by Alison Kervin (Author)
Clive Woodward won 21 caps as a centre for England between 1980 and 1984, and went on two Lions tours. In 1984 he moved to Australia, where he developed his rugby education, and also learned how sports teams could succeed through developing business methods. He returned to England in 1990, and began putting his new methods into practice at club and junior levels, before finally becoming England's first full-time professional coach in autumn 1997. In his time as coach, he developed a new professionalism that was to take England to Grand Slam and World Cup triumph in 2003, and make England the best side in the world. Alison Kervin was highly critical of his man-management methods in the early days, but came round when she saw and admired the way his methods began to succeed. Her revealing biography, based on interviews with the players and coaches who know him best, unveils the true nature of this complex man, who has become the most successful national coach in British sport since Sir Alf Ramsey. She assesses his performance as Lions coach in the summer of 2005, and looks at his plans for a future working in football.
Format: Paperback
Pages: 400
Edition: New e.
Publisher: Orion
Published: 26 Oct 2006
ISBN 10: 0752878050
ISBN 13: 9780752878058
Book Overview: Major serialisation in The Times on hardback publication. The book was published after the British Lions tour to New Zealand in 2005, when Clive Woodward was the controversial coach. Alison Kervin has interviewed all those who know Sir Clive best to build up the most comprehensive portrait of him ever published. 'Fascinating stuff ... Kervin has tracked down just about everyone of significance in his life and produced a portrait in mirrors, the coach's perplexing personality reflected by those who know him best ... an insightful account of a sport in turmoil' Telegraph. 'For those who felt Clive Woodward's Winning! Didn't tell the whole story, this biog by Alison Kervin puts the flesh on the bone' Rugby World. 'A meticulously researched biography, animated by some good anecdotes ...[and] revelation' Observer.