Author:Ed Smith
Why will there never be another Bradman?
How do you win 33 games in a row?
Why did Zidane lose his rag on the world's stage?
Foraying deep into sport's leftfield, Ed smith asks the questions we rarely ask of our teams and players. When is cheating really cheating? Is the free market good for sport? Can talent be a curse? Does luck matter? His answers, often controversial and always thought provoking, will delight anyone who has ever wondered why sport matters.
Recommended to anyone interested in sport, history, or simply human nature
—— Mark Lawson, Front RowI could eat this stuff up with a spoon
—— Nick HornbyA book that everyone with a serious interest in sport needs to read. Don't miss it
—— Simon Barnes , The TimesA terrific book - Smith has distilled into 200 pages things that took me fifteen years of playing to work out
—— Mike AthertonAn exceptional book: lucid, thought-provoking, informative and fair. Outstanding
—— Christopher Martin-Jenkins , The TimesSmoothly written... open and honest. As a sports autobiography, straight between the posts
—— Michael Moynihan , Irish ExaminerSearing honesty
—— Daily TelegraphA different class... superb insight
—— Linda Maher , Sunday Business PostCompelling, entertaining and woven together with particular style and grace... O'Gara is up with the greats
—— Dave Hannigan , Evening EchoHe should be commended for his frankness. It certainly defines this tome in contrast to the usual drudgery of rugby autobiographies
—— James Corrigan , IndependentSince so many sports efforts in this genre tend to reveal very little, a memoir like O'Gara's, one with real bite and new insight, makes for a markedly refreshing read. The book is laced with fleshy anecdotes. All make for bona fide eyebrow arching, giggle-inducing, page turning stuff
—— Dermot Keyes , Munster ExpressIt is to O'Gara's credit that his autobiography remains true to his personality. It is a compellingly candid read... There is a sense of singularity about O'Gara that takes him into places others find uncomfortable... few men walk the walk better than Munster and Ireland's No. 10
—— Vincent Hogan , Irish IndependentThis engrossing book sails straight between the posts
—— John O'Donnell , Irish TimesArguably the best Irish book of the year... told with flawless skill
—— Malachy Clerkin , The Sunday TribuneThe perfect present for any rugby fan. It shows the goldfish-bowl aspect to life as a modern-day sporting legend and gives an insight into what it's like on the inside looking out
—— Irish IndependentWhether you are a rugby fan or not, this book is likely to please... This honest autobiography will provide an intriguing read for the Christmas period
—— South Tipp TodayCompelling reading
—— Richard Fitzpatrick , Irish ExaminerMotty's knowledge and passion for football are unrivalled as he shares his story for the first time with humour and honesty.
—— Oxford TimesFilled with a multitude of detail about Motson's background and the sporting times he lived through ...Motson is one of the most intelligent and accomplished commentators in history, a voice that has conveyed the best (and worst, depending on your allegiance) moments in the recent past of the game. His book offers a fascinating look at what goes on behind the scenes of football broadcasting, as well as a trip down memory lane for many supporters. A must-read for any football fan.
—— Sunday Business PostThe voice of the sheepskinned sage and cult hero John Motson will doubtless be heard at the 2010 tournament, and he reminisces on his career to date in the amusing Motty: Forty Years in the Commentary Box
—— Independent on Sunday 'Books of the Year'