Leeds United Football Club have one of the worst reputations in the country. The most recent example being the Bowyer-Woodgate trial. In this title Palmer tries to work out just why he claps; why, when he has to miss a home game for work, he feels so bad; and why, whatever day of the week Leeds are playing, he gets a sickly feeling in his stomach until he's in one of the bars near the station calming his nerves. Set in the 2001-02 Premiership season, the author follows David O'Leary's young Leeds United team at stadiums home and away; in bars watching satellite; listening to Radio Leeds and watching the pages of Ceefax. He also focuses as much on the fans as on the action on the pitch and tries to establish if Leeds fans are really so bad. The book examines the highs and lows of the club's recent history - from the Paris riots in 1975 to relegation in 1982 and the glory of the 1992 League win. Palmer discusses the Bowyer-Woodgate trial, the board's plans to take Leeds United away from Elland Road and the club's persistent hooliganism problems, especially their unceasing hatred of Manchester United.

Author Biography

Tom Palmer is a literature development officer and a lifelong Leeds fan. He is the author of The Bradford Wool Exchange and runs a twice yearly literature festival.