Kicking the Doors Down

’A man I like to call my father - football royalty’ Ian Wright

’Without David Dein there wouldn’t have been a Premier League’ Greg Dyke

’Mr Dein will always be Mr Arsenal’ Thierry Henry

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 read for football and non-football fans alike, Calling the Shots is a dynamic masterclass in how to succeed in business and life.

David Barry Dein MBE (born 7 September 1943) is the Ambassador for the Premier League and International Ambassador for the Football Association. He is the former co-owner and vice-chairman of Arsenal Football Club and former vice-chairman of the Football Association. Dein is also the founder of The Twinning Project. He spends much of his free time giving motivational speeches to schools and prisons in the UK and at football conferences globally.