Red Army General: Leading Britain’s Biggest Hooligan Gang

July 23, 2005 at 11:00 pm · Filed under General

Red Army General: Leading Britain’s Biggest Hooligan Gang
Author: Tony O’Neill (Usually dispatched within 24 hours)


Amazingly honest recollection
I’ve only read a couple of other “hoolie” books and they read like superhero comics. None of it “rang-true”… these guys were never scared and never beat up.

This is a more honest account of football hooliganism. As well as the excitement and victories are tales of fear and failures, running away and getting beaten up.

I actually met Tony in Bordeaux watching United several years ago. I had no idea who he was, because despite following United since ‘76 (aged 7) I’d never been involved in (organised) football violence. I actually met him by “nicking” his taxi at the airport. Despite this, he was polite, courteous and friendly to both my wife and myself. For some reason though I knew that he was not a man to be messed with (call it “inner city Manc sixth sense”)

You may not agree with his actions but this book conveys the complexity of a man who can be incredibly violent and yet uphold a code of honour. This violence isn’t indiscriminate, he only directs it at other people who are looking to fight. His disgust at hooligans who attack “straight” football fans and those who use weapons can seem strange rules to live by but in the end he comes across as a likeable bloke and definitely someone you’d want as friend but not as an enemy.

A “must read” for anyone interested in football hooliganism, Manchester United or football history.

Fantastic, superb……….
A book well worth the money. No ego filling reminiscence full of exaggeration. The myths of likewise authors are put to the test, probably no reaction yet on the opposition’s side…….

Couldn’t put it away, kept reading.

Can’t wait for the sequal later this year called “MEN IN BLACK”.

red army general
Wasn’t sure if this would be yet another of those ego filled reminiscences full of spin, distortion and gross exaggeration. Thankfully, it was far from it. O’Neill’s account of his life has more than a ring of truth about it, especially when you compare his recollections to those offered by some of his southern counterparts.

Well worth the read, if only to dispel some of the myths created by opponents and officials alike.

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