We’ve pulled together a selection of our favourite books for football fans this Christmas.
For shoppers stuck for last-minute Christmas gifts for their football-mad loved one, a book centred around their favourite club or player could do the trick. With less than a fortnight to go until the big day, we’ve pulled together a list of our favourite books published by Reach Sport.
Among them is the Sunday Times best-selling memoir by England legend Paul ‘Gazza’ Gascoigne, released 35 years after the iconic Italia 90 World Cup. There’s also options for Manchester United and Liverpool fans packed with insightful tales from some of the clubs’ most legendary eras.
We’ve also found several discounts up for grabs when shopping at Amazon, with select titles now less than £6. Just remember that, while Amazon offers an estimated delivery date for orders, select titles may not be dispatched immediately.
Here’s a selection of our favourite football books this Christmas.
Paul Gascoigne – Eight
Described as honest, raw, moving and ultimately uplifting, Eight is England legend Paul Gascoigne’s legacy. Once described as the most gifted English footballer of all time, Gazza’s memoir looks back on his meteoric journey to the pinnacle of world football, the struggles he faced and his battle to rise up once again.
Released 35 years after Italia 90 that saw Gazza hit dizzying heights and become internationally famous, Paul is still a household name and someone who transcends football. As Paul moves forward with his life, he is now able to look back at it with a renewed sense of self, and a better grasp of what was really happening at the time.
Eight – £10.88 at Amazon, £16.99 at Waterstones.
Arne Slot – Notes on a Season
Liverpool fans can relive the club’s historic 20th league title through the eyes of head coach Arne Slot. After a stunning debut season in the Premier League, the new Reds boss confounded the pundits to help Liverpool win the title in dominant fashion.
Notes on a Season is the comprehensive collection of the Dutchman’s thoughts and opinions as the season unfolded, the foundation of which is his matchday programme notes from every Anfield fixture. The book includes post-match reaction and stats from every home and away game, including when Liverpool secured the Premier League trophy following their dismantling of Tottenham Hotspur in April.
Notes on a Season – £5.98 at Amazon, £11.99 at LFC Store.
Manchester United – United Chronicles
United Chronicles takes young readers on a journey through the highs, lows and most unforgettable moments of Manchester United’s incredible history. It goes right back to the club’s humble beginnings as a railway workers’ team in 1878 through to becoming one of the biggest clubs in world football.
This illustrated story is ideal for younger fans to learn all about the magic, pride, and passion of Man United. With it, readers can learn about the club’s greatest teams and iconic managers, relive famous goals, dramatic matches and glorious trophy triumphs.
United Chronicles – £12.44 at Amazon, £13 at United Store.
Dan Kay – LFC Stories
This Liverpool FC book was penned by journalist and campaigner Dan Kay, a driving force in the fight for justice following the 1989 Hillsborough disaster. Throughout his career, the former Liverpool ECHO journalist wrote precisely-crafted and captivating player profiles of the biggest characters in the club’s history.
LFC Stories is a collection of those profiles capturing the good, the bad, the ugly and the legendary. Alongside Bob Paisley, Graeme Souness and a host of other trophy-laden tales, Dan delves deep into the bizarre world of Mario Balotelli and Andy Carroll while explaining why one Champions League winning full-back disappeared.
This edition of LFC Stories also features a foreword by Sir Kenny Dalglish in tribute to Dan, who died aged 45 in 2023.
LFC Stories – £12.15 at Amazon, £14.99 at Waterstones.
Ian Holloway – The (mostly) Football World According to Ollie
Beloved manager Ian Holloway has been dubbed as ‘inspirational’ by those who played for him, a ‘genius’ by those who owned the clubs he managed and a loveable rogue by football fans. Now, he turns his wisdom and passion for the game into a reflection of football only he could provide.
The (mostly) Football World According to Ollie covers more than 100 topics, from VAR to the Saudi Pro League, FFP to man-buns, playing from the back, pundits, and American ownership. Add in the curveballs like fishing, dad dancing, karaoke and his love of women’s football for an ideal gift for any football fan.
The (mostly) Football World According to Ollie – £6.31 at Amazon, £12.99 at Waterstones.
David Murray – Mettle: Tragedy, Courage and Titles
Former Rangers chairman Sir David Murray has been a towering figure in Scottish business, sport and philanthropy for 50 years. Mettle: Tragedy, Courage and Titles is touted as a remarkable tale of never-say-die triumph over unimaginable adversity.
Aged 24, Sir David was involved in an horrific car crash in which he lost both of his legs. In the aftermath, when he finally pulled through, he had stark choices to make.
Then, in 1988, he became the owner of Ranger and oversaw an unprecedented era of success that included some memorable European campaigns, all while rubbing shoulders with the likes of Paul Gascoigne, Graeme Souness and Sir Sean Connery.
Mettle: Tragedy, Courage and Titles – £17 at Amazon, £20.99 at Bookshop.org.
