The Doc's Devils: Manchester United 1972-1977

by Sean Egan

Tommy Docherty led Manchester United through one of the most interesting periods in their history. Employed in late 1972, the former Scotland manager led the club on an amazing journey, taking in a successful relegation battle, relegation itself, instant promotion, and two successive Cup Finals, all in just four and a half years, and the nature of his eventual sacking, following allegations about his private life, gives some indication of the complicated, less than perfect man this book seeks to unveil. Docherty's unconventional, at times controversial, approach to team affairs and man management is explored on a season by season basis, while numerous interviews from those who worked with and played under him, including legends of the era such as Brian Greenhoff and Sammy McIlroy, ensure that no stone is left unturned in this tale of the highest highs and lowest lows the great game has to offer. These first hand accounts make this the definitive account of this period, and the book is a must read for any serious United fan, while the author's ability to maintain a degree of neutrality rarely found in such biographies will also encourage followers of teams outside of the red half of Manchester to persist with this incredible footballing story. In addition to The Doc's story, this book also looks at the post United careers of those who played in his sides and who came to love and loathe him in equal measure. It also includes a full matchography for the period.

500 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

A freelance journalist, author and editor who writes about arts and entertainment (music, film, TV, comics and literature), social history (20th and 21st centuries) and sport (soccer and tennis history).

Reviews

[Stuart S · Rating 4 out of 5]

A long overdue book, in my opinion. For too many of the last 34 years, all the talk has been about Sir Alex. While absolutely no one can argue about Ferguson's success - he's rightly billed as the greatest British football manager ever - as a United fan over a certain age, for me there's definitely a sense of something missing.

And what United have been missing can be encapsulated in Docherty's time at Old Trafford. Following relegation, The Doc hauled the team up by their bootlaces and brought in younger blood - and definitely a fresher approach too. Attack, attack, attack seemed to be the Docherty message to his new young team - and although they conceded goals along the way, they were always going forward.

Egan looks at all this and much more besides, with plenty of anecdotes from men who played under The Doc to put it all in perspective. Docherty's sad end at United and the years since are fully analysed, and the author has even found room for United's history since The Doc's Days, and a summary of his players' fortunes following Old Trafford.

If there's one thing that stops me from giving it five stars, it's this - Egan is occasionally guilty of throwing in long, clumsy sentences. When he does, you have to go over the sentence again just to make sure you've grasped what he's trying to say, and the book just stops flowing.

Apart from that one small point, this book to me is overdue and is well worth reading if you are lucky enough, like me, to recall United under Docherty, particularly the years 1975-77. What a positive, swashbuckling side they were. Read this to bring it all back - you won't be disappointed.