The Manager: The Absurd Ascent of the Most Important Man in Football

An affectionate look at the changing role, status, and style of the football manager since the dawn of  the professional era, this book describes in detail the journey from man with sponge—and perhaps a medicine ball—through flamboyant medallion-wearing eccentric, to handsome celebrity millionaire fronting up a UN anti-landmine campaign. Football journalist Barney Ronay writes hilariously about this transition, examining the indiosyncrasies of some of our favorite gaffers along the way and unearthing a wealth of previously unknown anecdotes as well.