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Red Army General: Leading Britain's Biggest Hooligan Firm
Book by ONeill, Tony
- GenresFootball
272 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
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86 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
July 31, 2014
Okay, I've done reviews of Charlotte Bronte and Dostoyevsky so now it's Tony O'Neill and his book about football hooliganism.
I am a United fan and probably of an age with Tony though always far too scared (and horrified) to get involved in violence....but like a lot of people kind of fascinated by those who did or do.
I have read a few of these kind of books and Red Army General is a very good one because he shows respect to the fighters of other clubs and admits that United fans took a beating once in a while. He is brilliant at describing the build up, the preparation, anticipation and the actual fighting which is often just a standoff before Police intervene. There is also a sort of honour code in the 'Red Army', not using weapons and showing dignity towards respected rivals. And hearing about what went on in and around matches I went in the 1980's is chilling.
Best of all, Tony O'Neill can actually write well.
I am a United fan and probably of an age with Tony though always far too scared (and horrified) to get involved in violence....but like a lot of people kind of fascinated by those who did or do.
I have read a few of these kind of books and Red Army General is a very good one because he shows respect to the fighters of other clubs and admits that United fans took a beating once in a while. He is brilliant at describing the build up, the preparation, anticipation and the actual fighting which is often just a standoff before Police intervene. There is also a sort of honour code in the 'Red Army', not using weapons and showing dignity towards respected rivals. And hearing about what went on in and around matches I went in the 1980's is chilling.
Best of all, Tony O'Neill can actually write well.
July 26, 2020
The usual hollie ballix,he even uses padding from others about matches he wasn't at because he was locked up.If anyone believes lads like this had a code of honour then they will believe anything.
March 25, 2015
A little difficult to digest to be honest. Previous reviews state that he shows respect to other firms which I am not so sure about. To be honest it comes across as a little arrogant and one sided. He does admit to taking a beating in London a couple of times but it is hidden away amidst the triumph. It held my attention on the train reasonably well and will probably read his other book to see if he has matured as a writer.
September 2, 2011
Bit slow to start but gets better...a lot of it could be false as its just one guys story but definately gets better as it gets on and worth a read
July 8, 2016
Dull
Quiet boring, I've read many hooligan books and enjoy reading the grisly details of the match day battles but this seem to leave out all the juicy bits.
Quiet boring, I've read many hooligan books and enjoy reading the grisly details of the match day battles but this seem to leave out all the juicy bits.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews