Alex Ferguson's autobiography Managing My Life has been the most successful sports publication of 1999. Bookmark have listed its total sales in Britain at 128,165 (excluding Internet sales) and while figures for Ireland are not available, the book heads the sports sales lists in all major retailers.

The timing of the release - just months after Manchester United's historic treble season - the pre-launch serialisation and Ferguson's personal popularity made it the most eagerly awaited sports publication in Britain and Ireland for some time. (Previously, the most successful sports book in Britain was Brian Clough's autobiography.)

The hype which preceded the publication of Ferguson's book - bidding rights were rumoured to be around the £1 million mark - and the favourable reviews, made it somewhat surprising that it didn't feature on the William Hill shortlist.