Abbandonato Unleashes The Secret History of Welsh Soccer!
Paul Abbandonato, one of Wales’ most decorated sports journalists, brings a rare blend of authority and passion to “The Dragons' Den—The Scarcely Believable Stories from 30 Years at the Sharp End of Welsh Football.” Abbandonato, a former Head of Sport at WalesOnline and a UK Regional Sports Journalist of the Year, has dedicated decades to immersing himself in the game, with his reporting frequently shaping the conversation around Welsh football. In this book, he doesn’t just recount events—he captures the spirit, pain, and euphoria of a nation’s love affair with the beautiful game, all in a way only someone with his access and storytelling chops could achieve. Abbandonato opens with the raw reality of Welsh football’s sometimes turbulent journey. The book charts the unlikely rise from the dark ages of the 1990s, where hope was often a rare currency, to a new era defined by stars like Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey. He gives credit not just to the game’s heroes on the pitch but also to the thousands of fans whose loyalty never wavered, even when defeat seemed inevitable. Through exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes insights, he brings forgotten stories and unsung legends to life, reminding readers that Welsh football is built as much on heartbreak as on triumph. One of the book’s greatest strengths is Abbandonato’s ability to blend personal experience with the broader narrative. Few journalists have witnessed, firsthand, as many of the pivotal moments in Welsh football history as Abbandonato. He was there during the infamous defeats, the courtroom dramas, the boardroom betrayals, and the moments of wild, unrestrained celebration. His prose crackles with the energy of a man who not only reported the news but felt every kick, every goal, and every crushing disappointment alongside the rest of Wales. The heart of “The Dragons’ Den” is its unfiltered honesty. Abbandonato consistently confronts the controversies that have plagued Welsh football, including legal disputes, ill-fated saviours, and the cycles of hope and despair that have shaped numerous campaigns. His gift is in showing both the light and the darkness, and in so doing, he crafts a story more dramatic than anything Hollywood could dream up. Every chapter is a tribute to resilience and to the idea that, in Wales, football is never just a game. No account of Welsh football would be complete without a nod to the national team, and Abbandonato delivers with trademark verve. He chronicles the evolution of the team from perennial underdogs to genuine contenders on the European stage, culminating in the unforgettable summer of 2016. He gives special attention to the transformation in team culture, the rise of a new generation of leaders, and the way the Red Wall—the national team’s passionate supporters—became a symbol of hope and unity. The narrative pulses with pride, pain, and the thrill of possibility. In “The Dragons’ Den,” Paul Abbandonato has crafted more than just a sports book. It’s a testament to a country’s enduring spirit, a love letter to its footballing dreamers, and an essential read for anyone who wants to understand why, for so many in Wales, football is life itself. His voice—by turns witty, fierce, and heartfelt—ensures this work will stand as a definitive history for years to come. ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48Delivered to You 1st Week, November 2025 Some publishers release new titles early, so our ETA above could change. Publisher: Great Book Selection – Visit yLolfa Books of Wales Published: October 31, 2025 Price: £14.99 Paperback: 336 pages ISBN-10: 1912631598 ISBN-13: 978-1912631599 Dimensions: 140 x 215 (mm) Why Pre-order? Since 2022, we've observed that publishers often opt for smaller print runs to manage costs effectively. This process has occasionally resulted in stock shortages. We strongly recommend pre-ordering to secure your copy and avoid disappointment.
