- Hardcover: 188 pages
- Publisher: Little, Brown & Company (7 Dec 2001)
- Language English
- ISBN-10: 0316860654
- ISBN-13: 978-0316860659
- Product Dimensions: 23.6 x 15.8 x 2.2 cm
- Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
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Amazon Bestsellers Rank:
33,673 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #8 in Books > Sports, Hobbies & Games > Football > British > Football Clubs > Leeds United
- #26 in Books > Sports, Hobbies & Games > Football > Reference
- #63 in Books > Sports, Hobbies & Games > Football > Clubs
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Product Description
Amazon.co.uk Review
As manager David O'Leary admits in his controversial chronicle of the 2000/01 campaign, Leeds United on Trial, whatever his talented young side achieved on the pitch was overshadowed by the ongoing criminal trials involving three of its brightest stars. On January 12, 2000, student Sarfraz Najeib was chased by a drunken mob through the streets of Leeds, cornered and brutally beaten. Leeds players Lee Bowyer and Jonathan Woodgate were accused of taking part in the attack, and team-mate Michael Duberry accused of subsequently attempting to pervert the course of justice. For the record, only Woodgate was convicted of a criminal offence (affray).
O'Leary's views on this unsavoury affair take up around a quarter of the book, the rest being dedicated to reviewing a quite extraordinary season for one of the emerging forces in European football. O'Leary has presided over a transformation at Leeds since becoming manager in 1998, and in 2000/01 they were fourth in the Premiership and shock Champions League semi-finalists, having come through groups featuring Euro monster-clubs such as Barcelona, AC Milan and Real Madrid.
The former Arsenal player describes how he had set himself square against what he perceived as the brutal, cynical style of Don Revie's Leeds heroes of the 1960s and early-70s, and sought to emulate the Keegan-era Newcastle side in becoming everyone's favourite "other" team: a strategy that he details as hinging on success in "selling" the new Leeds image to sought-after young talents such as Robbie Keane and Rio Ferdinand. O'Leary is an intelligent, authoritative guide to the business of winning football matches--with plenty of surprising and entertaining insights into the strengths and weaknesses of his players, and the odd indiscreet peek behind the scenes.
But there is no escaping the trial, and while O'Leary is unstinting in his condemnation of his players' behaviour, one conclusion that could be drawn from statements made by O'Leary--his description of the way that Woodgate "valiantly" tried not to let the trial affect his performance on the pitch, for example--is that in the modern age football always comes first.--Alex Hankin
Product Description
The inside account of the season that transformed a youthful, inexperienced side into one of the most feared in Europe, in the process confirming their young manager as one of the brightest prospects of his generation. The 2000/2001 season was one of high drama both on and off the field: the trial of Lee Bowyer and Jonathan Woodgate dominated both headlines and players' thoughts alike; the #18 million signing of Rio Ferdinand broke the British transfer record; an incredible run of injuries to key players such as David Batty and Harry Kewell saw Leeds drop 20 points at home by Christmas and slump to 14th place in the table. But in Europe, O'Leary's young team had grown from boys to men. Leeds came through a group boasting Barcelona and AC Milan, and then one featuring Real Madrid and Lazio. And once O'Leary's side was restored to full strength, the team powered through the early months of 2001 towards their season's extraordinary climax: a high tension Premiership duel with Liverpool and a battle with Valencia for a place in the Champion's League final.
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First Sentence
When I accepted the job as Leeds United's manager back in October 1998, I recognised the two critical challenges I had to overcome. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
When I accepted the job as Leeds United's manager back in October 1998, I recognised the two critical challenges I had to overcome. Read the first page
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Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
7 of 7 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
DOL takes you through three hectic years in charge at Elland Road from the moment that George Graham slithered off down the M1 to the point at which the jury returned their verdicts in Hull.
Interesting insights into some of the key moments of his time at Leeds - the wobbles at the end of 2000 that gave rise to a few jeers from the crowd when poor performances on the pitch were seemingly ignored by the management, both trials (Woodgate's management team and advice don't get off lightly) and the great run in the Champions League.
Also note a few apparent conflicts with other accounts of certain incidents both in the press and in other publications (the Batty injury saga for one doesn't tie up with what Batts had to say in his autobiography).
In places it comes across as a little bit self-righteous, and a little bit "us against the world" - but if, like me, you're any sort of football fan, you'll be no stranger to that attitude. There may not be a conspiracy, but they are out to get us!
There's been some controversy about the timing, title and content of the book - so should you buy it? I'd say yes - if you're a Leeds fan you'll find at least something new and insightful, and if you're not but have been brainwashed by the almost uniformly negative coverage of the club from the Grub Street hacks it goes some way to putting the other side of the story.
Interesting insights into some of the key moments of his time at Leeds - the wobbles at the end of 2000 that gave rise to a few jeers from the crowd when poor performances on the pitch were seemingly ignored by the management, both trials (Woodgate's management team and advice don't get off lightly) and the great run in the Champions League.
Also note a few apparent conflicts with other accounts of certain incidents both in the press and in other publications (the Batty injury saga for one doesn't tie up with what Batts had to say in his autobiography).
In places it comes across as a little bit self-righteous, and a little bit "us against the world" - but if, like me, you're any sort of football fan, you'll be no stranger to that attitude. There may not be a conspiracy, but they are out to get us!
There's been some controversy about the timing, title and content of the book - so should you buy it? I'd say yes - if you're a Leeds fan you'll find at least something new and insightful, and if you're not but have been brainwashed by the almost uniformly negative coverage of the club from the Grub Street hacks it goes some way to putting the other side of the story.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
I managed to read this book while I was travelling to Australia, and what a good read it was too. David O'Leary talks about the trails and tribulations of what was to become a powerful season for Leeds Utd on and off the field.
O'Leary talks about the remarkable season in the Champions League, and how Leeds season in the premiership run was being tarnished after a dreadful run in the league, and, of course, the trail of Lee Bowyer and Jonathan Woodgate.
Though O'Leary decided to name the book 'Leeds United on Trial' you'd of thought the whole book would be about the trail, but, there is only two chapters regarding the court case.
The second trail is more of an outraged O'Leary, as he talks about how Bowyer and Woodgate had let Leeds Utd down after they'd gone out on a drinking binge while pacifically told to have a night off but they'd taken a different view.
I'd recommend this book for all fans of the game as there is a different side to O'Leary which most people don't see on the TV. It's a great read.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
As a Leeds Utd season ticket holder I went into this book with a sense of disquiet. How many football books are doing the rounds? It seems a new one hits the shelf every month or so .... this one is slightly different in that it provides a window into one premiership season at LUFC - and what a year it was!
The release date together with the title still seem a little ill-conceived to me ... Leeds Utd on trial -- for what?? The staple of the book is a candid look at the League programme and the superb European campaign ... but I am sure the Bowyer/Woodgate trial are the pages that will sell this book to the book buying public. Most of what is written has been said before in papers and magazine articles but this book brings all of David O'learys views and thoughts together. His passages on his fathers and Gerard Houlliers health problems bring home that footy is not the be all and end all.
This is short book and really only worthwhile for Leeds fans ... the writing brings across Davids overall honesty and forthright nature that has been so refreshing over the years.
A great manager, a great Club ..... but maybe some of the aspects addressed are best served behind closed doors! --- lets not forget what happened after Hoddles world cup diary was published.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
leeds on trial review
a very detailed book and good to have a review which is the other side of the sotry. interestign and enjoyable
Published 7 months ago by trouty
Interesting
How born a victory team? Step by step, so was for the Leed of David O'Leary, one of the best manager in the Premier League with the young player
Published on 4 Aug 2009 by Andrea Oreti
Fascinating read
I found this a fascinating read. A lot of cant and hypocrisy surrounded the condemnation of what may and may not have happened in the Boywer/Woodgate incident, but suffice to say... Read more
Published on 19 Nov 2003 by Gareth Smyth
One strictly for the Leeds fans
This book is entertaining if you are a fan of Leeds United or English football in general. Most others will find it hard going. Read more
Published on 12 Sep 2003 by M. SIRL
Superb window into a turbulent year
This book is thoughtful, insightful, enthralling and above all honest.
A must for any true Leeds United fan.
Published on 8 Jan 2002
A good insight into the last year at Leeds
A well written and readable book in the trials and tribulations of the last few years at Leeds. When you read this is is easy to see that O'Leary had a baptism of fire that... Read more
Published on 6 Jan 2002 by A. Fronteras
A fantastic book by the best manager in the league
A superb account of life behind the scenes at Fortress Elland Road. DOL gives a frank and honest account of his run ins with Michael Duberry and Alan Smith, and says why he... Read more
Published on 2 Jan 2002
Solid
This book is well written, interesting and informative. Like most football books it is very readable, and for Leeds United fans in particular it gives a great insight into how... Read more
Published on 26 Dec 2001
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