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Many books have been written about Leeds United over the years, here are a selection of some of the best fiction, hisorical and fans books available. Please note that any books purchased through the Amazon.co.uk links will generate commision for Marching on Together which will go towards thr running costs and upkeep of the site.
Leeds United Fiction
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One Northern Soul
By Robert Endeacott
If that goal in Paris had been allowed then everything that followed could have been different. For young Stephen Bottomley something died that night. This novel follows the fortunes of this Leeds United fan as he comes of age in the dark days of the early 1980s with no prospects and no guidance.
Re-live the tears and the laughter that made being a Leeds fan so special and unique in the 1980's. This book is not just about football, its about life and anybody who grew up during this era in any northern town will relate to how life was in the period of time dominated by unemployment, Maggie Thatcher and away trips to Shrewsbury Town. The book is so addictive you can almost smell the Eighties.
Buy One Northern Soul from Amazon.co.uk |
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No More Heroes
By Robert Endeacott
Steve Bottomley, a disaffected youth who doesn’t want to be categorised, is back! More gloriously gritty, glad-making stories in this the long-awaited follow up to J R Endeacott’s very popular ‘One Northern Soul’.
Essential reading for not just Leeds fans, but anyone who grew up in the eighties and loved football. Steve lives within spitting distance (not literally) of Elland Road. As if supporting a chronically under-achieving football club isn't enough, Steve overcomes the challenges that life in Thatcher's Britain throws at him, deals with some dodgy geezers, and still comes up smiling. Funny and moving.
Buy No More Heroes from Amazon.co.uk |
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Dirty Leeds
By Robert Endeacott
1961. Dirty Leeds is a struggling industrialised city in the north of England. Dirty Leeds is the city's club, sometimes called a football team; its home ground Elland Road, rarely called a stadium. Dirty Leeds is the label given to Leeds United in 1964 by the FA for improper conduct on the field. Other first teams have far worse disciplinary records, but mud sticks.
Dirty Leeds is where young Jimmy O'Rourke is born and bred, brought up by his grandma in the shadow of the hallowed ground itself. This gives him a thirst for the beautiful game and determination to play for the club he loves. 'Dirty Leeds' is a hidden history of Don Revie and his men, and the story of Jimmy's dramatic life, from 1961 to 1974.
Buy Dirty Leeds from Amazon.co.uk |
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The Damned United
By David Peace
Set in 1960’s and 1970’s England, The Damned United tells the confrontational and darkly humorous story of Brian Clough’s doomed 44 day tenure as manager of the reigning champions of English football Leeds United.
This is a dark fictional account of his time at Leeds United, his deep psychological neuroses and his jealousy at the success both Leeds United and Don Revie had. Unlike the film this is not Carry on Cloughie, Clough definitely comes out of this story worst and as such I think it’s a must read for all Leeds United fans.
Buy The Dammed United from Amazon.co.uk
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Disrepute: Revies England
By Robert Endeacott
The true story of Don Revie’s three years as England manager, 1974-’77; the follow-up to Dirty Leeds.
The main storyline of the book consists of the trials and tribulations endured by Revie’s England from 1974 to ’77, the High Court in 1979 is revisited too to recount Revie’s appeal case against the FA after their 10-year ban on him from club management after he walked out on England. Revie won the appeal case but took a harsh and unjust verbal beating from the judge nonetheless.
Working from numerous books and biographies, as well as (more importantly) previously unpublished notes written by Don Revie and Les Cocker, DisRepute – Revie’s England tells the truth about his exit from Leeds, his time as England boss and his departure to take charge of the United Arab Emirates national team. The story, which is told from Jimmy O’Rourke’s perspective, sets records straight, corrects myths and rumours and puts right certain ‘selective memories’.
Buy Disrepute from Amazon.co.uk
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Leeds United Fans Books
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Paint It White: Following Leeds Everywhere
By Gary Edwards
In his dedication to Leeds United, Gary Edwards has no rivals. He has seen every Leeds game since 17 January 1968, home and away. League, Cup and Europe. And pre-season friendlies. Following Leeds, he's been there, done that and designed the T-shirt. Although a painter and decorator-cum-signwriter-cum-cartoonist, he's never taken a break from his life as a full-time football fan. He's made a name for himself covering over red paint with white for free.
A hilarious account of a life dedicated to Leeds United. Gary Edwards paints a picture that serves as a reminder of exactly why we put ourselves through it week in, week out! Paint it white should adorn the bookshelves of passionate Leeds United fans everywhere!
Buy Paint It White from Amazon.co.uk |
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Leeds United: The Second Coat
By Gary Edwards
In this follow-up instalment of high gloss and drama, Edwards recounts how he befriended a real-life Leeds - supporting Dalek, convinced Rolf Harris that the earth is flat, was accosted by firemen while trying to paint a fire engine white, appeared on the sides of buses with his face painted in Leeds colours and received letters from the Queen and the Prime Minister after he complained about David Beckham getting an OBE.
"Leeds United: The Second Coat" is another hilarious account of the scrapes, adventures and moments of comedy that a life's passion for Leeds United have brought Gary Edwards. Ok, he missed one but he still has the tickets and only a strike by Spanish air traffic control stopped him getting to a one-off friendly in Toronto.
Buy The Second Coat from Amazon.co.uk |
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Fanthology
By Robert Endeacott
Already described as a classic, it's a celebration by supporters of an amazing football club. Over fifty contributors provide stories, anecdotes, comment, grins and grimaces about their support for Leeds United FC, one of the most famous names in world football.
This book is an excellent mix of tales, poetry, fun, connections and recollections from across the world, that reveals the devotions to The Whites. This is an excellent book. It's great to share the stories of fellow football fans. There are experiences and emotions to identify with on every page. This book is not only a must for all true Leeds fans but also for anybody who shares a passion for the game.
Buy Fanthology from Amazon.co.uk |
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We Are Leeds
By Andy Starmore
This book, which took three years to put together, is written with great passion that oozes out of the pages from a genuine lifelong Leeds United supporter. This virtual tour around the world is a unique look at supporters' stories ranging from the scary, to the funny and fascinating.
"We are Leeds" focuses on Leeds United supporters scattered around the world and their own personal stories of their experiences following the West Yorkshire club. The stories are completely variedand all the supporters feature in the book speak with equal passion about the club they all clearly adore.
Buy We Are Leeds from Amazon.co.uk
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Leeds United History
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We Are The Damned United
By Phil Rostron
Brian Clough's 44-day tenure as manager of Leeds United in 1974 is one of the most infamous episodes in British football history. While the bestselling "The Damned United" was a fictional account of Clough's short-lived but controversial reign at the club, "We are the Damned United" reveals the true story, as told by the players he managed at the time.
Vividly recreating the atmosphere of the era, the book features candid contributions from legendary names such as Peter Lorimer, Eddie Gray, Terry Yorath and Duncan McKenzie. Told from the perspective of those who experienced Clough's dictatorial managerial methods at Leeds at first hand, "We are the Damned United" tells it how it really was rather than how it might have been.
Buy We Are Them Damned United from Amazon.co.uk |
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The Unforgiven
By Rob Bagchi
This is a good book on the history of Leeds when they were power to behold in the late 60's and 70's. Full of details of how Don Revie got his team up and running. There are also interesting bits on the teams they played, the players attitudes and on how the Board viewed things at Leeds.
For anyone who has an interest in Leeds and wants to take a trip down memory lane, this is a book to have. There are some nice photographs also and generally I found the pace of the book to be just right. Definitely one for any Leeds Fan to have in their collection.
Buy The Unforgiven from Amazon.co.uk
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Promised Land: The Reinvention of Leeds United
By Anthony Clavane
Leeds United, one of the most famous names in British football, disappeared in the noughties. In the last 50 years the club has had a chequered history. First, under Don Revie's obsessive control, they were labelled Dirty Leeds, and then, during Peter Risdale's ambitious tenure they became known as Greedy Leeds. 'Doing a Leeds' is now shorthand for chasing 'the dream' and suffering a spectacular fall from grace. Why have Leeds punched below their weight? Why have they always tried, and failed, to get into the promised land? Why, at the most crucial moments, with glory in their sights, have they choked? Critics argue they have got their just deserts but Clavane tells a different story. He links the club's highs and lows to those of the 'beautiful game' itself and the parallel journey of the city.
Buy Promised Land from Amazon.co.uk
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More Leeds United Books on Amazon.co.uk >>
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