While researching Whose Side Are You On? I picked up a few books that proved in the end marginal to my requirements, but may be of interest to others - mostly Man United fans as it happens.
I've got three books on my shelves that United fans might like. And I'm happy to give them away.
Iain McCartney's Irish Reds was picked up in a bookshop sale. It's a 2002 publication and covers all Manchester United players who crossed the Irish Sea to Old Trafford, starting with John Peden (from Linfield Athletic in 1887) and ending with Roy Carroll (from Enniskillen).
Flicking through it again it reminded me just how deep and tenacious has been the link between the club and the country. From a Northern Irish perspective you have the likes of Harry Gregg, Sammy McIlroy, Norman Whiteside (all three of whom I interviewed for Whose Side?), and George Best of course. It continues to the present day with Jonny Evans
Compare that to Liverpool FC. The Anfield side, while having some very successful players from Ireland in their ranks - Ronnie Whelan, Steve Staunton and Steve Heighway, always seemed much more geared towards Scottish players than Irish players.
Not that United has not looked north for players. One of the best - the best, according to Sir Alex - was Denis Law and I have a surplus copy of his very recent book My Life in Football (though United fans should note, it's the one with Denis playing for Scotland on the cover.
And finally I've got a copy of Bobby Charlton's autobiography My England Years (Headline, 2008), which clearly concentrates on his international career.
So, as I said, I'm keen to pass all three on to deserving homes. All you have to do is send me an email to express your interest. It's first come, first served.
Send me an email at Whose.side@yahoo.com if you are interested.
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