Hardcover Published August 2025, 288 pages
From Champions League to Chaos
The Leeds United Implosion
In "Doing a Leeds: The Implosion of Leeds United," Dave Tomlinson delivers an unflinching chronicle of one of English football's most dramatic downfalls. With his trademark rigor and deep-rooted passion for Leeds United, Tomlinson unpacks the turbulent years spanning 1996 to 2005—a period that saw the club soar into the Champions League only to plummet into bankruptcy and relegation. Drawing on decades of encyclopedic knowledge and a lifelong devotion to the Whites, Tomlinson’s narrative is as authoritative as it is heartbreaking, offering a front-row seat to both the dreams and disillusionments of a fervent fanbase.
Tomlinson, whose previous works like "Leeds United: A History" and "The Man With the Plan: Howard Wilkinson's Leeds United" have become essential reading for any Leeds supporter, once again demonstrates his knack for meticulous research and storytelling. In "Doing a Leeds," he provides new revelations and exclusive interviews with key figures such as Howard Wilkinson and Michael Ricketts, peeling back the curtain on boardroom machinations, legal entanglements, and ill-fated gambles. His account draws from unique access, including insights from Leeds United Supporters' Trust chairman John Boocock, whose firsthand dealings with board members add rare depth to the story.
What elevates Tomlinson’s latest book is his ability to weave the fans’ perspective into the fabric of the club’s collapse. He captures the sense of betrayal and frustration felt by supporters as mismanagement and personal ambition sent the club into a tailspin. Tomlinson’s writing is at once analytical and empathetic, presenting the implosion not just as a financial cautionary tale, but as a deeply human tragedy that shattered the hopes of a city and its people.
"Doing a Leeds" stands as both a warning and a tribute, a forensic dissection of boardroom blunders, and a heartfelt homage to the resilience of Leeds United’s supporters. Tomlinson’s latest work cements his reputation as the definitive chronicler of Leeds United’s history, combining insider access, journalistic integrity, and the kind of insight that can only come from a true supporter. For anyone seeking to understand how a club can lose its way—and what it means for those who love it—this is essential reading.
ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 Delivered to You 3rd Week, August 2025
Some publishers release new titles early, so our ETA above could change.
Published: August 18, 2025
Price: £19.99
Paperback: 256 pages
ISBN-10: 1836801726
ISBN-13: 978-1836801726
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.
