{"product_id":"waking-the-giant-aston-villa","title":"Waking the Giant: Inside the Rebirth of Aston Villa PAPERBACK £10.99","description":"\u003ccenter\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: xxx-large; color: rgb(153, 51, 51);\"\u003eWaking the Giant\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: xx-large;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(153, 204, 255);\"\u003eInside the Rebirth of Aston Villa\u003c\/span\u003e \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/center\u003e\n\u003cdiv align=\"justify\"\u003eVeteran journalists Gregg Evans and Matt Maher masterfully chronicle Aston Villa's remarkable journey from near-financial ruin to European glory in what promises to be one of the most compelling football narratives of 2025. The timing of this book couldn't be more perfect, coming after Villa's historic qualification for the Champions League and remarkable transformation under Unai Emery. \u003cbr\u003eThe authors meticulously detail Aston Villa's journey from the club's financial collapse in July 2018, one of English football's most storied moments, to their triumphant return to Europe's elite. The narrative particularly excels in its behind-the-scenes account of the last-minute rescue by billionaire duo Nassef Sawiris and Wes Edens, who brought significant investment and ambition into the club. \u003cbr\u003eWhat sets this book apart is its unprecedented access to key figures in Villa's transformation. The authors paint a complete picture of the club's revival through exclusive interviews with stars like Jack Grealish and John McGinn, as well as candid conversations with former manager Dean Smith and key behind-the-scenes operators like Damian Vidagany. The inclusion of dozens of off-the-record conversations adds layers of depth and authenticity to the narrative. \u003cbr\u003eEvans and Maher bring both journalistic rigour and emotional resonance to the story, drawing on their combined decades of experience covering football in the West Midlands. Their intimate knowledge of the club shines through in the detailed accounts of Villa's record-breaking home-winning streak and the tactical revolution under Unai Emery. \u003cbr\u003eThe book excels in revealing the human stories behind the headlines—from the nail-biting tension of the The book excels in revealing the human stories that lie behind the headlines, ranging from the intense tension of the Championship play-off final defeat to the exhilaration of Premier League promotion and the remarkable journey to European qualification. This narrative aims to create a compelling account of institutional transformation. \u003cbr\u003eMore than just a sports book, \"Waking the Giant\" serves as a case study in institutional revival, a testament to visionary leadership, and a tribute to one of English football's finest clubs. For Villa fans, it will be required reading, but its appeal extends to anyone interested in fine management, leadership, or the business of football.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e Publisher: Great Book Selection – Visit \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.harpernorth.co.uk\/\"\u003e HarperNorth\u003c\/a\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePublished: August 13, 2026\u003cbr\u003ePrice: £10.99 \u003cbr\u003ePaperback: 288 pages\u003cbr\u003eISBN-13: 9780008741044\u003cbr\u003eDimensions: 198 x 129 mm\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"PUBLISHED AUGUST 2026","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":55233825669500,"sku":null,"price":10.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1060\/2756\/files\/WAKING-THE-GIANT5.png?v=1786211843","url":"https:\/\/www.soccerbooks.co.uk\/tr\/products\/waking-the-giant-aston-villa","provider":"SOCCER BOOKS","version":"1.0","type":"link"}