Sportsbiografier

Derek Dougan was no ordinary footballer and the story of his life is a fascinating study of the evolution of his sport over several decades. A flamboyant centre-forward who scored more than 200 goals, he demanded a transfer on the eve of an FA Cup final, was involved in a fatal car crash and fell out with various clubs. Even his Wembley winner's medal with Wolves was earned against a backdrop of resentment and battles. As players' union chief and club administrator, he was involved in some of professional football's most significant developments of the past 40 years. In Sunshine or In Shadow reveals the darkness and light of Derek Dougan, and the drive and demons that kept him fighting to the very end.Key features- Derek Dougan asked respected sports author David Tossell to work with him on a new autobiography, but died before they could begin work on the book- In Sunshine or In Shadow is the result of the year after Dougan's death Tossell spent retracing the steps of his life- The book travels from Dougan's roots in Belfast through his playing career to the battles he waged as a football executive and campaigning chairman of the PFA- With unprecedented access to family members, the book includes more than 70 new interviews with Dougan's team-mates, family, friends - and enemies- The result is the definitive account of one of football's most contradictory and iconic figures

USA Best Books Award FINALIST - 2016"e;A British "e;karateka"e; offers a bone-crushing, lip-splitting, and often elegant memoir of a tough guy searching for higher meaning through the study of martial arts."e;"e;In this memoir describing how karate turned his life around, Clarke displays passion and grit in spades."e;Michael Clarke was an angry, vicious kid, a street fighter. He grew up in the late sixties and early seventies in Manchester, England, in a tough neighborhood where, he writes, "e;Prostitutes worked the pavement opposite my home, illegal bookmakers took bets in back alley cellars, and street brawls were commonplace."e;He left school at fifteen and began his education as a pugilist on the streets. He fought in bars and clubs, at football matches, in parks, and in bus stations-and he was good. He reveled in the victories and the admiration they brought. It was a life of knuckles and teeth, of broken bones and torn flesh-and the arrests that followed. Clarke was seventeen when a judge sentenced him to two years in Strangeways Prison, an infamous place also known as "e;psychopath central."e; In prison he resolved to change his life and stay out of trouble, but trouble was everywhere. He discovered a world of violent gangs, abusive guards, and inmates engaged in an endless struggle for dominance. Strangeways was a place where a person could get stabbed to death for taking the bigger piece of toast. In time Clarke was released, but the transition was difficult and he almost fought his way back to prison. Then one night he entered a karate dojo and his life changed forever. He began a lifetime pursuit of budo, the martial way. He sought knowledge, studied with masters, and traveled to Okinawa, the birthplace of karate. Redemption: A Street Fighter's Path to Peace is a true account of youth wasted and life reclaimed. Michael Clarke reminds us that martial arts are not simply about punching and kicking. They forge the spirit, temper the will, and reveal our true nature.

The incredible rags to riches story of one of the world's greatest motorcycle racers.

Now in paperback, updated with an afterword and new photos.One of the most respected and successful basketball coaches in the nation, Coach Roy Williams has traveled an unlikely path. In Hard Work he tells the story of his life, from his turbulent childhood through a coaching career with the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. With his new afterword, Williams takes us past the two NCAA championship titles to the subsequent 2010 season, its shake-up losses, the unexpected departure of key players, and on to a new season of coaching some of the most dazzling young players in the countryand a surprising ACC championship.Williams recounts his rough early years; his long tenure as head coach at the University of Kansas; how he recruits, teaches, and motivates his players; how hes shepherded teams through some of the most nail-biting games at both Kansas and UNC; and how he suffered through one of the roughest seasons of his tenure and came out on the other side to be awarded 2011 ACC Coach of the Year.

On 20 October 2007 Mike Catt MBE made history by becoming the oldest player to appear in a World Cup Final. It was also to be his last game for England in an international career stretching back 14 years in which he was awarded 75 caps.The occasion England against South Africa completed an extraordinary renaissance for the then 36-year-old whose international career had appeared to be over after he helped England win the 2003 World Cup in Australia. Earlier in 2007 he was not only recalled but appointed captain by head coach Brian Ashton. For a player famously run over by Jonah Lomu in the 1995 World Cup it was a remarkable comeback. In LANDING ON MY FEET Catt gives unprecedented access to his personal highs and lows and takes a look at the glorious highlights and the difficult setbacks of his professional career.LANDING ON MY FEET is a refreshingly honest and personal story of fourteen years at the top of international and club rugby from one of the most distinguished and respected players in the game.

Dayn Perry, a damn fine writer, brings an insightful, fresh analysis to the career of Mr. October.Peter Golenbock, author of George: The Poor Little Rich Boy Who Built the Yankee EmpireFoxSports.com baseball analyst and author of Winners: How Good Baseball Teams Become Great Ones, Dayn Perry brings us Reggie Jackson in all his glorya thrilling, in-depth biography of the controversial New York Yankee slugger. A monumental sports story filled with such stellar baseball names as George Steinbrenner, Billy Martin, Jim Catfish Hunter, Thurman Munson, and Bucky Dent, Reggie Jackson is the first to cover the entire career of the colorful, outspoken athlete whom The Sporting News listed as one of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players of all time.

In 1999 British mountaineer Nigel Vardy lost all his toes, fingertips and suffered severe heel damage trapped overnight in a savage, life-threatening storm below the summit of Mt. McKinley, North America's highest mountain. This is an inspiring, highly-readable personal account of how he went on to climb the highest mountains on the world's seven largest islands, from the frozen Arctic to jungle-clad active volcanoes, despite his foot damage that would have crippled most of us. Nigel epitomises the life principle that "e;The only limits in our lives are those we accept ourselves"e;, challenging each of us to examine our own lives and goals once again.

Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jeffrey Marx, The Long Snapper chronicles one of the most improbable and inspirational sports stories of our time. Marx, the New York Times bestselling author of Season of Life, tells of Brian Kinchens remarkable journey from Bible teacher to New England Patriot to Super Bowl champion in this transcendent tale of football and faith.

Ever since his astonishing victory in the 1991 PGA Championship, John Daly, known affectionately on the PGA Tour as "e;Big 'Un,"e; has enthralled fans with his big drives, bigger personality, and "e;Grip It and Rip It"e; approach to golf -- and to life.Long John, usually seen with a Marlboro Light dangling from his lip, is the unchained, unpredictable, unapologetic bad boy of professional golf. "e;The only rules I follow,"e; JD likes to say, "e;are the Rules of Golf."e;Daly's play-it-as-it-lays approach drives My Life in and out of the Rough, a thrillingly -- and sometimes shockingly -- candid memoir of a larger-than-life athlete battling assorted addictions (alcohol, gambling, chocolate, sex), his weight, and, perhaps worst of all, divorce lawyers. (He's been married four times.)A two-time major winner before he turned thirty, John Daly is one of the most popular athletes in the world. Taking readers with him off the fairway and into his $1.5-million motor home for a rollicking ride through his life -- an ever-churning world of booze, burgers, casinos, country music, and breathtaking moonshots -- Daly reveals how a down-home Everyman from Arkansas managed to rise to the peak of the golf world, escape from the depths of abject depression, and, finally, take control of his life. Well, sort of.

A true-life sporting memoir of one of the best batsman in the game who stunned the cricket world when he prematurely ended his own England career. Trescothick's brave and soul-baring account of his mental frailties opens the way to a better understanding of the unique pressures experienced by modern-day professional sportsmen.At 29, Marcus Trescothick was widely regarded as one of the batting greats. With more than 5,000 Test runs to his name and a 2005 Ashes hero, some were predicting this gentle West Country cricket nut might even surpass Graham Gooch's record to become England's highest ever Test run scorer.But the next time Trescothick hit the headlines it was for reasons no one but a handful of close friends and colleagues could have foreseen.On Saturday 25 February 2006, four days before leading England into the first Test against India in place of the injured captain Vaughan, Trescothick was out for 32 in the second innings of the final warm-up match. As he walked from the field he fought to calm the emotional storm that was raging inside him, at least to hide it from prying eyes. In the dressing room he broke down in tears, overwhelmed by a blur of anguish, uncertainty and sadness he had been keeping at bay for longer than he knew.Within hours England's best batsman was on the next flight home. His departure was kept secret until after close of play when coach Duncan Fletcher told the stunned media his acting captain had quit the tour for 'personal, family reasons.'Until now, the full, extraordinary story of what happened that day and why, of what preceded his breakdown has never been told. He reveals for the first time that he almost flew home from the 2004 tour to South Africa - of what caused it and of what followed - his comeback to the England side and a second crushing breakdown nine months later that left him unable to continue the 2006-07 Ashes tour down under.Coming Back to Me will replace the myths and rumours with the truth as Trescothick talks with engaging openness and enthusiasm about his rise to the top of international cricket; and describes with equal frankness his tortured descent into private despair.

Hilarious, brutally honest and controversial, this bestselling memoir follows one of hockey's most colourful characters through his twenty years in the business-on the ice and offWhether he was scoring top-shelf goals or crushing an opponent into the boards, Jeremy Roenick-widely known as J.R.-was never shy about the way he played hockey. As much as he mixed it up in front of the net, J.R., an NHL veteran of twenty years with five different teams, often found himself in the middle of controversy off theice as well. Above all else, J.R. was an entertainer, never afraid to dance on the blue line to liven up a game or to spend time with the fans. Now, as a hockey broadcaster and media personality, Roenick continues to inspire debate as he lights up call-in show phone lines with his rare mix of raw wit and cutting commentary.In J.R., Roenick reveals all, from his early hockey days commuting to games across the continent; to his time with the Chicago Blackhawks, the Philadelphia Flyers and his other teams; to skating with the American team in international competition; to acting as judge on Battle of the Blades. Elaborating on the events and opinions that he is known for, including his famous media battle with Patrick Roy, his claims of a bias against American players, his accusation that USA Hockey had "blackballed" him, and his thoughts on Wayne Gretzky and the Phoenix Coyotes, Roenick tells it as only he can, in his own words.

The prize-winning RAISED A WARRIOR is Susie Petruccelli's honest, human and cathartic story of how she, as player and mother, rediscovered herself and the love of a game that almost broke her. Alongside, she examines the growth of the women's game and the issues still confronting the sport as it fights for the equalities it deserves.

Mike Torrez is remembered as the pitcher who gave up the infamous three-run homer to Bucky "Bleeping" Dent in the 1978 playoffs tie-breaker between the Red Sox and Yankees. Yet Torrez's life added up to much more than his worst moment on the mound. This book covers Torrez's life and career as the winningest Mexican American pitcher in Major League history.

In the 1970s Bruce Lee emerged as the world's greatest fighting star - an accolade he has kept ever since. He battled to succeed in America in spite of the racial prejudice that denied him a starring role, eventually making films in Hong Kong that turned him into a star - the highest-paid movie star of his day. His controversial death, at the age of thirty-two when he was at the height of his powers, has given him a James-Dean style enduring appeal. In Bruce Lee - Fighting Spirit, Bruce Thomas has written a complete account not only of Lee's life and death, but of the fighting philosophy he developed (jeet kune do) which made him the greatest exponent of martial arts in modern times. In this updated edition he reassesses Lee's skills and examines the enduring impact of his legacy - on action films and martial arts today. As an icon Bruce Lee's popularity continues to grow and this book is a fitting tribute to an extraordinary man whose achievements have never been surpassed. 'An endlessly stimulating accout of Lee's life and times' Loaded

In February 1966, two teams planned the first direct ascent of the North Face of the Eiger, long renowned as the most dangerous climb in the Swiss Alps. The race was on and triumph or tragedy awaited. Award-winning writer Peter Gillman and eminent climber Dougal Haston were both there, and Eiger Direct is their account of the epic attempt.

A larger-than-life figure who came from parks pitches to the Premier League, Paddy Kenny lifts the lid on his time in football; including conceding one of the game's most famous goals and having his eyebrow bitten off just days before facing Manchester United. This is Kenny's story... and the gloves are well and truly off.

A Million Suns is the powerful continuation to Greater Things.

If you love sports trivia, then you'll be all in for The Great Book of Football, which is a must-read for any NFL fan out there. One of the most inclusive NFL football books on the market today, it's a treasure trove of sports stories, random facts, and the most in-depth tales of the most fascinating football players who have made the NFL what it is today.Starting with the foundation of the fledgling NFL in the 1920s and leading right up the thrilling finish at the most recent Super Bowl, The Great Book of Football highlights the best players of every era, the games that separated the boys from the men, and the off-the-field shenanigans and twists of fate that have seen the league go from Midwestern distraction to international obsession. There are lots of football books out there, but The Great Book of Football takes you inside the action from the huddle to the locker room to the draft room to the owner's box. And every chapter ends with trivia questions that are sure to stump your NFL-crazy friends at your next Sunday afternoon watch party.From Red Grange and Sammy Baugh to Tom Brady and J.J. Watt, the best of every era is highlighted, analyzed, and celebrated.Learn the secrets of the unstoppable Wing-T offense; relive Broadway Joe's Namath legendary Super Bowl guarantee; go behind enemy lines to witness the birth of Pittsburgh's Steel Curtain defense; and take pride in how players, owners, and fans have responded to America's greatest battles, from World War II to Hurricane Katrina to September 11.It doesn't matter if it's Super Bowl Sunday or the heart of the offseason, The Great Book of Football is one of those NFL football books that you just won't be able to put down.

In the tradition of Phil Jackson's Eleven Rings, Nick Nurse distills the wisdom, insight, and experiences that helped him lead the Toronto Raptors to the NBA championship in his first year as head coach.

Are you looking for a one of the NBA best basketball books? One that is chock full of sports stories, like how the ABA influenced today’s NBA game? Or maybe random facts about the 1992 NBA Dream Team?Well, look no further. Proudly presenting The Great Book of Basketball, a book full of trivia questions that deal with six decades of stories that will make for fun reading and maybe create a couple of bar bets or two. And hopefully, maybe settle one or two in your favor.This is sure to be one of the best NBA basketball books out there, whether you’re in the mood to learn about how Julius Erving shifted the landscape of the ABA, digging in on the Celtics dynasties of the 1950 and 1960s, this book has a little bit of everything and goes beyond the surface of simply what was popular.And did we mention trivia questions? Of course we did! And they aren’t your run of the mill, everyone knows the answer off the top of their head sports trivia. You’ll be challenged, you’ll kick yourself for not knowing an answer or two, but you definitely won’t be bored by these questions.Whether it’s learning about “The Dunk of Death” or a little more about the early pioneers of the NBA, The Great Book of Basketball has a little something for everyone who is a fan of the orange roundie. From MJ to Magic and from LeBron to Larry Legend, there’s some stories and stats that will make you think and make you laugh.So get your copy of The Great Book of Basketball today!

The Great Book of Ice Hockey is a must for anyone who loves sports trivia. The book is a compendium of interesting facts and sport stories about the great game of ice hockey, with information about the early days before the National Hockey League (NHL) all the way to the stars of today. There are random facts about leagues, rules, coaches, players, and inside stories about the early days of the game.The answers to hundreds of trivia questions lie in these pages. Learn about foreign leagues, junior hockey, and superstars like Sidney Crosby of the Pittsburgh Penguins and Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals, and of course “The Great One,” Wayne Gretzky. You can find interesting facts about the builders of the game, including Maurice “Rocket” Richard and Coach Jack Adams, both of whom have NHL trophies named in their honor. You will meet scoring leaders, winning coaches, amazing goalies and ice hockey royalty.Whether you’re a long-time fan of ice hockey, or if you’re just looking for answers to troublesome trivia questions in your latest game of Trivial Pursuit, “The Great Book of Ice Hockey” is the book for you. Presented in a clear and engaging manner, this collection of sports trivia will give fans of ice hockey a new and entertaining set of random facts to liven up a boring day or fill the time during intermission.