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Calling the Shots: How to Win in Football and Life
The long-awaited memoir from international football ambassador, former co-owner of Arsenal FC and legend of the David Dein. There's no doubt that Dein has been one of the most significant and influential figures in British football for over three decades - operating at club and international level. He was a prime mover in the creation of the Premier League, hugely influential within the England set-up and, of course, was the mastermind - along with Arsène Wenger - in creating the glory days of Arsenal Football Club, leading the team for almost a quarter of a century. Connected to the most senior figures across the global game as a friend, rival, advisor, and collaborator, Dein has been central to major turning points in the game. Calling the Shots is part memoir, part inspirational meditation on leadership, teamwork and how to invest in people. It tracks the full story of David's remarkable life and career to date, recounting never-before-told stories from the inside, intriguing characters met along the way, and discussing the past, present and future of football. An entertaining and motivational read for football and non-football fans alike, Calling the Shots is a dynamic masterclass in how to succeed in business and life.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
September 30, 2022
interesting and frank book looking at his career and his time in football and his time at Arsenal , found some insights into the start of the premier league and modern football generally
October 7, 2022
I am an Arsenal fan so obviously have a greater interest in David Dein and his career, however this book would interest any football fan as it details his influence in the setting up of the Premier League and the Women’s league as well as the introduction of names on the back of shirts which are now taken for granted. The chapter written in tribute to his close friend Gerard Houllier is particularly touching.
November 24, 2022
I was an Arsenal season ticket holder for 60 years and shareholder for 51 years.Although I recognise that he did one major thing for Arsenal,recruiting Arsene Wenger,he also made one major blunder in recruiting Stan Kronke.This led to my shares being compulsorarily sold to Kronke and my giving up my season ticket 3 years later.
I always voted against Dein at the AGM as I felt he got the shares too cheaply.Unfortunately I was proved right.
This book is a good account of his life and his involvement with football.At one AGM a shareholder said that Dein was a football groupie,and I think that's a fair assessment.
It is clear that his ousting from the board still rankles with him,as does the fact that he was not appointed back on the board when Kronke took control.
I became leas interested in the book when it dwelt at length with his involvement with international football and prisons.
So I have mixed views about him.Without his involvement we would not have had that marvellous period from 1997 to 2006.However because of his involvement i lost my shareholding and eventually gave up my seasonticket.The football in season 2019-20 was so bad i could take no more particularly witnessing live the defeat by Burnley.I did not step inside the Emirates again till August 2022.For that I am afraid Mr Dein must beat some responsibility.
I always voted against Dein at the AGM as I felt he got the shares too cheaply.Unfortunately I was proved right.
This book is a good account of his life and his involvement with football.At one AGM a shareholder said that Dein was a football groupie,and I think that's a fair assessment.
It is clear that his ousting from the board still rankles with him,as does the fact that he was not appointed back on the board when Kronke took control.
I became leas interested in the book when it dwelt at length with his involvement with international football and prisons.
So I have mixed views about him.Without his involvement we would not have had that marvellous period from 1997 to 2006.However because of his involvement i lost my shareholding and eventually gave up my seasonticket.The football in season 2019-20 was so bad i could take no more particularly witnessing live the defeat by Burnley.I did not step inside the Emirates again till August 2022.For that I am afraid Mr Dein must beat some responsibility.
January 30, 2024
As an Arsenal fan perhaps I'm a little biased as I've always had a fondness for Mr Dein. However, you need not be a Gooner to enjoy this book which features interesting anecdotes of The Premier Leagues conception, the cut throat world of football televisual rights, player negotiations and their agents as well as the questionable dealings of world cup bids. I liked the author's personable writing style and his honesty. It can read at times perhaps a little self congratulatory, although in Mr Dein's defence it is with merit. I enjoyed reading the experiences I remember so well living through from the perspective of the ex-chairman. I always felt sadden how David Dein and Arsenal Football Club parted, but hope with the passage of time the club shows Mr Dein the respect and admiration he deserves for all he had done for the Gunners. Without whom, they'd have been no Arsene Wenger!
June 14, 2023
A very interesting and admirable book. There is a real sense of self-assuredness behind David Dein’s writing which at times threatened to seep into narcissism BUT I don’t often read autobiographies so perhaps the style surprised me. I was really worried when I read all the business jargon and the deals didn’t really interest me at all, although, as the book progressed, there were so many pleasant surprises, such as pioneering women’s football, campaigning against racism, and offering offenders a path into the game which really impressed me. There are also some fascinating sections on the formation of the premier league and corruption surrounding World Cup bids which are worth reading too.
October 19, 2023
David Dein is one of the great men of fottball who has transformed the National game. This book covers the years from being a supporter to becoming a very busy director; transforming Arsenal; starting the premier league and making football the multi million pound business it is today. Perhaps Mr. Dein warrants a statue outside the stadium next to Ken Friar.
And then he leaves Arsenal (rather shabilly treated) and becomes a prison reformer. One of the good guys.
And then he leaves Arsenal (rather shabilly treated) and becomes a prison reformer. One of the good guys.
October 8, 2022
Probably not winning any witters awards. The opening chapters hit you with waves of premier league excitement, but then drifts into an autobiography of David and the writer does manage to lose the attention of the audience at times.
It’s good for an insight into business of football and the people who give their lives to passion of football.
It’s good for an insight into business of football and the people who give their lives to passion of football.
October 27, 2022
This is awesome, but I would say that as an older Arsenal fan. A great expose behind the scenes of the issues facing Deins departure - one of the worst days in Arsenals recent history. Also packed with insight to the forming of the Premier League and much more. You don’t have to be a gooner to read this - but it may help!
November 30, 2022
Very good book, offering deep insight into Arsenal, Dein’s approach to business and life, breaking away from the Football League to set up the Premier League, VAR, England’s World Cup hosting bid and more.
I listened to the audiobook and David narrated it beautifully. The foreword from Wenger was nice too.
I listened to the audiobook and David narrated it beautifully. The foreword from Wenger was nice too.
November 24, 2023
One for Arsenal fans to remind us how important David Dein was for the club. He truly lived for Arsenal. The book has lots of great anecdotes and charts the twists and turns of transfers and appointments. His work with the Twinning Project is brilliant and glad he devoted a significant chapter to it.
June 4, 2023
An insider’s point of view on the footballing machinations behind the scenes of both club and country. Dean There’re even unexpected topics covered in the book.
This is probably the most informative read I’ve had when it comes to the football biography category.
This is probably the most informative read I’ve had when it comes to the football biography category.
October 5, 2023
Fun easy read about David and The Arsenal. Interesting to learn more background on his business, but he did so in a way where there was still loads of talk regarding Arsenal and his time with the club
June 12, 2023
Great book for any Arsenal fan. Went into great detail about the forming of the Prem/World Cup bid for England. Great stories about players, Wenger and David’s rise to chairman of Arsenal.
December 1, 2023
Everything was just a jumping stone of his vanity, look what I did! Should at least acknowledge those who helped him get there. Still a Gooner!
February 24, 2024
Brilliant
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews