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250 Days
An incredibly entertaining and perceptive look at the most controversial moment in Premier League history.25th January 1995 A cold winters evening. Manchester United away against Crystal Palace at a packed-out Selhurst Park. Eric Cantona, United's mercurial talisman, has been man-marked closely all game by Richard Shaw and become increasingly frustrated. In the 48th minute, Cantonas temper boils over and he kicks out at Shaw. The ref shows him a red card. On his way off the pitch, a Palace fan rushes towards the hoardings to hurl abuse. The Frenchman loses it. He launches into the crowd, aiming a kung-fu kick at the fans chest. He is forcibly restrained and then taken off down the tunnel. The football world is stunned. Nothing like this has ever happened before.What followed has entered football the media furore, the seagulls following the trawler, and the longest domestic ban ever handed to a player; it would end up lasting 250 days. As Manchester Uniteds campaign stuttered towards a trophy-less conclusion, surrendering the league on the last day of the season and losing the FA Cup final, Cantona withdrew from the public eye. But, behind closed doors, Ferguson was planning the most remarkable of fresh starts for his star player and for a new-look United.250 Days tells the story in brilliant detail of one of the most turbulent times in Uniteds recent history. Showing Cantona in a new light, and the genius of Fergusons man management and vision in close relief, it is an incredibly entertaining and insightful look at the most controversial episode of the Premier League era.
- GenresFootballSoccerNonfiction
160 pages, Paperback
Published January 23, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
July 13, 2022
250 Days is the surprisingly rich story of the suspension served by Manchester United footballer Eric Cantona following his infamous delivery of a "kung-fu kick" to a Crystal Palace supporter. In the book, Daniel Storey makes the case that, while fatally damaging United's title chances during the 1994/5 Premier League season, the suspension allowed Cantona to influence the progress of the famous Class of '92 during a tumultuous period at the club, something that paid dividends in subsequent seasons. After all the drama and uncertainty during his suspension, Cantona would eventually return to play some of his best football, rewarding the brave faith manager Alex Ferguson showed by not offloading the controversial star. In fact, 250 Days serves as a great reminder of the kind of confidence and vision that made Ferguson such a great manager. Cantona retiring before the peak of the Ferguson years gives the book a somewhat bittersweet conclusion.
April 19, 2020
I enjoyed this but maybe because I'm obsessed with Man United and even more obsessed with Cantona. Cantona being my all time favourite player with the combination of attitude, skill, and the defining impact he had on the club and the Premier league, combined with my time being new to football as a teenager. This was a great United era, on the cusp of dominating English football and a new top generation of United talent (Giggs, Scholes, Butt, Neville, Beckham). All the more poignant is the story it's able to pivot around - that King fu kick into the stands which nearly started a riot, and preceded a year long saga. I l loved the story, it brought back memories, for me it was largely told well, I quite liked the impersonations even, though may be in the minority on that! Read this if you're at all interested in United, Cantona, and the definition of the Premier League era.
December 14, 2022
As a football book reader, I specifically look for books like this one. ‘250 Days’ is a great telling of an infamous event and the ramifications that followed. I very much enjoyed the anecdotes of Cantona’s time in the direct aftermath of the kick and how it, with one swing of the leg, propelled and accelerated Manchester United to the greatest period of success in their history.
Daniel Storey does a solid job at toes a fine line between critique and sympathy of the people involved. At times I was rooting for Cantona, other times I was frustrated with him.
But that is the brilliance of Eric Cantona. A legendary enigma and this book represents that best.
Daniel Storey does a solid job at toes a fine line between critique and sympathy of the people involved. At times I was rooting for Cantona, other times I was frustrated with him.
But that is the brilliance of Eric Cantona. A legendary enigma and this book represents that best.
December 10, 2019
This review can also be found on my blog at: https://livemanylives.wordpress.com/
Daniel Storey’s Portrait of an Icon is a masterclass in the profiling of the greats of our game and in 250 Days he has expanded that form to take in not only perhaps the most inspirational player of the Premier League era, but also one of the most successful dynasties of the English game and a period of enormous change. It makes for a captivating read.
Cantona is a player who transcends tribal rivalries, but it wasn’t always the case. The big personality that makes him so memorable now was of course a red flag to the bull of opposition supporters while he was cutting open defences and inspiring his club to an era of complete domination. On one such occasion, lines were crossed, as a tirade of abuse sparked a flash point that would reverberate through the history of the game.
It was a turning point for English football, triggering a genuine move away from the old First Division towards the global super-brand of the Premier League and a new relationship between fans and their heroes. It is interesting to reflect for a moment now how the open abuse of players is once again becoming commonplace with racism in particular prevalent, perhaps fuelled by a populist political environment that relies on division. It is hard to imagine Raheem Sterling diving into a crowd as Cantona did, but will his intelligent, articulate response to abuse be enough to cut through and transform a poisonous national rhetoric?
That Cantona was the trailblazer for the transformation of English football into the global spectacle that it is now only adds to his legend, as does the lasting impact that he had on Manchester United. His belief seems to have soaked through into the whole club, giving it the confidence, swagger and sense of entitlement to conquer the Premier League and ultimately, albeit after Cantona’s retirement, Europe. There is a sense in the book that without Cantona there would be no modern Colossus of Manchester.
Perhaps supporting that sentiment, one of the most striking elements of the book is just how many times Alex Ferguson’s leadership of the club was called into question. Despite everything that he achieved at Manchester United, questions were raised throughout his time including here when the first flavours of success were being savoured, but appeared to be fading.
We see Ferguson gamble everything on his instincts, despite the grumbles of common opinion, in a way that defined his leadership of the club, but we also get a glimpse of vulnerability as he wrestles with his conflicting beliefs of a moral imperative verses protecting and nurturing a special and pivotal talent. Whilst this is a book ostensibly about one footballing icon, it gives us a fascinating insight into another.
Especially for those who are football fans rather than dyed in the wool Manchester United supporters, Storey has done the legwork for you with his research and presented an entertaining and engaging read about a crucial moment in the development of the English game. Cantona is a complex character who courted controversy throughout his career, but he was also a genius with a football who played a key role in shaping both the modern Manchester United and the wider English game, and Storey captures that conundrum and legacy superbly.
Daniel Storey’s Portrait of an Icon is a masterclass in the profiling of the greats of our game and in 250 Days he has expanded that form to take in not only perhaps the most inspirational player of the Premier League era, but also one of the most successful dynasties of the English game and a period of enormous change. It makes for a captivating read.
Cantona is a player who transcends tribal rivalries, but it wasn’t always the case. The big personality that makes him so memorable now was of course a red flag to the bull of opposition supporters while he was cutting open defences and inspiring his club to an era of complete domination. On one such occasion, lines were crossed, as a tirade of abuse sparked a flash point that would reverberate through the history of the game.
It was a turning point for English football, triggering a genuine move away from the old First Division towards the global super-brand of the Premier League and a new relationship between fans and their heroes. It is interesting to reflect for a moment now how the open abuse of players is once again becoming commonplace with racism in particular prevalent, perhaps fuelled by a populist political environment that relies on division. It is hard to imagine Raheem Sterling diving into a crowd as Cantona did, but will his intelligent, articulate response to abuse be enough to cut through and transform a poisonous national rhetoric?
That Cantona was the trailblazer for the transformation of English football into the global spectacle that it is now only adds to his legend, as does the lasting impact that he had on Manchester United. His belief seems to have soaked through into the whole club, giving it the confidence, swagger and sense of entitlement to conquer the Premier League and ultimately, albeit after Cantona’s retirement, Europe. There is a sense in the book that without Cantona there would be no modern Colossus of Manchester.
Perhaps supporting that sentiment, one of the most striking elements of the book is just how many times Alex Ferguson’s leadership of the club was called into question. Despite everything that he achieved at Manchester United, questions were raised throughout his time including here when the first flavours of success were being savoured, but appeared to be fading.
We see Ferguson gamble everything on his instincts, despite the grumbles of common opinion, in a way that defined his leadership of the club, but we also get a glimpse of vulnerability as he wrestles with his conflicting beliefs of a moral imperative verses protecting and nurturing a special and pivotal talent. Whilst this is a book ostensibly about one footballing icon, it gives us a fascinating insight into another.
Especially for those who are football fans rather than dyed in the wool Manchester United supporters, Storey has done the legwork for you with his research and presented an entertaining and engaging read about a crucial moment in the development of the English game. Cantona is a complex character who courted controversy throughout his career, but he was also a genius with a football who played a key role in shaping both the modern Manchester United and the wider English game, and Storey captures that conundrum and legacy superbly.
July 10, 2019
I went into this book not knowing a huge deal about the Cantona saga other than the incident itself. I felt that the author did a wonderful job of fleshing out the story and he provides tonnes of interesting and amusing anecdotes and background which make this a thoroughly enjoyable read.
The book's brevity is also a plus. Rather than drag things out, the book clips along at a nice pace that ensures no one aspect of the story outstayed its welcome.
On the downside, there are times that the writer strays into fan-worship territory, seemingly all too quick to brush aside some of the more troubling aspects of the affair in favour of a more charitable and superficial analysis.
Furthermore, several phrases are repeated throughout, and a paragraph construction similar to "If X had the effect of Y, it was nothing compared to what Z would do." became increasingly grating as I progressed.
But all in all, highly recommended.
The book's brevity is also a plus. Rather than drag things out, the book clips along at a nice pace that ensures no one aspect of the story outstayed its welcome.
On the downside, there are times that the writer strays into fan-worship territory, seemingly all too quick to brush aside some of the more troubling aspects of the affair in favour of a more charitable and superficial analysis.
Furthermore, several phrases are repeated throughout, and a paragraph construction similar to "If X had the effect of Y, it was nothing compared to what Z would do." became increasingly grating as I progressed.
But all in all, highly recommended.
November 5, 2019
And the Glory return..
MU có nhiều những tên tuổi, có những sự vĩ đại nhưng cái tên Cantona thục sụ là một điểm nhấn nổi bật ngay đến nỗi thế hệ giũa 9x nhu mình vẫn đang còn nghe đến. Hàng ngày.
"King" Eric, nguòi ta gọi anh nhu thế, hiện lên như một biểu tượng của sụ tự tin, sụ ngang tàng nhung bên trong là một tài nang xuất chúng. Một nguòi làm cả Sir Alex, một biểu tuọng của MU - điêu đúng lẫn hạnh phúc. Tất nhiên, sụ xuất hiện của cú Kungfu chính là cái bản lề - đuọc lột tả một cách rõ nét và chân thục nhất duói ngòi bút của cây bóng đá Daniel Storey.
Tụa Việt"Từ Cú Kung-fu Của “King” Eric Cantona Đến Sự Hình Thành Kỷ Nguyên Manchester United" thục sụ hay. Nguyên bản. Nhu chính cái cách và mà giọng van của tác giả vẽ lên, rất chân thục và khúc chiết.
Là fan MU thì đùng bỏ lõ. Cả kỷ nguyên thành công bát đầu tù hàng động điên rồ nhất. Từ tài năng phi thuòng nhất mà Quỷ đỏ tùng sỏ hũu.
Vẫn yêu và luôn luôn thế.
MU có nhiều những tên tuổi, có những sự vĩ đại nhưng cái tên Cantona thục sụ là một điểm nhấn nổi bật ngay đến nỗi thế hệ giũa 9x nhu mình vẫn đang còn nghe đến. Hàng ngày.
"King" Eric, nguòi ta gọi anh nhu thế, hiện lên như một biểu tượng của sụ tự tin, sụ ngang tàng nhung bên trong là một tài nang xuất chúng. Một nguòi làm cả Sir Alex, một biểu tuọng của MU - điêu đúng lẫn hạnh phúc. Tất nhiên, sụ xuất hiện của cú Kungfu chính là cái bản lề - đuọc lột tả một cách rõ nét và chân thục nhất duói ngòi bút của cây bóng đá Daniel Storey.
Tụa Việt"Từ Cú Kung-fu Của “King” Eric Cantona Đến Sự Hình Thành Kỷ Nguyên Manchester United" thục sụ hay. Nguyên bản. Nhu chính cái cách và mà giọng van của tác giả vẽ lên, rất chân thục và khúc chiết.
Là fan MU thì đùng bỏ lõ. Cả kỷ nguyên thành công bát đầu tù hàng động điên rồ nhất. Từ tài năng phi thuòng nhất mà Quỷ đỏ tùng sỏ hũu.
Vẫn yêu và luôn luôn thế.
December 13, 2025
I was 13 when Cantona kicked Matthew Simmons in the chest and I honestly thought, as a 44 year old man reading this book, I’d remembered the whole saga perfectly.
I hadn’t.
I didn’t realise Simmons’ politics, I’d forgotten what Simmons did in court, I’d forgotten the courtship of other clubs…
I’ll stop there to avoid spoilers but wanted to share these thoughts as I hope they encourage other United/Cantona/football fans who think they know the story inside out to read this book. Unless you’re Cantona himself, there’ll be things in this book you’d forgotten or didn’t know.
It won’t take you long - I did it in a day - but you’ll be more informed for having read it.
I hadn’t.
I didn’t realise Simmons’ politics, I’d forgotten what Simmons did in court, I’d forgotten the courtship of other clubs…
I’ll stop there to avoid spoilers but wanted to share these thoughts as I hope they encourage other United/Cantona/football fans who think they know the story inside out to read this book. Unless you’re Cantona himself, there’ll be things in this book you’d forgotten or didn’t know.
It won’t take you long - I did it in a day - but you’ll be more informed for having read it.
June 21, 2022
Sự kiện Eric Cantona song phi vào CĐV Crystal Palace năm 1995 giờ đã trở thành một hình ảnh khó quên trong 30 năm lịch sử Premier League. Tác giả đã đi vào mọi khía cạnh liên quan tới sự kiện này: từ quan điểm người trong cuộc, phản ứng của nhà báo và ảnh hưởng của nó tới Man United. Minh chỉ không đồng tình với cách bảo vệ Cantona trong cuốn sách: dù sao thì hành động của anh ta vẫn vô cùng xấu xí, dù ở phạm vi thể thao hay hành vi giữa 2 con người. Anh ta được bảo vệ từ Sir Alex giai đoạn đó là đủ rồi, không cần tô hồng thêm.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 17, 2025
I'm not sure what I expected, but I was disappointed. This is a love letter to Cantona rather than any kind of analysis of the infamous kick, which is really only discussed in the first half of the book. The rest is about the impact of his ban, which feels like a bit of a stretch.
The insight from former players is offered in the form of quotes from their respective autobiographies. I'd suggest reading those instead.
It isn't badly written and it's short enough not to overstay it's welcome, it just does not justify its existence at all.
The insight from former players is offered in the form of quotes from their respective autobiographies. I'd suggest reading those instead.
It isn't badly written and it's short enough not to overstay it's welcome, it just does not justify its existence at all.
January 31, 2019
Great read. Goes into great detail on the 250 days that Cantona was suspended. I learnt so much from this book I didn’t know and was tickled by a few of the anecdotes revealed. Especially the one from Sir Alex at Manchester town hall. Cantona was a maverick and a genius. The premier league what not be what it is today if it wasn’t for him. This period of his career defined him.
October 9, 2020
Such a fun read of arguably the most interesting footballer of his generation. Offered a great insight into the media/players/management at the time. It would be a great read even for people who weren't as familiar with the events that took place and Daniel does a great job acknowledging the impact it had on the English game.
February 22, 2019
Absorbing account of the most notorious incident involving the standout Premiership footballer of the 1990s. Maybe a bit too short for my liking, but the key points, issues and characters are all brought to life.
February 23, 2019
Companion piece to auclair's book
A very candid and in-depth look into the selhurst park fracas and how it inspired a generation of youth in the Manchester United team. Brilliant book and an essential read for all football fans.
A very candid and in-depth look into the selhurst park fracas and how it inspired a generation of youth in the Manchester United team. Brilliant book and an essential read for all football fans.
February 26, 2019
Cantonas stand against the Fans
I was initially put off by buying a book under 150 pages and whether it was worth the money. It puts you into the time and talks you through the incident, explaining all sides of the story. A well written book and well worth a read.
I was initially put off by buying a book under 150 pages and whether it was worth the money. It puts you into the time and talks you through the incident, explaining all sides of the story. A well written book and well worth a read.
August 23, 2020
25th anniversary of that infamous incident ... Readers can re-live the moments, and also appreciate the problems around. Man-management is indeed delicate. Media management is always intriguing. Practice really makes players (not only in pitch, but also in life!)
December 18, 2020
Naprosty must have pro vsechny fanousky United. 250 dni, ktere zmenilo moderni United. Cantona byl naprosty demon. V premier league nehral hrac, ktery by mel vetsi vliv na celou soutez a vyznamny klub.
January 24, 2021
A short book but very concise and well written, it really does capture the personalities of both Cantona and Ferguson l, as well as the premier league and Manchester United’s development in the mid 90’s. Well worth reading
April 13, 2021
A good and interesting if short read. Have more empathy to Cantona than I did back then.
Expanding beyond the 'Potrait' approach of the earlier book it adds more detail and character to all involvedbut feels like it should be a 3rd of wider ranging book
Expanding beyond the 'Potrait' approach of the earlier book it adds more detail and character to all involvedbut feels like it should be a 3rd of wider ranging book
July 18, 2021
Short, sweet and to the point. Did a really good job of detailing the events and the months that followed without dragging any one point out too much. An overall enjoyable read and should be read by any football fan.
January 28, 2019
Anything Cantona related = ***** in my book.
February 6, 2019
Cool book for the very few of you who are interested in the history of Manchester United, LOOOOOOL 😂
April 13, 2019
Enjoyed the book. I also think it is short, but long enough for the subject matter.
April 22, 2019
I wanted to like it.
August 30, 2019
A great story well told and a page turner despite being already well known.
February 10, 2021
What a story! Expertly written.
January 17, 2023
Entretenido... Te abre más puertas a historias más relevantes del club
May 22, 2023
Great read, although genuinely hilarious that even here: Andy Cole doesn't get any respect, lol.
March 23, 2023
Excellent account and analysis of what happened. Well researched and well written. Just wish it was longer!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews