Dirty Leeds - Robert Endeacott

(Note to reader: I’ve a copy of ‘Dirty Leeds’ by Robert Endeacott to give away and all details can be found at the end of this post)

“1961. Dirty Leeds is a struggling industrialised city in the north of England.

Dirty Leeds is the city’s club, sometimes called a football team; its home ground Elland Road, rarely called a stadium.

Dirty Leeds is the label given to Leeds United in 1964 by the FA for improper conduct on the field. Other first teams have far worse disciplinary records, but mud sticks.

Dirty Leeds is where young Jimmy O’Rourke is born and bred, brought up by his grandma in the shadow of the hallowed ground itself. This gives him a thirst for the beautiful game and determination to play for the club he loves.

‘Dirty Leeds’ is a hidden history of Don Revie and his men, and the story of Jimmy’s dramatic life, from 1961 to 1974.”

And ‘Dirty Leeds’ hosts a cover quote from David Peace:

‘Robert Endeacott has done things the hard way, his way. He writes without pretension, honest and unflinching, born of dedication and passion. With DIRTY LEEDS, he has raised the bar to write a history not only of a football club and its manager, but also of a city and its people.’

I’ve heard really good things about this book and know that it’s flying off the shelves. The author is tipped as a ‘one to watch’ and I’m hoping that my copy will be here any day now.

But the lovely Stu (Sinitta) at Tonto Books has agreed that I can give away a copy of ‘Dirty Leeds’ by Robert Endeacott. All you have to do is leave a ‘please pick me’ comment by 3pm (GMT) October 16, then I’ll pop all names in a mug and ask a small child to select a winner. This competition is open to all.

You can buy a copy of ‘Dirty Leeds’ here.