Service Crew, The Inside Story of Leeds United’s Hooligan Gangs by Caroline Gall (Milo Books Ltd, £15.99)

11:29am Saturday 5th April 2008

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FOLLOWING Leeds United is like riding a football roller coaster. You have no control, you always fear a tragedy is just around the corner and you have no idea which way the team are going to turn next.

The history of Leeds has been littered with controversy. From Leeds City, disbanded in 1919, to the glory days of the 70s when Leeds had their ground closed for crowd violence; from the European cup final in Paris in 1975 when their fans rioted, to the 25 points deducted in the last two seasons for financial irregularities, Leeds United fans have never had the easiest of rides.

This is the first book to look at the hooligan history of Leeds United. BBC journalist Caroline Gall spent more than two years interviewing leading members of the hooligan firms, which travelled throughout this country and Europe as well.

Leeds United's main hooligan element, the service crew, took their name from the early-morning service trains caught to away games in the 80s. Wherever United played, hundreds of fans would follow their heroes.

When in London, the Yorkshire lads would go toe-to-toe with whoever they were playing or anyone they came across. Spurs in the cup in 1982, Chelsea the battle of Piccadilly Tube station - these were days when Leeds were stronger on the terraces than on the field.

This was also the era of the football casual. Fila and Sergo Tacchini tops, Pringle and Lacoste jumpers were the order of the day when the service crew rolled into town.

This is a fascinating and sometimes frightening insight into the world of football hooliganism. One downside is the way the book sometimes skips from one year to the next and then back again.