Newcastle United Stole My Heart

Sixty Years in Black and White

By: Michael Chaplin

Narrated by: Michael Chaplin

When five-year-old Michael Chaplin landed in a strange city of ships in the late 1950s, he looked in vain for something that would anchor him to it, make him feel at home. Then, one Saturday afternoon, it came: the roar of a crowd, and a football team to support. Young Michael became an avid Newcastle United fan, and has remained one - if sometimes disenchanted - for over 60 years.

In this football memoir with a difference, the celebrated playwright and screenwriter tells the story of his six-decade love affair with the club, each chapter recreating an iconic Newcastle match: the players who graced the game, the managers in the dug-out, and the backdrop outside the stadium - both the changing face of Newcastle, and the ups and downs of Michael’s own life and career.

This vivid, thoughtful, and entertaining book is an absolute must-listen for all Newcastle United supporters, and indeed - given that the club is often described as everyone’s second favorite - for football fans everywhere.

©2021 Michael Chaplin (P)2022 Hurst Publishers

Critic reviews

"[A] marvellous book." (The Guardian)

"Newcastle United Stole My Heart is a testimony to the power of modern sport and how it reaches way beyond the playing fields.... Beautifully written." (The Irish Times)

"Each story is cleverly interwoven with flashbacks to what was happening in [Michael Chaplin’s] own fascinating life and career at the time which produces a delicious window on the world." (The Chronicle)

Beautiful

Self appointed Geordie living in NYC! Was looking for books on the club I’ve followed for 20 years. Was so happy to come across this gem! Breaking the chapters into games along with MOTM and music was brilliant. Very interesting to listen to it ending prior to takeover.

Would love to see if there’s an addendum.

Also, loved the shouts to Ando, Gibbo and True Faith.

If you’re a serious NUFC fan this is required. If you’re a football fan…. This is required. A lovely tribute to a beautiful club, city and people.