The Entertainers: Thaiger editor’s new book is a Kevin Keegan page turner

[CharlieH]

 

After a seven-year hiatus from the publishing world, Thaiger Editor-in-Chief Will Scott has made a successful return with his latest literary creation, The Entertainers 1992-1997: Kevin Keegan’s Legacy.

 

The book delves into one of the most iconic periods in Newcastle United’s modern history, shining a light on the unforgettable years when the Magpies soared under the charismatic leadership of Kevin Keegan.

 

Drawing on firsthand accounts from players and staff who lived through the glory days, Scott chronicles how Keegan’s magnetic personality transformed the club, making Newcastle one of the most exciting sides in English football.

 

The book captures the voices of 35 former players and staff, including Newcastle favourites Alan Shearer, David Ginola, Les Ferdinand, and Peter Beardsley. Together, they paint a vivid portrait of Keegan’s thrilling tenure at St James’ Park — a time fondly recalled by United supporters, despite the team’s near-misses on silverware, said Scott.

 

“My old publisher reached out in January and asked whether I’d be interested in doing another book for him. I didn’t need much persuading after his suggestion.

 

“I haven’t had much of a social life this year as the book took up all of my spare time after work in the newsroom. But now it’s finished I can finally say it has been worth it.

 

“Pulling the stories together sent me on a massive nostalgia trip. It was a magical time to be a Newcastle United supporter when the team was christened ‘The Entertainers’ and became everyone’s second favourite team.

 

“The team might not have won any silverware but they captured the imagination of the football world with a style of play that had rarely been seen before.

 

“We managed to get Kevin Keegan to do the foreword for the book and all of the big hitters from that period, and his backroom staff, share their experiences from a time when the team went toe-to-toe with Manchester United.

 

“Newcastle was arguably the best team not to win the Premier League since its inauguration in 1992. The players give their side of the story on how they allowed a 12 point lead at the top of the league to slip away, among other tales.

 

“There are some new stories, some old stories and some exclusive tales never been told before. It will be a perfect Christmas stocking filler gift for someone and it’s available in all good bookstores, Amazon and direct from the publisher, Mojo Risin’.”

Newcastle United line up against Manchester United at Wembley in the 1996 Charity Shield

Thaiger CEO Darren Lyons welcomed the journalist-cum-author to The Thaiger team over two years ago.

 

“Will joined us in May 2022. He was a fan of the platform before he came, which helped, and reached out to us a few years before that.

 

“We wanted to freshen up the news desk as it had gone a bit stale and we thought Will, with his vast experience, would be able to shake things up and inject some fresh ideas, which he has.

 

“As a Spurs fan, I can empathise with the plight of Newcastle United and their supporters. We’re very similar in a lot of ways. We’ve always played attractive football but don’t have much to show for it. Always seem to be the bridesmaid and never the bride.

 

“I’m sure the book will do well and who knows, it may be the catalyst for Newcastle to win their first trophy since 1969.”

 

If you remember The Entertainers and the thrilling football that came with it, this book is a must-read.

 

Scott has over 25 years of experience as a journalist and published author, working in the UK, Belgium, China and now Thailand. The author also penned Pavel is a Geordie; Black and White, no Grey Areas; Scoop – The Truth Only Gets in the Way of a Good Story; and The Rafalution.

 

The book was released on Monday, November 4, and can be bought here and here