This book is such a definitive book in Australian football, it needs its own thread rather than  posting it in the thread on football books.

This topic is in the  Australian section. Unfortunately,  a lot of the coaching content and how Ange has changed football practices has been derailed.

The other book that was similar in stature was in  cricket. Bob Simpson  took over the national Test team in the mid eighties when they were at rock bottom. Simpson had to force national team players out of their comfort zone and regenerate it. In Ange's case he had to do this at Roar.

With the Socceroos Ange was keen to change the mentality. His onus was to  take the game right up to any opponent and not accept we are not as good and become complacent about results.

One of the amazing things about Ange is that as soon as he  becomes coach in any scenario, he immediately distances himself, socially, from other assistant coaches, support staff and players, even if they are friends.

When he coached South Melb, Paul Trmboli was one of his best mates. Trimmers was captain of the team.

From that time onwards, whilst coach Ange stopped socialising with Trimmers altogether. Ange also says he is quite gregarious, but not with his colleagues. He always wants professional distance in order to make objective calls about anyone he works with at any given time.

Even now, when the Socceroos support staff go out together for meals, Ange doesn't go with them!  He stays in his room.

How the hell would you know the lay of the land at SMH back in NSL days - by your own previous admissions you've only been following Sockah since November 2005.

Fortunately there remain a handful of people that have witnessed your many years of online lies and deceit, decentric. Hopefully they will continue to enlighten newcomers not to engage with an unhinged megalomaniac. Which, incidentally, seems to be working thus far.

Aren't Decentric and Judy Free the same person?

A question best answered by Decentric's shrink.

Have nearly finished this.  Lots of good stuff among some dross.  The good stuff seems to be pretty much Ange's words, whereas the dross is quite clearly Andy Harper.  I am unable to read parts of the book without having his voice in my head.

It is some time since I've finished, but thought most of the book was very interesting from an Aussie perspective.

What are you finding good/useful?

What are the parts you dislike?