The World of Football According to Athletico Mince
Paperback
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04 June 2026Imprint: Blink Publishing
Synopsis
BASED ON BOB MORTIMER AND ANDY DAWSON'S HILARIOUS HIT PODCAST ATHLETICO MINCE
'If you like football but despair of its endless humourless self-importance, you'll love this' The Guardian
'Fans of surreal comedy will find plenty to enjoy' METRO
For the first book inspired by their wildly popular podcast, Bob Mortimer and Andy Dawson considered producing an authoritative guide to the past, present and future world of football. But, as in the podcast, they got a bit side-tracked - as well as bringing you some (more or less) completely genuine football facts, Bob and Andy speculate about the lifestyle of baked bean-loving, yellow snake-owning ex-England boss Steve McClaren, and investigate the 'Gangs of the EPL', where football meets infantile bullying.
There's also input from the Secret Soccer Superstar - a former player who lifts the lid on what it's really like to be a top, top pro - and the lyrics from some of Bob's most memorable Scottish songs, so that you can sing them to your children, elderly relatives or, indeed, yourself, should you need to be soothed after learning about Robson Green's Extreme Bangers.
In summary, it's a bit of a mess - but - it's a beautiful, glorious, hilarious mess... and if you're not reduced to at least one convulsion while reading it, Bob and Andy are going to be very disappointed with you. In fact, they might come round to your house and force
you to KISS THE ALDERMAN.
'If you like football but despair of its endless humourless self-importance, you'll love this' The Guardian
'Fans of surreal comedy will find plenty to enjoy' METRO
For the first book inspired by their wildly popular podcast, Bob Mortimer and Andy Dawson considered producing an authoritative guide to the past, present and future world of football. But, as in the podcast, they got a bit side-tracked - as well as bringing you some (more or less) completely genuine football facts, Bob and Andy speculate about the lifestyle of baked bean-loving, yellow snake-owning ex-England boss Steve McClaren, and investigate the 'Gangs of the EPL', where football meets infantile bullying.
There's also input from the Secret Soccer Superstar - a former player who lifts the lid on what it's really like to be a top, top pro - and the lyrics from some of Bob's most memorable Scottish songs, so that you can sing them to your children, elderly relatives or, indeed, yourself, should you need to be soothed after learning about Robson Green's Extreme Bangers.
In summary, it's a bit of a mess - but - it's a beautiful, glorious, hilarious mess... and if you're not reduced to at least one convulsion while reading it, Bob and Andy are going to be very disappointed with you. In fact, they might come round to your house and force
you to KISS THE ALDERMAN.
Details
04 June 2026
9781806175437Imprint: Blink Publishing
