Hardcover 272 pages
Howay!
Keegan's Lads to Ashley’s Fads
The Toon Story Ya Need
Andrew Nagy’s The Battle for Newcastle United is a love letter to the Magpies, written with the insight and wit only a true fan could muster. Nagy, who’s spent decades writing for the likes of GQ, Esquire, and Men’s Health, draws on his impressive journalistic pedigree and deep-rooted passion for Newcastle United to offer a story that’s as funny as it is touching. His prose exudes a genuine warmth, evoking nostalgia on every page, whether he's reminiscing about the exhilarating highs of Kevin Keegan's Entertainers or the exasperating lows of Mike Ashley's reign.
What sets Nagy’s debut apart is his knack for storytelling. The dual timeline structure is brilliantly executed, weaving the neon-lit euphoria of the ’90s with the present-day malaise facing the Toon Army. He paints the chaos of Newcastle United with a journalist’s eye for detail but never loses sight of the club’s soul – or his own enduring obsession. There are moments of laugh-out-loud comedy, like the infamous B&B escapade before a semi-final, but also raw honesty about what it means to love a club that so often seems intent on breaking your heart.
Nagy also doesn't avoid confronting challenging topics. Nagy's examination of negligent ownership and the potential impact of state control serves as a cautionary tale for all football enthusiasts. Yet, even when discussing the bleakest periods of Ashley’s tenure, his affection for Newcastle and its supporters never wavers. The book is peppered with tales of fake sheikhs, dodgy deals, and a cast of characters as wild as the city itself—all vividly brought to life by Nagy’s sharp pen.
This isn’t just a book for those who grew up on the Gallowgate; it’s a must-read for anyone who’s ever cared too much about a football club. Andrew Nagy’s writing is both accessible and evocative, and his affection for Newcastle shines through every anecdote. You don’t need to bleed black and white to appreciate this coming-of-age tale, but for Magpies everywhere, it’s a cathartic celebration of football’s power to lift us up, even when the world seems determined to bring us down. With this debut, Nagy cements himself as a fresh, authentic voice in football writing.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 Delivered to You 2nd Week, August 2025
Some publishers release new titles early, so our ETA above could change.
Published: August 11, 2025
Price: £18.99
Paperback: 272 pages
ISBN-10: 1836801602
ISBN-13: 978-1836801603
Dimensions: 222 x 144 (mm)
Why Pre-order?
Since 2022, we've observed that publishers often opt for smaller print runs to manage costs effectively. This process has occasionally resulted in stock shortages. We strongly recommend pre-ordering to secure your copy and avoid disappointment.
