England's Greatest Defender

England's Greatest Defender
Author: Alfie Potts Harmer
Publisher: eBook Partnership
Total Pages: 263
Release: 2019-08-15
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 1913227243

Almost universally considered the greatest defender England has ever produced by those who saw him play, Neil Franklin was a football superstar in the 40s and 50s whose name has never taken its rightful place amongst other football legends of our time. Capped 27 times by England, setting a record for consecutive England appearances, Franklin sent shockwaves through the British game when he left Britain for Bogota in 1950, just months before England were set to make their World Cup debut in Brazil. Whilst the national team proceeded to be humiliated by the United States in South America, trying out ten inferior centre-halves over the next four years and suffering two devastating defeats at the hands of the Hungarians, football in England would never be the same again. This meticulously researched and fascinating book gives Neil Franklin the place in sporting history that he deserves.

Alfred the Great

Alfred the Great
Author: Eleanor Shipley Duckett
Publisher: University of Chicago Press
Total Pages: 241
Release: 2014-12-10
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 022622919X

From the author of The Gateway to the Middle Ages, “a fascinating portrait of an enlightened monarch against a background of darkness and ignorance” (Kirkus Reviews). Filled with drama and action, here is the story of the ninth-century life and times of Alfred—warrior, conqueror, lawmaker, scholar, and the only king whom England has ever called “The Great.” Based on up-to-date information on ninth-century history, geography, philosophy, literature, and social life, it vividly presents exciting views of Alfred in every stage of his long career and leaves the reader with a sharply etched picture of the world of the Middle Ages.

Men in Blazers Present Gods of Soccer

Men in Blazers Present Gods of Soccer
Author: Roger Bennett
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Total Pages: 226
Release: 2022-10-11
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 1797208039

From the hosts of the popular podcast and tv show Men in Blazers, comes their completely scientific, 100% definitive, defend-to-the-death list of the greatest soccer players of all time. Every fan has their own list of the 100 soccer players they consider the greatest ever to play the game. A list based on triumphs, sublime moments of skill, superhuman tenacity, and telenovela-esque backstories. To the list-maker, that 100 feels objective. Unequivocal. An absolute truth. This is one such list. Written with the same signature Men in Blazers humor found in their New York Times bestseller Encyclopedia Blazertannica, and accompanied by Nate Kitch's iconic photographic illustrations, Men in Blazers share the stories of household names like David Beckham and Alex Morgan, along with cult icons such as Garrincha, the Brazilian star of the 1960s who was born with one leg six inches shorter than the other, and Briana Scurry, a trailblazer who paved a path for young Black soccer-playing women. Page by page, you will revel in the depictions of players you adore, discover tales you have never heard, and experience vivid stories of dreams, loyalty, perseverance, creativity, and luck. Together, they form an alternative telling of the history of soccer, tracing the evolution of the men's and women's games around the globe, one unlikely, unbelievable, unforgettable career at a time. Thanks to the transcendent career arcs depicted within, Gods of Soccer is rife with tales that will make readers' hearts soar. Encourage them to dream. And then quickly rush off to make their own lists. FOR READERS OF: Complete Book of Soccer, The Baseball 100, Encyclopedia Blazertannica, and Reborn in the USA A COMPANION TO MEN IN BLAZERS PODCAST AND SHOWS: This is the perfect companion for avid fans of the Men in Blazers podcast, one of the largest soccer podcasts in the world, and their weekly NBC show. A GREAT GIFT: Surprise the soccer fans in your life or introduce someone to the sport with God's of Soccer. This will make a fantastic gift for both novice and die-hard players and soccer fans of all ages.

Super Squad

Super Squad
Author: Colin Whelan
Publisher: Troubador Publishing Ltd
Total Pages: 93
Release: 2024-11-28
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 1836286953

Super Squad tells the story of those 23 footballers in the 1960s and 70s, who had the greatest influence on English football; and how that influence laid the path for football as it is today. Football fans of the time witnessed the English First Division produce the two greatest English players and the two greatest Scottish players ever - and one George Best. But we also witnessed the ‘pioneers’; those players who did something for the very first time. The book deals with the significance of the abolition of the ‘maximum wage’ and the almost immediate effect it had on the game, the salaries and transfer fees. The book also touches upon the huge influence of television – both colour and black and white - during this time. This isn’t just the story of those players, who stood out through their greatness alone. This is also the story about the players who were overlooked, the players who were unfairly mocked and the players who were forgotten - Super Squad seeks to honour their legacy.

CB Fry: King Of Sport - England's Greatest All Rounder; Captain of Cricket, Star Footballer and World Record Holder

CB Fry: King Of Sport - England's Greatest All Rounder; Captain of Cricket, Star Footballer and World Record Holder
Author: Iain Wilton
Publisher: Metro Publishing
Total Pages: 651
Release: 2014-08-31
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 184358686X

Charles Burgess Fry, known as C. B. Fry was an English polymath; an outstanding sportsman, politician, diplomat, academic, teacher, writer, editor and publisher, who is best remembered for his career as a cricketer. Fry's achievements on the sporting field included representing England at both cricket and football, an F.A. Cup Final appearance for Southampton F.C. and equalling the then world record for the long jump. But he was much more than a sportsman. He won a major scholarship to Oxford, where his friends numbered Max Beerbohm, Hilaire Belloc, and F.E. Smith. He wrote several books, including an autobiography and a novel, and he was one of the most successful journalists of his day. He was a friend of many prominent Labour and Liberal politicians, but flirted with Fascism, meeting Hitler in 1934. He tried out for Hollywood, represented India at the League of Nations, and stood for Parliament three times. 'A most incredible man . . . the most variously gifted Englishman of any age . . . the pre-eminent all-rounder, not merely of his own age but, so far as is measurable, of all English history.' John Arlott; 'This is a well-researched, well-rounded picture of one of England's great sporting heroes.' - Jeremy Paxman, Mail on Sunday; 'He has written what should come to be regarded as one of the very best sporting biographies. I could not put it down.' - Michael Kennedy, Sunday Telegraph; 'This is a book that rises to its subject's level in fascination, entertainment and brilliance.' - Tim Rice, Literary Review

England's World Cup Story

England's World Cup Story
Author: Andy Groom
Publisher: Andrews UK Limited
Total Pages: 196
Release: 2011-09-27
Genre: Sports & Recreation
ISBN: 1908582545

Are you a loyal England supporter? Do you look forward to the World Cup and eagerly follow England's progress? Would you like to find out more about the history of your national team and their past performance in top flight football? If so, this book is certain to appeal to you. England's World Cup Story documents England’s journey in the World Cup from 1950 under the guidance of Sir Walter Winterbottom up to 2010 with Fabio Capello at the helm as manager. Packed with fascinating facts, quotes and profiles of many of the all-time great players, this book tells the story of the England team through the years from the many near misses and disappointments to victory in 1966 and beyond. Who can forget the likes of Gordon Banks, Bobby Moore and Sir Stanley Matthews to name but a few? They are all in this book together with more recent heroes such as David Beckham, Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney. As one of only eight national sides to have lifted the World Cup trophy, this book is a fitting tribute to the England team. This is a must-have for all fans of the beautiful game and anyone with an interest in the history of the World Cup.

English and British History in 100 Bite-size Chunks

English and British History in 100 Bite-size Chunks
Author: Paul Hodson
Publisher: Troubador Publishing Ltd
Total Pages: 392
Release: 2020-08-25
Genre: History
ISBN: 1838595406

Very often, history is thought of as that lesson we suffered through at school, made into boring facts and figures rather than the rich and interesting tales that actually comprise it. In English and British History in 100 Bite-size Chunks, history is enlivened and broken down into readable ‘chunks’ that anyone can read, and learn, at their leisure. Beginning at the beginning, with the physical formation of these lands, it ends where we are now, with our current lifestyle, government, society, beliefs, complexities, fears and hopes. It charts the development of England’s characteristics through the great and the good, and ordinary men and women; those who often get the glory and those who lived lives more hidden from history’s storytellers. It brings to life people, places, events and ideas; and successes and failures. This is not a story of England in splendid isolation but a more rounded picture touching on the influences from and on other places and nations, for good or bad, near and far in geography and time. 100 Bitesize Chunks are followed by a recognition of historic themes and some conclusions, and just a glimpse of the possible future history of a nation. A commentary on history itself, how we know, how ‘history works’, what we think of it, and how we care for it – or don’t care for it, this book is an encouragement to study history actively through the evidence we can see and touch and interpret, in museums and in its real locations. Ideal for anyone returning to history or for an enthusiast!

Carra: My Autobiography

Carra: My Autobiography
Author: Jamie Carragher
Publisher: Random House
Total Pages: 434
Release: 2008-09-11
Genre: Biography & Autobiography
ISBN: 1407038931

For the Anfield faithful, Jamie Carragher represents everything that is great about Liverpool Football Club, prompting the Kop to sing 'we all dream of a team of Carraghers'. The club's vice-captain, longest-serving player and one of a select band of players to have made more than 500 appearances for the Reds, Carra never gives less than 100 per cent for the cause. He is the embodiment of old-fashioned football values - a rarity in the modern game - honest and uncompromising. In Carra: My Autobiography, the Liverpool defender takes us deep into the heart of Anfield, into the club's past glories and its uncertain future. In his typically down-to-earth style, Carra reveals what made him discard his blue Evertonian roots to become a fully fledged Red, how he mended his wild ways to become a true professional and a multiple trophy-winner, and the truth about a succession of managers - Evans, Houllier, Benítez - in the hottest seat in football. A Scouser through and through, Carra also has some forthright views on the England team, and tells why he rejected calls to return to the international fold. Full of sensational stories and controversial opinions, of glory and heartbreak on and off the pitch, Carra: My Autobiography is a football book unlike any other. The authentic voice of Anfield, Carra is one of the Bootroom Boys in true Liverpool tradition, and is as committed on the page as in every game he has played.

Best Men's Players of World Soccer

Best Men's Players of World Soccer
Author: Luke Hanlon
Publisher: ABDO
Total Pages: 51
Release: 2023-12-15
Genre: Juvenile Nonfiction
ISBN:

Though soccer is a true team sport, one superstar can often make the difference between winning and losing. And in the world's most popular game, the players who thrive at the top levels become true sports icons. This title introduces readers to the all-time greats of soccer, whose skills, determination, and leadership have helped them reach the top. The title features informative sidebars, exciting photos, a glossary, and an index. SportsZone is an imprint of Abdo Publishing, a division of ABDO.