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We Don't Know What We're Doing
A thinking man's 'Fever Pitch', this is an insightful and very funny account of the passion that drives obsessive football fans.
- GenresFootballNonfiction
320 pages, Paperback
First published August 2, 2007
18 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
August 27, 2018
For the majority of football fans they will at some point in their supporting life see their team fight a relegation battle, celebrity fan Adrian Chiles charts he’s side West Bromwich Albion as the try to stay in the Premier League during the 2005/06 campaign.
Throughout the season he meets up with various types of supporters and what supporting ‘The Baggies’ mean to them.
Seeing your team lose most weeks isn’t a fun experience, but it’s the gallows humour that sees fans through these less glamorous times.
I’d read quite a few football books around this time and I found that this really tapped into what it’s like supporting a smaller team.
As I’ve seen my team Brighton relegated on a few occasions, I could certainly sympathise!
It might not be the most educational of reads, but it certainly conveys the life of a football supporter perfectly.
Throughout the season he meets up with various types of supporters and what supporting ‘The Baggies’ mean to them.
Seeing your team lose most weeks isn’t a fun experience, but it’s the gallows humour that sees fans through these less glamorous times.
I’d read quite a few football books around this time and I found that this really tapped into what it’s like supporting a smaller team.
As I’ve seen my team Brighton relegated on a few occasions, I could certainly sympathise!
It might not be the most educational of reads, but it certainly conveys the life of a football supporter perfectly.
February 24, 2009
I was embarrased to read this on the train last week. Why? Partly because of its garish tradey cover, but mostly because of my own hang-ups about being seen to be reading popular football non-fiction.
I should really get over myself because this was a delight throughout, and I found its tone and humour refreshing. I've liked Adrian Chiles since his bow on MOTD2, and his obvious passion for West Bromwich Football Club has now raised him to an almost unheralded legendary status in my eyes.
The tragic ending elevates this to something a bit more special than your average footy-related offering; don't let the God-awful cover put you off.
I should really get over myself because this was a delight throughout, and I found its tone and humour refreshing. I've liked Adrian Chiles since his bow on MOTD2, and his obvious passion for West Bromwich Football Club has now raised him to an almost unheralded legendary status in my eyes.
The tragic ending elevates this to something a bit more special than your average footy-related offering; don't let the God-awful cover put you off.
February 20, 2011
If this book hadn't been written by a celeb then it would have got no where near being published! It's basically a review of West Brom's relegation season and how fans keep going to games despite all the doom and gloom of losing every week. I reserve a special distaste for books about being a fan that are written by celebs or journo's, football can do without them. There are many much better books out there written by people who have done it because they wanted to not because they have a job in the media and who want to make some money. In short I don't know what I was doing reading this rubbish. Needless to say it found its way to the nearest charity shop unfinished.
January 1, 2019
I quite like Adrian Chiles, and I don't think I'd have picked this up unless it was written by someone I recognised. And the reason for that is the same reason I had mixed feelings about this book - unless you're part of a group, hearing or reading about it doesn't hold much appeal.
I can't say I'm familiar with Chiles' written work, so it was a relief that this was easy to get through. What he did well was talking to a range of fans - to borrow a Football Factory phrase - from the trainspotters to those looking for a fight. As a result this was not just what supporting Albion meant to one group of mates, but to an assortment of people, and Chiles also roped in some outsiders to offer another viewpoint. He also ensures the fans are the story, rather than regurgitating match reports.
However, I never really shared Chiles' enthusiasm for his fellow fans, and wasn't engrossed in the book. Part of this is down to some annoying traits - the majority of his fans are described as good-looking when they are introduced, and far too many jokes were included, by which I mean lines like "well at least you won't see the rubbish on the pitch" when a fan has problems with his sight. It's not that the joke was in poor taste, it's just that these are jokes that might raise polite laughter at the time but don't need to be repeated.
Chiles never seems affected, and truly seems to feel warmth towards virtually all his fellow fans. It was a bit of an eye opener in a way, as I have always thought football banter was often a way of breaking the ice without the teasing ever getting personal. However Chiles' wife has it spot on when she says that he'll excuse anyone if he finds out they support West Brom. Even the 'bad guys' in the form of prisoners and a senior BNP member seem to have fairly sympathetic treatment in the book.
Much like his more recent documentary on drinking, I admired Chiles' authenticity as he explored the subject, and in the abstract this book was quite revealing about fandom. However as an outsider, the people interviewed were just loyal fans of a football club rather than anything more powerful. Chiles' bias was acknowledged but very much in evidence, and I felt like an outsider looking in throughout.
I can't say I'm familiar with Chiles' written work, so it was a relief that this was easy to get through. What he did well was talking to a range of fans - to borrow a Football Factory phrase - from the trainspotters to those looking for a fight. As a result this was not just what supporting Albion meant to one group of mates, but to an assortment of people, and Chiles also roped in some outsiders to offer another viewpoint. He also ensures the fans are the story, rather than regurgitating match reports.
However, I never really shared Chiles' enthusiasm for his fellow fans, and wasn't engrossed in the book. Part of this is down to some annoying traits - the majority of his fans are described as good-looking when they are introduced, and far too many jokes were included, by which I mean lines like "well at least you won't see the rubbish on the pitch" when a fan has problems with his sight. It's not that the joke was in poor taste, it's just that these are jokes that might raise polite laughter at the time but don't need to be repeated.
Chiles never seems affected, and truly seems to feel warmth towards virtually all his fellow fans. It was a bit of an eye opener in a way, as I have always thought football banter was often a way of breaking the ice without the teasing ever getting personal. However Chiles' wife has it spot on when she says that he'll excuse anyone if he finds out they support West Brom. Even the 'bad guys' in the form of prisoners and a senior BNP member seem to have fairly sympathetic treatment in the book.
Much like his more recent documentary on drinking, I admired Chiles' authenticity as he explored the subject, and in the abstract this book was quite revealing about fandom. However as an outsider, the people interviewed were just loyal fans of a football club rather than anything more powerful. Chiles' bias was acknowledged but very much in evidence, and I felt like an outsider looking in throughout.
August 3, 2023
Really enjoyed this as a different kind of read for me.
Totally relatable as I'm married to a Baggie & have experienced so many ups & downs 1st hand. But you wouldn't have to be an Albion fan to enjoy this.
Such well observed characters. Manages to be and both funny & heartwrenching. Will definitely read more of his books.
Totally relatable as I'm married to a Baggie & have experienced so many ups & downs 1st hand. But you wouldn't have to be an Albion fan to enjoy this.
Such well observed characters. Manages to be and both funny & heartwrenching. Will definitely read more of his books.
May 4, 2020
In which tortured Baggies, including Frank Skinner, talk about why they waste so much time watching (sometimes closing their eyes!) football. An obsession told well, with characteristic Black Country wit.
August 20, 2020
Captures what its like to be a football fan.
January 14, 2022
Excellent book, witty, even if you aren't a football fun it'll crack you up. I highly recommend it!
January 22, 2022
A fantastic view into the life of a football fan
July 28, 2024
Flawless pre-season read
July 24, 2014
Seems to have got a hell of a kicking this one, more even than West Brom that season. Slightly surprised as I found the book mildly amusing - suspect it's the victim of Adrian Chiles' reputation more than anything.
It's basically a quick look at the slight lunacy of hardcore football fans, with a few bits of West Brom history stuck in. The relentless introduction of new characters does get a bit wearing after a while but there are some amusing anecdotes and the book is by no means egotistical. The spotlight is always on the eccentric band of fanatical WBA supporters. Chiles' "everyday bloke" persona comes off less smarmy and more genuine, than it does in the TV studio, and he's much more in his element than he ever looks in tactical analysis.
It's no Fever Pitch, with none of that book's confessional nature, and certainly none of its sociological analysis, but it never pretends to be. There is however the same mingled air of fanaticism and self-awareness at just how ridiculous the whole thing can appear, which is familiar to any football fan. If you don't dislike Adrian Chiles and were looking for something a bit lighter than some of the football hipster tomes, you could do worse.
It's basically a quick look at the slight lunacy of hardcore football fans, with a few bits of West Brom history stuck in. The relentless introduction of new characters does get a bit wearing after a while but there are some amusing anecdotes and the book is by no means egotistical. The spotlight is always on the eccentric band of fanatical WBA supporters. Chiles' "everyday bloke" persona comes off less smarmy and more genuine, than it does in the TV studio, and he's much more in his element than he ever looks in tactical analysis.
It's no Fever Pitch, with none of that book's confessional nature, and certainly none of its sociological analysis, but it never pretends to be. There is however the same mingled air of fanaticism and self-awareness at just how ridiculous the whole thing can appear, which is familiar to any football fan. If you don't dislike Adrian Chiles and were looking for something a bit lighter than some of the football hipster tomes, you could do worse.
August 10, 2013
Maybe Adrian Chiles is a genius. This book, in which he recounts his misery during the 2005-'06 season supporting WBA, was a misery for me as well. Countless fellow fans introduced, forgotten and then reintroduced, along with an overriding sense of smugness from Chiles, made reading this book about as painful as watching your team lose every game & eventually get relegated.
But I'm also a fan of a particularly lousy side, so I knew how to stick it out. Of course, I'd resigned myself a while back into the belief that the book would never improve, and wasn't disappointed. Much like Chiles feeling grim gratification when his negativity watching the Albion was justified.
Fever Pitch is the Arsenal of football memoir, so I guess it's only fitting that this is the West Brom. And if Chiles intentionally wrote this poorly-written, character-heavy diary to heap the very misery he describes on the reader, then bravo sir!
Or maybe Adrian Chiles is just a poor writer!
But I'm also a fan of a particularly lousy side, so I knew how to stick it out. Of course, I'd resigned myself a while back into the belief that the book would never improve, and wasn't disappointed. Much like Chiles feeling grim gratification when his negativity watching the Albion was justified.
Fever Pitch is the Arsenal of football memoir, so I guess it's only fitting that this is the West Brom. And if Chiles intentionally wrote this poorly-written, character-heavy diary to heap the very misery he describes on the reader, then bravo sir!
Or maybe Adrian Chiles is just a poor writer!
September 11, 2008
And I thought I was pessimistic about my team! (Chelsea) I have nothing on Chiles. It’s an good book and worth a read though I’m sure many of the tales of lunacy and commitment in the face of adversity in supporting your team could be reproduced up and down the country at any number of clubs.
September 4, 2015
Very good book, I din't think I would enjoy it but Chiles really got involved with a lot of different fans and he is clearly a obsessive fan
September 26, 2012
bandwagon jumping twaddle.
May 24, 2017
A very enjoyable read, very interesting insight into the minds of passionate football fans. I could certainly relate to some aspects and found some of the stories of fans included very good. All football fans would enjoy this book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews