Calling the Shots: How to Win in Football and Life

by David Dein

The long-awaited memoir from international football ambassador, former co-owner of Arsenal FC and legend of the David Dein.

There's no doubt that Dein has been one of the most significant and influential figures in British football for over three decades - operating at club and international level. He was a prime mover in the creation of the Premier League, hugely influential within the England set-up and, of course, was the mastermind - along with Arsène Wenger - in creating the glory days of Arsenal Football Club, leading the team for almost a quarter of a century. Connected to the most senior figures across the global game as a friend, rival, advisor, and collaborator, Dein has been central to major turning points in the game.

Calling the Shots is part memoir, part inspirational meditation on leadership, teamwork and how to invest in people. It tracks the full story of David's remarkable life and career to date, recounting never-before-told stories from the inside, intriguing characters met along the way, and discussing the past, present and future of football. An entertaining and motivational read for football and non-football fans alike, Calling the Shots is a dynamic masterclass in how to succeed in business and life.

Genres: Biography, Nonfiction, Football, Sports, Audiobook

345 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 15, 2022

Reviews

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting and frank book looking at his career and his time in football and his time at Arsenal , found some insights into the start of the premier league and modern football generally

[Chiseke Chiteta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Couldn't wait to be done.

Being an Arsenal fan for the close to two decades, this is a book I looked forward to read. David Dein is a name I kept hearing/seeing in Arsenal related news so when I saw this book in the Kindle store, I was filled with excitement and couldn't wait to read it. It didn't really live up to my expectations and almost halfway through the book, I couldn't wait to finish the book. I am a kind of reader who tries as much as possible to finish everything I start so it became a chore. Perhaps it's because I am spoiled with other football or football related autobiographies hence my high expectation.

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am an Arsenal fan so obviously have a greater interest in David Dein and his career, however this book would interest any football fan as it details his influence in the setting up of the Premier League and the Women’s league as well as the introduction of names on the back of shirts which are now taken for granted. The chapter written in tribute to his close friend Gerard Houllier is particularly touching.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an Arsenal fan perhaps I'm a little biased as I've always had a fondness for Mr Dein. However, you need not be a Gooner to enjoy this book which features interesting anecdotes of The Premier Leagues conception, the cut throat world of football televisual rights, player negotiations and their agents as well as the questionable dealings of world cup bids. I liked the author's personable writing style and his honesty. It can read at times perhaps a little self congratulatory, although in Mr Dein's defence it is with merit. I enjoyed reading the experiences I remember so well living through from the perspective of the ex-chairman. I always felt sadden how David Dein and Arsenal Football Club parted, but hope with the passage of time the club shows Mr Dein the respect and admiration he deserves for all he had done for the Gunners. Without whom, they'd have been no Arsene Wenger!

[Dom Sacco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book, offering deep insight into Arsenal, Dein’s approach to business and life, breaking away from the Football League to set up the Premier League, VAR, England’s World Cup hosting bid and more.

I listened to the audiobook and David narrated it beautifully. The foreword from Wenger was nice too.

[Malcolm Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was an Arsenal season ticket holder for 60 years and shareholder for 51 years.Although I recognise that he did one major thing for Arsenal,recruiting Arsene Wenger,he also made one major blunder in recruiting Stan Kronke.This led to my shares being compulsorarily sold to Kronke and my giving up my season ticket 3 years later.
I always voted against Dein at the AGM as I felt he got the shares too cheaply.Unfortunately I was proved right.
This book is a good account of his life and his involvement with football.At one AGM a shareholder said that Dein was a football groupie,and I think that's a fair assessment.
It is clear that his ousting from the board still rankles with him,as does the fact that he was not appointed back on the board when Kronke took control.
I became leas interested in the book when it dwelt at length with his involvement with international football and prisons.
So I have mixed views about him.Without his involvement we would not have had that marvellous period from 1997 to 2006.However because of his involvement i lost my shareholding and eventually gave up my seasonticket.The football in season 2019-20 was so bad i could take no more particularly witnessing live the defeat by Burnley.I did not step inside the Emirates again till August 2022.For that I am afraid Mr Dein must beat some responsibility.

[Ollie Rumsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting and admirable book. There is a real sense of self-assuredness behind David Dein’s writing which at times threatened to seep into narcissism BUT I don’t often read autobiographies so perhaps the style surprised me. I was really worried when I read all the business jargon and the deals didn’t really interest me at all, although, as the book progressed, there were so many pleasant surprises, such as pioneering women’s football, campaigning against racism, and offering offenders a path into the game which really impressed me. There are also some fascinating sections on the formation of the premier league and corruption surrounding World Cup bids which are worth reading too.

[John Newcomb · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Dein is one of the great men of fottball who has transformed the National game. This book covers the years from being a supporter to becoming a very busy director; transforming Arsenal; starting the premier league and making football the multi million pound business it is today. Perhaps Mr. Dein warrants a statue outside the stadium next to Ken Friar.

And then he leaves Arsenal (rather shabilly treated) and becomes a prison reformer. One of the good guys.

[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read mainly for the bits about the Arsenal journey from the 1980’s through to the 2000’s and modern day Emirates era.

The book is worth a read if you are an Arsenal fan.

David shares stories of Arsenal heritage, tradition, glory and frustrations as he experiences growth in real time with his boyhood club. The most interesting parts are the bits about the Emirates and the tradition of always upholding decent values shines through.

Fair play David, a good Arsenal man.

[T. Spooner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Probably not winning any witters awards. The opening chapters hit you with waves of premier league excitement, but then drifts into an autobiography of David and the writer does manage to lose the attention of the audience at times.
It’s good for an insight into business of football and the people who give their lives to passion of football.

[Paul Cartwright · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is awesome, but I would say that as an older Arsenal fan. A great expose behind the scenes of the issues facing Deins departure - one of the worst days in Arsenals recent history. Also packed with insight to the forming of the Premier League and much more. You don’t have to be a gooner to read this - but it may help!

[Alexander Bancroft · Rating 4 out of 5]

One for Arsenal fans to remind us how important David Dein was for the club. He truly lived for Arsenal. The book has lots of great anecdotes and charts the twists and turns of transfers and appointments. His work with the Twinning Project is brilliant and glad he devoted a significant chapter to it.

[Han-Ching Joyce Chiu · Rating 4 out of 5]

An insider’s point of view on the footballing machinations behind the scenes of both club and country. Dean There’re even unexpected topics covered in the book.

This is probably the most informative read I’ve had when it comes to the football biography category.

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun easy read about David and The Arsenal. Interesting to learn more background on his business, but he did so in a way where there was still loads of talk regarding Arsenal and his time with the club

[Tristan Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read. Far better detail that his close friend Arsene Wenger was willing to go into. Dein, clearly an ever optimist, is a little bit self congratulatory towards the end. Despite this, any fan of football (and of course Arsenal) should find this an intriguing read.

[Colin McHugh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great book for any Arsenal fan. Went into great detail about the forming of the Prem/World Cup bid for England. Great stories about players, Wenger and David’s rise to chairman of Arsenal.

[Iain Bulpett · Rating 3 out of 5]

Everything was just a jumping stone of his vanity, look what I did! Should at least acknowledge those who helped him get there. Still a Gooner!

[Adam Fuller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant

[Hiccopolit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid compliment to Arsene Wenger's book. Not sure I know how to win in football or life after this - but Mr Dein was pleasant company for the duration of the book.

[Ozzie Khawaja · Rating 4 out of 5]

Again another behind the scenes look from a Director’s point of view. David Dein will and always will be known as Mr Arsenal. Very frank and great insight into ‘that transfer’ of Sol Campbell.

[Harry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Anecdotes galore! One of arsenal & all football fans alike... But mainly arsenal.

[Satya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Arsène for Arsenal. A dinner between Arsène Wenger, David Dein, Barbara, some friends, charades, a renactment of A Midsummer Night's Dream. The rest is history. The greatest manager in this club's history, *that Invincible's seasons*, the beautiful football.

Should you read this book if you are an Arsenal fan? Definitely. A football fan? Yes. Neither? Maybe.

David Dein was as important in this rise of The Arsenal as Arsène. One of the key individuals in the breakaway of the First Division, as vice-chairman he assembled one of the best teams that English football has seen on a moderate budget: Thierry Henry the most expensive of the 'Invincibles' at £9.5 million.

Arsène and David had this amazing connection. In their valuations of players they were never off by more than five per cent. A shame what happened in 2007 but he should be proud of the job that he has done!

[Luca Lamanna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed this book being a massive Arsenal fan. Really liked that he writes about lots of different areas of football that he has worked in and the behind the scenes info on some of Arsenal's biggest moments in the last 40 years or so.