Book 1: Soccer Mental Toughness The mark of the very best players is that they have the mental toughness to overcome moments of adversity. To accept that there are times when matters do not pan out as they hope, and having accepted them, move on without allowing their confidence to drop. Call it resilience, spirit, mental strength or whatever, without a doubt such a mindset is as crucial as having the skills to play at the level to which we aspire.

Book 2: Soccer Shooting Drills Go to almost any general compilation of clips online and the overwhelming majority will be shots – usually ones that lead to a goal. This book will provide a series of drills which will help coaches and players to become star shooters, leading to more goals, more wins and even greater joy at playing this most beautiful of games.

Book 3: Soccer Intelligence Intelligent people in whatever field they work know that simple works best. Soccer is, at its heart, a simple game. Pass the ball, move into space (where it is easier to control a pass and to deliver a return), move the ball on. When the chance arises, attempt to score a goal. If you are a defender, try to deny the other side space. A simple pass is easier to complete than a complex one. Intercepting the ball is easier than winning it through a tackle. Moving into space, finding a good angle and communicating well makes a pass easier to deliver for a team mate. Intelligence and simplicity are brothers to one another.