Top Banana, 3 Feb 2004

It is not simply a repetitive tale of " we did so & so with 30 lads" followed by more of the same. The book actually gives an insight into the main characters, most noticibly the author himself, which must have taken some courage to open up his past life but also admits when the N40 or the Under 5's get a slap.

Coming from a northern industrial town, it's easy to relate to the relationships and camaraderie that are built, especially being a Burnley fan.

This is no comparison to the bilge that the Brimson brothers trot out and comes across as a genuine and honest account.

If you like Hoolifan & the Naughty Nineties, buy this book!

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WORTHWHILE READING FOR CASUAL LADS, 31 Jan 2004

The book is clearly tailored for "lad culture" and those who study the enigma of football violence.
Some accounts willbe shocking to those who are uninitiated but relevant and common to those who have participated or are stillactive.
Mark Chester uses a verytrue quotation in the book when he states that"only those who have had that adrenalin rush from organised football violence" can relate to what it is all about, there are many who try to explain the reasons why people get involved in the violence but they are only looking in from the outside, thus making this book good reading from those who have actually been there and understand what the attraction is.

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WOW, 2 Oct 2003

I have read a fair few 'hooligan' books as it is a topic i am interested in and studying. This is probably the most strongest one i have read so far and certainly showed me into the world of a football hooligan, that it isn't just about the violence and the football team. It details the life and trials of Mark Chester and you can almost relate to ecerything that he is saying. It wasn't a book just about fighting it was a brillant insight to a retired hooligan telling us about the culture of a 'firm'. I would reccommend this book to anyone, it is superbly written and extremely fascinating, i know i didn't want to put it down! Whats more is that it is written with pure honesty which is a rarity in many cases and is nothing but a credit to the author. Well done!

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