Gordon Strachan is one of the most popular figures in British football. As quick-witted with his words as he used to be with his feet, he is admired and respected by fans and footballers alike for his honesty, sense of humour and knowledge. Now, in this fascinating, highly revealing new book, he looks back on his time as both player and manager.

Beginning at Dundee, Gordon's 23-year playing career took in Aberdeen, Manchester United, Leeds United, Coventry City and Scotland and saw him play for some of the biggest names in football management - notably Alex Ferguson, Jock Stein, Ron Atkinson and Howard Wilkinson. It was not until he was forty that he stopped playing. He started his own period in management at Coventry, with a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful struggle to keep the team in the Premiership. Having reached the lowest point in his career, he went on to rehabilitate himself as a manager by steering Southampton to the FA Cup Final and then, at Celtic, where he recaptured the league title in his first season in charge.

Gordon lays bare the highlights and conflicts that have marked his career. For the first time, he writes about the behind-the-scenes turmoil in his relationship with Alex Ferguson. He provides intriguing insights into players such as Willie Miller, Mark McGhee, Bryan Robson, Norman Whiteside, Paul McGrath, Gary McAllister, Vinnie Jones - indeed, all the figures who have shaped his life in the game. Above all, he reveals what it's really like to be a modern manager: the stress and pressure that goes with the job, the effects on family life, the abuse from fans, the pressure for results.

This is no standard autobiography. Entertaining and thought-provoking, Strachan: My Life in Football is nothing less than the football book of the year.