{"product_id":"the-club","title":"The Club","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"book-description\"\u003e\n\u003ci\u003eThe Club\u003c\/i\u003e by Joshua Robinson and Jonathan Clegg delves deep into the captivating narrative of how a once struggling English football league transformed into the lucrative phenomenon known as the Premier League. Through in-depth research and intimate access, the authors provide an insightful and entertaining recount of this unprecedented metamorphosis.\n\n\u003cp\u003eEnglish football, notorious for its unappetising pies, poor management, and infamous hooliganism, has astoundingly evolved into a commercial juggernaut and a global entertainment spectacle. \u003ci\u003eThe Club\u003c\/i\u003e charts the dizzying rise of the Premier League, a business empire erected in just twenty-five years through ambition, innovation, and sheer risk-taking. The authors peel back the layers of this transformation, orchestrated by a diverse ensemble of influential figures including Russian oligarchs, Arab sheikhs, Asian magnates, American tycoons, seasoned managers, unflinching agents, and the omnipotent Murdoch media.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThis meticulous chronicle reveals how these power players carved out, rebranded, and exported the Premier League product to an astounding 185 countries—nearly matching the global footprint of the United Nations, which recognises 193. This phenomenal expansion, however, has come at a price. As clubs boast valuations in the billions and players command transfers worth hundreds of millions, the local supporters who once were the lifeblood of English football are increasingly priced out, thus eroding the clubs’ local identities. \u003ci\u003eThe Club\u003c\/i\u003e serves as a poignant commentary on our globalised business landscape, exemplifying the trade-offs of going global.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eThrough a series of exclusive and revealing interviews conducted within the hallowed halls of football's power corridors, Robinson and Clegg bring readers into the boardrooms of the sport's biggest players. These interviews include discussions with Liverpool's John W. Henry, Tottenham's Daniel Levy, Manchester United's Martin Edwards and David Gill, Arsenal's Arsène Wenger and Stan Kroenke, and Manchester City's sporting director Txiki Begiristain, among others. Furthermore, the narrative includes insights from executives at clubs like Chelsea, West Ham, Leicester City, and Aston Villa. Their voices illuminate this definitive account of the Premier League’s boom and bust cycles, offering an unparalleled glimpse into how English football turned into a worldwide spectacle.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eAn excellent recap, with wonderful access and forensic detail on the Premier League's rise to global alpha status... All told with an arch sense of humour \u003c\/b\u003e\u003ci\u003eThe Guardian\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Hachette New Zealand Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45713626398956,"sku":"9781473699588","price":29.99,"currency_code":"NZD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0705\/7784\/8556\/files\/9781473699588.jpg?v=1725998416","url":"https:\/\/bookhero.pro\/products\/the-club","provider":"Book Hero","version":"1.0","type":"link"}