It's All Mick McCarthy's Fault
The story of a boy who needed a football team - and found one
Published on 26. May 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
216 pages
979-8-1958-3029-8 (ISBN)
Description
When Mark was eight years old, his cousin Mick McCarthy signed for Manchester City - and his life changed forever.
Growing up in a chaotic home in Milton Keynes, Mark had no confidence, no direction, and no football team. Then, almost by accident, Manchester City claimed him. What followed was a lifetime of loyalty, escape, and obsession - through decades of mockery, misery, and "Typical City" heartbreak.
But this is not just a story of suffering for your club. It's the story of how football can transform a life.
>Over four decades he went from an abused southern Blue to a season ticket holder, travelling the world home and away with his son, following the club he loves. His journey led him to: - Writing a regular column in the official Manchester City matchday programme
- Featuring alongside Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland in the official 2023/24 kit launch
- Becoming a guest of David Silva at his private resort in Gran Canaria
- Forming close friendships with the City players whose posters once covered his bedroom wall
- Touring supporters' clubs with his collection of rare match-worn shirts
- Writing two Manchester City books and hosting renowned City quizzes Through chaos, humour, nostalgia and pure devotion, It's All Mick McCarthy's Fault tells the extraordinary true story of how one unexpected transfer turned a frightened child into a man whose life became intertwined with the club he loves.
This is a love letter to football, loyalty and survival - proof that sometimes the team you follow ends up saving you.
Growing up in a chaotic home in Milton Keynes, Mark had no confidence, no direction, and no football team. Then, almost by accident, Manchester City claimed him. What followed was a lifetime of loyalty, escape, and obsession - through decades of mockery, misery, and "Typical City" heartbreak.
But this is not just a story of suffering for your club. It's the story of how football can transform a life.
>Over four decades he went from an abused southern Blue to a season ticket holder, travelling the world home and away with his son, following the club he loves. His journey led him to: - Writing a regular column in the official Manchester City matchday programme
- Featuring alongside Jack Grealish and Erling Haaland in the official 2023/24 kit launch
- Becoming a guest of David Silva at his private resort in Gran Canaria
- Forming close friendships with the City players whose posters once covered his bedroom wall
- Touring supporters' clubs with his collection of rare match-worn shirts
- Writing two Manchester City books and hosting renowned City quizzes Through chaos, humour, nostalgia and pure devotion, It's All Mick McCarthy's Fault tells the extraordinary true story of how one unexpected transfer turned a frightened child into a man whose life became intertwined with the club he loves.
This is a love letter to football, loyalty and survival - proof that sometimes the team you follow ends up saving you.