We have to say that we were a little skeptical when we saw that another “math book” involving soccer was coming out. That has been done before and quite well, but this time was an even better experience thanks to David Sumpter’s Soccermatics. Cover Art Courtesy of Bloomsbury Publishing Touted as a “mathematical adventure through the beautiful game,” this title certainly lives up to and exceeds expectations. The biggest positive for this book is that it is approachable, certainly much more than Soccernomics from Simon
Graphic Courtesy of Subside Sports The summer of 2016 is going to be an epic summer for the beautiful game. The anticipation and excitement surrounding the Copa America Centenario, the Euros, and the International Champions Cup is best described as being World Cup-worthy. A great way to enjoy these great events is to get some new gear from our friends at Subside Sports. Since 2009, Subside has been a massive supporter of our work and we truly believe no one does football
Cover Art Courtesy of Amberley Publishing Footballer Alan Shearer and author Tony Matthews have something in common. It’s the word prolific. Shearer scored 379 goals over 734 appearances, spending time with the likes of Southampton, Blackburn Rovers, and Newcastle United in addition to representing England at the international level. Matthews, on the other hand, has penned over 125 books on the subject of football, more than any other UK-based writer. We’ve loved Matthews’ titles in the past and that is still the case with
The involvement of Jews as players, administrators, and owners in English football is a story that deserves to be told, a story that needs more attention. Does Your Rabbi Know You’re Here? by Anthony Clavane does exactly that, shining a spotlight on the subject. Cover Art Courtesy of Quercus/Hachette Book Group This title features incredibly interesting content and is well-written in every regard. Incredible one-of-a-kind photographs are a perfect complement to a plethora of great stories. Clavane keeps things organized, splitting
Cover Art Provided by Dufour Editions We’re trying to diversify a bit here at ISN, adding rugby and Gaelic football to our offerings. So it was fitting that we tackle a review of Mary White’s Relentless: The Inside Story of the Cork Ladies Footballers from Currach Press/Dufour Editions. Obviously this book is about women’s Gaelic football and a dynasty in Irish sport. We are, after all, talking about a team that won ten All-Ireland titles in eleven years. But success wasn’t
Everyone can agree that the global game is not perfect. There are a lot of issues facing the sport at the current time with corruption, match-fixing, and spoiled millionaire superstars among the biggest. But no problem is more pressing than the trafficking and exploitation of young players. It’s a truly disturbing and sickening issue, one that hasn’t gotten the attention it truly deserves. Cover Art Courtesy of Bloomsbury The Lost Boys: Inside Football’s Slave Trade by Ed Hawkins is an absolutely
The journey of Welsh football is a fascinating story, one that deserves to be told. The Dragon Roars Again tells the story from the perspective of a supporter, someone that has lived through the highs and lows of the Welsh game. Luckily for author Jamie Thomas, he happens to be writing during one of the high points. Wales is, after all, returning to a major international tournament after a 58-year absence. Thomas is a brilliant young author, one that tackled the story
Goughy: A Tough Nut to Crack (Y Lolfa/Dufour Editions) is the story of a great journey, a rugby journey to be more precise. It follows Ian Gough through what can be easily be labelled as a roller coaster ride of sport, one that included massive victories and winning hardware as well as big defeats and bitter disappointments. Simply put, Gough’s career wasn’t easy or free of difficult moments. Photo Credit: Y Lolfa/Dufour Editions Gough was there for all the big moments of modern Welsh
Why is God is Round: Tackling the Giants, Villains, Triumphs, and Scandals of the World’s Favorite Game by Juan Villoro the most anticipated football title of 2016? Cover Art Courtesy of Restless Books There are a number of good reasons. First, the book features a wide range of essays from Juan Villoro, Mexico’s most popular author. He also happens to be the region’s top football expert as well as an award-winning playwright, journalist, and screenwriter. He is known around the world as a top literary mind
