Renowned Manchester United writer Wayne Barton has opened up about his struggles ahead of the release of his new, “most personal” book. This statement comes after his dismissal, initiated by Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Wayne Barton has authored 20 books and has been highly praised by key figures at United. In particular, former chairman Martin Edwards called him the club`s “pre-eminent writer”.
Barton has a long history with Manchester United, having served as an editorial consultant for the club from January 2023 until recently.
The author became “one of the statistics” following the second round of cuts implemented by Red Devils minority shareholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe.
Barton expressed “heartbreak” when announcing his dismissal on social media, acknowledging the contributions of other staff members who were also made redundant.
He is now preparing to release his new book “Football, Taught By Matt Busby” on Thursday and admitted on social media that he is currently in a “low place”.
The writer revealed that the last six weeks have been “difficult” but expressed gratitude for the support he has received from his readers.
Barton tweeted: “I’m in a low place at the minute. It’s the early hours of the eve of the release of my most personal book, one that means so much to me.
But with everything that’s happened over the last 6 weeks, I don’t really think I’ve processed those events very well, and still a bit heartbroken, a bit damaged in confidence and conscious about how much I will be annoying people as I talk about the book over the next 72/96 hours.
So I just want to apologise in advance for that self-promotion, thank you for your patience, and put out a sort of notice that while I’m doing this promotion, there is a human being here struggling with different things…
But still immensely grateful for the incredible things I do have, not least the support of so many great people here, grateful for the immense privilege of being published, and grateful for many things besides that. Thank you.”
Last summer, 250 employees were made redundant in the first wave of cuts to save costs under Ratcliffe`s leadership.
This time, between 150 and 200 jobs were cut as part of the club`s transformation plan, which included ending free lunches.
