Service Crew: The Inside Story of Leeds United's Hooligan Gangs 1st edition by Gall, Caroline (2007) Hardcover

by caroline-gall

Many of the most shocking incidents in British football history have involved the hooligan followers of one Leeds United. For 40 years they have run riot across the country, punching their way to international notoriety - yet they have remained the most secretive of all mobs. Journalist Caroline Gall spent two years interviewing participants from several generations to piece together the first ever history of the gangs, from the Shipley Skins to the youths of the present day. Service Crew is the definitive story of football's most vilified fans.

Genres: Nonfiction

271 pages, Hardcover

First published December 11, 2007

Reviews

[Andrew A · Rating 1 out of 5]

What a disappointment. Having read “Among The Thugs” years ago, I was hoping for an insightful story about the topic of hooliganism. Unfortunately this was just a collection of alleged recounts of a history of wanton destruction and thuggery. The book has no structure - there is a half hearted attempt at a chronological story, but the author constantly jumps around And not from topic to topic to clarify anything - just from “battle” to “battle” as old thugs recount what sadly seems to be their glory days. It is as biased of an account of anything that I have ever read.

It’s a shame that the author is so inept. There is so much to dive into on this topic - the economic and political climate that left a generation of young men without hope or a place to belong and to contribute to society. But the author spends virtually no time delving into this. A brief mention of the Yorkshire miners strike, and a passing reference to the Three Day Workweek is all that gets mentioned. The rest is just a bunch of pathetic stories about drinking, mayhem and theft

The book can be fully understood by reading one chapter - any chapter. Just pick one at random, read it, and you’ve got the gist of the entire story.

[Tom · Rating 1 out of 5]

Probably the worst book I’ve ever read. Just a collection of stories which largely consist of the exact same circumstances.

The only mildly interesting chapter about the undercover police investigation and court case was at page 184 and lasted only 9 pages.

An absolute slog to finish.

[John MB · Rating 3 out of 5]

Its difficult as a football fan of leeds united to understand the culture of football hooliganism and why it spiked in the 80s when i was only a fan since 1990. Firstly i thought this book may have given an insight into why these people did these things..... It did not. Its not a nice read to start with as it just sounds like bragging rights and i just don't understand how 40 year olds can still feel pride in their actions. But as the book progresses you still elements of respect and at times remorse for actions especially when they affected fans not associated with the firms. What then happens which brings the book to a three star is how the culture and more importantly the policing and organisation stopped hooligans at their core imposing penalties and prision terms and you can see this gaining more weight as the book progresses across the decades eventually leading to many in the book realising that its no longer worth it. I wanted to gain an understanding of this sub culture in football through my favourite team, what i found was a story where my own upbringing will always mean that i won't ever fully understand what drives these people but it also highlighted how it developed and then ultimately fell in popularity and for that its worth a read. Just bear in mind the bragging will really annoy you if your anything like me.

[duncan griffiths · Rating 1 out of 5]

Average

High level some truths and some less so some made up stick together bnbvvg hhjyy hhjyy kin gffdd yay u

[Mick Ingleson · Rating 5 out of 5]

essential reading for leeds fans. Part of our history