Author:Mark Hodkinson
Blue Moon traces a season in the life of Manchester City. Not just any season, but 1998-99, when the once-proud club, with two League Championships and four FA Cup wins to its name - not to mention a phenomenal fan base - was forced to battle the likes of Macclesfield Town, Colchester United and Wigan Athletic in English football's third flight.
Mark Hodkinson was involved in every aspect of the club through a long, stirring season, one which culminated in the euphoria of promotion: mingling with players, ex-players, directors, office staff and fans, he was constantly on the look-out for the unusual, the offbeat, the hopeful and the heartbreaking. Through it all, he remained impartial, steadfastly resisting the temptation to become a mere pawn for the club's PR operation.
Originally commissioned as a series of weekly articles for The Times newspaper, Hodkinson's column soon acquired cult status among fans. Now, in Blue Moon, the author has brought these articles together and, along with a considerable number of further anecdotes, both comical and moving, provides an unprecedented insight into the passionate community that is Manchester City FC.
Compelling
—— Simon Kuper , Financial TimesPatrick Barclay traces the arc of the Scot's Govan youth to his Old Trafford supremacy with insight, sensitivity and poise
—— Sports Book of the Year , Sunday TelegraphThorough of research, rich of detail
—— Book of the Week, Richard Williams , GuardianStylishly written, admirably well-researched
—— ScotsmanWonderful. Captures the contradictions of this complex personality as eloquently
as it elucidates his genius
Barclay tells his story and in doing so describes the way the game has changed over the years. We see the famous temper in action, but also a more reflective, generous side
—— Colin Waters , HeraldA firm but fair biography of a footballing legend
—— GuardianDo we really need another biography of Sir Alex Ferguson?...the answer is unequivocally in the affirmative
—— Independent on SundayYou'll be hard-pressed to find a book that will tell you as much about the intimidating character and gives such a revealing insight into the legend of British football that is Sir Alex Ferguson
—— Football Fan CastBest Sports Biography of the Year
—— Metro