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How to Be a Football Manager

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How to Be a Football Manager

By: Ian Holloway
Narrated by: Ian Holloway
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About this listen

*** SHORTLISTED FOR SPORTS ENTERTAINMENT BOOK OF THE YEAR AT THE SUNDAY TIMES SPORTS BOOK AWARDS 2023 ***

Football management is like being a potato - you're never too far from the sack and everyone is constantly chipping away at you. It's not for the faint-hearted and unless you've got skin as thick as rhino and, more importantly, a wicked sense of humour, you've no chance of surviving.

Ian Holloway - aka 'Ollie' - has all the above and more besides. His press conferences are the stuff of legend. He's been there, seen it and done it in his 40 years as player and manager, and has been entertaining football fans on and off the pitch for most of his life. He's been head honcho at clubs in all four divisions in English football, experiencing everything from the giddy heights of taking Blackpool to the Premier League to fighting relegation from the Football League with Grimsby Town. There's never been a dull moment.

In the joyful How to Be a Football Manager, Holloway weaves a fantastically rich tapestry of hilarious anecdotes to reveal what being the boss is really like. This is not a handbook to tell you when to play a Christmas tree formation or throw on a false nine - it's about dealing with the ridiculous, fighting your corner and always having a comeback.

©2022 Ian Holloway (P)2022 Headline Publishing Group Ltd
Coaching Football (Soccer) Sports Comedy Funny Witty Inspiring Heartfelt Boss

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Critic reviews

'fascinating, frank, funny' Jim White, Daily Telegraph

'insightful' Henry Winter, The Times

'engaging ... revealing ... a warm and often funny read' FourFourTwo

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Absolutely brilliant insight into the career of one of the most colourful characters to grace the beautiful game. Absolutely loved the honesty and integrity displayed by Holloway in his reading of this awesome book. It would be tremendous to see him back managing very soon. x

Ollie is a legend

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Great listen got from it what I thought. lots of great anecdotes! definitely recommend this one!

typical ollie

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I found this to be really informative and interesting on both a human and professional level.

No promises are made to make you the best manager, but it's guaranteed to make you a better person and view practice's and relationships.

This was all I hoped it would be and more

Life lessons through football adventures

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I really enjoy this audio book - It’s crammed with great stories and ‘Ollyisms’ - It’s narrated by the man himself so you get the full Ian Holloway experience (including the language!). I’m not sure I’d enjoy reading it as much as I did listening to it - He’s a unique guy and that’s why we love him. Ken, QPR fan

The full Olly experience!

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Absolutely loved listening to this book. Ian Holloway has managed across the top 5 divisions in England and is one of the best managers to gain a real insight into football management.

A very honest read

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Always been a big fan of Ian Holloway so I was over the moon with this, and it will be one book I won't tire of, despite how many times I listen to it!!!

Loved this!!!

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Great listen, lovely in-depth stories from a great professional. some insight and a great laugh

Smashing listen

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I loved it all, it was a great book well written. Ian Holloway was excellent in his execution of being completely honest

Ian himself he's super

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enjoyable listen with countless stories in what seems like a shorter career in football management. than what is deserved. hope you get another position soon.

fantastic listen for budding football managers

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Well structured in that it's not just his career in chronological order. Ian narrating himself makes it a little more authentic as well. Couldn't imagine anyone else reading it.

I was engaged enough to finish within 2 days.

Some good interesting stories about the less glamorous side of football management and managing players in lower leagues. Nice to hear about a world outside the premier league

Good listen

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