In an anecdotal style, Clive Woodward entertains and informs while he describes the thrilling build-up to England's World Cup triumph.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Amazon.co.uk Trade-In Store
Did you know you can trade in your old books for an Amazon.co.uk Gift Card to spend on the things you want? Visit the Books Trade-In Store for more details. Learn more. |
Product details
Would you like to update product info or give feedback on images?
|
Some of his ideas are brilliant, all of his methods are fascinating and I feel there are lots of very valuable lessons to be taken from his book for anyone involved in the management of people. This is more like a contempary management guide than a straight sporting autobigraphy. The methods for getting 'buy-in', the fluid nature of the model he develops, the creation of an elite team in every single area of the rugby business, all combine to offer a fresh approach to the usual, often rather lame life of sporting hero.
I just wish he hadn't fallen out with Donal Lenihan, then perhaps I would have followed a successful Lions team around Australia in 2001.
Put it on your christmas list.
There is such a lot of material here that interest never wanes. I enjoyed the description of Woodward's early life and he doesn't pull his shots when it comes to the horrors of being denied football (his first love) whilst attending boarding school. He comes across as a much more likeable, humorous and maverick character than I had supposed.
Overall it's well-written and clearly structured. Woodward doesn't mind poking fun at himself and his very English love of tea, golf and Radio 4. A few dozen well-chosen colour photos add interest and stir memories of the historic victory.
There are some jarring notes. Woodward repeats a couple of phrases to the point of tedium: "He is on record as saying..." certainly got on my nerves and he devotes a whole page to a stilted poem sent in by a fan. Also some of the organisational charts he uses to illustrate his management thinking are a bit simple-minded to say the least.
Overall though this was an inspirational and entertaining read. Die-hard rugby fans may not learn much that's new to them but I'd go as far as saying it's about the best sports book I've read since It's Not about the Bike.
|
This product's forum
Active discussions in related forums
Search Customer Discussions
|
Related forums
|
|