The Manager: The absurd ascent of the most important man in football

An affectionate look at the changing role, status and style of the football manager since the dawn of the professional era.

Ever since the dawn of the professional era, the beautiful game s most intriguing individual has been inching his way from the boot room towards the back pages. Along the way he has shared in the preoccupations of the nation - from conflicts and economic crises, to a fascination with fashion and a wholly unhealthy interest in celebrity.

This book traces the remarkable journey of the football gaffer, from his humble beginnings as club secretary, to his modern incarnation - the man we all recognise, venting his spleen at the ref, or having a huff at a post-match press conference. THE MANAGER takes the reader beyond the well-worn anecdotes, deeper into the stories of football s top men and the world they inhabit. Barney Ronay asks the important questions about these compelling characters - Where did they come from? Why are they so miserable? Where do they get their suits?

Hilarious and absorbing, this book contains enough revelations to provide the most avid fan with a library of fresh tales. You ll never look at the man on the touchline in the same way again.