Product Description

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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #53250 in Books
• Published on: 2000-02-17
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 245 pages

FourFourTwo
'It raises some serious points'

Review
'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 )

From the Author
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.

Customer Reviews

Yet another top read by Brimmo.
After all the negative hype surrounding this book, I expected it to be a bit duff but it turned out to be a great read. Two long and brilliantly researched chapters about the history of the scene dominate the first half and the remainder is taken up with usual opinionated but accurate attacks on the police, the media and the game.

It's inevitable that some people will dismiss this book as a rehash (and in truth there is a lot that's been covered before but the book is actually better for that) but there's actually a lot that hasn't been covered before and which brought back a lot of memories (remember taxing?). And for those who know the scene, a glance at the credits shows some interesting names.

A blinding read
With more hooligan books hitting the shelves than ever, it's always good to see a new Brimson book. Because unlike most of the others, they take a critical overview of the situation rather than go down the 'we did them and never got done' route.

This one is probably the strongest they have written so far and certainly, by the end, it even had me questioning my own role in the spread of hooliganism. And I'm no lad, just a normal football fan. But one does wonder why the authorites don't take heed to his warnings. After all, he's been proven right almost every single time.

A must read.

BRILLIANT KEEP 'EM COMING....
Having read all the Brimson books about this well documented subject,It was as good as the others. How about one on the Midland firms as you've done one on the London boys,you must have loads more stories to tell.What with some of the top firms being from the midlands,B'ham City & Stoke City to name a few..