My Story in Black and White: Four Decades Fixing the Mags

by Derek Wright, John Wright

Forty Years Fixing the Mags is the fascinating story of Newcastle United's head physio, Derek Wright, and his time at the club from the early 1980s to 2022.

Growing up on a tough council estate in a County Durham mining town, Derek's footballing ability was discovered by Arsenal, who signed him as an apprentice at 16. Injury ended his playing career but he remained in football, becoming the youngest physio in the Football League at Malcolm Macdonald's Fulham. Big Jack Charlton was on the lookout for a new physio at Newcastle and gave Derek a start at his hometown club. It was the beginning of almost 40 incredible years at the Toon.

Derek worked with more than 20 full-time managers and hundreds of players, and his stories provide an insight into the hidden life of a famous football club. Behind-the-scenes experiences with players and managers are interwoven with the historical events of the Magpies, set against the backdrop of a city and Geordie region that is fiercely proud of its heritage.

Kindle Edition

Published August 5, 2024

Reviews

[Nathan Hildred · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really, really enjoyed the first half of this book - lots of detail on the author’s upbringing and some great stories from his formative years as a physio in football. Unfortunately (and this isn’t a dig at the author) the second half of the book essentially turns into a series of hurried recaps on Newcastle’s league and cup performances with the odd paragraph thrown in here and there about a personal experience. Mindful that his career spans multiple decades and he would probably be writing War and Peace if he tried to replicate the approach to the first half of the book, I just felt some of it was rushed and a bit of a missed opportunity. Still, really enjoyable at times.

[Michelle Atkinson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good read for any Newcastle United fans, especially during the 90s.

[Oliver Carey · Rating 4 out of 5]

For Newcastle fans really as it mentions the managers and the times. Nice to get a little insight into what goes on behind the closed doors. Would recommend A boy on the shed by Paul Ferris as they mention each other a lot so nice to tie both books together. I enjoyed the read and would probably read again.

[Dave B · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting read, but only if you are a Toon fan.