Morning Chaps I have just finished reading 'An Epic Swindle: 44 Months With a Pair of Cowboys' (B. Read, 2011). Some of you may remember a thread I made a while back where I contemplated reading this. Well now I have, I have to say it is essential reading for all LFC fans as it puts everything in perspective during this difficult period and mentions all the key stakeholders involved, the many many internal battles, and the opinions of many of these individuals as well as the likes of Gerrard and Carragher. It reveals the plight of Benitez and just how much pressure he was under - but also does critique his actions/performances. We have the gradual progression of 'Spririt of Shankly' and it subsidiaries from pub to internet warfare, right up to the Hight Court. This is the most fascinating part as it shows how opportunist they/we were, the fact they stem from many aspects of national and worldwide society, and for me personally, it bridges some of the gaps in the events/memory whilst also making me proud when remembering being involved in a number of them (internet warfare against that Texan Judge for example). All these events have firsthand accounts as Brian Reade was there, and being a journalist - he has many good connections. It makes you very angry at how we were treated as fans by these two, but brings immense pride in how we managed to get them out using every resource possible. Football has never seen anything like it - and hopefully never will again! Buy it if you haven't, even if you're not a Red - anyone else read it? £1.80! http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_1_10?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=an+epic+swindle&sprefix=an+epic+sw%2Caps%2C353 please log in to view this image
I have it on my bookshelf at home in the read section! I thought it was very good, if a bit one sided. I think this could have been better if Brian Reade had managed to get more from H&G (although I can see how that would have been a problem). It is a good read and it will be a good book to re-read in a few years when I can tell the kids how bad we once were and how I, along with millions of other reds fans took action against the owners; how the liverpool fan base stood together and did everything we could to stop Hicks & Gillett from getting new finance
They are a bunch of morons. Look at their pathetic Munich chants. Sadly all clubs have a bunch of idiot followers like them who embarrass the real supporters.
That isn't the spirit of Shankly you wally. That's a small sections of idiots pretending to be something they're not. Do your research mate seriously.
It's far too early to truly undertake the job that Brian Reade tried to undertake. To do so you would need corroborative evidence from players and staff plus some 'hard' figures. You also have to remember that Reade also has his own agenda. For those who have a limited knowledge of the aims and the people involved in Spirit of Shankly, it does get a bit confusing. Having said that, then it does give an insight into what was happening within the club. However, I do think that he is more than a bit harsh in his evaluation of the effects that it had on Rafa.
Well they are in his opinions to be fair - much like yours or mine. I think it's a fantastic insight, even if you do not agree with all of it.
Here we go: [video=youtube;RlHMyp_jIyw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RlHMyp_jIyw[/video] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirit_of_Shankly#End_of_Season_Party_Controversy It was a section of the Sprit of Shankly group.
Have United apologised for their supporters singing 96 was not enough at Anfield this season? Stop it Berb or this is going to get very very nasty!
Fair enough. Like I said, all clubs have a few idiot followers and unfortunately Man Utd have more than most due to the size of our fanbase.
I have seen this book on sale a few times and thought about buying it but I don't think I could bring myself to read it, it would remind me too much of a shocking period of ownership!
bought the book today €8.99 , seen the headline of this thread and then went and bought it , i didnt read any comments on this thread as i dont want to spoil the ending
I've seen it in the shop and prob will end up buying it.Just finished Karen Gill's The real Shankly last night and for those who have not read it go and buy a copy
I've been reading Kenny's second book (released in the last year or two and includes rejoining the club this time) for the last four or five months. Rarely get time to sit and read nowadays so just picking it up every now and again. Good read so far though