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The Brick: A Hooligan's Story by Debrick, Paul (2007) Paperback
Paul Debrick was one of football's hardest hooligans. For twenty years he stood at the head of one of the country's most feared the Middlesbrough Frontline. A bouncer, bodybuilder, brawler and 'top boy', he has been shot at, gassed, stabbed, arrested and jailed.
They call him simply THE BRICK.
As direct as a punch to the jaw, he tells it like it was, from knifings and beatings to working the doors and serving time in jail. 'The Brick' is a shocking insight into the mindset of a hooligan leader.
They call him simply THE BRICK.
As direct as a punch to the jaw, he tells it like it was, from knifings and beatings to working the doors and serving time in jail. 'The Brick' is a shocking insight into the mindset of a hooligan leader.
288 pages, Paperback
First published May 3, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
November 7, 2021
Violence is baaad. M'kay? Stealing is baaad and drugs are baaad, m'kay? That doesn't necessarily mean that the stealer, the hooligan and the drug-taker are bad. But it doesn't necessarily mean that they're not.
The author went through phases. Some of them were destructive to himself and others. The author liked violence for much of his life. Most of it was consensual. The people he fought were, mostly, people who wanted to fight. Maybe that makes it alright. Maybe not. Who am I to judge.
Because judging is not really what book reviewing is about. Well, I suppose it is, but not judging of the actions of the author, but the quality of the book and the story and the way that it's told. And it's mostly good.
The story is engaging, even if the subject matter isn't. The author is interesting even though his actions are not all on the right side of morality. The style of writing is clear was clean even though the things being described are, at times, dirty as heck.
I'm glad my team: Sheffield Wednesday, aren't mentioned here. I'm glad we don't live in those times, when football hooliganism was at its height, any more. Most of all, though - I'm glad that the author's okay and that he's managed to put most of this behind himself. If you're reading this, Paul - good luck. Hope your kid turns out okay. Be good.
Read this book if you're interested in seeing other perspectives on life. Avoid it if you're into Harry Potter and the Beans. I'm not.
The author went through phases. Some of them were destructive to himself and others. The author liked violence for much of his life. Most of it was consensual. The people he fought were, mostly, people who wanted to fight. Maybe that makes it alright. Maybe not. Who am I to judge.
Because judging is not really what book reviewing is about. Well, I suppose it is, but not judging of the actions of the author, but the quality of the book and the story and the way that it's told. And it's mostly good.
The story is engaging, even if the subject matter isn't. The author is interesting even though his actions are not all on the right side of morality. The style of writing is clear was clean even though the things being described are, at times, dirty as heck.
I'm glad my team: Sheffield Wednesday, aren't mentioned here. I'm glad we don't live in those times, when football hooliganism was at its height, any more. Most of all, though - I'm glad that the author's okay and that he's managed to put most of this behind himself. If you're reading this, Paul - good luck. Hope your kid turns out okay. Be good.
Read this book if you're interested in seeing other perspectives on life. Avoid it if you're into Harry Potter and the Beans. I'm not.
February 7, 2025
Being a big football guy I have read a number of books of this genre. This one was very similar to Andy Nicholl's Scally (which got a mention from Paul in his book). It is a very honest and to the point story of his life as a front line football hooligan. The unusual thing though, is that Paul has never actually liked football (!) and just used the football scene as a way of regular involvement with violence. Most of the book was an ongoing account of numerous violent incidents, which is bound to be the main theme, but it could have done with a little more depth and elaboration. Could have had a bit more about his background and upbringing. A brutal but honest story though and good that his life has now progressed in the right direction.
January 16, 2022
Very good read well recommend that you read this this propper front line lads blue half of Manchester top chapter say no more
Lee Beno
Lee Beno
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews