Given its ability to inflame passions, it is little wonder that professional football is one of the most written about subjects in the world.
With that in mind, we have scoured the internet to produce this list of ten football books every fan should read to broaden their knowledge about the beautiful game.
Provided You Don’t Kiss Me: 20 Years With Brian Clough – Duncan Hamilton
Duncan Hamilton was one of the luckiest journalists on the planet, as he was able to hone his craft when Brian Clough was in his pomp as Nottingham Forest manager.
‘Provided You Don’t Kiss Me’ is packed with heartfelt anecdotes which provide an accurate character study of a man who is one of the greatest managers in English football.
Manchester United, The Treble and All That – Matt Dickinson
Manchester United etched their name into the record books by lifting the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League trophies in the 1998/99 season.
The Times’ football writer Matt Dickinson takes a deep dive into the season which cemented Sir Alex Ferguson’s status as a Man United legend.
Ultra – Tobias Jones
Italy has historically struggled to keep a lid on hooliganism, with the nation’s right-wing political leanings having a strong influence on football ‘fans’.
Author Tobias Jones’ superb investigation into what makes Italy’s ultras tick deservedly won the Telegraph Football Book of the Year Award in 2020.
The Bottom Corner: Hope, Glory and Non-League Football – Nige Tassell
A sizeable number of fans think football starts and finishes with top competitions such as the Premier League, but nothing could be further from the truth.
Non-league football is an essential part of the football pyramid and is lovingly given its moment in the spotlight courtesy of Nige Tassell’s ‘The Bottom Corner’.
The Damned Utd – David Peace
Clough features for a second time in our list of must-read football books, although the period it covers is not one which the former Forest manager relished.
The Damned Utd fictionalises Clough’s ill-fated 44-day stint as Leeds United manager and his ongoing rivalry with bitter adversary Don Revie.
The Boy on the Shed – Paul Ferris
‘The Boy on the Shed’ chronicles four key elements of Paul Ferris’ upbringing – his mother’s ill health, the Troubles in Northern Ireland, the Catholic Church and football.
Ferris was once compared to George Best, but injuries scuppered his hopes and he was forced to forge a relationship with football in other ways.
A Life Too Short – Ronald Reng
German author tells the sad story of his lifelong friend Robert Enke, who struggled badly with depression before taking his own life in 2009.
The former German goalkeeper played for several top clubs and had a family he adored, but he was unable to overcome his mental health issues.
Alex Ferguson: My Autobiography – Sir Alex Ferguson
No list of must-read football books would be complete without the inclusion of something documenting Sir Alex Ferguson’s glittering career.
The legendary manager shares insights into his childhood, playing career, early years in management with Aberdeen and his glory period with the Red Devils.
My Wrexham Story – Paul Mullin
Wrexham’s rise from non-league football to the third tier of English football has been well documented in the superb documentary television series ‘Welcome to Wrexham’.
Striker Paul Mullin has been a key component of the Welsh club’s resurgence and his book ‘My Wrexham Story’ offers superb insights into their collective journey.
McIlvanney on Football – Hugh McIlvanney
Every budding sports journalist should set aside time to read content written by Hugh McIlvanney. In simple terms, the Kilmarnock-born writer was a master of his craft.
His book ‘McIlvanney on Football’ is football writing at its finest, offering stunningly composed insights into the sports’ biggest characters and clubs.
