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

The O'Leary Years charts the rise and fall of Leeds United at the turn of the century, as a gifted crop of youngsters took the club to the highest of highs, before falling to the lowest of lows. Dramatic fortunes on the pitch were matched by off-field incidents as the club battled for trophies, justice and to balance the books.

"Dean''s personal anecdotes enhance LUFC''s incredible story. 9/10."

"The personal stain and the joy of following a football team, lies at the heart of Rocco Dean''s The O''Leary Years."

"An excellent account told through the memories and match reports of the author."

"A powerful piece of literature that any aficionado of the round ball can appreciate and realise that being a devoted fan is not an easy process, and yet those embroiled in that world never depart as the players, managers and club owners come and go."

The O''Leary Years charts the rise and fall of Leeds United at the turn of the 21st century. When David O''Leary took the managerial reins from taskmaster George Graham, he promoted a gifted crop of youngsters into the first team, transforming a well-oiled machine into a free-flowing bundle of joy. This often-scorned club enjoyed popularity like never before, but things are never straightforward at Elland Road. Criminal charges against star players, the tragic murders of fans, a perpetual injury curse and a ''spend, spend, spend'' attitude eventually brought the club to its knees - but not before it was one match from reaching its holy grail: a European Cup final rematch with Bayern Munich. The journey lasted four seasons, each one a rollercoaster, and the story is told through the memories and match reports of the author, from a 14-year-old travelling the country with his dad, to an 18-year-old on the bus with his mates, with nostalgic tales of the good old days along the way.

• | Author: Rocco Dean
• | Publisher: Pitch Publishing Ltd
• | Publication Date: Jan 31, 2022
• | Number of Pages:
• | Language:
• | Binding: Hardback
• | ISBN-13: 9781801500531
• | ISBN-10: 1801500533