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The Damned Utd
The Damned Utd: A Novel | David Peace
6 posts | 6 read | 5 to read
Probably the best novel ever written about sport. The Times (UK) He was a real-life, working-class hero known as the British Muhammad Alibecause he had a big mouth and wasnt afraid to use it. But Brian Clough wasnt a boxer, he was a soccer coach, known for taking backwater teams and making them into champions. In towns where people had little else, the hard-drinking and scrappy Clough was a hero. He was especially beloved for telling it like it was on behalf of small-town teams everywherecalling out the stars who played dirty, rival coaches he suspected of bribing referees, and the league that let them get away with it. And then one day Clough was offered a job coaching the big-city team hed called the dirtiestthe perennial powerhouse Leeds United. The Damned Utd tells the story of the legendary Cloughs tumultuous forty-four days trying to turn around a corrupt institution without being corrupted himselfthe players who wouldnt play, the management that looked the other way, the wife and friends who stood by him as he fought to do the right thing. The inspiring story behind the movie of the same name, The Damned Utd has been called by The Times of London, The best novel ever written about sport.
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Andrew65
The Damned United | David Peace
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Pickpick

4th book finished for #FabulousFebruary.
Hard to sum up this book but was a great experience from beginning to end, covering a controversial character, and the most controversial period in his career too. Very enlightening, but you do question very seriously Clough‘s approach when becoming manager at Leeds Utd. It was always likely to end in dramatic failure. Don Revie was living rent free in his head.

andrew61 Great review, a book I really enjoyed. I have red or dead somewhere but always thought twice about it, might give it a go soon. 2y
batsy I've had this on my TBR for awhile—nice review! 2y
The_Book_Ninja …like Ferguson lived in Keegan‘s 2y
See All 12 Comments
Andrew65 @The_Book_Ninja Isn‘t that the truth too. I‘m now reading his autobiography to see what he says bout that episode. (edited) 2y
LeeRHarry I‘m a Forest fan, so definitely keen to read this 😊 2y
Andrew65 @LeeRHarry Still remember those heady days when Forest shocked the world and for a while were unbeatable, despite a strong Liverpool team. This cover‘s Clough‘s years up until the end of his time at Leeds. Now need to search a book covering his Forest years to see what lessons he learned from his time at Leeds. 2y
Andrew65 @batsy Thanks, well worth a read. 2y
Andrew65 @andrew61 Want to get to that next. 2y
LeeRHarry @Andrew65 I‘m just keeping my fingers crossed that they stay up in the premier league. 🤞 2y
Andrew65 @LeeRHarry Looking good, but a shame about the loss today. 2y
LeeRHarry @Andrew65 yes it was shame - can‘t win them all! 😏 2y
77 likes12 comments
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Andrew65
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Couldn‘t sleep last night so started this non fiction audiobook focusing on Brian Clough and his 44 day managerial period at Leeds United, as well as some of his earlier managerial career.

Enjoying it so far.

Vansa Loved the movie! 2y
Sargar114 This looks fascinating! 2y
Andrew65 @Sargar114 It is definitely that and eye opening. 2y
Andrew65 @Vansa Not seen that yet, I will aim to watch it after reading the book. 2y
75 likes1 stack add4 comments
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andrew61
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#characters2017 #smartass #junetunz #joiningafanclub
My second David peace reference in a week allows me to reference a uniquely British character Brian Clough who anyone who was around in the 70's +80's will remember was definitely a smart ass and of course i can double it up as being a football fan is i suppose the ultimate fan club although the Leeds team of the 70's was a marmite club. Still a great team, gr8 book and film.

TheKidUpstairs Loved the film, haven't read the book. Worked with a guy who was a HUGE Derby fan, told me more than I ever needed to know about Clough's career when this movie came out. 7y
andrew61 @TheKidUpstairs sounds fun ! The book is worth trying. 7y
Cinfhen You ⚽️fans are a pretty intense bunch 🙌🏻😜 7y
13 likes3 comments
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rabbitprincess
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Well, they're KIND OF masked...
#aprilbookshowers

RealLifeReading 👍😂 8y
23 likes1 stack add1 comment
review
rabbitprincess
Pickpick

An interesting take on Brian Clough's time as manager of Leeds United. Similar in style to but an easier read than Red or Dead. I am not a diehard football fan but still found this enjoyable. Now to watch the movie again!

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rabbitprincess
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Spent some of the long weekend reading on the back porch. Tea and a book before breakfast is a great start to the day.