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Rise of the Footsoldier
Carlton Leach was a key member of the Essex Boys gang which ran riot in the 1980s and 1990s, sparking a savage drug war which saw three of his pals killed in the 1995 Range Rover massacre. Carlton was also aten million pound heroin consignment went missing.
320 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2008
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
January 5, 2021
Amazing
I chose this book because I grew up in the era of football hooliganism and the 1998 summer of love so this was a no brainer, for me anyway plus I'm facinated by the London underworld and Carlton Leach was deep in it. I have to say the book was a brilliant read so brilliant in-fact I couldn't put it down and read it in 2 days chapter after chapter. I now want to download Carltons other book, muscle, Can't wait!!!!!
I chose this book because I grew up in the era of football hooliganism and the 1998 summer of love so this was a no brainer, for me anyway plus I'm facinated by the London underworld and Carlton Leach was deep in it. I have to say the book was a brilliant read so brilliant in-fact I couldn't put it down and read it in 2 days chapter after chapter. I now want to download Carltons other book, muscle, Can't wait!!!!!
February 20, 2019
Having read a lot of gangster books, this one has stayed in my mind for a number of reasons. It is one of those that tries to make the author appear as the last of the tough guys. It kind of reminds me of John Alite's biographies. However, unlike Alite's books, I actually believe most of Leach's stories. It is also a desperate attempt to rehabilitate the Essex Boys Gang. Lastly, he shamelessly sells his movie and his current "muscle business" - a thinly veiled concept of rent-a-thug. The book jumps around as Leach goes on different tangents, and yet everything does come together. Despite his gratuitous use of colorful language I get the impression that he spent a great deal of time writing this book. In that sense, a thieves' honor seems to permeate the book.
The Essex Boys were a gang of thugs who grew in notoriety with the infamous Rettendon Range Rover Murders. It is hard for Americans to consider the deaths of three gangsters to be culture-shocking; but in the UK where gang murders are no where near as common as in the US, it was sensational. An inquiry into the victims led to the published stories of bodybuilders turned thugs for hire turned drug dealers turned community terrorists. Leach places himself square in the thick of things although he repeatedly denies trafficking in drugs. He acknowledges the terror, saying some of the guys turned evil at the very end when they became addicts. But he also acknowledges that even before they were evil, they were fun-loving brutes who tended to scare people and destroy property all while having a good time. Of course, the book is also full of stories when they, especially Leach, fly into an instant rage of irrational intensity and violence. Looking back, Leach sums it up: roid rage.
Leach tells everything from his perspective. He does not try to discuss how other people came together. He simply says that everyone knew each other from "around." That was why they were so successful as doormen at underground nightclubs and illegal raves. So much of the book was tied to this semi-legal activity that is evidence that Leach is both trying to sell himself and rehabilitate his former allies. They just protected party-goers and defused dangerous situations. You need hulking people not adverse to violence to ensure peace. The skinny guy with a badge is no match for Leach's muscle. Interesting view of things. However, quasi-legal businesses employing quasi-legal gangsters led to a constant drumbeat of seeking new business. Readers can only read about doormen for so long before they dismiss Leach.
Leach's personal story was also fascinating because he began his violent career as a soccer hooligan. He adds some comedy by admitting the home team was not always the best; but he tried to make sure that the hooligans were the toughest around. It seems natural to both Leach and the reader that he slid into thug-for-hire business ventures. A vague bodyguard job became more when one of his fellow bodybuilders turned out to also have a head for business. That was Tony Tucker, the leader of the Essex Boys. His business acumen, which Leach does not describe too well except repeating that he was the brains of the gang, led to a larger circle of muscular, steroid-popping, hair-trigger bullies and brutes who imposed themselves in gangland. As Leach describes it, they were doormen pure and simple. Very successful, occasionally violent doormen. Readers may have some doubts that doormen earned enough money to drive Italian sports cars and vacation in exotic locales without worry for funds; but Leach is convincing.
Overall, I enjoyed the stories. The dangers of being a foot soldier, even though Leach tries to reassure readers that he heads his own "firm," are clear. The shootings, stabbings, threats, late nights, and constant risks always kept him on edge. Work and weight lifting were adrenaline boosting. Along the way, he discourages readers - probably alienates many - by selling his services and name dropping some clients and bragging about his piccadillos. These parts / chapters are tedious and repetitive. But that is the real Carlton Leach, warts and all. There is an endearing authenticity to this gangster story that is often lacking.
Overall, I am hesitant to recommend it for the problems mentioned above. There is heavy bias in favor of the Essex Boys even as Leach tries to excuse them and redeem himself along the way. Sure Tony Tucker tortured former friends and associates - but only at the end. No he would not deal drugs. It must have been Pat Tate who lured Tucker to the murderous rendezvous in Rettendon. Maybe Leach is right; but readers should get the story from less biased sources. If they are still interested, then Leach's story would be good additional reading. Leach's readers even have to decide in the end: was Leach a gangster? Was he a thug? He intentionally blurs the lines so often that readers may still wonder who were the Essex Boys?
The Essex Boys were a gang of thugs who grew in notoriety with the infamous Rettendon Range Rover Murders. It is hard for Americans to consider the deaths of three gangsters to be culture-shocking; but in the UK where gang murders are no where near as common as in the US, it was sensational. An inquiry into the victims led to the published stories of bodybuilders turned thugs for hire turned drug dealers turned community terrorists. Leach places himself square in the thick of things although he repeatedly denies trafficking in drugs. He acknowledges the terror, saying some of the guys turned evil at the very end when they became addicts. But he also acknowledges that even before they were evil, they were fun-loving brutes who tended to scare people and destroy property all while having a good time. Of course, the book is also full of stories when they, especially Leach, fly into an instant rage of irrational intensity and violence. Looking back, Leach sums it up: roid rage.
Leach tells everything from his perspective. He does not try to discuss how other people came together. He simply says that everyone knew each other from "around." That was why they were so successful as doormen at underground nightclubs and illegal raves. So much of the book was tied to this semi-legal activity that is evidence that Leach is both trying to sell himself and rehabilitate his former allies. They just protected party-goers and defused dangerous situations. You need hulking people not adverse to violence to ensure peace. The skinny guy with a badge is no match for Leach's muscle. Interesting view of things. However, quasi-legal businesses employing quasi-legal gangsters led to a constant drumbeat of seeking new business. Readers can only read about doormen for so long before they dismiss Leach.
Leach's personal story was also fascinating because he began his violent career as a soccer hooligan. He adds some comedy by admitting the home team was not always the best; but he tried to make sure that the hooligans were the toughest around. It seems natural to both Leach and the reader that he slid into thug-for-hire business ventures. A vague bodyguard job became more when one of his fellow bodybuilders turned out to also have a head for business. That was Tony Tucker, the leader of the Essex Boys. His business acumen, which Leach does not describe too well except repeating that he was the brains of the gang, led to a larger circle of muscular, steroid-popping, hair-trigger bullies and brutes who imposed themselves in gangland. As Leach describes it, they were doormen pure and simple. Very successful, occasionally violent doormen. Readers may have some doubts that doormen earned enough money to drive Italian sports cars and vacation in exotic locales without worry for funds; but Leach is convincing.
Overall, I enjoyed the stories. The dangers of being a foot soldier, even though Leach tries to reassure readers that he heads his own "firm," are clear. The shootings, stabbings, threats, late nights, and constant risks always kept him on edge. Work and weight lifting were adrenaline boosting. Along the way, he discourages readers - probably alienates many - by selling his services and name dropping some clients and bragging about his piccadillos. These parts / chapters are tedious and repetitive. But that is the real Carlton Leach, warts and all. There is an endearing authenticity to this gangster story that is often lacking.
Overall, I am hesitant to recommend it for the problems mentioned above. There is heavy bias in favor of the Essex Boys even as Leach tries to excuse them and redeem himself along the way. Sure Tony Tucker tortured former friends and associates - but only at the end. No he would not deal drugs. It must have been Pat Tate who lured Tucker to the murderous rendezvous in Rettendon. Maybe Leach is right; but readers should get the story from less biased sources. If they are still interested, then Leach's story would be good additional reading. Leach's readers even have to decide in the end: was Leach a gangster? Was he a thug? He intentionally blurs the lines so often that readers may still wonder who were the Essex Boys?
December 10, 2020
A great, absolutely brutally honest book, about one of the most famous of the British hardmen. Carlton Leach gives a no holds barred autobiography of his life.
It seems that the mere mention of his name strikes fear into his enemies, yet to his friends he is loyal and caring. Carlton isn't afraid to use his fists when trouble calls, and woe betide anyone who crosses him or his family.
He was born and raised in the East end of London, he was a key member of the Essex Boys gang and the West Ham Intercity Firm, which favoured travelling to away games on the Intercity trains rather than the notoriously bad Football Specials. He's been shot at, stabbed, glassed and even had an axe in his head. Yet it was the infamous Rettendon Range Rover Murders, which saw three of his best friends killed.
It seems that the mere mention of his name strikes fear into his enemies, yet to his friends he is loyal and caring. Carlton isn't afraid to use his fists when trouble calls, and woe betide anyone who crosses him or his family.
He was born and raised in the East end of London, he was a key member of the Essex Boys gang and the West Ham Intercity Firm, which favoured travelling to away games on the Intercity trains rather than the notoriously bad Football Specials. He's been shot at, stabbed, glassed and even had an axe in his head. Yet it was the infamous Rettendon Range Rover Murders, which saw three of his best friends killed.
April 26, 2018
The film is better than the book. The book is written exactly how Carlton Leach talks (plenty of cockney and excessive use of the c-word). Not one for those easily offended.
July 25, 2020
I liked the book but I nearly gave up because there was so much swearing in it I think the book could of been 30 pages shorter if there wasn't that much in it.
August 29, 2020
A decent read but like most in this genre when you've read one you've read them all
October 22, 2022
Brilliant but brutal. Lol .honest doesn't feel like it left much out.
May 20, 2024
I watched the film when it first came out... absolutely brutal due to it's violence and a couple of barbaric scenes, depends on who you are on whether you can handle it. It's probably my favourite British film to have ever been made, certainly when it comes to gangsters. Based on true events too. I didn't read the book until 2023. Lots of stuff within the book that can't all fit in the film, new interesting things I learned. Just like the screening I was entertained throughout. It makes for a top book.
October 7, 2012
I quite liked the film so thought I would give this a trays it was cheap on iTunes. I don't want to be too harsh as Carlton might turn up round me gaff and give me a proper shoein ha ha. Two stars for me.....
January 28, 2017
Excellent first hand account of a life of crime and order in one well wrote Carlton
Fantastic book a life of crime that often pays with your life shows you can come through it a stronger person with people you have loved and lost along the way
The
Fantastic book a life of crime that often pays with your life shows you can come through it a stronger person with people you have loved and lost along the way
The
September 4, 2012
Interesting read in parts, although quite repetitive throughout the book. Skimmed through the last few chapters.
October 8, 2012
True story of London/Essex goings on and it's gangland antics. Loved the film, book bodes equally. Particular and heavy reference to the notorious Rettendon Range Rover murders.
January 22, 2013
Loved it! Bar from a few boring chapters and my personal dislike of him keeping going on about one of the Essex Boys, I would reconmend this book to friends.
February 19, 2016
I was glad when this book was finished. It was boring at times, repetitive and seem to jump backwards and forwards from one thing to another.
April 27, 2020
True hardman
Brilliant no punches pulled, told it as it was. It's a pity he is millwall rather than
Tottenham hotspurs. Brilliant.
Brilliant no punches pulled, told it as it was. It's a pity he is millwall rather than
Tottenham hotspurs. Brilliant.
March 1, 2021
Brilliant book really enjoyed
Brilliant book I really enjoyed reading it and getting a insight into how the criminal underground works and how Carlton was feared
Brilliant book I really enjoyed reading it and getting a insight into how the criminal underground works and how Carlton was feared
January 13, 2011
very boring.... first book i have not finished!!! Film is so much better!!
December 31, 2012
Hard, brutal and morally dubious but still fascinating!
October 21, 2014
Easy read and a close look at the world of soccer violence and London underworld
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews