Published by Macmillan in the UK, October 2007
Imagine being a childhood fan of a famous club, growing up to be the man in charge - then overseeing a dream period that precipitated its downfall. This is the true story of football chairman Peter Ridsdale.
As one of the game's most controversial and colourful figures, he oversaw the most dramatic and talked-about period in Leeds United's history, from a European odyssey to financial meltdown. United We Fall is his compelling and candid account of what really happened when the dream went bust.
It is the unique story of life inside football, behind the scenes at a legendary club, revealing "the boardrooms truths behind the beautiful game". Peter takes his share of the blame as he charts a fall from grace which speaks volumes for the politicking, pressures, successes and failures within the professional game today.
It is like reading the confidential files of a Premiership chairman, detailing the characters, the prima donnas, the fall-outs, the outrageous transfer demands and secret deals. Then, there is the infamous Leeds United trial, a near-death plane crash and the fatal riots in Galatasaray. It's the story of how one chairman fought desperately to keep a club together throughout it all.
Peter became the scapegoat for the downfall of Leeds United, being accosted in the street, spat at during games and receiving death threats. Many myths surround his tenure, and this is his "eloquent response," said The Independent.
He doesn't shirk his responsibility in owning up to the mistakes he made , but he makes a compelling case for why all is not what it first seemed.
Now the chairman of Championship side Cardiff City, Peter has already proven his army of critics wrong with both his personal rehabilitation, and the awakening of this sleeping giant of a club in South Wales; FA Cup finalists in 2008.
Personally, this was my 'Roy of the Rovers' dream assignment, shadowing a chairman in his day-to-day running of a football club at Ninian Park. Manager Dave Jones was a legend, and the entire club - from players to staff -could not have been more accommodating. The pinnacle (for the updated paperback chapter) was joining the team on the Road to Wembley for the FA Cup Final 2008, with an access-all-areas pass for the pitch, dressing room and royal box. Ashley Cole took me to the World Cup. Peter Ridsdale to Wembley. Fantasy football, ghost-writer style.
Peter was villified because of the downfall of LUFC, subjected to the worst kind of hate campaign. His book demonstrates that there are always two sides to a story. Once again, the difference between the gentleman and his media image is vast. He was a joy to spend time with. If there is justice in football (and that's doubtful) then Cardiff's rise to the Premiership will be soon, and Peter's redemption will be complete.
