Book description
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 Allan 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.
