In 2013, Sir Alex Ferguson's autobiography broke all records as the fastest selling non-fiction book or all time. However, many readers were left disappointed that he revealed little about how he had become the greatest British football manager in the history of the game.
Consider the question - why does anyone buy sports books, or books about or by sports stars? For sure there is a souvenir and nostalgia element. But people also buy sports books to see if our heroes give any clues to the magic ingredient that has made them so successful. We read them to see what we can learn about their lives, particularly in the hard times, and how they triumphed over adversity. In the first in the new series from Aurum Sports sports psychologist Damian Hughes, who has worked with Manchester United, lifts the lid on what made Sir Alex Ferguson the most successful football manager Great Britain has ever produced. He will give the reader an understanding of what Ferguson did to get the best out of his players, and how we can learn from him and apply these lessons to our professional and personal lives.
A sports psychologist that worked with the Manchester United manager at Old Trafford distils the primary lessons of Ferguson's success, showing how we can apply them to our own lives, whether in business, sport, or personally. Ferguson's 2013 autobiography was the fastest selling non-fiction book of all time.
Bill Bradshaw is a freelance photographer who works for businesses and publications all over UK, and recently, the rest of the world. He started photographing Cider in 2004 as part of a HLF documentary project and has continued ever since. He started blogging about Cider at IAMCIDER.blogspot.com and now travels internationally on the cider circuit exploring cider cultures all over the world.
"An understanding of the mind's ways is a crucial part of being an elite athlete. I'm always learning about this area and there are always ways to improve. Damian Hughes has helped me become better equipped to deal with the mental stresses I encounter on court. He has helped me to reduce the fuzziness, and see things clearly when under pressure."
"An understanding of the mind's ways is a crucial part of being an elite athlete. I'm always learning about this area and there are always ways to improve. Damian Hughes has helped me become better equipped to deal with the mental stresses I encounter on court. He has helped me to reduce the fuzziness, and see things clearly when under pressure."
'In his usual and very accurate way, Damian Hughes has studied and documented the genius of Alex Ferguson. Alex's extraordinary and exceptional ability to bring about improvement and change ahead of the field is brought to life in this book. Knowing both Damian and Alex this book is a must read for the sporting enthusiast.' Bill Sweetenham, former National Performance Director British Swimming, and coach to over 40 Olympic champions 'Damian Hughes challenges traditional coaching methods by encouraging coaches to maintain strong principles supported by self-awareness and the ability to adapt and change through the myriad of leadership challenges (and opportunities!). In this excellent book, Damian's inquisitive and insightful mind breaks down one of the greatest coaches in the history of sport. With examples from Sir Alex Ferguson's distinguished career, he masterfully illustrates a range of key principles which can be applied by any fan, coach or business leader.' Trent Robinson, head coach Sydney Roosters Rugby League and coach of the year, 2014 'Alex Ferguson was the master technician, the master psychologist. This book uncovers Ferguson's psychological techniques, along side Professor Hughes' analysis. The book flows, like great football, like the best Manchester United teams under the great man himself.' Professor Geoff Beattie, Psychologist, Edge Hill University 'An understanding of the mind's ways is a crucial part of being an elite athlete. I'm always learning about this area and there are always ways to improve. Damian Hughes has helped me become better equipped to deal with the mental stresses I encounter on court. He has helped me to reduce the fuzziness, and see things clearly when under pressure and I am confident that this book will do the same.' James Willstrop, World no. 1 Squash Player 'Elite coaching and leadership is about making the comfortable uncomfortable whilst helping the uncomfortable to become comfortable with change. Sir Alex Ferguson was the very best at that and Professor Damian Hughes has produced a compelling book which explains how he did this. I couldn't put it down and I am confident that you will find much in here to help you achieve success in your own chosen field.' Charles van Commenee, UK Athletics and 2012 GB Olympic Head Coach
In 2013, Sir Alex Ferguson's autobiography broke all records as the fastest selling non-fiction book or all time. However, many readers were left disappointed that he revealed little about how he had become the greatest British football manager in the history of the game. Consider the question - why does anyone buy sports books, or books about or by sports stars? For sure there is a souvenir and nostalgia element. But people also buy sports books to see if our heroes give any clues to the magic ingredient that has made them so successful. We read them to see what we can learn about their lives, particularly in the hard times, and how they triumphed over adversity. In the first in the new series from Aurum Sports sports psychologist Damian Hughes, who has worked with Manchester United, lifts the lid on what made Sir Alex Ferguson the most successful football manager Great Britain has ever produced. He will give the reader an understanding of what Ferguson did to get the best out of his players, and how we can learn from him and apply these lessons to our professional and personal lives.
"An understanding of the mind's ways is a crucial part of being an elite athlete. I'm always learning about this area and there are always ways to improve. Damian Hughes has helped me become better equipped to deal with the mental stresses I encounter on court. He has helped me to reduce the fuzziness, and see things clearly when under pressure."
* Like The Chimp Paradox by Dr Steve Peters, How to Think Like Sir Alex Ferguson will show how having the psychological edge can be the difference between success and failure and will provide the key lessons that Ferguson applied at Manchester United and will show how they can be applied to any walk of personal or professional life * Sir Alex Ferguson's 2013 autobiography is the bestselling non-fiction book or all time, but gives no clues as to how he achieved his phenomenal success. Professor Damian Hughes will provide the answers to how Ferguson turned Manchester United into the most successful British football club of all time * Sir Alex Ferguson is the most successful British football manager of all time * Sir Alex Ferguson now gives business strategy talks around the world aimed at teaching people how he did what he did * For fans of The Chimp Paradox by Prof Steve Peters ISBN: 978-0091935580 * For fans of My Autobiography by Sir Alex Ferguson ISBN: 978-0340919392 * For fans of Managing My Life by Sir Alex Ferguson ISBN: 978-0340728567. * For fans of How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes by Maria Konnikova ISBN: 978-0857867247.