5 Football books you need to read

We have created a selection of some of the books to sink your teeth into during lockdown, whether you’re an avid fan of the beautiful game, or simply want to learn more.

Fever Pitch - Nick Hornby

An autobiographical insight into the author Nick Hornby’s relationship with Arsenal Football Club, it details his journey as an Arsenal fan from childhood to his mid-thirties. Also prominently featuring are Cambridge City F.C, the club he would follow and whose stadium he would frequently attend while at university. A Penguin Modern Classic, it recounts the highs and lows of being a fan in an era where money less dominated the sport.

The Story of Italia 90 - Pete Davies

The story of England’s route to the semi-finals of the 1990 Italian World Cup. Pete Davies would enjoy unparalleled access to England’s players, staff and management, and this forms the crux of a detailed account of the on and off the pitch happenings during the campaign. Italia 90 was in fact an awful tournament, with the tournament recording the record number of red cards and the lowest goal to game ratio of any world cup. However, the ability of the Englishmen to so fondly remember a tournament due to their progress in the competition stands a testament to this book.

Tor! - Uli Hesse

Named as the sixth greatest football book of all time by FourFourTwo magazine, this was the first English-language history of German football to ever be released. The book takes the reader on a story from the beginnings of German football through the 1970s with the transition to professional football and onto the modern-day.

Alex Ferguson: My Autobiography - Alex Ferguson

As possibly the most important football manager for 25 years until his retirement, this is a must-read for any football fan. Published soon after his retirement, the book eschews a message of control when describing Ferguson’s years at Manchester United - as soon as a player threatened his control over the team, they would have to go. Beckham, in particular, receives a harsh treatment given his perceived attitude of caring more about his off the pitch antics than his performance on the pitch. The reader also gets a real sense of Ferguson’s love for the youth system at United, with the manager taking an unparalleled pride in the Academy.

Inverting the Pyramid: The History of Football Tactics - Jonathan Wilson

Author Jonathan Wilson traces the history of football tactics back to the beginning of the sport through to the modern-day. He also devotes time to describe the lives of some of football’s most influential players, managers and thinkers. An unparalleled history of the sport, it is a must for any football fan, casual or avid.