As sports fans, we live for the thrill of victory, the agony of defeat, and the compelling narratives that unfold on the field. But what if I told you that there's a way to extend that adrenaline rush beyond the final whistle, the last buzzer, or the checkered flag? Enter the world of sports books!

Whether you're a die-hard fan of football, rugby, athletics or any other sport, there's a treasure trove of literature waiting for you to explore. 

In this blog, we'll take you on a journey through some of the best sports books on the shelves this Christmas that will deepen your passion for the game and provide insights into the stories behind the athletes, teams, and events that have left an indelible mark on the sporting world.

The most successful England side of all time: the 1966 team. We'll all have heard those dulcet tones of Kenneth Wolstenholme shouting "Four for England, three for Hurst" and his famous line during the match, "They think it's all over. It is now!" became iconic after England's winning goal. But it isn't all over. Not yet. One of them is still here, and before he goes, Geoff Hurst shares his final thoughts about it all in Last Boy of '66.

The Good, the Bad and the Rugby: Unleashed is the long-awaited book from rugby stars Alex Payne, James Haskell and Mike Tindall. The rugby megastars get together to discuss the highs and lows of their podcast, friendship and rugby.

One of this Christmas' must-have autobiographies comes from cricket legend Jimmy Anderson.  This is a no-holds-barred tell-all of one of the most extraordinary cricket careers of all time. This is the final word on a spectacular career spanning over 20 years from one of England's greatest ever bowlers.

Looking forward to the Christmas Special of Bullseye this Christmas with Freddie Flintoff? Give the darts fan in your life a copy of Who Darts Wins by John Woodhouse. Take a flight into the dart-side of life with the ultimate darts gift book - it's game on in this fascinating and entertaining companion to the sport, whether you're a seasoned darts enthusiast or can't tell 'The Nuke' from 'The Bomb'.

My Wrexham Story by Paul Mullin, now out in paperback. If you've been watching Welcome to Wrexham as avidly as we have, you'll be no stranger to the Super Paul Mullin, their star player.

In case you've been under a rock, in 2020, Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney teamed up to purchase the fifth tier Red Dragons in the hope of turning Wrexham AFC into an underdog story the whole world can root for. And boy we have!

From Hollywood to Wales, from the pitch to the locker room, and the front office to the pub, the docuseries has tracked Rob and Ryan's crash course in football club ownership.  Here for the first time, Mullin tells his own story: his roots in Liverpool, the highs and lows of English football's promotion race, lessons learnt from his young son's Autism diagnosis, and what happens when Hollywood comes knocking at your door.

Surviving to Drive by Guenther Steiner, now out in paperback

If Formula 1 is more your thing, then look no further. Guenther Steiner, one of motor racing's biggest and most celebrated characters, known to millions for his show-stealing appearances on Netflix's hugely popular fly on the wall series, Drive to Survive delivers his Christmas stocking filler.

In Surviving to Drive, the Haas team principal takes readers inside his Formula 1 team for the entirety of the 2022 season, giving an unobstructed view of what really takes place behind the scenes.

Uncompromising and searingly honest, told in Steiner's inimitable style, this is a fascinating and hugely entertaining account of the realities of running a Formula 1 team.

Whether you're a football fanatic, a rugby aficionado, or a fan of any other sport, there's a sports book that can enrich your understanding of the games you love. These recommendations cover a selection of books across a wide range of sporting interests.

Happy reading, sports fans!

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