The best Scottish sporting books of 2008 revealed - The Scotsman's guide to the leading reads

Published on Friday 19 December 2008 21:10

STUCK for that late Christmas present for the sports fan in the family? Let The Scotsman take the strain for you five days before the big day.

Here, we present our top 20 of the best Scottish sport books on the shelves for Yuletide presents this year.

SENT OFF AT GUNPOINT: THE WILLIE JOHNSTON STORY By Tom Bullimore with Willie Johnston (Know The Score, 17.99)

With the most striking title of the year, Willlie Johnston's second book catches the eye and then draws in the reader with equal measures of nostalgia and intrigue. The format is half biography, half autobiography, with Johnston having his say in the various scrapes, mishaps and triumphs in his long football career. Its main drawback is the lack of depth to the main stories, and the author's willingness to accept that almost every one of Johnston's 22 dismissals was not really his fault. Still, it is definitely 'Bud's' own earthy story, and it is an improvement on his ghost-written 1980s autobiography, in which 'he' said on the opening page: 'With apologies to Lord Byron...'

Buy it for: the generation still trying to get over Argentina 1978.

IF YOU KNOW THE HISTORY: THE OFFICIAL BIOGRAPHY OF CELTIC By Graham McColl (Headline, 18.99)

McColl is not new to the world of Celtic writing but this volume deserves to be singled out for its attention to detail and its refusal to stray away from the subject of sectarianism – indeed, McColl devotes a chapter to the controversy.

McColl does not evade other 'controversial' Celtic issues such as the appointment of Gordon Strachan as manager in 2005. The former Aberdeen midfielder has long been decried as "not being Celtic-minded" but the biography opens with an interview with the current manager which offers a very different view. But let's be honest, Celtic fans won't be buying a book solely for an interview with a manager many believe still 'doesn't quite fit in'. So chapters devoted to topics as diverse as European travels and Fergus McCann cater to a broad taste.

Buy it for: Hoops addicts only.

DARIO SPEEDWAGON: THE RISE OF A CHAMPION By Neil Drysdale (Birlinn, 16.99)

An irresistible if slightly predictable title for a book about Scotland's Indy 500 champion. This work is a very welcome addition to the bookshelves, giving recognition to one of Scotland's greatest yet least celebrated contemporary sporting heroes.

It is a pity that the author's recent major works have been biographies rather than autobiographies – Walter Smith being the other – but he brings a quality of writing to the subject that is missing from most rack 'em and stack 'em sports books.

Shame about the account of the author's attempt to engage the locals in Franchitti's native West Lothian. "If you know where there is a Ferrari or a BMW hidden in this dump, why don't you jump into it, ya dobber, and f****** well leave the rest of us alone to enjoy our fags," said a 'shaven-haired monobrow'. Did he really say that?

Buy it for: Petrolheads and patriots.

THE ENCYCLOPAEDIA OF SCOTTISH FOOTBALL Edited by David Potter and Phil H Jones (Know The Score, 24.99)

Lovingly detailed, this encyclopaedia is a fine gift for any Scottish football supporter and, indeed, beyond. While not being of the 'pocket' variety, its lavish picture archive provides a fine backdrop for some well-collated information. Potter and Jones have done their homework and, while their effort deserves the credit, the problem with any publication detailing results, it becomes swiftly out of date. But that would be nit-picking of the highest order when provided with such a glowing tribute to the sport in Scotland.

Categories are easy to find – always a bonus in an encyclopaedia, obviously – while the information contained is broken down to concise facts and figures.

Buy it for: the Old Firm fan you want to buy a book for, but wouldn't be seen dead paying for anything green or blue.

HEROES, VILLAINS AND VELODROMES: CHRIS HOY AND BRITAIN'S TRACK CYCLING REVOLUTION By Richard Moore (Harper Sport, 15.99)

Graeme Obree, reviewing Heroes, Villains and Velodromes for this newspaper, described Richard Moore's book as "very much a multi-faceted book where Chris Hoy, along with Craig MacLean and others, form a thread that tells an amazing story of transformation, possibly never seen on such a scale in any other sport ever." Obree was writing before the Beijing Olympics, where, as we know, Hoy, and the rest of the British team covered themselves in even more, and hitherto unimaginable, glory. Moore's book is a biography of the golden boy, Hoy, but with a twist. The triple gold medallist from Beijing is the central character in a wider story documenting the revolution in British cycling over the past ten years, which has seen the sport go from laughing stock to world superpower.

And at the centre of it all, of course, is Hoy, who emerges as a true star, not only for his athleticism and phenomenal dedication but for the qualities that have become apparent to a far bigger audience in the months since Beijing. As Obree added: "Richard has cleverly used the very cogent words of others to paint a picture of real characters within a new order, in which even a psychiatrist is employed... This is an absolutely must-read book that tells a story that had to be told; it is the story of a new era that fills me with excitement with the approach of the Beijing showdown."

Buy it for: anyone with a dream.

HITTING BACK: THE AUTOBIOGRAPHY By Andy Murray (Century, 18.99)

In part a fairly conventional account of the tennis star's life so far, this is also, as the title suggests, Murray's attempt to set the record straight on a lot of issues. His reaction to some of them is understandable – the absurd 'anti-English' tag, for instance, is one he needs to rid himself of as quickly as he can – but at times he comes across as being either a control freak or an inveterate whinger.

That doesn't make it a bad book, of course, and in fact Hitting Back, which was written with the freelance journalist Sue Mott, is more literate and insightful than the majority of sporting life stories. Contributions from Murray's mother and brother, his former coach Mark Petchey, and Tim Henman, help paint a broader picture.

Buy it for: Kevin the teenager.

THE ACCIES: THE CRADLE OF SCOTTISH RUGBY By David Barnes (Birlinn, 25)

Just out this month, this is a meticulously researched history of Edinburgh Accies, from their founding in 1857 to the present day. Given Accies' status as the oldest rugby union club in Scotland, the first part of the book also amounts to a history of the early decades of the sport in this country, as the team from the capital trawled the country in search of opposition. The many illustrations add greatly to the overall appeal, and anyone who knows Raeburn Place will be fascinated to see how much (or how little) it has changed since the first international in rugby history was played there.

Buy it for: FPs only, old boy.

BE A WINNER By Richard Orr and Kenny Kemp (Mainstream, 9.99)

A Winning Scotland Foundation production, Be A Winner is about some of the greats of Scottish sport, how they achieved their success – and how young people today can at least begin to emulate them. In part a practical guide to how to improve performance, this is also, perhaps more importantly, a book about how to acquire and preserve the right mental attitude.

With contributions from Sir Alex Ferguson, Chris Hoy, Sir Jackie Stewart and many other leading Scots, this is an inspiring read and an ideal present for anyone who wants to develop a winning attitude.

Buy it for: believers.

THE TIN MAN By Ted McMinn (Black and White, 17.99)

From the Terregles Street end of Palmerston Park to the amputee ward of the Derbyshire Royal Infirmary, it is safe to say that Kevin 'Ted' McMinn has packed as much as he would have hoped and plenty he would have wished to avoid into his 46 years on the planet so far. In an age where the bookshelves are submerged by sporting autobiographies of many whose life experiences are both sanitised and limited, this is a refreshing, if at times harrowing, departure from the genre.

McMinn, an old-fashioned winger who was a cult hero among supporters of both Rangers and Derby County, is frank and witty in his recollections of a journey which took him from a broken home in Dumfries to the trauma of having his right leg amputated four inches below the knee, with some memorable football along the way. He has recovered from suicidal depression to tell a tale well worth reading.

Buy it for: Dorothy and Toto.

UNION JOCK By Aidan Smith (Yellow Jersey, 12.99)

After attempting to find out in a previous book what it would be like, as a Hibs supporter, to follow Hearts for a year, here Smith, an erstwhile contributor to these pages, examines a related but larger theme – Scottish fans' attitude towards the English national team. Hence the subtitle: Sleeping With The Auld Enemy.

It's a laugh-out-loud and wide-ranging account, examining our attitudes to England and its followers, those fans' perceptions of themselves, and all sorts of socio-cultural issues besides. You don't envy the author as he follows England to the 2006 World Cup and meets some less-than-pleasant supporters, but you do envy his ability to put a brave face on it and always keep his sense of humour. An excellent read, which you won't want to end.

Buy it for: everyone and anyone.

HEARTS' GREATEST EVER SEASON 1957-58 By Mike Buckle (Black and White, 9.99)

Many Hearts supporters could be forgiven for wishing this book did not exist after events of recent seasons. While many will question allowing George Burley to leave with the club seemingly on the brink of a major breakthrough, the season 1957-58 still remains the highlight of the club's life story.

The likes of Alfie Conn Sr, Willie Bauld, Jimmy Wardhaugh, Dave Mackay and Alex Young left the Old Firm trailing in their wake, while scoring a record number of goals in a season and winning the league title at a canter.

Buckle depicts the season with the relish and gusto expected of a man with Hearts tattooed through his soul. It is unlikely such a team will ever play in front of a home crowd at Tynecastle again – although some may tell you of what could have been... A story of hope.

Buy it for: the eternal optimist.

A BHOY CALLED BERTIE By Bertie Auld with Alex Gordon (Black & White, 17.99)

Undoubtedly one of the most colourful and controversial characters produced by Scottish football, Bertie Auld retains a fondness among Celtic supporters which few will mirror for many years to come.

Auld recounts his early days growing up in a war-ravaged Glasgow before signing for the Celtic Park side as a youngster to the pinnacle of his career – the 1967 European Cup triumph.

But Auld does not omit some of the less savoury moments in his career, most notably his furious rows with Celtic manager Jock Stein and his dismissal on his Scotland debut.

Buy it for: sorry Hibs fans, this one is really Hoops only again.

THE CELTIC STORY: THE WILL TO WIN By Allan, Tommy and Patrick Canning

A family affair with three brothers underlining their commitment to the Celtic cause in a comic-book style. From Brother Walfrid's attempts to start a football team in the east end of Glasgow through to the prologue recounting the sad death of Celtic legend Tommy Burns earlier this year, the attention to detail deserves plaudits.

While the drawings may grate to some extent – conjuring up images of that appalling A-ha video for Take On Me back in 1985 – this is an affectionate take on the history of Celtic and a handy reference point for younger supporters.

Buy it for: the fan who has to own every item in print which bears the word 'Celtic'.

TWO MILES TO TYNECASTLE By Andrew-Henry Bowie (Apex, 9.99)

Nobody should doubt Andrew-Henry Bowie's commitment to the Tynecastle cause with his reminscences on days past and present for his beloved club. His love for the Gorgie side shines clearly throughout Two Miles..., but a consistent return to periodic 'schmaltz' tends to undermine the author's efforts in putting HMFC to the fore in the minds of most people.

However, there is a streak of hope set thick throughout Bowie's account of being a lifelong Jambo, which will resonate with many.

Buy it for: Andrew's immediate family.

KING JOEY: UPFRONT AND PERSONAL By Joe Harper with Charlie Allan (Birlinn 16.99)

To Aberdeen supporters, there will only ever be one 'King of the Beach End'. Joe Harper is still remembered with genuine fondness by young and old Pittodrie fans. But what makes this read stand out is Harper's insight into football in the 1970s as he played alongside the likes of Martin Buchan, Kenny Dalglish and Willie Miller.

His role in the infamous Copenhagen incident with Scotland in 1975 is not overlooked either, and Harper does not sway from his anger and fury in his description of the events in Denmark that night.

Further recollections from his time with Everton and Hibs ensure that this tome stands above so many others in the footballing autobiography category.

Buy it for: the Danish barman in your life.

THE ZEN OF NAKA: THE JOURNEY OF A JAPANESE GENIUS By Martin Greig (Mainstream 9.99)

Greig's biography of Celtic's enigmatic Japanese star is a cut above most football books. It does not feature much in the way of booze, birds or betting, but instead takes the reader on a fascinating journey, to Japan, Italy and, finally, Glasgow.

Satisfyingly, Nakamura himself retains that enigmatic status; we are given fleeting glimpses of him – walking alone along Sauchiehall Street late one night, making his way home from the footballer of the year dinner, clutching the main award – without prying too closely. It works well.

On his travels Greig encounters some colourful characters in Japan and Italy, and there is an entertaining chapter on Naka's entourage in Glasgow, whom Greig nicknames The Exile, The Itinerant, The Nightclubber, The Academic and The Chef.

The Nakamura that emerges from the book is to be admired for his humility, generosity and work ethic. Knowing that he would miss training while on international duty at Reggina, he gave his interpreter a block of Post-it notes, "and told him to record with maximum precision what he missed".

Buy it for: each of the Japanese press pack members who follow him – you will need 3,000 copies.

TOTALLY FRANK: THE FRANK MCGARVEY STORY By Frank McGarvey with Ronnie Esplin (Maintream 15.99)

Don't be fooled by the naff title: this is a quality read. Yet in many ways it perpetuates most of the footballer stereotypes. McGarvey, who, as a star of the 1980s, just missed out on the big money, proceeded to blow what little he had at the bookies. These days he is a joiner in Glasgow, which, as a former Celtic player, he describes as being like "a Glaswegian version of Russian roulette with a two-chamber gun and one bullet when I chap the door of a new customer."

What makes this book stand out is McGarvey's unflinching honesty. At times he is excruciatingly honest about his own failings and shortcomings, and about some fairly sinister episodes in his childhood.

As he memorably puts it: "Girls weren't interested in me, older men wanted to bugger me and younger boys wanted to batter me." But it is a heartwarming book, if only because McGarvey's humanity shines through.

Buy it for: footballers who think they are made for life.

MAROON HEART: THE GARY MACKAY STORY By Gary Mackay, with Mark Donaldson (Fort Publishing, 16.99)

Mackay is inextricably linked with Hearts after a lifetime involved with the Tynecastle club in one form or another. His story was bound to be one to read for all Hearts supporters, but his tale offers a wary detail for all football fans.

Growing up a Jambo, Mackay outlines his career from start to finish, a massive 737 appearances for the club. But his role at the club did not finish at the end of his illustrious career and Mackay became actively involved in the Save Our Hearts campaign aimed at stopping then chief executive Chris Robinson selling Tynecastle to service the club's spiralling debt before the arrival of Vladimir Romanov.

Buy it for: Hearts fans of course, but it has broader appeal.

HARD AS NAILS: THE GRAHAM ROBERTS STORY By Graham Roberts, with Colin Duncan (Black & White Publishing, 17.99)

Archetypal hardman of football creates archetypal autobiography of a footballer; it's not rocket science, is it? Graham Roberts was a solid, if unspectacular, player deriving pleasure from a certain notoriety as a tough-tackling defender. But there is little in his story here to break the stereotype – "I fancied myself as a bit of an Arthur Daley at the time. I knew plenty of dodgy people from my time at Spurs..."

But the clever sleeve allows for sales in Glasgow and north London with either side of the tome depicting Roberts representing Tottenham Hotspur and Rangers.

But there appears to be some discrepancy over the accuracy in some of the book's detail, most notably over an incident involving Albert Craig of Hamilton Academical – was the Celtic fan really wearing a strip under his Accies shirt in that game at Ibrox?

Buy it for: the die-hard Rangers fan, who quite likes Tottenham Hotspur but can't really explain why...