A Journey Through the World's Most Captivating Football Clashes
288 pages
11 hours of reading
Exploring the intense rivalries in football, this book delves into the historical and cultural significance of classic derbies. It examines how deep-seated animosities, often rooted in politics, geography, or religion, shape these fierce contests. The narrative highlights the violent nature of these clashes while emphasizing their importance in the sport's tradition and identity.
The Number Ten is an enlightening and entertaining study of the classic
playmakers. Andy Bollen forensically details their win-at-all-costs mentality,
their twisted logic and drive to overcome adversity. He discusses their lives,
careers, artistry, genius and creativity but also their destructive brutality.
Bollen delves into the archives of European football to offer an alternative
take on the game, covering match-fixing, bribery, extortion and murder. The
mavericks, game-changers and unknown heroes are all here. Bollen again proves
he's the ideal curator: passionate, meticulously informed and funny. It's a
book for every curious football fan.
In 1983 Cruyff was discarded by Ajax and signed for rivals Feyenoord, leading
them to a double. Fierce Genius analyses this incredible season, as Cruyff
evolves from player to coach. Packed with fascinating insight, kidnappings,
bankruptcy, football revolution, and a ferocious drive for perfection. This is
a compelling and poignant read.
Andy Bollen has created a fantasy football museum to collect together a
treasure trove of Scottish football exhibits. Taking a satirical swipe at the
beautifully flawed game, A History of Scottish Football in 100 Objects covers
the mayhem, mavericks and bric-a-brac from the magic sponge, to the pie, hair
weaves to tattoos.
Afforded the kind ofaccess a journalist can only dream of, Andy Bollen gives fansanew story focusing on the real Kurt Cobain not the angst-ridden, troubled rock star of folklore, the kind and humorous Kurt the world seldom sawWhen Nirvana first exploded onto the music scene in 1991, few people could have predicted their subsequent global impact, or thatthe band's lead singer Kurt Cobain would betransformed into one of music's most enduring and iconic figures. As drummer for the British group Captain America, one of the two support bands on Nirvana's Nevermind UK tour, Andy Bollen had a ringside seat at the exact moment that Nirvana went massive. Afforded intimate access, Bollen wrote his own personal diary in Nirvana's dressing room, wherehe spoke candidly to Cobain from his fears of losing original fans to his love of the Bay City Rollers. He saw firsthand how Nirvana worked, the relationships that made them tick, and the dynamic that made them one of the great bands.This is a warm, affectionate, funny, and, at times, brutally honest account, written by a guy on the periphery, perfectly positioned to observe. Drawing on thediaries he kept at the time, the book brings to life a pivotal moment in rock history, making it a must-read for Nirvana fans and lovers of iconic rock stories. The author also includes his own photographs which have never been seen before."