip in and out of it.The notorious prankster caused mischief at pretty much every club he played for and he recounts his stories in typical light-hearted fashion. But Hamilton doesn’t just tell stories. He presents an enduring character study of a man who cared deeply about other people while being driven by a need to prove them wrong; a man “obsessed with money, as if he feared he might wake up one morning and find himself a pauper again”; a man just as proud of reaching cup finals with a patchwork Forest side and no facilities as he was of winning two European Cups during richer times.

Whereas the first book was all about his playing career and his off the field troubles, Sober focuses on the difficulties Adams has faced not only staying off the demon drink but also the problems he has encountered starting out as a new coach. Carragher talks candidly about his Liverpool career in his typically down-to-earth style which he regularly portrays in his role as a television pundit. This book can be compared to how Steven Gerrard led his footballing career, no-nonsense, straight-laced and relatively drama free – this is not one of those football books which lift the lid on scandal and secrets.From his days as a player at West Ham to his FA Cup win as manager of Portsmouth, this memoir shares the unbeatable highs and the dismal lows of a footballing career which has spanned over 50 years. All in all one, we found Steve Nicol’s book to be one of the most funny, insightful and well written books that we have read for a long time. Originally put off by the fact that this book was quite of date, we were pleasantly surprised at how good a read this football book was.

One thing to note is that there are a few swear words within the book therefore it’s not suitable for some of Ronaldo’s younger fans. Released in September 2016, Arsenal legend Ian Wright’s book focuses on his journey from Sunday morning football in South London to one of the Premier League’s all time top goalscorers and England international. Two decades after the book’s publication, saturation football coverage and internet access means that fans are far more cosmopolitan in their outlooks than ever before. However, Football Against The Enemy remains the only book to take a definitive sweep on world football, and explain how political and cultural issues influence the game across the globe. Jon Spurling Enter the Ultimate Football Heroes Hall of Fame! These legends of the game have made their mark on footballing history. Savage’s second book, which was released in June 2016, gives the reader his thoughts on all aspects of the modern game with opinions on players, managers, cup competitions and even kids football.

An intelligent, thoughtful and compassionate man, who uses his status to achieve goodness in the world, this book is a very enjoyable read.