The O'Leary Years: Football's Greatest Boom and Bust

The O Leary Years chronicles Leeds United's rise and fall at the turn of the 21st century, featuring the promotion of young players and the club's popularity, but ultimately leading to its downfall due to criminal charges, tragedies, injuries, and financial troubles.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 31 January 2022
Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd

The O Leary Years chronicles Leeds United's remarkable ascent and precipitous decline during the dawn of the twenty-first century. Under the guidance of David O Leary, who succeeded George Graham as manager, the club fostered a talented crop of young players, transforming a well-oiled machine into a vibrant and exhilarating entity. This oft-maligned club experienced unprecedented popularity, but the path to success at Elland Road was fraught with complexities. Criminal charges against prominent players, the tragic deaths of fans, an ongoing injury crisis, and a relentless pursuit of financial prosperity ultimately led the club to its knees. However, despite facing numerous obstacles, Leeds managed to secure a place in the European Cup final rematch against Bayern Munich, narrowly missing out on the ultimate prize. This captivating journey spanned four seasons, each filled with exhilarating highs and devastating lows, and is recounted through the author's personal memories and match reports, spanning from his formative years as a 14-year-old traveling the country with his father to his teenage years on the bus with his friends, reminiscing about the glory days of the past.

Weight: 400g
Dimension: 143 x 222 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781801500531