Barmy Army: The Changing Face of Football Violence [Paperback]

'It raises some serious points' -- FourFourTwo 'While he long ago gave up the thrill of the chase, Brimson knows what it's all about' -- Times Metro 'Brimson writes from the point of view that this stuff happens and is better understood than ignored. In doing so, he speaks with authority' -- Total Football

'It raises some serious points' (FourFourTwo )

'While he long ago gave up the thrill of the chase, Brimson knows what it's all about' (Times Metro )

'Brimson writes from the point of view that this stuff happens and is better understood than ignored. In doing so, he speaks with authority' (Total Football )

Since the publication of EVERYWHERE WE GO in 1996, football hooliganism has received huge media attention. In BARMY ARMY, Dougie Brimson provides the definitive account of the subject, using new anecdotal evidence to look at the history of hooliganism and how it has evolved since the terrace battles of the seventies. He explains who gets involved and why, and also examines the influence of the media, the clubs and the players on those supporters who repeatedly cause trouble at games. Finally, he asks what should and must be done for the future of football.

The book that answers all the questions
As Euro 2000 approaches, attention is once again focussing on the potential threat posed by the activities of football hooligans. Not just those from England, but also from Holland, Belgium, Germany, Italy, France and even Turkey.

Yet whilst the hooligans in other nations cause as much, if not more, trouble than their English counterparts, it is the activities of the fans from this country which will come under the greatest scrutiny. And with good reason.

For hooliganism is on the rise in England again.

And from amongst their number has emerged a new breed of thug, more dangerous and cunning than their predecessors ever were. Hooligans who have adopted the style and mannerisms of the old school casuals whilst embracing the technology of the mobile phone, the pager and more importantly, the Internet.

How has it come to this? And why? More importantly, how can we stop them? Barmy Army, I believe, provides the answers.

Using the same kind of approach I used in my previous books, I have attempted to document the evolution of the hooligan menace from the earliest days of the game right through to the present day. I have examined the influences and the causes and have posed some searching questions for the police, the media, the game and even the reader.

I have looked at how and why the problem exists and have put forward my opinions as to why people become involved and what, if anything, can be done to stop them.

All in all, Barmy Army provides one of the most in-depth examinatins ever written of this frightening, yet fascinating problem.

Born in 1959, Dougie Brimson is a former football hooligan who spent 18 years in the RAF. He is the co-author of four other books with his brother Eddy. His first novel, THE CREW, was published by Headline in September 1999.