Having already written three books on the subject of football fandom, and hooliganism in particular, in Derby Days, the Brimson brothers turn their attention to games between local rivals and the events off the pitch that go with them. Having previously focused on the London hooligan scene in Capital Punishment, the authors here look mainly at the regional rivalries in other parts of the country, building a picture from accounts given by supporters and "hooligans" who have borne witness to events surrounding derby games. What is revealed provides a chilling collage of information, though strangely one not totally bereft of humour or humanity. What becomes clear, however, is that anyone thinking that bitter and frequently violent rivalries are confined to the biggest cities would be way off the mark. The sheer prevalence of the hatred between groups of supporters is amazing in itself. And anyone harbouring the notion that football hooliganism is a thing of the past should read a chapter or two.

Dougie and Eddy Brimson send this message to the authorities, and many, sure to recognise elements of their own regional football-related troubles in the stories told, would agree with that. --Trevor Crowe

Synopsis
A look at all the derby matches, tracing the history of the hostility and showing the story from both sides - United and City. Attention is paid not just to the famous derbies, like Liverpool versus Everton, but to less-publicized confrontations such as Exeter versus Plymouth.