Black Swan Summer - Max Bonnell - Bog - Pitch Publishing Ltd - Booktok.dk

Black Swan Summer tells the extraordinary story of Western Australia''s first season of Sheffield Shield cricket, when an unheralded group of unknown, unfashionable and inexperienced players won Australian cricket''s biggest prize at their first attempt. But it''s more than just a story of an upset result in a cricket competition. It''s a chronicle of the summer in which Don Bradman scored his 100th century, India toured Australia for the first time and the country plunged into political turmoil - which not everyone noticed, because they were at the cricket. The book explains the connections between men who returned from war to play cricket, the fear of communism, Mahatma Gandhi, rationing, Keith Miller, Laurence Olivier and Vivien Leigh, Ray Lindwall''s back foot and a boxer called the Alabama Kid. Drawing on the personal reminiscences of the last three surviving cricketers from the 1947/48 season, it brings that hot, wet summer vividly to life.

Girls of Summer - David Tossell - Bog - Pitch Publishing Ltd - Booktok.dk

The year 2015 was a historic one for the England women''s cricket team, their first full year as professional players and with every ball of their Ashes series live on television and radio. As the dramatic events of the summer unfolded, David Tossell was given exclusive access to follow at close quarters, from freezing training mornings in the dead of winter to the dressing room and team meetings in the heat of battle against Australia. Under the guidance of a coach who cared deeply about their performance and welfare, a diverse group of girls came together in the pursuit of international glory and personal achievement, united by a remarkable love for each other and a passion for their profession. As The Girls of Summer reveals, they would need every piece of resilience and resolve those bonds could offer. With a foreword by England captain Charlotte Edwards.

Echoes of an Italian Summer - Paul Grech - Bog - Pitch Publishing Ltd - Booktok.dk

Echoes of an Italian Summer reveals the fascinating stories that underpin the magical Italia 90 World Cup, many of them told for the first time in this enthralling book. For many football fans – including the author – Italia 90 is fondly remembered as the first World Cup that was truly theirs. While a lot has been written about the tournament itself, many stories surrounding that pivotal World Cup have been lost with the passage of time. The book examines Italia 90 from a fresh new angle, unearthing an array of stories with this iconic World Cup at their heart that will fascinate football fans everywhere. While reading this superb collection of tales, you’ll learn about the other Schillaci who could have made it to the World Cup, the goalkeeper who went on to play in the NFL, the impact of the removal of the back-pass rule and the story behind the now-legendary kit worn by Germany. Echoes of an Italian Summer is chock-full of World Cup nostalgia and previously untold tales.

Summer of 63 - Gary Edwards - Bog - Pitch Publishing Ltd - Booktok.dk

Sixtythree, Sixtyfour takes an enthralling, in-depth look at one of the greatest transformations in football, as Don Revie moulded a Leeds United side teetering on the brink of relegation to Division Three into one of the most feared teams in Europe. Revie had arrived at Leeds in November 1958, on the back of an illustrious playing career with Leicester City, Hull City, Manchester City and Sunderland. In March 1961, he was appointed player-manager at Leeds before quickly taking over the reins as full-time gaffer. He fashioned a team of experience and untested teenagers that quickly developed into a force to be reckoned with. Sixtythree, Sixtyfour uncovers the truth behind the ''Dirty Leeds'' tag that has prevailed for almost 60 years. Gleaned from the private collections of photos, telegrams and scrapbooks of players, and the testimonies of Leeds and opposition fans, Gary Edwards presents an amazing account of one man''s vision to turn a failing side into the club''s greatest-ever team.

The Summer of Total Football - Neil Jensen - Bog - Pitch Publishing Ltd - Booktok.dk

All Wickets Great and Small - John Fuller - Bog - Pitch Publishing Ltd - Booktok.dk

Nowt stops for cricket in Yorkshire. Passion runs deep, beyond those in whites, to the groundsmen, tea ladies, scorers and umpires who embody the game. All Wickets Great and Small is a romp across the landscape of amateur cricket in Yorkshire during the summer of 2015. Author John Fuller looks at the key issues affecting the grassroots game: the struggles to attract players, funding shortages, natural disasters and the social dynamics that can threaten a captain''s eleven on a Saturday. What shape is the grassroots game in and can it still survive and thrive? From vicars and imams socking sixes in Dewsbury to heritage clubs hitting social media out of the park, this is the story of sleeves-rolled-up cricket at its best in the county that locals call ''God''s own''.

Bent Arms and Dodgy Wickets - Tim Quelch - Bog - Pitch Publishing Ltd - Booktok.dk

When Andrew Strauss''s team seized the world title in the summer of 2011 they finally recovered what had been lost at the Adelaide Oval in 1959. This tale of England''s preceding triumph and loss is recounted through the memoirs of many of the star players when England had last been top of the world. Bent Arms and Dodgy Wickets tells the story of English cricket''s slow recovery from the Second World War, of its brief time of triumph and of its undignified fall from grace - a tale of fluctuating fortunes reflected upon by great names including Hutton, Compton and Trueman, Lindwall and Miller, McGlew and Weekes. The title refers to the sporting controversies of the time - suspect bowling actions and poor pitches - as Britain declined as an imperial power, and English cricket was hampered by class snobbery, anachronistic fixations and an uncompetitive domestic game.

Give Us Tomorrow Now - David Snowdon - Bog - Pitch Publishing Ltd - Booktok.dk

Give Us Tomorrow Now offers an entertaining and powerful narrative of a manager striving to satisfy legions of fanatical supporters and an impatient boardroom. Success and stability had long proven elusive objectives for Sunderland managers attempting the task of ''waking the sleeping giant''. In the summer of 1981, a new dawn shimmered as Alan Durban was persuaded to relinquish his comfortable Stoke post and enter the white heat of North East football mania. This disciple of Brian Clough battled to lay enduring foundations and find an on-field blend amidst constant boardroom interference and an intense media spotlight. A restless hierarchy failed to back their manager''s judgement, and the lack of a cup run heightened boardroom impatience to boiling point. The book explores Durban''s long-term vision and strategy - and how, heartbreakingly, his embryonic ''tomorrow team'' would never be granted the chance to reach maturity.

Won't You Dance for Virat Kohli? - Rob Harris - Bog - Pitch Publishing Ltd - Booktok.dk

Former Gloucestershire Media Sports Writer of the Year Rob Harris has been playing village cricket for almost 40 years. In inner cities some kids join street gangs in search of respect, but in Rob''s childhood the gangs were village cricket clubs and the weapon of choice was a Gunn & Moore bat. Won''t You Dance for Virat Kohli? is an honest, funny and colourful account of sporting obsession and how a childhood passion for cricket can dominate grown-up thoughts, dreams, relationships - and weekends. This is the story of one humble club cricketer''s misguided search for personal respect and fulfilment in the strangest of places, foregoing holidays and family time to spend long summer days lounging around village greens with other screwed-up ''weekend warriors'', whilst secretly wishing he was somewhere - anywhere - else. It is a book that will resonate with anyone who knows and loves grass-roots cricket.

The Homecoming - Jane Purdon - Bog - Pitch Publishing Ltd - Booktok.dk

The Homecoming is Jane Purdon''s passionate, heartfelt account of the summer of 2022, when the Lionesses dazzled the nation and brought football home. It''s also Jane''s personal story. Since falling in love with football aged seven, Jane has been an activist, administrator and leader in the beautiful game, most recently as CEO of Women in Football. Her journey takes in her early days as a Sunderland fan, her first kicks of the ball in her late teens, her pioneering work in the early 1990s to promote women''s involvement in football, and her subsequent career at the heart of the football establishment. In 1992, Jane wrote, ''The England women''s team winning the European Championship - now that is not a fairytale, it could just happen.'' Thirty years later that fairytale came true. Jane reflects on what''s happened to women''s football in the aftermath of the Lionesses'' historic victory and what needs to happen next.

The People's Wimbledon - Richard Jones - Bog - Pitch Publishing Ltd - Booktok.dk

The People''s Wimbledon brings you the magic of SW19 in words and pictures. Take a trip down memory lane as you rekindle memories of colourful characters, breathtaking matches, intense rivalries and rare upsets from days gone by. Relive the exploits of Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi, Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova, Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe, plus Steffi Graf, Rod Laver, Billie Jean King, Ken Rosewall, Lew Hoad and Maria Bueno. You''ll also learn about the history of Wimbledon from the first championship in 1877 through to the modern day. The book combines hundreds of stunning illustrations - including tennis memorabilia and rare archival photos - with memories and anecdotes from players, journalists, broadcasters and fans to tell the Wimbledon story from a fresh new angle. Whether you travel to SW19 or spend two weeks each summer glued to your TV set, The People''s Wimbledon is a ''must'' if you''ve been bitten by the Wimbledon bug.

Chasing Sachin - Adam Carroll Smith - Bog - Pitch Publishing Ltd - Booktok.dk

The story of one obsessive fan''s unlikely ambition: to bowl just one ball at his childhood hero, Sachin Tendulkar. From the very first time he''d ever watched the ''Little Master'' bat, as a 12-year-old boy, Adam Carroll-Smith had been transfixed. He dreamed not just of bowling to Tendulkar, but of actually knocking over his off stump. Just one problem: he was never really much of a cricketer. However, determined not to let such a small detail stand in his way - and eager to settle an old score with a childhood chum - Carroll-Smith earnestly set about achieving the unthinkable during India''s 2011 tour of England. A hilarious summer ensued as he attempted to live out his fantasy, fending off the attentions of over-zealous fellow fans, crazed Italian spiritualists and his meddling best friend - not to mention the dozens of blazered officials and luminous-jacketed stewards standing between him and his hero.

Scottish Football - Robert Marshall - Bog - Pitch Publishing Ltd - Booktok.dk

Scottish Football: Souvenirs from the Golden Years - 1946 to 1986 takes a nostalgic look at Scottish football and mementoes from four decades when the game was at its (almost) egalitarian and entertaining best. It was a period with a wide spread of trophy winners: eight different league champions, 14 clubs sharing the two main domestic cup competitions, plus trophy successes in Europe for Celtic, Rangers and Aberdeen, and semi-final near-misses for Dundee, Dundee United, Dunfermline Athletic, Hibs and Kilmarnock. This fascinating book also spotlights the British Championship, the Summer, Drybrough and Texaco Cups plus a host of cult heroes, lost stadia - and Quiz Ball! Alongside this colourful history are collectable treasures. It was a time when programmes were succinct sought-after souvenirs and not bloated corporate catalogues, when trading cards were useful and informative. Annuals, magazines and club handbooks also added to our wisdom. We''ll never see an era like ''46 to ''86 again, so here''s your chance to savour it once more.

Grovel! - David Tossell - Bog - Pitch Publishing Ltd - Booktok.dk

When England cricket captain Tony Greig announced that he intended to make the West Indies ''grovel'', he lit a fire that burned as intensely as the sunshine that made 1976 one of the most memorable summers in British history. Spurred on by what they saw as a deeply offensive remark, especially from a white South African, Clive Lloyd''s touring team vowed to make Greig pay. In Viv Richards, emerging as the world''s most exciting batsman, and fast bowlers Michael Holding and Andy Roberts they had the players to do it. Featuring interviews with key figures from English and West Indian cricket, Grovel!: The Story and Legacy of the Summer of 1976 provides a fascinating study of the events and social issues surrounding one of the sport''s most controversial and colourful tours - as well as addressing the decline of West Indies cricket and its loss of support in the new century.

The Match - Piero Trellini - Bog - Pitch Publishing Ltd - Booktok.dk

The Match is the tale of one of the most iconic games in World Cup history: Italy v Brazil at Spain ''82. Piero Trellini delves into the stories of the great characters who lit up that unforgettable match - from Paolo Rossi to Sócrates, from Enzo Bearzot to Zico - as well as some forgotten figures who all played their part. The book takes us on a fascinating journey through the 1982 Mundial, exploring the football scene of the day and dishing out fascinating anecdotes on the various historical and sporting links between the two countries. Italy, a nation historically at the forefront of football, did not arrive in Spain as favourites, with widespread doubts about their chances, even in the Italian press. This is one of the reasons why their triumph that summer is still celebrated in Italy above other historic victories by the Azzurri. Following that momentous win, Italy would become the favourite destination for Europe and South America''s greatest players.

Euro 88 - Steven Scragg - Bog - Pitch Publishing Ltd - Booktok.dk

Euro 88: The Football Purists’ European Championship delves into the last major international tournament on European soil before Italia 90 – a tournament of rancour and drama blessed by the presence of Gullit, Van Basten, Belanov, Protasov, Vialli, Klinsmann, Butragueño, Elkjær, Whelan and Robson. From England’s hypnotic self-destruction via an impressive qualification and Ireland’s heroic near-miss of a place in the semi-finals, to the Netherlands finally fulfilling their destiny in lifting the trophy against the Ukrainian-powered Soviet Union – this was a tournament that had it all. It was a glorious summer on the pitch with Rinus Michels, Valeriy Lobanovskyi, Franz Beckenbauer, Azeglio Vicini, Miguel Muñoz, Sepp Piontek, Jack Charlton and Bobby Robson bringing their nations to a high-rolling game of footballing poker. But it was set against a volatile backdrop of violent intent on the terraces and a governing body that was struggling to maintain control. Euro 88 was anything but dull.

The Cricketers of 1945 - Christopher Sandford - Bog - Pitch Publishing Ltd - Booktok.dk

The Cricketers of 1945 is the compelling, poignant, and above all human, story of the reawakening of English cricket in the immediate aftermath of the world''s most destructive war. The book brings to life the summer''s Victory Tests, played on home soil between England and Australia, as well as the personal stories of the players and their families, plus those of some of the hundreds of thousands of spectators who flocked to the matches to celebrate the return of something approaching normal life after the ordeal and sacrifice of the war years. This vivid account is illuminated by fresh archival research, encompassing the diaries and personal letters of both cricketers and cricket lovers, giving the reader a strong sense of what it was like to be alive at this unique time as much of the world awoke, or was still awakening, from the nightmare ordeal of the long years of conflict.

Groundwork - Ryan Hills - Bog - Pitch Publishing Ltd - Booktok.dk

When Jim Smith took charge of Derby County in the summer of 1995, he joined a club needing to balance the books after several seasons of failing to reach the Premier League. Little was expected of him. Yet alongside Steve McClaren, Smith oversaw a transformation that took Derby to a new home, a new division and to the brink of European competition for the first time since the days of Dave Mackay. Smith built a side capable of matching the very best in English football, amassing an array of international talent almost never before seen in the British game, alongside hugely impressive home-grown players. This is the story of Jim Smith''s Derby County, told with the exclusive insights of Smith''s players, coaching staff, friends and supporters. Rams legends including Igor Stimac, Stefano Eranio and Steve McClaren speak in depth on what made that Derby County side, while those closest to Jim reveal what the legendary man-manager was like to deal with, both in and out of football.

Last-Wicket Stand - Richard Clarke - Bog - Pitch Publishing Ltd - Booktok.dk

Last Wicket Stand is an honest account of one man''s search for meaning, purpose and reinvention, both for himself and the sport he loves. At the start of the 2020 season, English county cricket faced radical change. The Hundred was coming, introducing new ''franchises'' playing a new format in the hope of attracting much-needed new audiences. Its inception was controversial. Advocates argued only drastic action could halt the decline of cricket in the UK. Opponents feared it would undermine the very fabric of the much-loved county game. One devoted Essex fan set out to document the last summer before the big change. He toured the country in 2019 chronicling this often-ignored sport, from the gentle lullaby of the County Championship to the bawdy singalong of T20 Finals Day. Richard Clarke was in his 50th year, at a personal crossroads and fearing his best days may be long gone. Change vs tradition, growth vs security, money vs meaning - these perennial struggles lie at the heart of this absorbing and revealing journey of redemption.

The Great Adventure - Tony Banks - Bog - Pitch Publishing Ltd - Booktok.dk

The Great Adventure: Al-Fayed’s Rollercoaster Ride with Fulham FC is the fascinating tale of Mohamed Al-Fayed’s remarkable 16-year reign as the owner of Fulham. The flamboyant Harrods owner bought the famous old London club in a £6.25 million deal in the summer of 1997, just after Fulham had been promoted from the Football League’s lowest rung. He promised to make the club a Premier League side within five years. He did it in four – and then took Fulham into the unexplored territory of European football. Along the way there were ten managers, two promotions, numerous club record signings, rows with the FA, the Football League, the Premier League, the government – and his managers. There were plans to buy the Twin Towers of Wembley and there was the statue of Michael Jackson unveiled at Craven Cottage. Author Tony Banks talks to the players, managers and staff who were there during the most remarkable period in the club’s history and uncovers their astonishing behind-the-scenes stories.

From Darkness into Light - John Broom - Bog - Pitch Publishing Ltd - Booktok.dk

From Darkness into Light tells the fascinating story of how a handful of intrepid cricketing soldiers helped save the game from oblivion. English cricket emerged from the Great War in a bruised and battered state. A four-year hiatus in the first-class game had left administrators, players and aficionados anxious about whether life on the field could ever be the same again. The state of Test cricket was even worse after the disastrous experiment of the Triangular Series of 1912. Into this maelstrom of uncertainty stepped the Australian Imperial Forces team. Comprised of men waiting for demobilisation, the XI toured England and Scotland in the summer of 1919. They were well received by cricket-hungry crowds and provided a great fillip to ailing county finances. The popularity of international cricket was confirmed, and the tour paved the way for the resumption of Ashes contests the following year. This book traces the origins of the AIF XI and examines the myriad of controversies and confusion that surrounded its inception.

Two Thousand Games - Brian Horton - Bog - Pitch Publishing Ltd - Booktok.dk

Brian Horton is one of the most respected managers in English football. As a player, manager and assistant, he took part in over 2,000 games - in Britain only Sir Alex Ferguson can claim more. Horton''s career started in the World Cup summer of 1966 and ended over half a century later. His playing career began unceremoniously when Port Vale bought him from non-league Hednesford for the price of a pint of shandy. But later, as Brighton captain, he became a club legend, skippering the Seagulls from the Third to the First Division. He continued this success at Luton and Hull, before managing the Yorkshire side. Horton further distinguished himself as boss at Oxford and then Manchester City, keeping the Citizens in the Premier League for two thrilling seasons. Spells at Huddersfield, Brighton, Port Vale and Macclesfield followed before Brian was catapulted back to the Premier League at Hull City as assistant manager to Phil Brown. He continued to work with Brown at Preston, Southend and Swindon until his retirement in 2018.

Reign of the Lionesses - Carrie Dunn - Bog - Pitch Publishing Ltd - Booktok.dk

Acclaimed author Carrie Dunn, one of the most respected voices in women’s football, brings us a unique insight into a fast-growing and massively popular sport at a crucial moment. This is the third book in Dunn’s popular series exploring the women’s football pyramid. The Lionesses'' famous triumph, beating old rivals Germany at Wembley to become European champions, gave them a platform to call on the world to do better when it comes to women''s football – to give girls equal opportunities to boys, and to lift up inspiring female role models. But was it too little too late? While Women''s Super League matches sold out if they could guarantee a gold-medal-winning Lioness, the rest of the pyramid still had their own challenges to face. From training pitches to home stadia, from sponsorship to electricity bills, women all over England continued to fight a battle that had been going on for more than a century – to be treated as footballers, not second-class citizens. This is the story of the season after the summer before.

Total Belief - Chris Evans - Bog - Pitch Publishing Ltd - Booktok.dk

Total Belief looks back at three incredible years in the early 1990s when Bruce Rioch transformed the fortunes of a football club on its knees. In the summer of 1992, Bolton Wanderers were a club in distress. With an aging stadium and struggling in the league, chairman Gordon Hargreaves made the difficult decision to sack manager Phil Neal and employ Bruce Rioch and his assistant Colin Todd. Over the next three seasons, Bruce began to change attitudes by instilling a new mentality. Working his players hard on the pitch and restricting their lives off it, Bruce won the hearts of players and fans alike. With his blend of youth and experience, Bruce took Bolton on incredible cup runs with attractive attacking football that finally brought the crowds back to Burnden Park. The story ended with yet another cup run and two trips to Wembley, including one of the most dramatic comebacks of all time. Sadly, the celebrations were cut short as Bruce Rioch left to join Arsenal, but his legacy lives on.

USA 94 - Matthew Evans - Bog - Pitch Publishing Ltd - Booktok.dk

A group of volunteers begged, borrowed and remortgaged a house on their way to convincing FIFA to hand them the keys to the 1994 World Cup. When they got the green light, the USA was tasked with presenting the greatest show on earth to a nation of non-believers, with a press corps just waiting for them to fail. Six years later, the country famed for its glitz, glamour and razzmatazz delivered a glorious summer of memorable kits and billowing goal nets, confounding the doubters as they shattered attendance records and drew fans in their millions. The full-throttle journey to the global phenomenon that football is today had begun. It was a tale of two missed penalties, a car chase, internal politics, triumph and tragedy in equal measure. Heroes were born, dreams were shattered and for many life would never be the same. If Italia 90 unlocked the door to the modern game, then USA 94 kicked it open and nailed it to the wall. The revolution was here, and it was televised.