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Ferguson book errors lead to refund

Sir Alex Ferguson's autobiography has become the fastest-selling non-fiction book on record © Getty Images

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The publishers of Sir Alex Ferguson's autobiography have offered a reader a refund after he spotted a number of factual errors in the book.

The autobiography of former Manchester United manager Ferguson was released last month and has become the fastest-selling non-fiction book on record.

However 45 factual errors have been spotted in its 402 pages, with one reader writing to the publisher, Hodder and Stoughton, expressing his disappointment.

A spokeswoman for Hodder and Stoughton is quoted in the Daily Mirror as saying: "A member of the public did write in saying that he had found errors in the book and was not happy. He didn't say what the errors were.

"We have written to him and said that if he is not happy with his purchase he should send in the book and we will refund the purchase price."

Of the reported mistakes, Ferguson wrote he worked with Roy Keane for 11 years, when it was actually 12, while he also states Ryan Giggs made his debut at the age of 16, when he was actually 17.

Hodder and Stoughton CEO Jamie Hodder-Williams is quoted as having written: "We did in fact go through several stages of fact-checking with this book, with a reading from within Manchester United as well as from a specialist football fact-checker.

"Although a very large number of corrections were made we plainly did not pick up everything. Possible corrections that have so far been helpfully pointed out are being checked and will be included in future reprints.

"I am sorry that you feel that your expenditure on the book was not worthwhile. If you would like to send the book to me at our head office address, stating where you bought the book and at what price, we will refund your expenditure and postage."

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