Unforgiven - Softcover

Rob Bagchi

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1845134702 ISBN 13: 9781845134709

Publisher: Aurum, 2009

Synopsis

They were the team from nowhere...In 1961, when Don Revie became manager of Leeds United, they were a struggling Second Division club. By 1974 they had won two League Championships, the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup (twice), the FA Cup and the League Cup, and players like Jack Charlton and Billy Bremner were household names. Yet this was a team that inspired not admiration, not grudging respect, but a deep and visceral loathing, matched only by the bellicose devotion of their own supporters. The undeniable artistry of players like striker Alan Clarke was overshadowed by a ruthless - and thoroughly modern - professionalism, symbolised by the scything tackles of Norman Hunter. The new Leeds - especially in the intimidating arena of Elland Road - took no prisoners. At the heart of their outlaw status was the eccentric, superstitious personality of Revie himself. Clad in his lucky blue suit, a man for whom team-building meant rounds of carpet bowls, here reigned less a football manager than, in his own estimation, the 'head of the family'.But whenever his great Leeds United side were let off the leash - the 7-0 humiliation of Southampton is enshrined in Match of the Day mythology - their brilliance was compelling. So compelling it was almost cruel."The Unforgiven" is the full story of the most defiantly unconventional team in British football. The book is reissued to coincide with the release of BBC Films' adaptation of David Peace's bestselling "The Damned United" (9780571224333) - starring Michael Sheen as Brian Clough and adapted by Peter Morgan (The Queen). It includes a new chapter detailing the aftermath of the Revie era - including Brian Clough's infamous 44 days at Elland Road; Revie's tenure as England manager; and his continuing influence on Leeds' fortunes to this very day.

About this title

About the Author

Rob Bagchi is a freelance sportswriter and works on the sports desk at The Guardian. He is the author of four sports books, including The Unforgiven, True Grit and Balls!: The Alternative Football Annual. Paul Rogerson is a journalist based in Edinburgh.

Edition details

• Publisher: Aurum
• Publication date: 2009
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1845134702
• ISBN 13: 9781845134709
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 272
• Editor: Rob Bagchi, Paul Rogerson