The Mixer
The Story of Premier League Tactics, from Route One to False Nines
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The Mixer
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Narrated by:
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Colin Mace
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By:
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Michael Cox
About this listen
An absolutely essential book for every modern football fan, about the development of Premier League tactics, published to coincide with 25 years of the competition.
Back in 1992, English football was stuck in the dark ages, emerging from a five-year ban from European competition. The game was physical, bruising and attritional, based on strength over speed, aggression over finesse. It was the era of the midfield general, reducers, big men up front and getting it in the mixer; 4-4-2 was the order of the day. Few teams experimented tactically.
And then, almost overnight, it all changed. The creation of the Premier League coincided with one of the most seismic rule changes in football history: the abolition of the back-pass. Suddenly defenders had no-get-out-of-jail-free card, goalkeepers had to be able to field and play the ball and the pace of the game quickened immeasurably. Tactics evolved dramatically, helped by an increased foreign influence.
The Mixer is the first book to delve deep into the tactical story of the Premier League, and take a long view of how the game has developed over the last quarter century. From Ferguson’s directness to Keegan’s relentlessly attacking Newcastle outfit, to Mourinho’s cagey, reactive Chelsea, all the way to Ranieri’s counter-attacking champions, The Mixer is one of the most entertaining, rich and knowledgeable football books ever written.
©2017 Michael Cox (P)2017 HarperCollins PublishersCritic Reviews
‘A compelling examination of the evolution of tactics in the Premier League. A fine read, and a powerful reminder of how much has changed.’ – Matthew Syed, The Times
‘Thanks to his meticulous research and his focus on strategy, Mr Cox finds a fresh perspective on a story that football fans will think they already knew’ – The Economist
‘The Mixer, by Michael Cox is a very unusual football writer in that he specialises in the game as it’s actually played, rather than the gossip or folklore around it. The Mixer is a tactical history of the English Premier League, with telling anecdotes on every page. It’s deeply informed and a pleasure to read.’ – Financial Times
‘If you’re in mourning that the footie season is over, this is for you. Delving deep into the beautiful game, it’s a look back at how the sport has changed over the years. Nostalgia will hit as you’ll remember iconic matches, too’ – The Sun
‘Intelligently written. Impressively researched. Fascinatingly addictive. Michael Cox is like a cartographer, remapping the landscape of the Premier League so we see the contours of it afresh. That’s some feat.’ – Duncan Hamilton, two-time winner of the William Hill Sports Book of the Year
‘Michael Cox provides brilliant tactical context to our favourite moments of Premier League nostalgia. The Mixer is as entertaining as a Wanchope dribble, with the authority of a Shearer finish and the panache of a Cantona celebration. And you may even learn to love Tony Pulis a little bit.’ – Ben Lyttleton, author of Twelve Yards: The Art & Psychology of the Perfect Penalty
What listeners say about The Mixer
Average Customer RatingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 17-10-2022
PUT IT IN YOUR BOOKSHELF!
This book was incredible, absolutely everything you could ever want to know about the Premier League and the tactics that kept us enthralled with it, I loved it, the Narration was some of the best I've ever heard, I have ordered this book to re-read it in the flesh, I can't recommend it enough if you love Football and Tactics. Cheers for a brilliant time.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Vik
- 03-11-2017
Fantastic Book
This was a wonderful book. A different look into the history of the Premier League. It was a pleasure to know how things panned out in the previous years from a tactical way. The rise and downfall of teams.
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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- Frank
- 26-06-2020
Great book to understand football strategy changes
I loved this book and his it went through the changes bought in by players and coaches throughout the premier league. Great for any fan or aspiring coach.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 02-04-2021
Best sports book I've ever listened to.
This book is amazing for casual fans or fanatics! Runs through a whole history of the league, the tactics and the most influential players and coaches. Will be relistening again at a later stage!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Brad Abraham
- 27-08-2020
Superb discussion of the Premier League’s Evolution
Come for the excellent analysis of the Premier League’s great teams, players, coaches and tactical development.
Stay for the unintended hilarity of impersonated foreign accents.
Must listen for anyone with a passing interest in the Premier League.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- David Newman
- 09-03-2021
An excellent book for all football fans!
I had heard a lot of good things about this book and sometimes, you worry that the hype will deliver very little in terms of quality.
This book is one of the best football reads you will be able to lay your hands on any time soon.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Anonymous User
- 25-02-2024
A Great Premier League History Lesson
Being of an age that missed most of the premier league & lower viewing options in Australia, I've always loved football coming from my Geordie roots, it was great to understand how the game evolved overtime.
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