Sports News September 2004

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• Latest Top Ten
• Recent sports book extracts
• List of forthcoming signing sessions
• Round up of new books published for Christmas

We have a new Top Ten which features MOUNTAIN BIKE FITNESS TRAINING at the No.1 spot, streaks ahead of its competitors. Links from various web sites resulted in heavy web traffic and on line sales for this book so thanks to all of you who found us that way. BIKEmagic said of the book, 'finally a book competitive mountain bikers deserve.'

An unusual book features at No.2. THE BARNSLEY WHALE evolved through a web site started by fans of Barnsley Football Club. Author Steve Deput remembered a whale visiting his hometown but it wasn't until he put his hazy memories on to the net that he received verification that he hadn't been hallucinating!

The story was first featured on John Peel's home truths, which is poignant given the sad news about Peel's death this week.

This quarter's bestseller list seems to be dominated by football and I don't think that is going to change in the next quarter as just published bestsellers include WE ARE TOTTENHAM and THE REAL MACKAY by Dave Mackay. Customers who have bought one have frequently gone back to buy the other as Dave Mackay was a Spurs legend - when he wasn't impressing the fans of Derby and Hearts.

Our current sports stars have a number of signing sessions coming up so if you are in the area look out for:

Dave Mackay author of THE REAL MACKAY. Autobiography of one of football's genuine legends who was at the centre of many of the biggest stories of British football for almost three decades. From Hearts in the 50s, to Spurs in the 60s and Derby County in the 70s.

24 Oct, 1-2pm at Tynecastle, Edinburgh
29 Oct, 1-2pm at Books Etc, Broadgate Circle, London EC2M
29 Oct, 5-6pm at Ottakars, Enfield
27 Nov, 11.30-12.30pm at the Spurs club megastore

Mervyn Davies author of IN STRENGTH AND SHADOW. Autobiography of the Welsh rugby international who lost rugby when he had a brain haemorrhage on the pitch in 1976 but recovered against all odds and regained his life.

13 Nov, 12-1pm at Ottakars, 14/15 Guildhall Square, Carmarthen

Roy Evans author of GHOST ON THE WALL. This is the official biography of one of Liverpool Football Club's greatest-ever servants. Roy Evans joined Liverpool under legendary manager Bill Shankly and remained a member of the backroom staff until 1994 when he became manager of the club. His commitment to developing future stars such as Robbie Fowler, Steve McManamen and Michael Owen ensured that he did not become another 'ghost on the wall.'

1 Nov, 3pm at WHSmith, 10-16 Church Street, Liverpool
3 Nov, 7-8pm at Borders, 34 Coliseum Way, Cheshire Oaks, Ellesmere Port
5 Nov, 3pm at WHSmith, New Mersey Retail Park, Speke
11 Nov, 12-2pm at Smiths Books, 41 Mesnes, Wigan
12 Nov, 12.30-1.30pm at Pritchards, 42 Liverpool Road, Crosby

Tony Book author of MAINE MAN. Autobiography of Tony Book who was captain of Manchester City FC throughout their most successful period during which they won every domestic trophy and the European Cup-Winners' Cup. He joined Man City in 1966 and was Manager in 1976 when they won their last major trophy to date, the League Cup.

27 Oct, 5.30-6.30pm at the City of Manchester Stadium, Reebok Store
4 Nov, 7-8.30pm at Borders, Stockport
12 Nov, 12-2pm at Sportspages in Manchester

Although it may seem that we have a rather football heavy list this season look out for rugby books (DRAGONS AND ALL BLACKS; ON MY KNEES; CHASING THE CHARIOT; ODD SHAPED BALLS); racing books (THREE STRIDES BEFORE THE WIRE; DAYS LIKE THESE; ROCK OF GIBRALTAR); boxing books (NO BALONEY; JOHNNY OWEN; THE GLOVES; THE FIGHTING IRISH) and cycling books (TOUR DE FRANCE; RIDING HIGH). I am afraid that we don't have any new books for any golf fans out there, perhaps you have an idea of your own which merits publication?!

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Best wishes

Fiona Brownlee
Marketing Director
www.mainstreampublishing.com