David Peace's book, The Damned United tells the story of Brian Clough's 44 day stint as Manager of Leeds United Football Club, and takes place in 1974 in England. When Don Revie quits Leeds to become the England boss, the outspoken Brian Clough takes charge. Determined to impose his own style upon Revie's tough tackling team, Clough soon alienates his players and the board. His pride, and personal ambition combine to bring about his downfall.
Told from Clough's point of view, the novel is written as his stream of consciousness as he tries and fails to impose his will on a team he inherited from his bitter rival, Don Revie, and whose players are still loyal to their old manager. Interspersed are flashbacks to his more successful days as manager of Derby County. Described by its author as "a fiction based on a fact",[1] the novel mixes fiction, rumour and speculation with documented facts to depict Clough as a deeply flawed hero; foul mouthed, vengeful and beset with inner demons and alcoholism. (Wikipedia)
Verdict: The book is not interesting enough to read unless you have a genuine interest in football. it would be difficult to hold the attention of a class of teenagers using this as a text in the classroom. The plethora of characters, from managers to players to acquaintances and rivals, is mind-boggling at times (especially if you have zero interest in football and no previous knowledge of any of these 'famous' people). There is a lot of objectionable language in the book. Teacher/parental discretion advised.