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  • Calling the Shots

  • How to Win in Football and Life
  • By: David Dein
  • Narrated by: Arsène Wenger, David Dein
  • Length: 12 hrs and 40 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (198 ratings)

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Calling the Shots

By: David Dein
Narrated by: Arsène Wenger, David Dein
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Summary

With an introduction written and read by Arsène Wenger.

The long-awaited memoir from international football ambassador, former co-owner of Arsenal FC and legend of the game: David Dein.

There's no doubt that Dein has been one of the most significant and influential figures in British football for over three decades—operating at club and international level. He was a prime mover in the creation of the Premier League, hugely influential within the England set-up and, of course, was the mastermind—along with Arsène Wenger—in creating the glory days of Arsenal Football Club, leading the team for almost a quarter of a century. Connected to the most senior figures across the global game as a friend, rival, advisor, and collaborator, Dein has been central to major turning points in the game.

Calling the Shots is part memoir, part inspirational meditation on leadership, teamwork and how to invest in people. It tracks the full story of David's remarkable life and career to date, recounting never-before-told stories from the inside, intriguing characters met along the way, and discussing the past, present and future of football. An entertaining and motivational story for football and non-football fans alike, Calling the Shots is a dynamic masterclass in how to succeed in business and life.

©2022 David Dein (P)2022 Hachette Audio UK
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What listeners say about Calling the Shots

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

Mr Arsenal a man of vision

I've also admired his desire and will to do what's right for the Arsenal

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Fascinating

A perfect listen for those interested in football and it’s wider business. Dein’s insight as a key component in the creation of the world’s most watched sporting league as well as in the creation of one of its most memorable team dynasties make this ‘unturnoffable’.

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A brilliant listen of a brilliant football mind

Very rarely do you hear from mind in football that isn’t a manager or player. David Dein’s stories are both captivating and inspiring.

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Love it

I can not say enough about this book love every minute off it. I am a big football fan and a big Arsenal fan. This book is so much more that just a football book it a book of life

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what a Gentleman he is, I have even more respect now than I ever had before.

What isn't there to like? It's full of a boy growing up from nothing and wanting to be someone that's respected, revered, honest & truthful to the core, always doing what's best for the, business, the businessmen & Friends & family. it's not just for Arsenal fans & Football fans alike, he's a role model for any young Auntripar, & people who want to do things the correct way not the Greedy, fraudulent way a lot of the cut throat business world's higher echolon are!!!!

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    5 out of 5 stars

only one word needed - Incredible!

DD has done so much to help others not just The Arsenal. COYGs. A must read not just for football fans.

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One For The Gooners

I enjoyed hearing about Dein’s version of Arsenal’s history in this book and it gives an interesting insight to his time at the club.

I also liked hearing about his time at The FA and the failed bid for World Cup 2018.

As with Wenger’s book, I think it is a bit dry and focuses a bit too much on the positives with some of the negatives airbrushed out.

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excellent

Great hearing David in his own words. Well done sir. Carry on doing great work

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A very interesting listen

You do not need to be an Arsenal fan to enjoy this.
Mr Dein can occasionally come across as a little conceited and full of his own self worth, until you as the listener remind yourself he does much of what the book is about quietly and for the good of others.
He talks candidly as a man who has been in the room during significant football events over the last 30 years.
Rarely do you find people that strive to do the right thing rather than take an easy option. Undoubtedly he is a good man who plenty of people, most of whom have never even heard of him, have benefitted from.
In fact all the profits from the book are going to charity so you’re going to be educated, entertained and philanthropic in one purchase!
I thoroughly enjoyed it.

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Great to hear the voice of the author

Interesting insights from the heart of the football establishments, and especially for an Arsenal supporter. David Dein isn’t a professional narrator, and even with a few rough edges, he does it pretty good job. Most important though is that you hear some of his real emotions and passion when reading out his memories and ideas. Most audio books have a tendency to make me drift off into slumber but this one kept me engaged throughout and I listened to every word. In most cases I prefer to read the written word but here I am glad I chose the audio version, even if I did miss out on the photos.

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