Fascinating insight into how and why select few make it

HE PICKINGS tend to be slim at certain times of the year when it comes to selecting books for review in this column.

The early post-Christmas months are particularly bleak, and then there’s always a surge from September onwards when authors and publishers alike go gung ho in a bid to leave an imprint on the festive market.

I wasn’t too hopeful of finding something decent when I dropped into The Book Centre last week, but then my eye caught a familiar name among the shelves of the new arrivals just inside the main door.

Michael Calvin has done the world of sport an incredible service already with some of his previous work, and his latest offering is essential reading for anyone with an interest in finding out what separates those who make a career in professional football from the also-rans.

‘No Hunger In Paradise - The Players. The Journey. The Dream.’ is a beautifully crafted work, with the words flowing freely while the attention to detail and level of research is second to none.

Previously Calvin penned ‘ The Nowhere Men’, about footballer’s talent spotters, and ‘Living On The Volcano’, which focused on the trials and tribulations of being a manager.

This is part three of the trilogy, and my recommendation to readers is not alone to buy this book, but also to snap up the other two mentioned above and get the complete low-down on what happens behind the scenes in the world of football.

Calvin’s latest work should be essential reading for coaches the world over, regardless of their preferred sport.

Likewise, it would be wonderful to think that all those pushy parents on the sidelines would read this book and mend their ways. Sadly, I can’t see that happening because, in my experience, the main problem with those people is that they don’t realise the undue pressure they put on their own children in the first place.

Calvin’s book starts and ends in Brixton Recreation Centre where an ex-convict named Steadman Scott has been nurturing young footballers for many years now.

Nathaniel Clyne of Liverpool and England is the biggest name to emerge from Afewee, this volunteer-driven community club in the heart of one of London’s toughest areas where a drug and gun culture prevails.

The opening chapter sets the scene as Calvin gets to the root of the reasons why certain individuals make it to the top level of the sport whereas the vast majority drop out.

He wonders what really separates the good from the great on a journey that takes him to the dazzling FA headquarters to meet current England manager Gareth Southgate.

However, for the most part he concentrates on learning more about what’s happening at grassroots level, seeking the opinions of a diverse body of interested parties including agents, coaches, behavioural specialists, and of course numerous players and their parents.

It’s a fascinating and engrossing read. I can recall stating at the time that ‘Living On The Volcano’ was my favourite book of that particular year, and this one will certainly take some beating for 2017.

This most revealing study will educate the reader thoroughly on why only 0.012 per cent of boys playing organised youth football in England will reach the Premier League. Buy it now is my advice! ALAN AHERNE Visit The Book Centre on Wexford’s Main Street for the very best selection of sports books.