ARSENAL - JENS LEHMANN
The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

The Kite Runner is a deeply moving fictional tale about an illiterate Afghan boy with an uncanny instinct for predicting exactly where a downed kite will land. It is a gripping story of a boyhood friendship destroyed by jealousy, fear, and the kind of ruthless evil that transcends mere politics. Running parallel to this personal narrative of loss and redemption is the story of modern Afghanistan and of Amir's equally guilt-ridden relationship with the war-torn city of his birth.

"Reading is one of the ways I choose to help me unwind after the intensity of a match day. A book I recently enjoyed was The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini. It is an emotional tale which tells the story of a young boy desperate to gain the approval of his father. The Kite Runner looks at fathers and sons, friendship and redemption.

"I enjoy reading a variety of books. I also like to read with my children. I find this extremely enjoyable but at the same time, it's a very important part of a child's development."

ASTON VILLA - STEVEN DAVIS (Steven now plays for Fulham)
Back From The Brink by Paul McGrath

Paul McGrath is Ireland's best loved sportsman and also its least understood. An iconic football presence during a professional career stretching over 14 years, he played for his country in the European Championship finals of 1988 and the World Cup finals of 1990 and 1994. But, behind the implied glamour of life in the employ of great English clubs like Manchester United and Aston Villa, McGrath wrestled with a range of destructive emotions that made his success in the game little short of miraculous

"It is the story of a true Villa legend whose exploits on the pitch are a constant inspiration to me. His battles off the pitch help put things into a true perspective"

BLACKBURN - BRAD FREIDEL
Fantastic Football Poems by John Foster (Editor), Korky Paul (Illustrator)

From the goalie with expanding hands, to the first ever football (made of stone) and the match played on the moon, this book is full of some of the most amazing, and fantastic football matches ever played. This is another book, in a popular series, from a top-selling team and includes poems by Gareth Owen, James Kirkup and Brian Moses. It has wonderful zany illustrations by Korky Paul. The 'Guardian" said, of John Foster and Korky Paul's most recent collaboration, "Pet Poems": "If this combination of verse and illustration doesn't make you laugh out loud, then you must have missed out on the sense of humour gene.'

"I read one of the poems from this collection - "The Goalie with Expanding Hands" - to children when I visited a Premier League Reading Stars group last season; it seemed to have been written especially for me! The book appeals to all ages and contains some of the most fantastic football matches ever played."

Brad also chose The Camel Club by David Baldacci

"The Camel Club is enjoyable political thriller. The plot kept me hooked and a series of unexpected twists and turns held my interest to the very end."

BOLTON WANDERERS - GARY SPEED
Winter in Madrid by C.J Sanson

1940: The Spanish Civil War is over, and Madrid lies ruined, its people starving, while the Germans continue their relentless march through Europe. Britain now stands alone while General Franco considers whether to abandon neutrality and enter the war. Into this uncertain world comes Harry Brett: a traumatised veteran of Dunkirk turned reluctant spy for the British Secret Service. Sent to gain the confidence of old school friend Sandy Forsyth, now a shady Madrid businessman, Harry finds himself involved in a dangerous game - and surrounded by memories. Winter in Madrid is an intimate and compelling tale which offers a remarkable sense of history unfolding, and the profound impact of impossible choices.

"Reading is important for learning about life and self development. It is also a great way to relax. I chose Action Replay because I have read it with my boys and they can relate to being a footballers son"

Gary also chose Action Replay by S.W Parry

CHARLTON - BEN THATCHER
The Tiger Who Came to Tea by Judith Kerr

This classic story of Sophie and her extraordinary tea-time guest has been loved by millions of children since it was first published over 30 years ago. The doorbell rings just as Sophie and her mummy are sitting down to tea. Who could it possibly be? What they certainly don't expect to see at the door is a big furry, stripy tiger! This modern classic picture book is perfect for reading aloud, or for small children to read to themselves time and again.

"Reading is a great way of relaxing and I especially enjoy reading with my children. They love the book The Tiger who cam to tea. I thought that the story of cyclist Lance Armstrong and how he fought back to health was especially inspirational and heart- warming, and a great testament to the human spirit."

Ben also chose It's Not About the Bike by Lance Armstrong

CHELSEA - WAYNE BRIDGE

"I think Premier League Reading Stars is a great idea. It's really important for families to enjoy reading together. It's a great way to unwind, I usually sit down and read the match day programme before a game."

Horrid Henry and the Football Fiend by Francesca Simon

Horrid Henry reads Perfect Peter's diary and improves it; goes clothes shopping with Mum and tries to make her buy him some Rootatoot trainers; is horrified when his old enemy Bossy Bill turns up at school; and tries by any means, fair or foul, to win the class football match and defeat Moody Margaret.

"I chose Horrid Henry and the Football Fiend because it's a series of funny short stories which are easy for everyone to get into. In one of the stories Henry didn't realise that it takes a lot more than scoring a goal to gain the title of 'Man Of The Match'. At Chelsea we know it is about team effort which helps us to be successful."

Wayne also chose Totally Frank by Frank Lampard

"I've got to know Lamps really well since playing together for Chelsea and for England. I enjoyed reading more about his experiences that have shaped him into the world-class player he is today."

EVERTON - TIM CAHILL
My Autobiography by Shane Warne

In My Autobiography, Aussie leg-spin maestro Shane Warne, perhaps the outstanding cricketer of his generation--and one of the most consistently newsworthy characters in sport--takes stock of a phenomenally successful career, and gives his account of the scandals and controversies that have sent the media into spasms of delighted indignation.

"Shane is just a legend! He's a really iconic Australian sportsman and his book is typical of the man. It's a great read and very entertaining"

Tim also recommends children's books about Dinosaurs

"My little boy just loves this book. He can't read all the long names of the dinosaurs obviously but he loves looking at the pictures and I read it to him regularly."

FULHAM - LIAM ROSSENOIR
Fungus The Bogeyman by Raymond Briggs

Deep under the ground, in the dark tunnels of bogeydom, live the bogeys, a vile collection of slimy, smelly creatures who revel in everything revolting. Fungus is a bogeyman - a particulary foul and fetid specimen. As he goes about his bogey business, the full horrors of bogeydom are revealed.

Liam also chose The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho"

I enjoyed reading 'The Alchemist' as Paulo Coelho cleverly guides the reader through the journey of a young boy called Santiago and his quest for hidden treasures and, subsequently, self-discovery. There is a valuable lesson for everyone who reads this book. It illustrates that we can appreciate the simple things in life and that fulfilment & happiness can be found by following your heart."

LIVERPOOL - JERMAINE PENNANT
Private Peaceful by Michael Morpurgo

Told in the voice of Private Tommo Peaceful, the story follows twenty-four hours at the front, and captures his memories of his family and his village life by no means as tranquil as it appeared. Full of vivid detail and engrossing atmosphere, and leading to a dramatic and moving conclusion, Private Peaceful is both a compelling love story and a deeply moving account of the First World War.

"There are times when we all need to relax from the hectic, busy lives that we lead. So relax and read a book. Its good for you"

Jermaine also chose Angels & Demons by Dan Brown

MANCHESTER CITY - NEDUM ONUOHA
It's Not About the Bike by Lance Armstrong

People around the world have found inspiration in the story of Lance Armstrong--a world-class athlete nearly struck down by cancer, only to recover and win the Tour de France, the multiday bicycle race famous for its gruelling intensity. Armstrong is a thoroughgoing Texan jock, and the changes brought to his life by his illness are startling and powerful.

"I find reading about great men such as Lance Armstrong hugely inspiring. This book is a great example of triumph over adversity and I don't know anyone who has read this book who hasb't been moved by his achievements."

Nedum also chose The Mr Men Series by Roger Hargreaves.

"I think the Mr Men books are a fantastic introduction to reading as they can appeal to everyone. As a child, or even as an adult, it is fun to identify with one of the characters and the colourful illustrations help to draw children into the story.

MANCHESTER UNITED - ALAN SMITH
What If I Had Never Tried It? By Valentino Rossi

Valentino Rossi is the greatest living motorcyclist. His legions of fans adore him. He has fought through the 125 and 250 class groups to win the World Championships five times and has been ranked in the top three places at the World Championships for the last nine years. He is currently the MotoGP World Champion, and has won on a Honda bike - considered the best - and most recently on a Yamaha - considered the worst. He is arguably the greatest racer ever - and certainly the most entertaining - his post race antics and cheeky personality have won him as many fans as his on-track prowess.

"This is Rossi's autobiography, a motorcyclist I have always admired. The book talks about how he loved go-karting but it became too expensive for his parents, so he tried motorcycling.

"From his humble beginnings Rossi has become one of the greatest motorcycle riders of all time."

Alan also chose A Kestrel for a Knave by Barry Hines

"I read this book when I was a school boy. It tells the story of a young boy who is bullied both at school and at home. His sad life is enriched by his friendship with a Kestrel he names Kes. Being a Yorkshire lad myself, which is where the book is set, it is terrific how the dialect accurately reflects that area of the country - this book is a must for every school child."

MIDDLESBROUGH - CHRIS RIGGOTT
Action Replay by S.W Parry

Twins Archie and Rosie's dad is getting transferred with his job, but this isn't just any job, for their father is star striker Gavin Carr! Every schoolboy's dream would be to have a famous footballer for a dad - not so Archie Carr, who doesn't even like football that much! All he's interested in is making a spy thriller to enter for the Junior Film Maker of the Year competition. It's his twin sister Rosie who has inherited their father's silky skills. As good a footballer as any boy her age, Rosie is determined to get picked for the school first-eleven football team, even if none of the boys want her as a team mate!

"This is a fantastic book for any mad football fan, both boys and girls. I liked the story which showed the lack of opportunities that a girl called Rosie has in playing in a boys dominated school football team, despite her undoubted talents. I really enjoyed the humour and relationships between Rosies family and the other characters."

NEWCASTLE - STEVEN TAYLOR
Tamar by Mal Peet

A thrilling and moving story about love, betrayal and belonging. When Tamar's grandfather, an intensely private man, falls from a balcony to his death, he leaves behind a box with Tamar's name on it. For a long time Tamar refuses even to think about it...until one hot June day she opens it to reveal a series of clues and hidden messages from her grandfather. She and her cousin Johannes follow the clues and discover that her name also belonged to someone else over half a century before; someone involved in the terrifying world of resistance fighters in Nazi-occupied Holland during the Second World War. As she pieces together the mystery her grandfather left behind, another Tamar's story is unravelled; a story of passionate love, jealousy and tragedy played out amongst the daily fear and horror of war.

"Reading is both fun and educational. Last year I chose Keeper by Mal Peet and having enjoyed it immensely I was keen to read Tamar (another book by Mal Peet). Johnny Wilkinson is a sporting legend an an 'adopted' North Easterner too!"

Steven also chose My World by Johnny Wilkinson

PORTSMOUTH - DAVID JAMES
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time by Mark Haddon

Narrated by a fifteen-year-old autistic savant obsessed with Sherlock Holmes, this dazzling novel weaves together an old-fashioned mystery, a contemporary coming-of-age story, and a fascinating excursion into a mind incapable of processing emotions.

"The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is an amazing book, which gives you a fascinating insight into the mind of a teenage boy who has Asperger's Syndrome. Although he views the world from a totally different perspective you can still really relate to him - for example I really related to his fascination for stats! Reading is a great way of helping you to get into the mindsets of other people - it can really help you to understand their views, issues and cultures."

David also chose The Hobbit by J.R Tolkien

READING FC - MARCUS HAHNEMANN
Without Remorse by Tom Clancy

Without Remorse tracks the early career of John "The Invisible Man" Kelly, the ex-Navy SEAL who eventually becomes the shadowy John Clark of Clancy's other novels. Kelly is a highly decorated hero and a masterful soldier, diver and sailor. But during the first Nixon administration he suffers two tragedies that transform him into a ruthless vigilante."Without Remorse has a little less technical stuff (for Clancy) and more action. Lasted no more than two days."

Marcus also chose The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

"The Gruffalo was my two boys' favourite book, one which I loved to read for them and they asked me for almost every night."

SHEFFIELD UNITED - CRAIG SHORT
Angels and Demons by Dan Brown

When world-renowned Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned to a Swiss research facility to analyze a mysterious symbol - seared into the chest of a murdered physicist - he discovers evidence of the unimaginable: the resurgence of an ancient secret brotherhood known as the Illuminati... the most powerful underground organization ever to walk the earth. The Illuminati has surfaced from the shadows to carry out the final phase of its legendary vendetta against its most hated enemy... the Catholic Church.

"Relaxation for me is vital. Fiction is my relief mechanism - I've read all of Dan Browns books. Non fiction is my favourite to work with my children - it teaches them about the world in general. Trawler is a realistic book for kids about a journey through the north Atlantic."

Craig also chose Trawler by Redmond O'Hanlon

TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR - LEDLEY KING
KrindleKrax by Phillip Ridley

Who is more likely to get the part of the hero in the school play? Ruskin or Elvis? Under Lizard Street lurks the mysterious Krindlekrax. And when Krindlekrax threatens Lizard Street, Ruskin has the chance to prove he's the stuff heroes are made of!

"I chose Casino Royale because it is the original Bond story, the beginning of one of the most important fictional characters if all time. Krindlekrax is a great children's story about a young shy boy who ends up being the hero. I really like reading, and enjoy autobiographies - the last one I read was Stan Collymore's, Tackling my Demons"

Ledley also chose Casino Royale by Ian Fleming

WATFORD - MALKY MACKAY
The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell

The book contains an analysis of the strategies people apply to influence and mould its direction. It is a reaffirmation of the potential for change and the power of intelligent action. It is a road map to change, with a profoundly hopeful message--that one imaginative person applying a well-placed lever can move the world and shape and engineer the course of social epidemics.

"Amazing book about the cause of a social epidemic and its effect on society and how people affect society. It's a best seller in the USA."

Malky also chose When Hitler Stole a Pink Rabbit by Judith Kerr

"A good story which really helps you to appreciate what it was like growing up in the war."

WEST HAM - ROBERT GREEN
Charlie & The Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl

Poor Charlie Bucket is practically starving to death, but his luck changes for the better when he wins a lifetime supply of candy--and a chance to visit Willy Wonka's fabulous, top-secret chocolate factory. This charming, irreverent tale, one of Roald Dahl's best, has captivated children for more than thirty years.

"Reading is a great hobby as it has something for everyone and can be taken at your own pace. It also creates an escape from life and encourages people to use their imaginations - young and old."

"Charlie and the Chocolate Factory is a book that creates a wonderful imaginary place and experience that happens to a normal child so anyone can relate to it or put themselves in that scenario."

Robert also chose Dog by John Hegley

"Dog is a book of fun and humour which can be picked up time after time."

WIGAN ATHLETIC - ARJAN DE ZEEUW
The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson

A rhyming story of a mouse and a monster. Little mouse goes for a walk in a dangerous forest. To scare off his enemies, he invents tales of a fantastical creature called the Gruffalo. Imagine his surprise when he meets the real Gruffalo!

"As a father of four young girls I spend an enormous amount of time reading kids books and this is one of my favorites. What I love about this is that even though its relevant for a very young audience, as an adult I still enjoy reading it; in fact sometimes I think I enjoy it even more than the little ones.

"It's so important to get kids to enjoy reading from an early age and I've found this book is perfect at grabbing their attention and even more importantly, keeping their attention."

Arjan also chose Papillion by Henri Charre