Super supporter John signs off 18th book on Manchester United

Super supporter John signs off 18th book on Manchester United

28 April 2021

CARRYDUFF Manchester United Supporters’ Club branch secretary John White has released his 18th book about his beloved team. 

‘Manchester United – The Making of a Football Dynasty’ is the latest instalment of John’s impressive book series in which he reviews the story behind 100 of their past matches. 

This book is part of a two volume set, with 50 games being detailed in each.

The games could be substantial for a number of reasons, such as a notable player’s debut, a record scoreline, a controversial moment and so on. 

“This is a book which will teach United fans the history of the club in a way that has never been approached before,” said John. 

“There is a lot of interesting trivia mixed-in about players, the opposition, the competition and I end every game with a special did you know that?”

The author insists this isn’t a “glory glory Manchester United book”, but rather it is one of “overcoming adversity and learning”.

The Red Devils super-fan began writing about his favourite team whilst travelling to matches with the cross-community supporters’ club 30 years ago. The club is now recognised officially as the fifth biggest Manchester United supporters’ club in the world.

“I set up the club in 1991 and at that stage we used to go from Belfast to Stranraer on the boat, then take a coach to Manchester,” said John.

“That road trip is 225 miles approximately, so I thought I should do a wee quiz on the coach just to pass time. I made up a round of questions and we went from there.

“After a few seasons we had over 800 questions so I decided to write a Manchester United quiz book in 1995.”

John initially struggled to gain any support from publishers until he received a helping hand from none other than Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson himself.

“I asked Sir Alex at an annual supporters’ club meeting if he would do a foreword for my book,” he explained.

“I asked him to endorsed it and after he agreed I recontacted United’s official publishers, Andre Deutsch.

“They took on the book and it was selling in Old Trafford the next week,” he added.

John has since gone from strength to strength and written a number of sports books with many Northern Irish personalities such as George Best, Eamonn Holmes and Barry McGuigan adding forewords to help him along the way. 

His latest release includes a foreword by former Northern Ireland and United star Norman Whiteside.

John’s new book is available now to purchase on Amazon.