LOVE him or hate him – and most people outside of Real Madrid, Chelsea and Porto fall into the latter category – the catapulting of Jose Mourinho from football club translator to one of the most-decorated modern-day managers is a fascinating one.

In this analysis, national broadsheet sports journalist Patrick Barclay examines the secret behind his success and, although the book is initially a slow burner largely going over old ground that will be familiar to most with a passing knowledge of the sport, it gathers momentum a third of the way into its 300-plus pages.

Of particular interest, given his often strained relations with football’s whistle blowers, is Mourinho’s touching and close friendship with Premier League referee Mark Halsey, which intensified during the latter’s battle against cancer.

Testimonies from those on the same coaching courses who fail to recall Mourinho prior to his meteoric rise are also revealing.

The book’s subject laughs at one point when he hears talk of his “overnight success” given his studious approach to acquiring a vast football education over several years. He was not always “The Special One” and this publication ultimately uncovers the hard work and dedication to detail that has propelled Mourinho to the top of his profession.