Dribble!: The Unbelievable Encyclopaedia of Football

Description

Ten years in the making, Dribble! is an A-Z of credulity-twanging facts and stories about what Pele once memorably dubbed my bloody job . It includes definitive explanations of everyday phrases such as the magic of the cup and low centre of gravity ; a complete guide to becoming a terrace character and an in-depth account of how Roy Keane s pyjamas got him a smack on the nose... It also addresses hitherto ignored aspects of the beautiful game, including its longstanding relationship with Country and Western. Johnny Cash dubbed himself The Man in Black in homage to his idol, referee Arthur Ellis and wrote what is arguably the greatest song ever written about the life of an assistant referee - I Walk the Line .

Harry Pearson is a journalist and writer who contributes regularly to the GUARDIAN, GQ and WHEN SATURDAY COMES.