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Angeball: The Definitive Biography of Ange Postecoglou
The definitive biography and ultimate origin story of Ange Postecoglou, the Premier League's most intriguing new manager and instigator of the 'Angeball' phenomenon that has taken the football world by storm.It has taken no time at all for fans of Tottenham Hotspur to fall completely in love with Ange Postecoglou and his 'Angeball' brand of front-foot football. To those who have followed his intriguing journey - from a five-year-old Greek immigrant, to a marauding left-back in the Australian National Soccer League, to a pioneering coach who has won trophies on three different continents - it is no surprise at all. 'Big Ange' did the same thing in Glasgow with Celtic (five trophies in two seasons), and in Japan with Yokohama F Marinos.Before that, he claimed four titles with his boyhood club South Melbourne, travelled the globe with Australia's junior national teams, set a national record with a 36-game unbeaten streak at Brisbane Roar, and guided the 'Socceroos' to their greatest achievement, winning the Asian Cup in 2015. Fuelled by an unshakable belief in himself and his ideas, Postecoglou's unique, mesmerising style of football is inspired by the kind of teams he would enjoy watching as a child with his father. And it works. It turns sceptics into believers and then into full-blown disciples.Drawing on dozens of interviews with Postecoglou and his players, coaches, colleagues, friends and foes, and reams of archival material, Angeball delves into the heart and soul of a man who has reshaped the football landscape. It explores the dynamics behind his coaching brilliance, his complicated relationship with the game in his homeland, and the profound impact he has had on fans worldwide.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published August 28, 2024
33 people are currently reading
119 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
January 21, 2025
Obawiałem się trochę, czy Ange Ball nie będzie pozycją hagiograficzną. Na szczęście autor przedstawia Postecoglou całościowo, obiektywnie, a przy okazji dostarcza mnóstwa wiedzy na temat futbolu w Australii. Świetnie się to czyta, Rugari używa często praesens historicum, gdy relacjonuje jak przebiegały ważne dla kariery Postecoglou mecze. Aż trudno uwierzyć, że to literacki debiut autora, mam nadzieję, że w przyszłości pojawią się kolejne projekty.
Sama historia Big Ange'a jest niezwykle inspirująca, miejscami wzruszająca, zdecydowanie warto ją poznać. Wielka szkoda, że gdy piszę te słowa, posada Postecoglou w Tottenhamie zdaje się wisieć na włosku. Ange'a polubiłem od pierwszych chwil spędzonych na stanowisku trenera Spurs, a po lekturze tej książki jeszcze bardziej życzyłbym sobie, by Australijczyk napisał kolejny pełen sukcesów rozdział swojej trenerskiej kariery.
Sama historia Big Ange'a jest niezwykle inspirująca, miejscami wzruszająca, zdecydowanie warto ją poznać. Wielka szkoda, że gdy piszę te słowa, posada Postecoglou w Tottenhamie zdaje się wisieć na włosku. Ange'a polubiłem od pierwszych chwil spędzonych na stanowisku trenera Spurs, a po lekturze tej książki jeszcze bardziej życzyłbym sobie, by Australijczyk napisał kolejny pełen sukcesów rozdział swojej trenerskiej kariery.
January 30, 2025
Wow, Vince Rugari - you have outdone yourself. Which seems all too achievable when Ange is anywhere near the scene. Feeling so lucky to experience Ange at all, never mind at my Spurs. Ange, you are a so much more than a stalwart of the Aussie soccer cause. Defining ‘Australian’ is damn hard these days but I’d put you right up there.
December 4, 2024
Absolutely one of the best biographies I’ve read, with great insight into Big Ange’s journey. Very well written and researched, especially when delving into the challenges Ange has faced throughout his career. Kudos to Vince for his efforts, as he did an incredible job of capturing Ange’s football philosophy, his unique personality and his influence on those around him. Can’t recommend enough for football fans
August 31, 2025
I would’ve LOVED to have read a version of this book written after Tottenham had won the Europa League, just to see how first-time author Rugari would have approached that. That’s the problem with contemporary biographies, I guess. But I loved this, more than I expected. Thanks Olivia for the birthday present!
‘Angeball’ covers Postecoglou’s whole career, from South Melbourne to Tottenham. I found the chapters on the Socceroos and Yokohama the most interesting, but Rugari also does a great job outlining the semi professional years of the NSL and the ethnic realities of that time. The biggest take away is that Ange has a MASSIVE chip on his shoulder, but his attitude towards Australian football and how we can be great is genuinely inspiring and shows how big his heart is for the local game. I’d love to see him return and help build it up here again now that Tottenham have given him the flick, but I do think that’s unlikely.
A few minor things frustrated me, but I understand their reasons: the book over-explains certain things that Australians, and especially Australian sporting and football fans, already know. But with Big Ange at Tottenham after a beloved stint at Celtic I’m sure this book was selling like hotcakes in the UK, so I get it.
Vince Rugari’s clearly a big fan of Ange. However I think he allowed a blind spot of Postecoglou’s to infiltrate his reporting of the Australian game regarding the Socceroos. Ange has been vocal with some cynicism following the 2015 Asian Cup victory that Australians still don’t care and the game is still yet to break the mainstream. While there’s some truth to that claim, Rugari ignores the significance of the 2022 World Cup. I was at a live site in Barangaroo in Sydney to watch the Socceroos vs Argentina Round of 16 match, and in that incredible atmosphere and on social media I could see that the whole country was jumping on board- there was broad appeal. That in many ways was a precursor to the nation’s Matilda’s captivation 6 months later. Rugari omits this from his narrative, though.
On a personal note, it was great to see my sworn nemesis, Peter FitzSimons, as the villain of this biography and of Postecoglou’s story. Big Ange still holds a grudge, and I love it!
‘Angeball’ covers Postecoglou’s whole career, from South Melbourne to Tottenham. I found the chapters on the Socceroos and Yokohama the most interesting, but Rugari also does a great job outlining the semi professional years of the NSL and the ethnic realities of that time. The biggest take away is that Ange has a MASSIVE chip on his shoulder, but his attitude towards Australian football and how we can be great is genuinely inspiring and shows how big his heart is for the local game. I’d love to see him return and help build it up here again now that Tottenham have given him the flick, but I do think that’s unlikely.
A few minor things frustrated me, but I understand their reasons: the book over-explains certain things that Australians, and especially Australian sporting and football fans, already know. But with Big Ange at Tottenham after a beloved stint at Celtic I’m sure this book was selling like hotcakes in the UK, so I get it.
Vince Rugari’s clearly a big fan of Ange. However I think he allowed a blind spot of Postecoglou’s to infiltrate his reporting of the Australian game regarding the Socceroos. Ange has been vocal with some cynicism following the 2015 Asian Cup victory that Australians still don’t care and the game is still yet to break the mainstream. While there’s some truth to that claim, Rugari ignores the significance of the 2022 World Cup. I was at a live site in Barangaroo in Sydney to watch the Socceroos vs Argentina Round of 16 match, and in that incredible atmosphere and on social media I could see that the whole country was jumping on board- there was broad appeal. That in many ways was a precursor to the nation’s Matilda’s captivation 6 months later. Rugari omits this from his narrative, though.
On a personal note, it was great to see my sworn nemesis, Peter FitzSimons, as the villain of this biography and of Postecoglou’s story. Big Ange still holds a grudge, and I love it!
March 7, 2025
Definitely lives up to its title and would recommend for another that is a football fan. I now have so much more appreciation for the great man after hearing his story
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October 8, 2025At least he had a good career up until this point anyway
November 2, 2025
If football had a literary equivalent of “total football,” AngeBall by Vince Rugari would be it — fluid, fearless, and full of flair. This isn’t just a biography; it’s a 4-3-3 formation of grit, humour, and heart, pressing high from the very first page and refusing to sit back until the final whistle.
Rugari charts Ange Postecoglou’s journey with the precision of a well-drilled midfield. From his beginnings as a Greek immigrant kid in Melbourne, juggling identity and ambition, to lifting the A-League trophy with Brisbane Roar and steering the Socceroos to new heights, every chapter feels like a big moment on a grand stage. There’s heartbreak (South Melbourne’s struggles), redemption (the Brisbane “Roarcelona” revolution), and pure joy (that night in Japan when Australia conquered Asia).
The book’s standout quality is how it captures Ange’s unyielding philosophy — play brave, play beautiful, and never compromise your principles. Rugari doesn’t just tell you what Ange did; he shows you how he thinks. The behind-the-scenes tales — clashing with football bureaucrats, standing firm on style over safety, motivating players with Churchillian gusto — make this read as gripping as a last-minute winner in stoppage time.
Rugari writes with wit and rhythm, peppering his prose with playful nods to the sport. There are more neat turns of phrase than a Tottenham counterattack and more clever build-up than a Pep Guardiola press conference. Even when recounting setbacks — like being booted from the Socceroos before he could finish his vision — the narrative never parks the bus. It keeps pushing forward, just like Ange himself.
By the time we reach his arrival in Europe, you can almost hear the roar from Celtic Park and the cautious optimism of Spurs fans wondering if “AngeBall” could really thrive in the Premier League. Spoiler alert: it can, and it does — Rugari paints it all with infectious enthusiasm.
What makes this biography shine is its balance: part tactical analysis, part immigrant success story, part philosophy of life. And yet, it’s also laugh-out-loud funny in places — especially the moments where Ange’s stubborn Aussie bluntness meets the often delicate world of European football politics.
In short, AngeBall is a page-turner with perfect tempo and brilliant build-up play. Rugari and Postecoglou make an unbeatable partnership — like a writer and subject who just get each other’s rhythm.
If you love football, leadership, or just a good underdog story about a bloke who refused to change his principles no matter the scoreline, this book deserves a place on your shelf — right between Fever Pitch and The Art of War.
Final verdict: Five stars. A literary hat-trick of insight, humour, and heart. Vince Rugari’s penned a worldie, and Ange’s story? It’s pure top bins.
Rugari charts Ange Postecoglou’s journey with the precision of a well-drilled midfield. From his beginnings as a Greek immigrant kid in Melbourne, juggling identity and ambition, to lifting the A-League trophy with Brisbane Roar and steering the Socceroos to new heights, every chapter feels like a big moment on a grand stage. There’s heartbreak (South Melbourne’s struggles), redemption (the Brisbane “Roarcelona” revolution), and pure joy (that night in Japan when Australia conquered Asia).
The book’s standout quality is how it captures Ange’s unyielding philosophy — play brave, play beautiful, and never compromise your principles. Rugari doesn’t just tell you what Ange did; he shows you how he thinks. The behind-the-scenes tales — clashing with football bureaucrats, standing firm on style over safety, motivating players with Churchillian gusto — make this read as gripping as a last-minute winner in stoppage time.
Rugari writes with wit and rhythm, peppering his prose with playful nods to the sport. There are more neat turns of phrase than a Tottenham counterattack and more clever build-up than a Pep Guardiola press conference. Even when recounting setbacks — like being booted from the Socceroos before he could finish his vision — the narrative never parks the bus. It keeps pushing forward, just like Ange himself.
By the time we reach his arrival in Europe, you can almost hear the roar from Celtic Park and the cautious optimism of Spurs fans wondering if “AngeBall” could really thrive in the Premier League. Spoiler alert: it can, and it does — Rugari paints it all with infectious enthusiasm.
What makes this biography shine is its balance: part tactical analysis, part immigrant success story, part philosophy of life. And yet, it’s also laugh-out-loud funny in places — especially the moments where Ange’s stubborn Aussie bluntness meets the often delicate world of European football politics.
In short, AngeBall is a page-turner with perfect tempo and brilliant build-up play. Rugari and Postecoglou make an unbeatable partnership — like a writer and subject who just get each other’s rhythm.
If you love football, leadership, or just a good underdog story about a bloke who refused to change his principles no matter the scoreline, this book deserves a place on your shelf — right between Fever Pitch and The Art of War.
Final verdict: Five stars. A literary hat-trick of insight, humour, and heart. Vince Rugari’s penned a worldie, and Ange’s story? It’s pure top bins.
February 1, 2025
My interest in the Premier League launched in the summer of 2023. After reading a handful of blog posts dedicated to choosing a club, I settled on Tottenham. I knew none of the players, had very little insight into the politics or history, and definitely had not heard of Ange Postecoglou. One Thursday evening in August, I shared “I’m supporting Spurs” with a friend as we played FIFA in my living room. I scored two goals as Harry Kane, and the next morning, I saw the headline that he was headed to Bayern Munich.
As I watched Ange react to that event, he caught my interest. His quick start to the 2023-24 season, and his press conferences left me fascinated. As someone who was managing a small group of HR employees, I wanted him to teach a masterclass on motivating and managing people.
The season took a turn in the infamous Chelsea at home match in November. A year and a few months later, the vibes roller coaster continues. In that regard, it’s surreal how prophetic this book seems. I have found myself highlighting so many anecdotes from earlier in Ange’s career, and can’t help but think “with no context, you’d think this was written this week.”
A great read for a sophomore fan of the sport, the league, the club, and the man.
As I watched Ange react to that event, he caught my interest. His quick start to the 2023-24 season, and his press conferences left me fascinated. As someone who was managing a small group of HR employees, I wanted him to teach a masterclass on motivating and managing people.
The season took a turn in the infamous Chelsea at home match in November. A year and a few months later, the vibes roller coaster continues. In that regard, it’s surreal how prophetic this book seems. I have found myself highlighting so many anecdotes from earlier in Ange’s career, and can’t help but think “with no context, you’d think this was written this week.”
A great read for a sophomore fan of the sport, the league, the club, and the man.
May 18, 2025
This was a fantastic read. There were many unknown parts of Ange Postecologou’s career to me but he is certainly a striking figure in Australian football. The scope of his impact on the game has been incredible and to read how his management style has evolved over time is very intriguing.
Full credit to Vince Rugari who is the incredible writer of this book. I remember reading his article about Australia making it out of the group stage in Qatar at the 2022 World Cup. The writing was seamless and conveyed the significance and emotion of the event which brought clinical insights mixed with vivid descriptions of the matches which led to that point. I remember being moved after reading the article and that is one of the things good writing can do.
I always look out for his articles in the Sydney Morning Herald because he has finger on the pulse of Australian football and this is reflected in his writing.
Full credit to Vince Rugari who is the incredible writer of this book. I remember reading his article about Australia making it out of the group stage in Qatar at the 2022 World Cup. The writing was seamless and conveyed the significance and emotion of the event which brought clinical insights mixed with vivid descriptions of the matches which led to that point. I remember being moved after reading the article and that is one of the things good writing can do.
I always look out for his articles in the Sydney Morning Herald because he has finger on the pulse of Australian football and this is reflected in his writing.
January 21, 2025
This is such a gem of a book. I savoured getting to understand Ange's philosophies which has greatly transformed how I approach life now. It's such a simple, common sense idea to build winning mindsets and processes rather than just teams or someone who wins things; achievements that ultimately become obsolete if you aren't consistent and don't evolve. There were some sections that I wish was explored more in depth but the bottom line is Ange doesn't compromise his values or his vision and it's because of this and the many hurdles and setbacks he's faced that people rally behind a person like him. I'd be extremely lucky if I develop that strong of a vision to carry me through the rest of my days.
Keep the ball down and never take a backward step. Enjoy your lunch everyone.
Keep the ball down and never take a backward step. Enjoy your lunch everyone.
December 30, 2024
Well written and enjoyable. The author does a good job of moving between timelines and keeping things engaging. Books like this can risk being just a list of games with comments, but this is a long way from that. Entertaining stories about Ange growing up and finding his feet as a manager. He’s an amazing man and leader - I learnt a lot from his philosophy on life as told by him and those around him. His determination and hard work to succeed is remarkable.
September 28, 2024
There’s no better person to have written this book, than Vince Rugari.
A brilliantly written biography on the footballing genius, Ange Postecoglou. Provides a lot of context on Big Ange’s footballing journey, as both a player and coach. Provides lots of information on the Australian footballing history too.
A brilliantly written biography on the footballing genius, Ange Postecoglou. Provides a lot of context on Big Ange’s footballing journey, as both a player and coach. Provides lots of information on the Australian footballing history too.
November 14, 2024
Inspirational look at Ange's background in football and the deeper tactics thinking that drives him today. Famous and lesser known episodes of his life are presented in a fresh light, for example that Australian tv interview and the 'enjoy your lunch' speech. A great read for Tottenham fans or neutrals.
April 15, 2025
Well researched book, although their are one or two factual errors. When Ange was young he was reading the Sun news pictorial, not the Herald-Sun (a merger between the morning Sun news pictorial and the afternoon Herald), which did not exist.
There were a couple of things I did not know, such as he resigned from Panachaiki and was not sacked.
There were a couple of things I did not know, such as he resigned from Panachaiki and was not sacked.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 11, 2025
Ange Postecolgou is an interesting enough character to write about. However, what makes this biography so great is the amount of interviews and source material that the author uses. Each chapter is littered with sources, with many of the insights also based on his own extended interview with Ange. I found it really lifted the lid for me.
August 31, 2025
I spotted this book in a Waterstones towards the end of the English football season and the final of the European competitions.
This book revitalised my hope and ambition for Ange to end the 17 year trophy drought at Tottenham Hotspur. I believe reading this book to be the sole reason the above happened.
I learnt more about Australian youth football than I ever thought I would.
This book revitalised my hope and ambition for Ange to end the 17 year trophy drought at Tottenham Hotspur. I believe reading this book to be the sole reason the above happened.
I learnt more about Australian youth football than I ever thought I would.
October 1, 2024
Informative, engaging and brilliantly written insight into the life and career of Ange Postecoglou, and Australian football writ large. As a biased Spurs fan, truly seems like everything you could want in a manager; Ange’s career and footballing philosophy embodies “to dare is to do.” COYS!
October 22, 2024
Fantastic biography of a phenomenal coach. Rugari has a long history of following and covering Ange and it shows in his thoroughness and his understanding of not only Postecoglou’s history but also his coaching philosophy. Highly recommend for any Spurs fan for a great read!
November 22, 2024
As a Tottenham fan, I really enjoyed reading the story of Ange's career, his obsession for the beautiful game and how he has had to defy the odds at every stage. Really hope he can emulate most of his career and bring success to N17.
February 13, 2025
I’ve only ever read one other biography back to front, this was sensational in-depth and simply magical insight into the person that is Ange Postecoglou, I still see myself rooting for the man despite coaching a rival team. Congratulations to the diligence of the author
April 10, 2025
Uncle Ange! Well worth your time to read about the harder journey to the top of the managerial pyramid. What is fascinating is how Ange long Ange's career has already been and what he has accomplished in the lesser known regions of the football world.
May 20, 2025
Ange's career is a very interesting story and I felt that this book covered it very well. I felt that it began to repeat itself towards the end, regarding his journey to better Australian football and all of that saga.
October 2, 2025
Fantastic read! Ange is an inspiration and such a clever, dedicated and relentless leader and football mind. He has already left a legacy.. and is still ongoing. Strong example of sticking to what you believe in.
October 8, 2025
Took this overseas
Maybe read one page on every train or bus I was on before someone came up to me and wanted to talk about Ange
Longest book, not because it's a long book
Goat of football, goat of Australia
Maybe read one page on every train or bus I was on before someone came up to me and wanted to talk about Ange
Longest book, not because it's a long book
Goat of football, goat of Australia
September 1, 2024
Amazing book. Rugari is a master.
September 25, 2024
Fantastic book about the most exciting manager in world football right now. Brilliantly covered from start to finish by Vince Rugari. COYS
September 29, 2024
Absolutely loved this
Really gives a good look into big anges career
Fully behind him COYS!
Really gives a good look into big anges career
Fully behind him COYS!
October 8, 2024
Excellent sports bio areas. Even though Ange is a tough character to crack. Comprehensive. Poignant at times, shows where he came from.
December 26, 2024
The definitive book on Ange's career so far. Based on interviews with those who were close to him.
January 20, 2025
Interesting anthology of the man likely responsible for leading Australia out of its football infancy.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews