Soul Crew: The Inside Story of Britain's Most Notorious Hooligan Gang

by David Jones, Tony Rivers

One English football hooligan gang has made the headlines more than any other over the past decade: the Cardiff Soul Crew. Formed in the early Eighties, it took its name from its followers love of soul music and brought together disparate mobs from the Welsh capital city and from the surrounding valleys and industrial towns. And it has left mayhem in its wake.

David Jones and Tony Rivers are former members of the Soul Crew and give a riveting insider's account of clashes with the violent crews from as far afield as London, Middlesborough, Plymouth and Glasgow. They describe the intense rivalry with the 'Jacks' of Swansea City, reveal how internal tensions have prevented the gang from having a clear leadership, tell of their obsession with the 'casual' fashion scene and explain how they have forged friendships with fellow terrace obsessives from all over Britain.

Told with black humor and unflinching honesty, 'Soul Crew' is an explosive account of how the hooligan culture has prevailed despite the best efforts of police, politicians and the football authorities to stamp it out.

Genres: Nonfiction, Football

216 pages, Paperback

First published June 1, 2002

About the author

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Reviews

[Kalle Wescott · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was a quick read with the story of the true Cardiff action at football games, which occurs outside the stadiums.

Suddenly my high school nights look angelic in context.

[Paul Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good read. Loved the 2 sides from the 2 writers. Fashion, fighting and laughs.

[Neal G Spencer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Typical hooligan book

[Christopher · Rating 2 out of 5]

If you're interested in 200 pages of poorly-written narrative descriptions of fights, you'll love this book.

Here's a paraphrased recap: "We showed up with 50. The other firm had 300. We ran toward them and they ran away. We hugged, did ecstasy, sang songs about how Cardiff is best, and then skipped the football to go buy some Lacoste sweaters and bust up a train station. Also, rugby is stupid and the only reason anyone ever gets hurt by hooliganism is because of overzealous cops." Lather, rinse, repeat.

One star added because it's about Cardiff and not some nonsense English town and club.

[Lara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intresting to learn more about soul crew. Told through the eyes of two members and good descriptions of not only the fights/matches but also the fashions...etc of the time.

[Gordon · Rating 4 out of 5]

The inside story of cardiff city's notorious hooligan firm.

[Iggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

just started

[Emir Lepenica]

respect !

[Eric Barber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good presentation by two different generations of casuals at Cardiff, not full of crap like the Dougie Brimson books.

[Gareth · Rating 1 out of 5]

Five word review for those of short attention spans:

Are you muggin' me off?