Tag Archives: Sports teams & clubs

The Chelsea FC Miscellany

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The Chelsea FC Miscellany The Chelsea FC Miscellany View on Amazon

Chelsea FC, as someone once observed, has always done what other clubs have done, but not necessarily in the same order. A stone's throw form the King's Road, draped with showbiz connections, and not even based in the borough from which it takes its name, Chelsea is an enigma. Run by the entrepreneurial Mears dynasty, Ken 'electric fence' Bates and now the Russion oligarch Roman Abramovich, the club has enough entertaining quirks and anecdotes to keep you entertained for ages. It is also a club whose history is filled with glorious games, unique facts, bizarre statistics, larger-than-life players and a special brand of supporter. And, as this book proves, far from being the imposters Kipling suggested, triumph and disaster make for a fantastically entertaining read.

Legends of West Bromwich Albion

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Legends of West Bromwich Albion Legends of West Bromwich Albion View on Amazon

This title is part of the best-selling "Legends" series, including Aston Villa, Birmingham City and Wolverhampton Wanderers. Each player's profile includes in depth coverage of his career with West Bromwich Albion. It deftly illustrated by quotes and comments from players and managers. Since the club's formation in 1878, West Bromwich Albion Football Club has been served by approximately a thousand players and choosing one-hundred of the best from them was not an easy task. However, with the help and knowledge of several avid Baggies' supporters, a handful of past and present players, two former managers, three ex-coaches/trainers, two secretaries, two directors and relatives of former players, Matthews has managed to hunt out the players that have performed the best in their own particular way and in their respective eras. Older supporters who watched Albion in action in the 1930s are well catered for; so too are those who cheered for the Baggies in the 1940s and 50s, while the regulars who attended the Hawthorns in the 1960s and 70s will certainly enjoy reading about their favourites. Not to be forgotten are a handful of players who have given Albion such wonderful service in recent years, so the younger generation of supporters aren't left out. The book also boasts a selection of previously unpublished photographs, which makes it a must for all ardent supporters of West Bromwich Albion, old or young.

Official Everton Fc Autobiography

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Official Everton Fc Autobiography Official Everton Fc Autobiography View on Amazon

Everton Football Club has a proud and distinguished history. This new official book presents that fascinating history in unique form – firsthand through the words of those who saw it and made it happen. The Official Autobiography of Everton Football Club is being published to celebrate the Blues' 120th year at Goodison Park. All the great events from 1892 to 2012 are featured: Dixie Dean talks about his record-breaking 60 goal haul of 1928; the famous 1966 FA Cup triumph is seen through hero Mike Trebilcock's eyes; the legends of Rotterdam relive their European Cup Winners' Cup success of 1985 and 1995 FA Cup boss Joe Royle gives his post-match thoughts on a famous Wembley win. Alongside these achievements are the iconic names that bring a shiver to any Evertonian's spine. Golden Vision Alex Young explains more about his special relationship with the Everton fans; Bob Latchford talks us through his historic 30-goal haul in 1978; Howard Kendall reveals the secrets to his Eighties success and Duncan Ferguson talks passionately of his Goodison love affair in a rare interview. Then there are the less obvious happenings which complete the full picture. From 'pie-man' Imre Varadi on his 1981 derby goal to Gazza's short but colourful spell at the club. The book is brought right up to date with David Moyes' inside views on his ten years in charge. The Official Everton FC Autobiography is presented chronologically and can be read cover to cover or dipped into as a treasured and unique collection of entertaining, informative and inspirational stories about one of the country's proudest football clubs.

Burnley Fc Miscellany

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Burnley Fc Miscellany Burnley Fc Miscellany View on Amazon

Burnley Football Club come from the smallest town ever to win League Division One and the FA Cup. Some big city clubs currently in the Premier League have won neither! Burnley FC's history sparkles with international players, 'football firsts' and record-breaking achievements. Among their players have been a Footballer of the Year, one who played for Great Britain, several who played in World Cups and at least one who captained his country. But this book is mainly about Burnley 'off the record'. Here you can read some of the odd, quaint and quirky things that have been part of the past 125 years of Clarets history. Who scored three goals for England and was never picked again? When did Burnley play 10 Scots in the first team, making the only Englishman feel 'lonely'? And what has golf in a hotel bedroom got to do with anything? When Burnley were in Division Four, how was it that they attracted over 80,000 to watch them in one game? When did 10 Blackburn Rovers players walk off the pitch? Which position did Blackadder play in the Burnley team? And which bricklayer became the club's greatest ever player? 'Read all about it!' in "The Burnley FC Miscellany".

Hall of Fame: Norwich City’s All Time Greats

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Hall of Fame: Norwich City's All Time Greats Hall of Fame: Norwich City's All Time Greats View on Amazon

Norwich City’s All Time Greats looks at some fascinating facts and figures about the Hall of Fame in general before examining each personality in more detail through a short biography. The biographies look at each character’s career, focusing specifically on their achievements, their records and their memorable moments with Norwich City illustrating just why Canary supporters hold them in such great esteem. Written in chronological order it takes you on a journey through the complete history of Norwich City, reliving the many highs and lows, through the ‘Famers’ involved in that era. A must read for all Norwich supporters that appreciate those of past and present whose time at Norwich has done so much to shape a brilliant club.

The Boys from the Black Country: A fan’s history of Wolverhampton Wanderers from way back when to just about now

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The Boys from the Black Country: A fan's history of Wolverhampton Wanderers from way back when to just about now The Boys from the Black Country: A fan's history of Wolverhampton Wanderers from way back when to just about now View on Amazon

Wolverhampton Wanderers is one of English football's great clubs. In the 1950s they were the Manchester United of their day, hugely successful and feared by all. They have suffered since like all clubs from smaller cities. They managed a period of renaissance in the seventies before falling into the third tier in the eighties. They are back in thePremier League now. The book tells the history of the club from its Victorian origins as a founder member of the Football League to the current day, concentrating on the quirky and combining factual passages with humour. So, for example, the club's first FA Cup Final appearance at the Oval in 1889 is told in the style of cricket commentary by Henry Blofeld and Geoffrey Boycott. But there is also perceptive historical analysis, plus an attempt to give a wider social context to the different eras. In adding music and local flavour to the book, Mark Gold has made it more entertaining while retaining its serious purpose. Gold believes that the current vogue for adding humour to history helps to bring the subject alive for the many people who don't have an academic interest in learning about the past. The title relates to an enduring popular chant among Wolves supporters, sung to the tune of Lord of the Dance. It will be recognised by all fans.