FOR any football mad youngster, or adult for that matter who particularly likes their facts and figures, this hard-back large size book is an ideal Christmas present.

Lavishly illustrated with some excellent pictures, the A-Z format encompasses everything you could want to know about the world’s most popular sport.

Potted histories of all the 92 league clubs in England are included, along with write ups on famous European clubs, managers and players from the present and past and an explanation of football terms such as own goals and friendlies, although the offside rule is not included.

For someone who is spending their formative years learning about the game, or someone who just wants to know more about certain areas of it, this is an ideal starting point as it covers such a wide area of the game.

Included in it are pull out areas containing interesting information, lists of top tens and facts about players or teams, domestic and international.

With 184 pages, there is plenty to keep the football fan occupied and while it may not be as comprehensive as The Complete Encyclopaedia of Football for example, it is probably easier for the younger generation to read and digest..

The book has been completely updated from last year to cover new emerging star players, managers and clubs and to reflect these modern times that football has fully encompassed, there is even a section explaining what Twitter is and how footballers round the world such as Kaka and Ryan Babbel have used it, sometimer to their own detriment.

In all it is a well put together book which will certainly act as as a handy reference guide for anyone who appreciates the beautiful game.

*The Vision Book of Football Records 2012 is published by Vision Sports Publishing at £16.99 and is available in all good book shops or from www.visionsp.co.uk