The Damned Utd

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For the film based on this novel, see The Damned United.
The Damned Utd
Image:The Damned Utd cover.png
Author David Peace
Country United Kingdom
Language English
Publisher Faber and Faber
Publication date 17 August 2006
Media type Print (paperback)
Pages 256
ISBN ISBN 978-0571224265

The Damned Utd is a novel by British author David Peace which presents a fictionalised account of Brian Clough's brief spell as manager of Leeds United football club in 1974.

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.

The Damned Utd was published by Faber and Faber in August 2006 with little publicity, but it sold steadily and by the end of the year had become a word of mouth hit.[2] The critical reaction to the book was generally positive. It was described by Rick Broadbent of The Times as "probably the best novel ever written about sport",[3] while Chris Petit of The Guardian praised its imaginative use of Clough's inner voice, and the "warts and all" portrait of its protagonist.[4] However, the portrayal of some of the characters has attracted controversy, and the book has been criticised by members of Clough's family as presenting an overly negative view of the late manager.[5][6] Johnny Giles took the publisher to court over his own role in the story, and won an apology and damages for the suggestion that he had been instrumental in Clough's sacking.[7]

A film adaptation of the novel is planned, to star Michael Sheen as Brian Clough. Filming is scheduled to start in the spring of 2008.[2][6]

[edit] References

  1. ^ Burn, Gordon (2006-08-25). Waiting for Cloughie. The Independent. Retrieved on 2007-12-19.
  2. ^ a b The genius of the life of Brian. The Observer (2006-12-31). Retrieved on 2007-12-19.
  3. ^ Broadbent, Rick (2006-10-09). Novel approach to Clough story. The Times. Retrieved on 2007-12-19.
  4. ^ Petit, Chris (2006-08-19). Once more unto the pitch. The Guardian. Retrieved on 2007-12-19.
  5. ^ Naylor, Martin (2007-10-18). Clough's family angered by book. Derby Evening Telegraph. Retrieved on 2007-12-19.
  6. ^ a b Alberge, Dalya (2007-11-19). Film is offside, says Brian Clough’s widow. The Times. Retrieved on 2007-12-19.
  7. ^ Leeds United legend wins apology from author. Yorkshire Evening Post (2008-02-06). Retrieved on 2008-04-24.