Product Description

Red Revival picks up where the critically-acclaimed 'Golden Past, Red Future' left off, examining how Liverpool FC built upon its unexpected and emotionally overwhelming Champions League success, both domestically and in Europe.

Red Revival looks at the overall development and progress of Liverpool FC since Rafael Benítez's arrival, with the main focus on the progress shown during the 2005/06 season.

The book also examines: the 'team behind the team', and the formulation of strategies and tactics; the new arrivals, including Reina, Crouch, Sissoko, Agger and Kromkamp, as well as the whole raft of scouted young starlets, plus the transfer targets that got away; the continuing investment issue, and if securing a cash injection is an essential part of toppling Chelsea; the kids making an impact on the way to the FA Youth Cup success, as well as the run to the final of the FA Cup 'proper'; the unexpected return of local hero, Robbie Fowler, and the continuing Gerrard and Owen sagas in the summer of 2005; key games in the league, Europe, the FA Cup and World Club Championship; the team's overall effectiveness, with a detailed statistical breakdown of all areas of the Reds' play.

In short, all the successes and failures of the current season on top of an overview of Benítez's contribution since arriving from Spain.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #183253 in Books
• Published on: 2006-06-20
• Original language: English
• Binding: Paperback
• 178 pages

About the Author
Paul Tomkins is the author of the #1-selling football book ‘Golden Past, Red Future’ (Amazon.co.uk, June 2005), as well as a regular columnist with the official LFC website. He has also written several hundred articles across a variety of the most respected Liverpool FC and non-LFC websites. A semi-professional footballer in the early ‘90s, he became a season ticket holder at Anfield in 1995.

Customer Reviews

Perfect Companion for Golden Past, Red Future
Following on from the brilliant `Golden Past, Red Future' was never going to be easy. With neither number 6 nor the long-awaited number 19 arriving in 2006, there was never going to be an ending to match that of Istanbul, no matter how hard the Cardiff heroics tried. But there was plenty for Liverpool fans to cheer about last season, and even more to look forward to in the near future, all of which is analyzed comprehensively in this great book, which for me is equally as good as its predecessor.

Every aspect of the season is discussed, from the will-he won't he Gerrard saga of 2005, to all the new additions to the squad including Robbie Fowler, to the best ever Premiership points tally all the way on to that memorable Saturday in Cardiff. Detailed statistical analysis of individual players lets readers realize just how important each was for the team in their own way as the reds broke the club record for consecutive clean sheets. It also suggests how Liverpool might combat Chelsea's spending, gives a good description of the new scouting system that Benitez has installed and details the youth team players who may or may not have the ability to break into the first team.

A great read for any fan of football (obviously, Liverpool fans will have more to enjoy than most) which is insightful, intelligent, at times very witty and most important of all, thoroughly enjoyable. Highly recommended

Must read
Every Liverpool fan should own a copy of this book, as should most people who have a genuine interest in football. It's very well written in a very relaxed style, which makes it easy to read.
As Tomkins disects Benitez's second season at Anfield he argues each point clearly and backs it up with stats, so although it's obvious that Tomkins is a Red you simply can't argue with how he presents his case.
From looking at the arrivals over the summer and winter (the return of God!) to the on-going search for investment, Tomkins' has left no stone unturned to in showing us the major dealings at Anfield since the season started against TNS last July.
I just wish I could remember most of what he's written when I'm arguing with my mates about the merits of Crouch, Sissoko, Reina et al. Enjoy.

A superb follow up
Tompkins' work is admired by Rafa Benitez and it's easy to see why, given the astute assessments provided within his two books.

I don't think this book is quite as good as Golden Past Red Future, his first book, simply because it doesn't have the Champions League final as its climax. But it's more than able to stand side-by-side in terms of overall quality, insight, humour and understanding of the game. While generally positive in its tone, there are also criticisms in what reads as a balanced outlook on the club.

The analysis is spot-on, as always from Tompkins. Even if one doesn't agree with everything he says, it can be respected; his views are never less than interesting.