The Doc's Devils: Manchester United 1972-1977 [Paperback]

To Manchester United supporters of a certain age there will never be a team with the excitement of Tommy Docherty's sides of 1974-77. Despite the incredible serial title winning of the Fergie era, and the undoubtedly better class players of modern times, there was something about seeing players my own age playing for the club I loved in a way that cocked a red snook at the functional, dull football of the early 70s (Arsenal and Leeds being but two exponents)that thrilled the soul. Not the least of the problems of being in your 50's is the realisation that, however good things get at Old Trafford, I'll probably never experience the same level of intense excitement that I did watching the Doc's Reds when I was a teenager.

Sean Egan has certainly undertaken extensive research and, in the main he has captured the spirit of the times extremely well. If this was your era, the book is essential reading. Even if you are too young to have experienced the reality of the Doc's team, it's still well worth it and puts some of the attitudes of older supporters into a better context (if you're interested). It helps to explain the extent of the sense of betrayal felt by most Reds when, after Tommy was sacked, United handed over control to one of the "functionistas" who destroyed an ideal in the space of about six months.

My only gripe is that, for all the work that's been put in, why didn't Mr Egan have his book proof read by a Manchester United supporter, or any football fan for that matter, from that time who could have spotted the irritating little errors that marr the book. Derby's centre half was called Roy McFarland not Colin, Millwall's manager when Gordon Hill played for them was called Benny Fenton not Barry and the famous loss to Spurs in 1976 when United were 2-0 up at half time was at Old Trafford not at White Hart Lane. It was the same lack of attention to detail that undermined Jim White's "biography" of United when it could have been perfection. Yes, I know I'm an anorak but if you're going to put that much effort in, let's have it right. Nevertheless, this is a blinding read and heartily recommended.

This book is a must read for those of us who can remember and were part of that five year period in Manchester United'd history when things went wrong and then right again. After reading the first few lines you are transported back to the Doc's Red Army days and that classic time of the seventies. Memories of bar scarves, denim jackets with patches, flared jeans and Doc Martin's all come sweeping back as do the numerous good and bad matches from that memorable period. It is all in here as you are taken on a roller coaster journey from Old Trafford and beyond. Sean Egan has done a great job researching and writing this publication. I have read it once and enjoyed it immensely. I have every intention of reading it again in the future and again after that. Top marks for a top book.

"The Doc's Devils" is a wonderful walk down memory lane, at the famous entertaining team that Tommy Docherty created at Manchester United in the 70's. A number of players from the time have contributed as the book takes you through a chronological journey of one of United's most infamous eras.

If you were alive at the time then this book brings back so many memories; if you're too young to have lived through the era, "The Doc's Devils" would be the first book I would refer someone to should they want to learn about this fantastic side.