{"product_id":"impossible-job","title":"Impossible Job","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e'William Ralston reveals the reality of refereeing. Ritually abused and remorselessly undermined by the VAR system, referees still know what they’re doing' Michael Calvin, author of \u003ci\u003eThe Nowhere Men\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003e‘By turns sharp, empathetic, and funny – \u003ci\u003eThe Impossible Job\u003c\/i\u003e captures elite referees’ humanity, integrity, and talents’ David Goldblatt, author of \u003ci\u003eThe Ball is Round\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003e___________________\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Booed by crowds. Sworn at by players. Spat on from the stands. Threatened, accused, hated. Welcome to the world of football refereeing.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e We watch referees every week. But almost none of us understand what the job really demands.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e In this meticulously reported book, William Ralston goes deep inside football's most exposed role, speaking to officials from Sunday league pitches to World Cups to show what it takes to officiate at the highest level. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e With rare access to UEFA, FIFA, and PGMO, he embeds with referees across Europe’s five major leagues – Bundesliga, Serie A, La Liga, Ligue 1, and the Premier League – following them through training camps, assessment rooms, and matchdays, where a single call can define a career. He also learns to referee himself, experiencing first-hand the speed and scrutiny that come with every call. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e Through defining matches and controversial decisions, he examines the influence of VAR, how referees judge fouls, and the excruciatingly fine margins between control and chaos. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e An unprecedented look inside refereeing, \u003ci\u003eThe Impossible Job\u003c\/i\u003e will change the way you watch football forever.\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003e___________________\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003e'This book helps you understand the complexities of an often criticised role.' Marco Guida, Champions\u003ci\u003e League and Serie A referee.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e \u003cb\u003e'Delves deep into the emotional rollercoaster that is refereeing, revealting the demands and challengs faced by referees at all levels like never before' Anthony Taylor, Premier League and Champions League referee.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Penguin Books Ltd","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":57256896856408,"sku":"9780241726716","price":27.5,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0278\/1295\/4195\/files\/9780241726716_5fc49550-0343-47ef-9c41-e7a4095e5865.jpg?v=1781163054","url":"https:\/\/agendabookshop.com\/products\/impossible-job","provider":"Agenda Bookshop","version":"1.0","type":"link"}