TWTD is glad to announce another top book offer. There are two top Town books out soon, one written by TWTD editor Phil Ham and the other by some bloke called Matt Holland.

Phil's book is a look back at the last decade at Portman Road, a period where there have been some ups, but equally some downs. He has spoken to many of the most important figures from the period and the book has a foreword written by Simon Milton. Holland's looks back at the last year or so through the eyes of the Town captain.

Phil's book is published on September 24th while Holland's is pencilled in for the end of November.

As a special offer, Sports Books Direct are offering both books to TWTD readers for the combined price of £25.99 (this includes free UK delivery and a £4.95 saving off the retail price). To take advantage of the offer or for further information, please email Dan on: db@sportsbooksdirect.co.uk or telephone Sports Books Direct on 020 7739 7173.

More details on the books:

Ipswich Town: The Inside Story

How The Blues Got Back In The Big Time

Published: September 24th 2001

Hardback, SBD Price = £12.99, Retail = £15.99

[Publisher's blurb, ie not written by Phil] Ipswich Town FC are back in Europe after years of struggle. With access to current and former players, managers, fanzine editors, journalists and club personnel, Ipswich Town: The Inside Story tells how the former League contenders and European campaigners slumped from the Premier League to hit rock bottom in the mid-90's, their plight symbolised by a managerial merry-go-round and by an infamous 9-0 thrashing at Manchester United. Then came the turning point - the appointment in 1994 of former playing star George Burley as manager, soon followed by the new chairman David Sheepshanks. Author Phil Ham reveals how they rid the club of debt, cleared dead wood from the playing squad and reached three play-offs in a row before finally returning to the Premier League in 2000. Tipped for instant relegation, the Blues surprised everyone by clinching a place in Europe for the 2001-2002 season, while George Burley was named Manager of the Year. Packed with interviews from former players and managers including Mauricio Taricco, Matt Holland, Kieron Dyer, David Sheepshanks, John Wark, Neil Thompson, Paul Mason, Bontcho Guentchev and many, many more, The Inside Story is a fascinating account of life in the modern, high-pressure era of top-level soccer. Foreword by Simon Milton.

Diary of a Tractor Boy: Matt Holland

Published: 26th November 2001

Hardback, SBD Price = £12.99, Retail = £14.95

Matty Holland epitomises the spirit of Ipswich Town Football Club. Since his arrival from AFC Bournemouth in July 1997 (after starting his career at West Ham) Matt has never missed a game for The Tractor Boys, a remarkable feat in modern football for an outfield player. The fans love him for it. His promotion to Club Captain in 1999 has coincided with the roller-coaster ride of success the club has enjoyed since then. This personal diary covers this monumental period in Ipswich Town's history: their play-off victory at Wembley, their stylish return to the Premiership, and now a UEFA Cup campaign. It also accounts for the Republic of Ireland matches during that period and Holland's elevation to regular international. This book is fully illustrated with over 150 photographs personally chosen by the author from the two year period and is a unique insight into the private world of a professional footballer - this is a personal account of the highs and lows in football's fast lane, and his opinion of his colleagues and opponents at club and international level.

Photo: Action Images

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