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Not for Sale!: Manchester United, Murdoch and the Defeat of BSkyB

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Not for Sale!: Manchester United, Murdoch and the Defeat of BSkyB [Illustrated] (Paperback)

by Andy Walsh (Author), Adam Brown (Author)

5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)

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Product details

Paperback: 191 pages
Publisher: Mainstream Publishing; illustrated edition edition (28 Oct 1999)
Language English
ISBN-10: 184018261X
ISBN-13: 978-1840182613

Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)

Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 828,021 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Product Description

Amazon.co.uk Review

On 9 September, 1998, the plc board of Manchester United Football Club decided to accept BskyB's takeover bid. This book charts the campaign waged by both fans and shareholders of the club against the bid made by the Rupert Murdoch-owned broadcasting company, until its eventual rejection at the hands of the Monpolies and Mergers Commission and the DTI on 9 April, 1999. From being told "You're tilting at windmills", after seven months those behind the campaign had the last laugh. Brown and Walsh examine in detail the bid itself and the events which followed, whilst keeping the proposed deal and the campaign fought against it in a wider context than solely the club and corporation in question. The outcome is a work with focus for detail but awareness of a broader scenario. The many supporters of Manchester United, all around the world, will no doubt be interested and the story told will no doubt enlighten most of them on the real working of the club. For the rest of us, the minutiae may not be so relevant. However, the principles remain important. What if it was your club? As the implications of this particular episode take on ever greater importance, this report will for some time remain a document of importance for those involved and interested in the issue it confronts. --Trevor Crowe

Product Description

Describing in detail how the audacious attempt by Rupert Murdoch's BSkyB television company to buy Manchester United was halted, this book draws on a variety of sources to track the events following the announcement of the bid. It examines the reaction of both the media and the football world to the astonishing outcome. After seven months of hard campaigning and a coalition of forces centred around the independent Manchester United Supporters Association, the British Government was forced to block the bid and save the club from becoming another of Murdoch's many conquests.

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant account of events in the failed BSkyB bid, 14 Feb 2000

By A Customer

If you want the low down on what really went on during the failed BSkyB takeover of Manchester United then this is the book. I must admit I didn't think I'd find it so interesting but after opening the book I couldn't put it down. I've lent it to 4 or 5 friends - some United fans - some not. Every one of them has come back with the same responses. Wow - I didn't know that was what was happening, more funny and more interesting than I expected.

The story is both personal but also an academic account of the events - reflecting the authors and contributors backgrounds. Hilarious events and truly emotional situations.

A "must read" for all "real reds" and also those interested in the future of football for traditional supporters.

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An irresistable, obligatory , emotional bible of how to, 19 Jun 2003

By	David Blatt (France) - See all my reviews

Whether it's campaigning for a lollipop lady outside your local school or stopping the dumping of nuclear waste in your backyard, most people are paradoxicle.

"Something's got to be done"

"What can you do, they'll never listen to the likes of us".

The moment I heard the announcement on TV that Murdoch was intent on taking over Manchester United my instinsts told me - this was wrong. It had to be stopped.

In most situations, from one-on-one relationships to world-wide issues, your immediate reaction is the moment of truth. Seconds later you attempt to compromise, rationalise, but deep down inside you know the difference between right and wrong and what you should do, even if you don't know how.

That day I phoned my Red mates. They phoned their Red mates. Like a headless chicken I contacted every media outlet possible to register my disgust at the prospect of my beloved United being swallowed up as part of the evil Murdoch empire.

Then the word came out from IMUSA in Manchester that we had to think before we acted. SUAM was formed (Shareholders United Against Murdoch) and the most unlikely but glorious and inspirational fan led campaign began to take shape.

Don't get mad, get even.

Co-ordinated by Andy Walsh, Adam Brown, Mark Longdon and other heroes to whom we shall be forever grateful, a ball started rolling that gained momentum. Relationships and careers were sacrificed for the greater good. ABU's came on-board (Anyone But United) . Fans of other clubs realised that if a club as large and influencial as Manchester United could not withstand the onslaught of Murdoch, what hope of independance was there for the rest of football.

"Not For Sale" brilliantly chronicles the efforts of football fans of clubs from the Premiership to the Conference and beyond. From bedrooms to the Mergers & Monopolies Commission, this book is the defining document of how to defeat "Big Brother". It's an emotional roller coaster of a ride and should be compulsory reading for anyone person or organisation fighting for justice against "them".

To say I highly recommend this book is an understatement.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Not For Sale: Mancheseter United; Murdoch & the defeat of BskyB, 18 Mar 2009

By	J. Hyde "Jay" (Republic of Mancunia) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Excellent book laying down the frailties of our system when foreign companies want to 'own' our companies. The cosiness that sky had with NL in opposition was shown to not hold water when the truth & fans anymosity was seen. Shame the UK Govt didn't stand up to recent 'acquisition' with borrowed money @ extortionate rates that will surely see banks foreclose. We'll be there to buy OUR club back. Well done Adam & Andy - Forza MUFC.

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