Speak of the Devils Book

Manchester Utd fans are renowned for being fanatical from a distance. It is the fashion for supporters of other teams to complain that followers of the "Red Devils" are more likely to come from Essex or the South Coast than Stretford or Old Trafford. But is it any wonder with the amount written on one of the world's richest football clubs? Here, Eugene Weber--a fanatical red from Dublin--has drawn together a list of quotes which evoke memories of a club so rich in history it's a wonder any player has the nerve to think he is good enough to play for them. Much of the material is pulled from the Matt Busby era of Best, Law and Charlton, which is nowadays recalled with as much ease by a 15-year-old fan as the pensioners who watched the great ones play. Love him, hate him or pity him, it doesn't matter--George Best encapsulates United and its attraction with his entry: I can't walk along the street without somebody wanting to know what it's all about at Old Trafford. Still, it's nice to meet mates, even if most of them are being met for the very first time. The book also leaves time for reflection on the Munich air disaster of 1958 and shows how it affected not just a club but also a nation. Ferguson's reign as United manager is also given space, illustrating how the club's greatness is continuing. At first glance, this is one for the fanatical United supporter, but such is the depth of history covered, any football follower could find a fascination in reading what has been said about the club.Read More