Search results for ""Author Gary Edwards""

Sixtythree, Sixtyfour takes an enthralling, in-depth look at one of the greatest transformations in football, as Don Revie moulded a Leeds United side teetering on the brink of relegation to Division Three into one of the most feared teams in Europe. Revie had arrived at Leeds in November 1958, on the back of an illustrious playing career with Leicester City, Hull City, Manchester City and Sunderland. In March 1961, he was appointed player-manager at Leeds before quickly taking over the reins as full-time gaffer. He fashioned a team of experience and untested teenagers that quickly developed into a force to be reckoned with. Sixtythree, Sixtyfour uncovers the truth behind the 'Dirty Leeds' tag that has prevailed for almost 60 years. Gleaned from the private collections of photos, telegrams and scrapbooks of players, and the testimonies of Leeds and opposition fans, Gary Edwards presents an amazing account of one man's vision to turn a failing side into the club's greatest-ever team.

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A true story of intrigue, mystery, blackmail and skulduggery, which tells how one man was able to bring down an English Football League club. In 1919, Leeds City player Charlie Copeland returned from active service and made a request for a pay rise, which the club steadfastly refused. During the war, guest players for League clubs were supposed to have gone unpaid for their services, though in general this FA law was overlooked as a nod to the war effort. Copeland, however, issued the club with an ultimatum: either meet his wage demand or answer to the FA for making illegal payments. When Copeland carried out his threat and City proved reluctant to produce their books for FA inspection, a complex web of deceit and hypocrisy ensued. Subsequently, Leeds City were disbanded and expelled from the Football League, the only club before or since to receive such harsh punishment. However, out of the ashes of this fallen institution emerged another, brand new club - Leeds United.

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Fifty Shades of White is Gary Edwards's fifth book; and he returns with more fabulous, rib-tickling tales that come with half a century of following one of the most talked about football clubs in the world. Like the time he was asked to accompany a four-and-a-half-foot tall monk with a large hearing aid, who hadn't previously left his abbey for 25 years, to a Leeds United game as part of a BBC documentary. Or the time he escaped from hospital, still in his hospital gown and attached to a catheter, a blood bag, several needles and with two tampons stuck up his nose to travel 70 miles up the A1 in a thunderstorm for a relatively meaningless Leeds game at Darlington. There is a fascinating, controversial and hilarious insight into Leeds United's former owner Ken Bates, gleaned from being a special guest at his birthday and Christmas parties for eight consecutive years. Fifty Shades of White gives a unique fan insight into the club and a life devoted to Leeds United.

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Fanatical is the story of football's number one superfan. Since January 1968, Gary Edwards hasn't missed a single competitive Leeds United match anywhere in the world. He's devastated to have missed one friendly; although, rest assured, that was through no fault of his own. On his 46-year (and counting!) adventure, this uniquely passionate supporter has experienced dodgy mountainside coach nightmares, bumpy flights on cheap airlines, and aggro just about everywhere. From pink faces in Barnsley to disguises at Luton, from behind the Iron Curtain to an eerie Nou Camp, from FA hypocrisy to tragedy in Turkey, Fanatical is by turn funny, scary and inspirational in its display of extreme love for football and the mighty Whites. Enjoy this whistle-stop global tour to every club Gary has visited ever since Derby County all those years ago - by sea, by air and by Doombuggy, Gary's customised hearse!

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