This Ayr United Thing A Family’s Fifty-Year Football Odyssey
In “This Ayr United Thing – More Iliad than Illyria,” acclaimed author Duncan Carmichael delivers a masterful exploration of the enduring emotional ties that bind fans to their local football club. Drawing on more than five decades of experience as Ayr United’s club historian, Carmichael brings to life the rituals, heartbreaks, and fleeting triumphs that define the football experience. This compelling book expertly weaves together the central themes of stoicism, patience, and emotional control—qualities every true supporter of Ayr United must possess. For Carmichael, the search for football happiness is as epic as any myth, and his keen insights into fixture chaos, motorway journeys, and the camaraderie of the terraces will resonate with soccer fans everywhere. Ayr United’s story is one of resilience and local pride, a club whose history is every bit as dramatic as the beautiful game itself. Founded in 1910 through the merger of Ayr Parkhouse and Ayr FC, Ayr United quickly became a fixture in Scottish football. The club’s journey is marked by glorious defeats, hard-fought victories, and the relentless optimism of its supporters. From the muddy fields of Somerset Park to encounters with giants in the Scottish Cup, the Honest Men have forged a legacy built on community, tradition, and the stubborn refusal to give up. Carmichael’s meticulous research and personal memories reveal how Ayr United’s fortunes mirror the hopes and hardships of its loyal fanbase. Duncan Carmichael’s writing is rich with family reminiscence, humor, and hard-earned wisdom. He shares stories of generations of Carmichaels—wife Carol, son David, and daughter Jill—whose lives have been rearranged by away games, foul weather, and the club’s mesmeric hold on their Saturdays. Whether recounting legendary battles or routine victories, Carmichael’s voice is warm, witty, and endlessly enthusiastic. His deep knowledge of transport timetables, motorway toilets, and the best fish-and-chip shops is matched only by his encyclopedic grasp of Ayr United’s archives, making every page a treat for football lovers and history buffs alike. For anyone fascinated by the intersection of soccer and local identity, “This Ayr United Thing” stands out as an essential read. Carmichael’s unique blend of personal narrative, historical analysis, and sharp observation captures the true spirit of Scottish football. Readers will find themselves drawn into the world of Saturday foot-soldiers, captivated by tales of hope, heartbreak, and the still-elusive dream of happiness at the final whistle. Duncan Carmichael’s positive contributions to football literature shine throughout, offering both inspiration and comfort to supporters everywhere. ROYAL MAIL TRACKED 48 Publisher: Discover more great reads from the publisher:Kennedy and Boyd Published: September 20, 2025 Price: £18.95 Paperback: 432 pages ISBN-10: 1849212627 ISBN-13: 978-1849212625 Dimensions: 152 x 228 (mm)
