If you're into Spanish football, the chances are that you already know who Graham Hunter is. Often seen flanked by Guillem Balague, Gaizka Mendieta, et al. on Sky Sports' Revista de La Liga, Hunter is one of the leading British authorities on football in Spain.
Born and raised in Aberdeen, Hunter moved to Catalonia, a little over 10 years ago; during a period of Madrid domination, and Florentino Perez's first "Galactico" era.
Since then, the tiki-taka football of FC Barcelona has become legendary, achieving near, and absolute perfection, during the Champions League Finals of Rome, 2009, and London, 2011, respectively.
Amidst this period of Catalan resurgence, the author has forged close relationships with those central to the story; indeed, his enviable "Acknowledgements" chapter pays tribute and thanks to some of the most household footballing names to have plied their trade at the Camp Nou, and beyond.
Using Hunter's unparalleled access and insight, "Barça" takes you on a journey through the ages of this historic football club, revealing how Pep Guardiola's world beating side came into existence. From the advent of Cruyff and the instatement of Dutch total football, as an integral cog in the Barcelona machine, to the development of their famed youth system "Fútbol Base" and La Masia, the book leaves no stone unturned.
On top of delving into the history of Barça, as well as the politics which exist in the clubs' boardroom stratosphere, we are also presented with detailed chapters surrounding key players and their very own footballing stories. Sections on Guardiola himself, as well as Dani Alves, Sergio Busquets, Eric Abidal, and the famed relationship between Gerard Piqué and legendary Capita, Carles Puyol, as well as a number of back-room personnel, provide the reader with thirst quenching insight.
Many of course, will already know the rough details of Lionel Messi's rise to global supremacy, which in itself plays a key role in this book. However, in order to fully appreciate the significance of this famous team; it is essential to appreciate each character in the Barcelona system equally, and not just the holy trinity of Xavi, Iniesta and Messi who amass recording breaking passing statistics, or score crazy amounts of goals per season, respectively - In this sense, Hunter does not disappoint, taking the reader into each aspect of the club from the ground up, allowing us to understand the true meaning behind the old Barcelona motto - Mes Que Un Club (More Than A Club).
In essence; this book is a must for any wannabe Culé. Possessing one of those "so good I can't put it down" qualities throughout, "Barça" is quite possibly the best piece of football literature that I have ever read.
In fact, the only person in the world that may not enjoy Hunter's effort, is a certain Mr Mourinho, who is not painted in glory throughout the recounting of events, both leading up to and beyond Pep Guardiola's appointment - Did you know that José himself was a key contender for the Barça hotseat, prior to the promotion of Pep in 2008? Given the events and battles that have occurred between Barça and "The Special One" since, it is difficult to imagine such a world.
In reading "Barça", I have not only learned more than ever before about one of my favourite foreign clubs, but have also gained fresh insight and massive amounts of respect for one of football's true global powerhouses. "Barça" is a magnificent chronicle of FC Barcelona and Pep Guardiola's rise to the throne of world football. Packed with tremendous amounts of the Catalan club's facts and culture, it will not disappoint.
Congratulations Graham, I cannot wait for my copy of Spain: The Inside Story of La Roja's Historic Treble, to drop through my letterbox.
9/10
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