Jaap Stam: Head to Head

Now recognised as one of the best central defenders in the world, Jaap Stam was a huge influence in Manchester United's 1998/99 Treble winning season and continues to earn the plaudits for his performances at both club level and for Holland. In this, his first book, Stam reveals what it is like to play for the biggest and most famous football club in the world, sharing the limelight with the likes of Ryan Giggs, David Beckham and Roy Keane. On boss Alex Ferguson, he explores the myth behind the man and his methods, and talks about training and match preparation, dressing room secrets at the time of their Treble success, and the transfer saga involving his former PSV team-mate Ruud Van Nistelrooy. There is also the hitherto untold story of the problems he encountered when first settling in at Old Trafford, how he almost missed out on his dream move, and the way he was written off at the time as "a waste of money" by the press. On the international stage, Stam looks at the strengths and weaknesses of British players compared to foreign counterparts like Dennis Bergkamp and Edgar Davids, while at Dutch club level he focusses on his relationship with key personalities like Bobby Robson and Ronaldo. Stam is a likeable footballer whose opinions are respected among his fellow professionals. His book should be a must-read for Reds' fans the world over. It has been revised and updated to include the season 2002/03.