Heroes, Hairbands and Hissy Fits

Nov 19, 2024 10:50 PM

Author:Mark Chapman

Alice bands, orange bladed boots and socks worn over the knee. Mansions in Cheshire, WAGs and written-off Ferraris. Referees with headsets, fourth officials, and an incomprehensible amount of stoppage time.

There is only so much a true football fan can take, and in Heroes, Hairbands and Hissy Fits, Mark Chapman (aka Chappers) gives full vent to his feelings, as only the host of a football phone-in can. Football phone-ins are on the hitlist too, by the way. It is football as we know it, told from the heart.

With his trademark down-to-earth wit, he takes aim at everyone from Sepp Blatter to MOTD, kit designers and replica shirt wearers (don't put your age on the back of the shirt, lads), trophy presentations and tournament draws. From his first footballing memory to watching his son grow up idolising Premier League millionaires, Chappers' book is a timely tirade as well as a love song to the beautiful game.

Reviews

A story of shattered dreams, hedonism and a short life lived very much to the full . . . this is one of the essential modern football books

—— FourFourTwo

It has a magical atmosphere and is easily the most compulsive soccer biography you'll ever read

—— Melody Maker

A terrific read

—— Daily Mail

Poignant, funny and tragic

—— The Scotsman

Myler tells each story with vigour and diligence

—— Daily Telegraph

Despite not being a particular fan of the sport of boxing, Kevin Mitchell's compelling knowledge of the personalities involved in the fight game in the 20th century, coupled with a staccato writing style got my attention quickly and kept it to the very last page... Overall a really high recommendation as one of my favourite sports books for some time'

—— thebookbag.com

'It's an enthralling, eye-opening read, even for those with no interest in the sport'

—— Timeout.com

Lurid and fascinating tale of the powers behind the scenes in New York, then capital of the boxing world.

—— The Review

A colourful romp through Georgian London and its scoundrels and chancers

—— Daily Mail

Genuinely funny

—— Richard Williams

Made me chuckle

—— Mark Cavendish

Hilarious behind-the-scenes anecdotes

—— Glasgow Herald

An irreverent and funny take on cycling’s biggest race from a man who has seen it up close every year since 2003

—— Lesley McDowell , Glasgow Herald

I found his behind-the-scenes look at the famous race both highly amusing and telling in equal measure

—— Johann Lamont , Scotland on Sunday

Cycling at its best is fiercely cosmopolitan and internationalist, Boulting provides the kind of commentary the sport deserves, and will need if it is to fulfil its undoubted potential to reach out and grow

—— Mark Perryman , The Huffington Post

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