5.0 out of 5 stars The road to success often requires taking a path of patience. Relax and enjoy the ride.

d. · 8 April 2020

This book brilliantly describes the ups and downs of trying to build a championship winning team. Even though it is telling a story from a different era there are startling similarities with the last few years at Manchester United. Above all it shows that winning isn't easy and we may be in for a long slog before the glory days return... We need to be patient and hopefully along the way we will get the opportunity to watch some brilliant players and amazing matches like those described in this fantastic book.This is must read for all United fans, whether you want to relive the old days before Fergie or like me you are only just discovering there was actually football before the Premier League. Wayne Barton's writing style is both accessible and extremely informative and I'm looking forward to discovering more of his work. His new Eric Cantona book has just arrived so cant wait for that.

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book on this era at Manchester United

A.C. · 29 March 2023

This book follows Manchester United in the late 70's to the arrival of Sir Alex Ferguson. Very well researched and presented with some great anecdotes capturing the personality that was Ron Atkinson

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent read

p. · 29 August 2021

Thoroughly engaged in this book from start to finish, excellant insight by the author, a must read for any united through that era

5.0 out of 5 stars Get your Adidas kick , Nike wind jacket and Farrah slacks out and enjoy

s.c. · 8 April 2020

I saw my first United game in 81 aged 8, 3 weeks after Bryan Robson signed. After that United was my life and I was obsessed with everything about the club, going with my dad to reserve games when the first team were away.So when this book popped up in my recommendations, I was excited to read it to reminisce but mindful I would need to keep a list of errors to send to the writer as stuff would have been missed and the research would not match my scrap books.Ah, one slight issue with my plan........ this book is nothing short of Incredible in terms of the details and the depth it goes into on what was a good period to be a united fan. Players I was sure only me and big Ron remember are trotted out with timely reference.I learned loads from what now be would be known as a “backstory” to United before I supported them, most my history was from chats with my dad and the focus was understandably mid 50’s to mid 70, with the Dave Sexton era for me just being some cup finals and Admiral kits. The book really offers up thinking around was Dave Sexton a visionary ? Also some great players who seem to get forgotten, If I listed 25 best players for United I would not even have given a second thought to Gordon Hill, maybe I would be wrong?So then we get to Big Ron and so many great memories brought to life by media quotes from the time and interviews later on. The book captures the ups (there were many) and the down (again many) . Some of the ex players give valuable insight into what was happening behind closed doors. It’s took me so much restrain not to get in the loft, mid read and dig out the programmes to check I was at games as they are mentioned!So this is a sure thing for any United fan who likes to read! It’s fast flowing and easy to read, as I guess you know where things are going! Even if you younger and grew up in the glory years, you will learn about some great times and players who you used to be able to hang around Old Trafford and chat with!What about if you don’t support United? Well I have to say there is plenty of external reference points to football in that time frame( introduction of Friday night games, 3 points for a win, transfer fees and player pay) , that it’s still worth a read....... the acid test, would I read a version for Man City, I might just do 🤨

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant book

C.H. · 10 April 2020

Brilliant book. As a United fan that started supporting them just after the 1986 World Cup, I remember the end of the Atkinson era and the legacy of that long wait for a league title. Also became used to trying to turn any small success into a sign that the good times were coming back! This book is well researched and well written and really gives a good understanding of what life at OT was like back then. Lots of insight from key figures makes this a a must read for anyone interested in that period of time.

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Read!

N. · 9 April 2021

Great read , really informative of the club and staff during the 80’s , well written and factual . Great to learn about the years before I was old enough to become a fan in the 90’s.I’m sure it would bring back fond memories for older generations of Reds.

5.0 out of 5 stars A frank and open minded reassessment....

u. · 16 May 2020

...of what were really regarded as years of failure for Utd, but looking back on the Atkinson era in particular the author states the case for Big Ron's style of football and reminds us that the catalogue of injuries to key players at key times (along with mismanagement of those injuries) is what really stood in the way of true greatness for that team.I recall attending a number of the matches described so there was a bit of nostalgia for me personally, but there was also new information for me - for instance I didn't realise that Atkinson was a student of the great but unsung Jimmy Hogan when their paths crossed as Hogan coached the youngsters at Villa when Atkinson started out. That goes a long way toward understand his football philosophy.Overall a well researched and carefully considered book. Thanks for the memories, Mr Barton

5.0 out of 5 stars Hugely enjoyable read

p.c. · 22 June 2021

Excellently written and evokes marvellous memories. Very balanced opinion and well researched. At times it has transported me back to my youth.

An excellent read

M.M. · 10 April 2021

This book is a wonderful trip down memory lane for the older fan, and a fabulous record of the teams of the late seventies and eighties for the curious younger ones.