Unforgiven
Aurum (Publisher)
Published on 25. March 2009
Book
Paperback/Softback
272 pages
978-1-84513-470-9 (ISBN)
Description
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.
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.
Reviews / Votes
"'Excellent' The Sunday Times 'Well-researched and thought-provoking' WSC"More details
Language
English
Place of publication
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Quarto Publishing PLC
Dimensions
Height: 197 mm
Width: 129 mm
ISBN-13
978-1-84513-470-9 (9781845134709)
Copyright in bibliographic data is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or its licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

E-Book
11/2011
1st Edition
Aurum
€13.49
Available for download
Person
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.