There are quite a few new revelations in this book.

David O'Leary considered signing Steve McManaman from Real Madrid; O'Leary's wife does not like football; O'Leary wants his Leeds team to emulate Kevin Keegan's Newcastle, combining success with exuberant, vibrant football.

But it is the things we already know about that will grab the headlines.

Indeed they already have.

Leeds hired a private detective to investigate Woodgate and Bowyer's stories; O'Leary does not want the Manchester United job, but he did write to Sir Alex Ferguson during one infamous feud last season; his wife received a death threat.

Reading a book in its entirety after serialisation, it never seems as sensational as has been made out.

That is not to say it is not eyebrow-raising at times.

As a Leeds fan, I was taken aback by the strength of David O'Leary's thoughts on some issues.

Criticises players

For example, during the investigation of Woodgate and Bowyer he says: "I got the impression that if the police could put one over the club they were keen to do so."

O'Leary claims there was: "An element of 'The Sweeney' to their approach... as though the police wanted to recreate a touch of the old television programme.

He is equally damning on the Football Association's refusal to allow the two to play for England during the trial.

"This was the new FA in action. There were elements of New Labour in the way it formed its policies."

Blimey!

O'Leary uses the book to criticise players.

He also, memorably, lays into former centre-forward Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink for not trying hard enough.

O'Leary reveals the truth behind Hasselbaink's departure, claiming the Dutchman wanted to be the club's highest paid player.

He then claims Hasselbaink refused to play for Leeds, as Eric Cantona did under Howard Wilkinson.