What do you think?
Rate this book
The Secret Footballer's Guide to the Modern Game: Tips and Tactics from the Ultimate Insider
Secret Footballer's Guide to the Modern Game
256 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
25 people are currently reading
301 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
November 22, 2020
Whilst The Secret Footballer's insight isn't as revealing as he thinks it is, there's still plenty of little intresting facts that make this an entertaining read.
The main issue with the series is that he thinks every football supporter is stupid, of course those that have played the game will have a different understanding - but there's plenty of intelligent passionate fans that invest a lot of time an effect into following their team and are just as knowledgeable on the game.
I mean it's not exactly rocket science stating that using statistics from the previous season's managers are able to work out how many wins/goals/points are needed to win the league.
It's pretty obvious which teams rely on a striker to get the majority of the goals, whilst others build a strong defensive setup and use the midfield players to chip in with the goals...
The main aspects of this entry that I really enjoyed was his opinions on the global game.
It's true that most World Cups are pretty generic now, with host countries build all new stadiums that lack character.
The archive football of the likes of Mexico'86 and Italia'90 highlighted the cultural aspects and had a distant foreign feel.
It's also true how football has it's own fads with the 2002 World Cup having been South Korea and Japan saw an influx of both Asian players to capitalise on the growing intrest from the continent, plus African players after Senegal performed well at the tournament.
Also sadly I think his right that most fans would prefer all the big teams progressing to the latter stages of tournaments so that the best players are on show.
The reason why Champions League teams drop into the Europa League also makes sense now.
Those intresting points help make this one of the better entities in the series.
The main issue with the series is that he thinks every football supporter is stupid, of course those that have played the game will have a different understanding - but there's plenty of intelligent passionate fans that invest a lot of time an effect into following their team and are just as knowledgeable on the game.
I mean it's not exactly rocket science stating that using statistics from the previous season's managers are able to work out how many wins/goals/points are needed to win the league.
It's pretty obvious which teams rely on a striker to get the majority of the goals, whilst others build a strong defensive setup and use the midfield players to chip in with the goals...
The main aspects of this entry that I really enjoyed was his opinions on the global game.
It's true that most World Cups are pretty generic now, with host countries build all new stadiums that lack character.
The archive football of the likes of Mexico'86 and Italia'90 highlighted the cultural aspects and had a distant foreign feel.
It's also true how football has it's own fads with the 2002 World Cup having been South Korea and Japan saw an influx of both Asian players to capitalise on the growing intrest from the continent, plus African players after Senegal performed well at the tournament.
Also sadly I think his right that most fans would prefer all the big teams progressing to the latter stages of tournaments so that the best players are on show.
The reason why Champions League teams drop into the Europa League also makes sense now.
Those intresting points help make this one of the better entities in the series.
November 27, 2023
4.5 Stars!
I recall reading and enjoying “I Am The Secret Footballer” around ten years ago, so I picked this up a while ago and I have to say I was very surprised by how much I got out of it. Although this was first published nearly ten years ago, many of its points remain relevant today.
We get to hear some good stuff from The Secret Physio, who shares many interesting tips and insights, such as the huge benefits of sand training and why it’s really stupid to train, whilst wearing bin bags and why it’s no longer the case that continental or other foreign players are necessarily any fitter or healthier than English ones, as was the case back in the 80s. The Secret Psychologist also parts with some real pearls too.
He despairs over the English obsession with winning ugly at all costs, rather than taking the time and effort to be more creative and quality driven in the teaching and training of younger players.
He talks a lot about tiki-taka (its origins lying within Cruyff’s total football), although I know and understand how great the Barcelona and Spain sides were at their peak a few years back, I have never been a fan of either and for all their craft and quality I thought they were incredibly dull to watch, but at least this has given me a deeper appreciation and fuller understanding of just how much time, effort and skill goes into obtaining that level of professionalism and quality.
This is a highly informed, thoroughly researched and well-explained account, and our guide isn’t afraid to be a tad confrontational or controversial too, which is also part of its appeal, like his dig at the hapless and corrupt Sepp Blatter and FIFA. We get many angles, often in forensic detail, like his analysis and dissection of various games such as an EPL game between Hull and Chelsea and a CL tie between Roma and Man Utd, revealing the clever formation and fluid tactics which ultimately decided the outcome.
He also made a good point about the bland, modern uniformity of world cups in the 21st Century, compared to back in the day where there appeared to have more character, he credits this largely to the heightened TV production values, but also the many purpose built stadiums which were huge features in the Brazil, Russia and Qatar tournaments. The revelations around the vastly lucrative financial and sponsorship side, were also fascinating, like 360 degree deals. Where a player is wearing the same brand across the board, Nike and Adidas obviously take up the lion’s share of the market and we see how various deals lead to situations with the likes of Messi being sponsored by Adidas in his national team kit and his boot, whereas he is sponsored by Nike in his club kit. Whereas Ronaldo is sponsored by Nike in his national team kit and boot but Adidas in his club shirt.
Ultimately this furnishes you with a renewed and deeper appreciation for the skill and quality levels required to play professional football at the highest levels, it really gets beneath the surface and shows you the mechanics and mind-games involved to get the results you see on the park. This was a hugely enjoyable read and a must for football fans.
I recall reading and enjoying “I Am The Secret Footballer” around ten years ago, so I picked this up a while ago and I have to say I was very surprised by how much I got out of it. Although this was first published nearly ten years ago, many of its points remain relevant today.
We get to hear some good stuff from The Secret Physio, who shares many interesting tips and insights, such as the huge benefits of sand training and why it’s really stupid to train, whilst wearing bin bags and why it’s no longer the case that continental or other foreign players are necessarily any fitter or healthier than English ones, as was the case back in the 80s. The Secret Psychologist also parts with some real pearls too.
He despairs over the English obsession with winning ugly at all costs, rather than taking the time and effort to be more creative and quality driven in the teaching and training of younger players.
He talks a lot about tiki-taka (its origins lying within Cruyff’s total football), although I know and understand how great the Barcelona and Spain sides were at their peak a few years back, I have never been a fan of either and for all their craft and quality I thought they were incredibly dull to watch, but at least this has given me a deeper appreciation and fuller understanding of just how much time, effort and skill goes into obtaining that level of professionalism and quality.
This is a highly informed, thoroughly researched and well-explained account, and our guide isn’t afraid to be a tad confrontational or controversial too, which is also part of its appeal, like his dig at the hapless and corrupt Sepp Blatter and FIFA. We get many angles, often in forensic detail, like his analysis and dissection of various games such as an EPL game between Hull and Chelsea and a CL tie between Roma and Man Utd, revealing the clever formation and fluid tactics which ultimately decided the outcome.
He also made a good point about the bland, modern uniformity of world cups in the 21st Century, compared to back in the day where there appeared to have more character, he credits this largely to the heightened TV production values, but also the many purpose built stadiums which were huge features in the Brazil, Russia and Qatar tournaments. The revelations around the vastly lucrative financial and sponsorship side, were also fascinating, like 360 degree deals. Where a player is wearing the same brand across the board, Nike and Adidas obviously take up the lion’s share of the market and we see how various deals lead to situations with the likes of Messi being sponsored by Adidas in his national team kit and his boot, whereas he is sponsored by Nike in his club kit. Whereas Ronaldo is sponsored by Nike in his national team kit and boot but Adidas in his club shirt.
Ultimately this furnishes you with a renewed and deeper appreciation for the skill and quality levels required to play professional football at the highest levels, it really gets beneath the surface and shows you the mechanics and mind-games involved to get the results you see on the park. This was a hugely enjoyable read and a must for football fans.
November 14, 2014
The Secret Footballer’s Guide To The Modern Guide
The Guardian’s Secret Footballer is back in book form, those who have read his columns are still trying to guess his identity and once again he is back in form. The Secret Footballer who has been a hit since first being published has now taken a look at the tips and tactics of the modern game and some of it can be quite eye opening.
Like many football fans with a season ticket I like to think I know all about football, the tactics, the politics and everything else that makes up the modern game. I was attending games before the modern game so like many of my generation might think this book is condescending towards them as there is nothing new you could tell us. Well I am happy to say there is plenty to learn from reading this book especially from a professionals’ standpoint.
This book is not quite like his columns and previous books in that it is far less gossipy and is attempting to show us what life is like as a professional football player. We go through the preseason training and the diets that they have to keep, which probably explains why my career ended when I discovered booze, birds and fags.
There is also some excellent analysis of other professional footballers and the clubs that they play for, which again is quite eye opening for the fan. When he tackles the commercial side of the game, the sponsorship of players and those who sponsor is shown to be a reflection of what else is going on within the game. We see how it has also influenced the guardians of the game such as FIFA who the Secret Footballer like the rest of us does not respect.
What I like about this book while not being as humorous as his previous outings we are treated to a real insight of the game that we the fans do not normally see. My hope is that the Secret Footballers revelations continue and that he is never uncovered. Buy this book and you will learn something about the game we love.
The Guardian’s Secret Footballer is back in book form, those who have read his columns are still trying to guess his identity and once again he is back in form. The Secret Footballer who has been a hit since first being published has now taken a look at the tips and tactics of the modern game and some of it can be quite eye opening.
Like many football fans with a season ticket I like to think I know all about football, the tactics, the politics and everything else that makes up the modern game. I was attending games before the modern game so like many of my generation might think this book is condescending towards them as there is nothing new you could tell us. Well I am happy to say there is plenty to learn from reading this book especially from a professionals’ standpoint.
This book is not quite like his columns and previous books in that it is far less gossipy and is attempting to show us what life is like as a professional football player. We go through the preseason training and the diets that they have to keep, which probably explains why my career ended when I discovered booze, birds and fags.
There is also some excellent analysis of other professional footballers and the clubs that they play for, which again is quite eye opening for the fan. When he tackles the commercial side of the game, the sponsorship of players and those who sponsor is shown to be a reflection of what else is going on within the game. We see how it has also influenced the guardians of the game such as FIFA who the Secret Footballer like the rest of us does not respect.
What I like about this book while not being as humorous as his previous outings we are treated to a real insight of the game that we the fans do not normally see. My hope is that the Secret Footballers revelations continue and that he is never uncovered. Buy this book and you will learn something about the game we love.
May 31, 2017
I have no idea who The Secret Footballer is. Others have tried and used the various clues he has dropped regarding his career to try and piece together his real identity but to me, it doesn't really matter. This book, The Secret Footballer's Guide to the Modern Game: Tips and Tactics from the Ultimate Insider , has been pretty impressive by itself regardless of his identity, shedding some well-needed insight and personal opinion on not just football on the pitch but off it as well, discussing matters like sponsorships, corruption and the future of fan engagement.
I would not say that this book gave extremely detailed or in-depth analysis of football tactics and players. I would rank it somewhere below books like Inverting The Pyramid in terms of the information presented, in an intermediate level. However, that makes it in my opinion an extremely readable book with the Secret Footballer's own personal stories regarding the game keeping it engaging and pulling back the curtain on some of the Premier League's top sides training styles and management. He has a pretty relentless habit of name-dropping though, despite him claiming that he followed Liam Gallagher's advice not to in an ironic statement with questionable self-awareness. In one of the last paragraphs of the book, he gives it his all and bombs away the names of many famous footballers he has played against in quick succession.
The highlights of the book to me are the chapters on training (his disdain for the high-intensity workout Tabata is something I wholeheartedly agree with), tactics and the financial side of football regarding player wages and clashes between player and club sponsors. Written back in 2014, this book is fast-becoming outdated given how quickly the landscape of football changes and updates to the book would certainly be welcome, particularly to the ever-increasing transfer fees and new developments in tactics like the re-introduction of 3-4-3 in top sides like Chelsea. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am quite interested to see what other insight The Secret Footballer has provided in other works. 4/5
I would not say that this book gave extremely detailed or in-depth analysis of football tactics and players. I would rank it somewhere below books like Inverting The Pyramid in terms of the information presented, in an intermediate level. However, that makes it in my opinion an extremely readable book with the Secret Footballer's own personal stories regarding the game keeping it engaging and pulling back the curtain on some of the Premier League's top sides training styles and management. He has a pretty relentless habit of name-dropping though, despite him claiming that he followed Liam Gallagher's advice not to in an ironic statement with questionable self-awareness. In one of the last paragraphs of the book, he gives it his all and bombs away the names of many famous footballers he has played against in quick succession.
The highlights of the book to me are the chapters on training (his disdain for the high-intensity workout Tabata is something I wholeheartedly agree with), tactics and the financial side of football regarding player wages and clashes between player and club sponsors. Written back in 2014, this book is fast-becoming outdated given how quickly the landscape of football changes and updates to the book would certainly be welcome, particularly to the ever-increasing transfer fees and new developments in tactics like the re-introduction of 3-4-3 in top sides like Chelsea. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am quite interested to see what other insight The Secret Footballer has provided in other works. 4/5
January 17, 2024
Diving into "The Secret Footballer's Guide to the Modern Game: Tips and Tactics from the Ultimate Insider" has been a perplexing journey, marked by a sense of disappointment that echoes throughout the book. While the concept of gaining insights from an anonymous football insider seems intriguing, the reality of the content fails to live up to expectations.
One of the fundamental issues with this guide is the lack of tangible advice or tactical insights that one would expect from a seasoned professional within the football industry. The Secret Footballer, supposedly an ultimate insider, offers vague generalities and anecdotes that often border on the trivial, leaving readers yearning for substantive content. The promise of gaining a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the modern game is unfulfilled, as the guide fails to provide actionable tips or genuine tactical wisdom.
The anonymity of the author, while initially compelling, eventually becomes a hindrance rather than an asset. The lack of specificity in recounting experiences or providing insider information undermines the credibility of the guide. It feels more like a collection of random musings rather than a well-structured guide that imparts valuable insights to football enthusiasts or aspiring players.
Furthermore, the writing style lacks coherence and clarity. The guide meanders through various topics without a clear organizational structure, making it difficult for readers to follow a logical progression of ideas. The lack of a cohesive narrative and the frequent digressions into personal anecdotes contribute to a sense of disarray, leaving readers questioning the overall purpose and value of the guide.
While the guide may have aimed to offer a behind-the-scenes look at the modern game, it falls short of shedding light on any groundbreaking revelations. Instead, it relies on clichés and broad observations that add little to the reader's understanding of the sport. The lack of depth in discussing tactical nuances or providing practical advice for players and fans undermines the guide's potential to be a valuable resource.
In conclusion, "The Secret Footballer's Guide to the Modern Game" disappoints on multiple fronts. From the lack of substantive insights to the disjointed writing style and the failure to capitalize on the intriguing premise of an insider's perspective, the guide falls short of delivering a meaningful and informative experience for readers. Football enthusiasts seeking genuine tactical wisdom and a deeper understanding of the modern game would be better served by turning to more comprehensive and expertly crafted resources.
One of the fundamental issues with this guide is the lack of tangible advice or tactical insights that one would expect from a seasoned professional within the football industry. The Secret Footballer, supposedly an ultimate insider, offers vague generalities and anecdotes that often border on the trivial, leaving readers yearning for substantive content. The promise of gaining a deeper understanding of the intricacies of the modern game is unfulfilled, as the guide fails to provide actionable tips or genuine tactical wisdom.
The anonymity of the author, while initially compelling, eventually becomes a hindrance rather than an asset. The lack of specificity in recounting experiences or providing insider information undermines the credibility of the guide. It feels more like a collection of random musings rather than a well-structured guide that imparts valuable insights to football enthusiasts or aspiring players.
Furthermore, the writing style lacks coherence and clarity. The guide meanders through various topics without a clear organizational structure, making it difficult for readers to follow a logical progression of ideas. The lack of a cohesive narrative and the frequent digressions into personal anecdotes contribute to a sense of disarray, leaving readers questioning the overall purpose and value of the guide.
While the guide may have aimed to offer a behind-the-scenes look at the modern game, it falls short of shedding light on any groundbreaking revelations. Instead, it relies on clichés and broad observations that add little to the reader's understanding of the sport. The lack of depth in discussing tactical nuances or providing practical advice for players and fans undermines the guide's potential to be a valuable resource.
In conclusion, "The Secret Footballer's Guide to the Modern Game" disappoints on multiple fronts. From the lack of substantive insights to the disjointed writing style and the failure to capitalize on the intriguing premise of an insider's perspective, the guide falls short of delivering a meaningful and informative experience for readers. Football enthusiasts seeking genuine tactical wisdom and a deeper understanding of the modern game would be better served by turning to more comprehensive and expertly crafted resources.
June 26, 2022
At time interesting, at times boring. This book is set out in a weird way, if it was more gossip it would have been good fun. I mean a behind the scenes, what you don't see kind of book. Instead it is quite a technical book, written by someone hiding behind a cloak of anonymity who has a real axe to grind.
Great effort and energy has been expended to try and work out who the secret footballer is. I feel like a new clue can be gleaned from this book, they are a real misanthrope. While I say I have read this book I gave up with 40 pages to go as it really wasn't adding anything to my life, or to my knowledge of football. The Secret Footballer would say I am one of the vast majority of people who don't 'truly' understand football... i've thought about it and I don't care.
Great effort and energy has been expended to try and work out who the secret footballer is. I feel like a new clue can be gleaned from this book, they are a real misanthrope. While I say I have read this book I gave up with 40 pages to go as it really wasn't adding anything to my life, or to my knowledge of football. The Secret Footballer would say I am one of the vast majority of people who don't 'truly' understand football... i've thought about it and I don't care.
September 21, 2017
I must admit I'm not disappointed. I was expecting secret stories about footballer's life explained from an insider with valuable information and that's what I found. The first chapter was probably the worst, talking about health routines, diets and injuries, but after that there was so much gossip of the Football planet. The Secret Footballer is also very tough towards the FA, criticising its management and the lack of quality of the teams' academies. I was also shocked (well... not really) by how much he worships the Barcelona style and philosophy. He's definitely right about it.
July 30, 2018
Often you feel like he has nothing special to say. But you keep on reading because, believe it or not, The Secret Footballer is an excellent writer. He knows how to wrap a single point into several sentences and keep you interested all the time. It is a simple read in the most positive meaning of the term – you get information, you get stories and you get the feeling you are now wiser than your football mates. Which is, of course, the most important part of it all.
January 1, 2022
It's an interesting one. Didn't know anything about football before reading it. Know more now. Started reading it so I have something in the car the boys would also want to listen to. Not really my thing and they listened to their own stuff anyway so it sort of fizzled out. I imagine if you knew a lot about football you wouldn't learn that much from it. As a novice it was interesting but I'm not really the target market.
November 1, 2018
This is an interesting book on the tactics of modern football and the different philosophies. As with all Secret Footballer books, there is interesting insight. You get a feel for the soul of the dressing room and not just a rote explanation of the different football tactics.
October 29, 2017
For the hardcore footballer this is the book for you.
August 6, 2019
A very good educational book!
March 28, 2022
this is unintentionally hilarious, the “secret footballer” clearly has an agenda against modernity and a big stick up his arse
September 15, 2022
A disjointed collection of thoughts on football. Not particularly insightful.
November 5, 2022
Outdated and lacking in detail.
I liked the first book as it was interesting and timeless.
This one is limited in comparison and very outdated if being read several years after publication.
I liked the first book as it was interesting and timeless.
This one is limited in comparison and very outdated if being read several years after publication.
February 21, 2023
This was a very interesting concept. Some useful insight into professional soccer!
June 23, 2024
Another book in the series from the Secret Footballer,not tge greatest book in the series but still a decent effort
December 27, 2025
If you are a football fan then don't bother reading this book. There isn't anything in this book that you won't already know about this beautiful game.
May 5, 2020
Another book by Dave Kitson (allegedly) who finds much to say about managers and football in the early 2010s.
November 5, 2015
Firstly, this is a short book with the page counted bumped up by absurdly lengthy index. As the the content, the beginning section on fitness and nutrition us the weakest in that in parrots much of the stuff you would have read in the tabloid press health sections (dark chocolate is good for you, take cod liver oil etc) whilst the fitness tips are all things that anyone with a modicum of interest in the subject would have come across before ( eg the benefits on interval training). Currents beliefs on recovery, such as ice baths, are presented as facts when there is limited evidence of effectiveness. I would have liked footnotes to studies and suchlike.
The sections in the game itself, on tactics and coaching and the way in which English football is failing, are what make the book a worthy read. The writer is clearly a big admirer the barca way of playing and he offers interesting and intelligent views of the way in which the game should be played and taught. Overall, a recommended read.
The sections in the game itself, on tactics and coaching and the way in which English football is failing, are what make the book a worthy read. The writer is clearly a big admirer the barca way of playing and he offers interesting and intelligent views of the way in which the game should be played and taught. Overall, a recommended read.
March 24, 2016
Wonderful. I'm one of those fans described exactly in the book - love to watch the game, has opinions but have absolutely no idea what I'm talking about.
This book obviously didn't change me in a major way, yet at the same time it did. I now know a little more about the tactics employed by managers, and truly, it cements the fact that there's simply no way for someone to truly understand what happens on the pitch when the only way you're seeing it is via the telly (I'm going British now). So much of the nuance appears outside the area where the ball is being played, and as the Secret Footballer points out, the only way one would know something is taking place tactically is when you know the secret nods and signals, or 'triggers', that the players use among themselves.
Anyhow, it's an entertaining read, and I got the 'I am the Secret Footballer' as a result.
Looking forward to it.
This book obviously didn't change me in a major way, yet at the same time it did. I now know a little more about the tactics employed by managers, and truly, it cements the fact that there's simply no way for someone to truly understand what happens on the pitch when the only way you're seeing it is via the telly (I'm going British now). So much of the nuance appears outside the area where the ball is being played, and as the Secret Footballer points out, the only way one would know something is taking place tactically is when you know the secret nods and signals, or 'triggers', that the players use among themselves.
Anyhow, it's an entertaining read, and I got the 'I am the Secret Footballer' as a result.
Looking forward to it.
January 7, 2017
The Secret Footballer's Guide to the Modern Game: Tips and Tactics from the Ultimate Insider (2015) by Anon is another book by the secret footballer about the modern game.
The book looks at fitness, food, tactics and the way the modern game works. There is also a fair amount on why England haven't done as well as expected.
This book isn't as good as the first book by the secret footballer but is much better than the second. The information about what modern footballers eat, how they train and the tactical insights are really interesting. The tactical discussions are probably the highlight of the book, hopefully these will be fleshed out further at some point.
If you're into football this book is definitely worth a read. If you're vaguely interested in football the first Secret Footballer's book is a better bet.
The book looks at fitness, food, tactics and the way the modern game works. There is also a fair amount on why England haven't done as well as expected.
This book isn't as good as the first book by the secret footballer but is much better than the second. The information about what modern footballers eat, how they train and the tactical insights are really interesting. The tactical discussions are probably the highlight of the book, hopefully these will be fleshed out further at some point.
If you're into football this book is definitely worth a read. If you're vaguely interested in football the first Secret Footballer's book is a better bet.
August 29, 2016
The sections on tactics are pretty interesting, though they don't really offer any insight over and above what you could read by, say, Michael Cox for free on the internet.
The opening of the book is a tedious pseudo-scientific journey through training and nutrition. A few too many things are stated as fact in this section, which I will take with a pinch of salt from a person who hides behind anonymity.
Then there are some uninteresting stories about people with money or something.
Overall, if it weren't for the fairly interesting tactics discussion/whinging about the current state of the England football setup, I'd have given it one star.
The opening of the book is a tedious pseudo-scientific journey through training and nutrition. A few too many things are stated as fact in this section, which I will take with a pinch of salt from a person who hides behind anonymity.
Then there are some uninteresting stories about people with money or something.
Overall, if it weren't for the fairly interesting tactics discussion/whinging about the current state of the England football setup, I'd have given it one star.
September 4, 2021
Simple and easy read
Nothing very enlightening or revealing but I do find the chapter on Fashion in Football about lesser teams following a fad for the sake of it and The Commercial Game (simple explanation about how the players’ salaries have gone exorbitant) interesting.
The epilogue was a simple advice that applies to anyone, not just footballers - “no matter who you are and what you’ve done, you’re never too rich to be taught a lesson. I don care how much champagne you are afford.”
I did pick up a few key points that footballers follow that can be applicable to anyone who is keen on a healthy living - cut out sugar and alcohol.
Nothing very enlightening or revealing but I do find the chapter on Fashion in Football about lesser teams following a fad for the sake of it and The Commercial Game (simple explanation about how the players’ salaries have gone exorbitant) interesting.
The epilogue was a simple advice that applies to anyone, not just footballers - “no matter who you are and what you’ve done, you’re never too rich to be taught a lesson. I don care how much champagne you are afford.”
I did pick up a few key points that footballers follow that can be applicable to anyone who is keen on a healthy living - cut out sugar and alcohol.
September 13, 2015
The latest in the range of books from the Secret Footballer is, as ever, a quick read, which is also by turns illuminating and amusing.
I found the chapter that focused on modern tactics and planning most interesting as it helped me as a fan understand more of what is going on on the pitch, which was the main reason I bought this book.
I also enjoyed the descriptions of a footballer's life from the discipline around diet to the way that players can be treated.
An interesting insight into the football world that I enjoyed reading
I found the chapter that focused on modern tactics and planning most interesting as it helped me as a fan understand more of what is going on on the pitch, which was the main reason I bought this book.
I also enjoyed the descriptions of a footballer's life from the discipline around diet to the way that players can be treated.
An interesting insight into the football world that I enjoyed reading
February 18, 2015
I enjoyed this book much more than the first book by the Secret Footballer. There was a lot less backbiting, a lot less getting back at people and trying to make oneself look good compared to other professional footballers. Instead, this book offered a good insight into what it takes to be a successful team and the thinking strategies applied by players, managers, agents and clubs to reach the heights of their success. Worth reading for anyone with an interest in the tactical side of football
September 17, 2015
Opinionated and interesting, the Secret Footballer doesn't just churn out the same stuff the media pundits do so offers a different insight.
Fantastic description of the development of formations in the modern game, the pros and cons of different types of tactics and his views on where the English game lags behind other countries.
This is a short and quick read and a definite eye-opener for the football fan.
Fantastic description of the development of formations in the modern game, the pros and cons of different types of tactics and his views on where the English game lags behind other countries.
This is a short and quick read and a definite eye-opener for the football fan.
April 25, 2020
This was better than the second book, in that he focussed much more on actual football matters concerning diet, tactics, training etc. I have it a low mark as the secret footballer is so hugely dislikeable - his arrogance is revolting. He sounds like a socialist who became a millionaire and lived it up while hating himself, but still tells us we could never have it. Yuk
November 26, 2014
much better than the last title
this really works it gives you a view of football and you dont spend most of the book trying to guess who he is
the sections on tactics and coaching are both spot on
August 25, 2015
The bit on formations was super helpful, but otherwise it was too broadly written, not enough detail, and didn't really live up to the subtitle of "tips and tactics."
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews