With the Hyundai A-League set to launch into an exciting new campaign, historian Roy Hay and a host of experts – including Caltex Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou – have documented the competition’s fascinating history in a fabulous new book.
Hay, one of Australia’s most respected football historians, has collaborated with ten of the A-League’s best writers to detail some of the incredible stories of its 11-year history.
“Games Goals Glory: The A-League’s Teams, Players, Coaches and Greatest Moments” features pieces from football experts such as Michael Cockerill, Simon Hill and Andy Harper, along with a comprehensive statistical analysis from football statistician Andrew Howe.
In an intriguing extract, two-time Championship coach Ange Postecoglou opens up on his impression of the A-League in the early years and how he sensed an opportunity to implement a new level of professionalism not yet seen in Australian football.
“When I was offered the role at Brisbane [Roar], I saw the opportunity to capitalise on the points of difference I had identified – a different playing style, clever recruiting, building an identity and lastly, having sustained success rather than a one-off,” Postecoglou writes.
“When interviewed for the role, I saw that the owners were open to and indeed seeking this kind of radical yet logical transformation.
“Play high—possession football, recruit people who fit the playing style and have a yearning for success, and instill a culture of no excuses and high standards.
“Possession football meant keeping the ball above everything else. The game has evolved since then, but at the time, we were concerned only with having the ball more than our opponents. That was our most important measure.
Goals and results would flow from that.”
The book offers an entertaining and insightful look into Australia’s burgeoning football competition and depicts some of the game’s finest moments with stunning photography throughout.
From great games to cult heroes and marquee players, the book is compelling reading for any football fan interested in learning about the Australian game and its history.
“Games Goals Glory: The A-League’s Teams, Players, Coaches and Greatest Moments”, Hardie Grant Books (Available October 1, 2016)
