How to Be a Footballer

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The book is packed with lots of amusing stories including the drinking cultures within the clubs he played at, great times under Martin O’Neill and his international career with the Turkish national side.

The author was right to drop strict chronology and instead, in his own words, make “each chapter about a different piece of him”. But the tragic story of Robert Enke, so expertly told by Reng, demonstrates that the stereotype of the armour-plated "tough guy" footballer is a frequently misleading and dangerous one. One of the last ‘old-school’ footballers, Bullard’s enthusiasm for the game is infectious and he never took his privileged position for granted. I think this is the first football book I’ve come across that is written in verse and and I love how it shows a young footballer’s discovery of the power of words.When Jimmy Rabbitte Sr ploughs his unemployment money into a rundown fish-and-chip van, he unwittingly inspires the writing of every one of my books. He appears in the Sao Paulo carnival for the samba school of Corinthians’ hardcore fans, wearing purple feathers. Although the majority of the book details the funnier things that happened during his time as a footballer, Bullard also describes the heartbreak of the serious knee injuries that plagued him throughout his colourful career. A heartfelt memoir from the former Liverpool, Spurs and England midfielder Jamie Redknapp, this book looks back upon a playing career which had some extraordinary highs and a fair amount of lows. This isn’t one of the longest football books and you’ll find it really easy to read so don’t be surprised if you finish it within a couple of days.

Hornby doesn’t hold back from elucidating how irrational the life of a football fan can become as the fixtures begin to govern his own relationships with those close to him.

However, my favourite football books for children tackle much more: they explore issues ranging from friendship and family upheaval to discrimination and financial hardship. My sometime colleagues from Nutmeg magazine have produced a beautiful, evocative, gritty love-letter to the Scottish game. It’s less well known than A Kestrel For a Knave and I’m perhaps the only person in the world who thinks it’s better.

Dig deeper and you’ll find books framed against the game’s irrational passions and ambitions that are among the best books written about anything.Sir Alex also breaks down the psychology of management and football strategies at the top-level in a way that a general reader can easily comprehend. The poetic tale explores the emotions and experiences of a young boy as he navigates family upheaval, bullying and his first crush. This book can be compared to how Steven Gerrard led his footballing career, no-nonsense, straight-laced and relatively drama free – this is not one of those football books which lift the lid on scandal and secrets.