 
Blades Business Crew: The Shocking Diary of a Soccer Hooligan Top Boy
Average Rating: 3.5 Total Reviews: 2
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 On: 2006-08-18
Being a Yank, Im fascinated by English football culture. We follow our teams over here, but the whole hoolie scene is nearly out of the realm of imagination here in the States. So, as a football supporter here, I try to learn as much as I can about the fans in England. That said, I was a little disappointed in Blades Business Crew. While it is a amazingly detailed account of years of clashes with opposing firms, it doesnt yield much insight into why a "normal" person would do this. Nor does Cowens reveal much about himself other than his love of Pringle and of being regarded as a top boy. Though you cant expect too much socialogical analysis from a guy who isnt in that business. If you want to read about the day in and day out scuffling of a firm, this is as good as any. If you are looking for an explanation, or simply an attempt to grasp why they do it, Id suggest Bufords "Among the Thugs" or the book about John Barnes,"Out of His Skin".
 On: 2005-12-22
I have probably read about two dozen books on the hooli scene and this has to be one of my favorites. Though it is like most hooligan books in that it is a diary of "I went to this ground and had an off with this firm" kind of thing, Cowens manages to capture the feel and the buzz better then most of the others. Also, unlike some Cass books where he claimed 40 ICF ran over 700 of Evertons top lads, this one rings true in every detail. He admits when the BBC got done and who did it, he admits they have had to leg it, and doesnt paint his mob up to be this mythical super firm. He just tells it like it is and makes no apologies. In fact, fellow yob Andy Nichols even backs some of Cowens claims in his own work.
I also found it refreshing to read a football hooligan book that doesnt forget the football. Cowens is a true fan and not just some violence loving nutter. He loves the match as much as the row and it shines through. This is a well written recounting of the BBC and their run ins with Englands other top firms. He gives credit where credit is do and tells a great story without just attempting to promote his own mob.
I would put this book in the top five along with; Hoolifan by Martian Knight and Martian King, Congratulations You have Just Met the I.C.F. by Cass Pennant, Scally by Andy Nichols, and Soul Crew by David Jones.
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