Wem-ber lee, with John McNicholl
#883 | Ed talks to John McNicoll about his new book Wem-ber-lee, which looks back on the pivotal 1989-90 season. They cover the sacking of Ron Atkinson, Ferguson’s early managerial struggles, and his job-saving FA Cup run featuring key figures like Lee Martin, Jim Leighton, and Mark Robins. John shares insights into the team’s dynamics, crucial moments, and how this season set the stage for United’s future successes.
https://www.pitchpublishing.co.uk/shop/wem-ber-lee
00:00 Introduction
00:46 Synopsis of the Book
01:20 Genesis of the Book
02:27 Nostalgia and Historical Context
04:10 The Hunger Years
09:37 FA Cup Journey
13:23 The Final and Its Impact
18:34 Ferguson’s Gamble and Legacy
24:30 The Importance of the Cup Final
27:27 Fan Discontent and Banner Incident
32:50 Squad Analysis and Injuries
37:12 Ferguson’s Project and Future Success
39:51 Reflections
If you are interested in supporting the show and accessing exclusive bonus episodes check out our Patreon page. No Question About That is available on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, Amazon and all podcast apps. Hit that subscribe button, leave a rating and write a review. Get in touch on Twitter and Instagram.
Episode Summary
In the latest episode Ed talks to John McNicoll about the 1989-1990 season. His new book, Wem-ber-lee, takes a nostalgic trip back to a critical period in the club’s history. It was a time when Sir Alex Ferguson’s leadership faced immense scrutiny and one pivotal cup run saved his managerial career, propelling United toward two decades of unprecedented success.
The Origins of Wem-ber-lee
McNicoll embarked on a quest to uncover the untold story of the 1989-1990 season, a moment in United’s history overshadowed by the successes that followed. In his research, he discovered few books dedicated to this era, despite its significance in shaping the club’s future. John recalls the often-repeated narrative of how Alex Ferguson’s career at United was saved by a crucial FA Cup victory. His book seeks to highlight this “niche” period, setting the stage for the legends that followed.
Setting the Context
The late 1980s were difficult for United fans. Ferguson’s tenure was not without challenges, with the team finishing seasons at disappointing league positions, far from the glory they aspired to reclaim. Martin Edwards, the club chairman, faced criticism for sticking with Ferguson, despite pressure mounting from fans and pundits alike. McNicoll captures this tension and the overwhelming hunger for success that encompassed those years.
The FA Cup Journey
Central to McNicoll’s narrative is the FA Cup run that historians now view as a turning point. Starting with a tense third-round match against Nottingham Forest, United’s luck seemed to turn. McNicoll recounts how Mark Hughes’ ball to Mark Robins in that game marked the beginning of a memorable journey. United’s path to the Wembley final was not smooth – each victory scraped and hard-won—but their name remained in the hat.
The Pivotal Moment
Perhaps the most crucial decision of Ferguson’s career came in the replay of the FA Cup final against Crystal Palace. Having brought goalkeeper Jim Leighton from Aberdeen, Ferguson’s decision to switch to Les Sealey due to Leighton’s faltering confidence was an embodiment of Ferguson the gambler. This bold move, McNicoll notes, was a reflection of Ferguson’s audacious instincts and would come to define United’s success in the following years.
Reflecting on the Impact
How different history might have been if United had faltered in that final. McNicoll explores these “sliding doors” moments – how a loss could have cut Ferguson’s United tenure short and altered the trajectory of one of football’s most storied clubs. In doing so, Wem-ber-lee doesn’t just document matches and memories but probes the very decisions that could have changed football history.
Wem-ber-lee is McNicoll’s offers fans of all ages a deeper understanding of the club’s crossroads in the late ’80s. For anyone who cherishes the past while looking to comprehend the evolution of their beloved team, McNicoll’s narrative holds a mirror to a remarkable season that saved Ferguson’s job and set the stage for glory