Sammy McIlroy: Autobiography ‘brought back emotional memories’ of life & career at Man Utd & Northern Ireland

The ex-Manchester United midfielder reflects on his playing career in his new autobiography: The Last Busby.
Sammy McIlroy spoke to ManchesterWorld ahead of the launch of his new book: The Last Busby Babe, the Autobiography of Sammy McIlroy MBE, with Wayne BartonSammy McIlroy spoke to ManchesterWorld ahead of the launch of his new book: The Last Busby Babe, the Autobiography of Sammy McIlroy MBE, with Wayne Barton
Sammy McIlroy spoke to ManchesterWorld ahead of the launch of his new book: The Last Busby Babe, the Autobiography of Sammy McIlroy MBE, with Wayne Barton

Sammy McIlroy revealed that producing his autobiography brought back ‘emotional memories’ from his life and playing days.

The Belfast-born former player and manager has enjoyed a distinguished career, which included a 13-year spell with Manchester United, representing Northern Ireland at two World Cups, and managing at club and international level.

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After years of convincing, McIlroy agreed to well-renowned United author Wayne Barton’s request to convert those incredible experiences and memories into an autobiography.

The Last Busby Babe, the Autobiography of Sammy McIlroy MBE, with Wayne Barton goes on sale this Monday and speaking ahead of its launch, the ex-Red Devils explained why it was a particularly emotional affair for him.

The Last Busby Babe, the Autobiography of Sammy McIlroy MBE, with Wayne Barton, out 28th March from Pitch Publishing.The Last Busby Babe, the Autobiography of Sammy McIlroy MBE, with Wayne Barton, out 28th March from Pitch Publishing.
The Last Busby Babe, the Autobiography of Sammy McIlroy MBE, with Wayne Barton, out 28th March from Pitch Publishing.

“Wayne knew everything about my career,” McIlroy exclusively told ManchesterWorld. “The highs and lows and personal situations about my mum and dad.

“We just got into it and some of the stuff that came back to me was very emotional. It brought back memories of good things and bad things, and everything is in the book. Hopefully, people will enjoy it when they read it.

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“It was both enjoyable and tough,” he added. “There were moments when I got emotional because the things that came back were very real, and people will realise that this came from the heart.

Asked about those emotional memories, McIlroy explained: “Going back to my mum and dad, leaving them [from Belfast] in 1969. My mum dying in ‘86 when I was at the World Cup and then my father dying three months later of throat cancer.

“Personal issues with my family. Everything has gone in and hopefully people will read it, enjoy it and understand it. It all comes from the heart, there’s nothing left.”

McIlroy’s 13-year stint at Old Trafford means he’s still remembered as a United great today, and he was famously Sir Matt Busby’s final signing, as the book’s title suggests.

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In that period, he broke into a team that contained boyhood idol George Best, suffered the heartbreak of relegation, won promotion the following year, lost two FA Cup finals, as well as winning the trophy, before leaving the club in 1981. But for all the highs and lows, there’s one big thing McIlroy wishes he could change.

“I have some regrets about my career. Manchester United, I was there for nearly 13 years,” he reflected. “When you come away from the club with that length of time with just a Second Division medal, an FA Cup winners’ medal, and a Charity Shield… I just wish there had been more trophies.

“But we were going through a phase where there was a massive change from the European Cup win in 1968 and right through the ‘70s. I went through six managers, from Busby right through to [Ron] Atkinson.”

More than just a life in football

Barton, who wrote the autobiography in conjunction with McIlroy, has produced books on several legendary United figures, including Best, David Beckham and Eric Cantona.

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But he explained to ManchesterWorld why McIlroy’s story is particularly unique in his eyes.

“Having written a few autobiographies and ghostwriting, I wanted to try and do something different,” said the author. “It happened really naturally with this and Sammy’s been through a lot and his personal journey is compelling.

McIlroy made 417 appearances for United and scored 71 goals. Credit: Getty.McIlroy made 417 appearances for United and scored 71 goals. Credit: Getty.
McIlroy made 417 appearances for United and scored 71 goals. Credit: Getty.

“So I tried to do it from a man who played football and was synonymous with Manchester United and Northern Ireland, but still tell it from the perspective of it being a human life.

“You read a lot of books from ex-players and it’s dominated by football, and there’s a real temptation to do that with Sammy given what he achieved in his career.

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“His story is really unlike anyone else’s and to try and keep it like that is a challenge as you’re trying to get the football in as well. But a lot of the decision’s Sammy made, and the reasons behind them, were to do with family. I think that’s really compelling.

“I absolutely loved it. I’ve always wanted to work with Sammy, but the experience has been so much better than I could have thought, and I had high hopes for it anyway. It’s just an incredible career.”

This is the first of several articles from our exclusive interview with McIlroy. In the next edition, we’ll bring you his detailed reflections from his time at United and Manchester City, as well as memories of playing for Northern Ireland, and more.

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