Five of our favourite football books
There has been some wonderful football writing for us to revel in. We should be thankful.
Now we aren’t claiming for these to be the five best football books ever written. That being said, these are exceptional books. Let’s have a look.
Fever Pitch by Nick Hornby
Following the life of author Nick Hornby and his love affair with Arsenal, we discover exactly why us football fans do what we do. Football affects everything; our relationships with family and partners, work and other meaningful events in life.
Hornby introduces numerous truths about identity and growing up as a football fan in a remarkably humorous and charming read.
The Miracle of Castel di Sangro by Joe McGinniss
American author McGinniss follows the fortunes of Castel di Sangro, a tiny town in Southern Italy newly promoted into Serie B, as they attempt to remain in the division in 1996. It’s a remarkable tale, drawing you into a frenetic and passionate country, with incredible characters and dramatic events.
A Life Too Short – Robert Reng
A biography of the author’s friend Robert Enke who suffered with depression. On November 10 2009, the German national goalkeeper, who had played for Barcelona, Benfica and other top clubs, stepped out in front of a train and was killed at only 32.
Reng discusses the enormous pressure placed on elite sports people, and how Robert dealt with his depression. It’s a truly unique view into the mind of a suffering human being who from the outside looked like he had it all.
Inverting the Pyramid by Jonathan Wilson
The textbook for football tactics.
Wilson examines how tactics formed and spread across the world. From five up front to just one, this is a history lesson set on every continent. There are chapters dedicated to the coffee houses of Vienna, Catenaccio, Total Football, Sacchi’s Milan and numerous other important developments. It is 356 pages of football tactics gold – a real learning experience.
Soccernomics by Simon Kuper and Stefan Szymanski
An epic read cutting through the emotional game with meticulous statistical analysis and economic sense. You’ll see on countless occasions, typical football assumptions being disproved with statistics and clear thinking. You will genuinely see the beautiful game in a different light.