It All Kicked off in Bristol: The Inside Story of the City Service Firm

by Paul Lumber

Founded in Ashton park, the City Service Firm quickly became one of the most-feared mobs in England. In this compelling new book, the first ever on the CSF, there are accounts of bloody encounters with other notorious firms, including Chelsea's Headhunters, Millwall's Bushwhackers, Cardiff's Soul Crew and Birmingham's Zulu Warriors. While an off with like-minded individuals from around the country was strictly business, a fight with the Gasheads of Bristol Rovers was deeply personal. The hatred between red and blue has deep roots and seems to intensify with every year that passes. The author describes how the CSF became top dogs in a deeply divided city, taking it to the Gas not only at football but also on the streets of Bristol. Dark and brutal, but laced throughout with flashes of humour, this is a book that anyone with an interest in football and the casual culture will want to read. Above all, it is an honest piece of work, stripped of artifice and exaggeration. It is the truth.

Genres: Autobiography

232 pages, Paperback

Published October 23, 2017

Reviews

[Mylesgorton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good and brutally honest account of hooliganism. I must admit that I found some parts of it rather rambling and repetitive. There are also a couple of contradictions for instance one “Top Lad” from another firm who Stanley’s a CSF while isolated is out of order and needs to watch his back, but if its a Top Lad from the CSF it’s fine and he is to be praised for his actions. There is also the admission that CSF attacked Gas scarfers on occasion which, as another reviewer has highlighted, is out of order. I totally buy the argument that Old Bill should leave the lads to it - one group of lads doing damage to another group of likeminded lads is surely fair play?! I have never indulged myself, but I can definitely understand the attraction.

[Steve Parcell · Rating 4 out of 5]

A brutal unflinching and welcome addition to this genre.

I can understand why these guys do this although I don't agree with it. Paul is very passionate about his club and that is very clear. This also manifests in protecting their territory and occasionally the normal fan. Although he does confess to hitting the odd Gashead scarfer which is out of order.

Its an adrenaline filled read and worth it if you like books of this ilk as I do.

[Jack · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re looking for a book about hoolaganism, passion and football then this is the book for you.

The author mentions a lot of locals and also a good friend of mines Dad who is no longer with us. I enjoyed this read and most of all love and respect Paul Lumbers love for the City and hate for the Gas.

It All Kicked Off In Bristol.

[christopher hardy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining and honest recollections

A refreshingly honest tale of football violence ,warts and all. Not the glamourised,embellished stories, usually found in this kind of book

[Paul Craig · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny but, mainly cause I read it to myself in a Bristol accent. 🤣😅
Opened up a new course of football audience and match day stories too.