Praise for Diary of the Real Soul Crew from contributors to the cardiffcity.com message board:
I was never a hooligan or a member of the Soul Crew but I’ve watched City regularly from 1974 onwards and witnessed a lot of the incidents in the book. The point being that people might condemn Diary of the Real Soul Crew but you can’t deny these things happened and they are part of our history, both good and bad. The way the book is written it gives a factual account of how things were it also gives a perspective on Cardiff and their reputation from the viewpoint of other teams’ fans, which I found interesting. Overall, a very enjoyable book and a true reflection of how it was. – Blue Heaven
“I could not put the book down and read it from cover to cover. Some of the short stories provided by a multitude of writers are simply scary, funny and eye opening all in one. I have no affiliation to the authors or hooliganism but thought the book was a good read. If anybody is deliberating buying the book, don’t. Just go and get a copy for yourself as you will not be disappointed.” – Kozy
A top read, very, very interesting, I can’t put it down.– Blue Cheg
“I read it cover to cover. A good book with lots of good anecdotes and some surprising contributors.” – Feedback
“Essential reading for all Cardiff City fans.” – Dudders
“I must say that Corky’s and Gwyn’s tales are very funny and everyone who travels away can relate to Sam’s story. I would recommend it.” – Roy 1960
“I really enjoyed reading it. No bullshit like you find in similar books.” – Kodak
“A good honest account of an era in our country’s social history. It contains comments from a broad range of people and I think it tells it as it was.” – Denzil
“I’ve never been interested in the fighting side of things myself, but that doesn’t stop me from reading about it (particularly enjoyed the Gwyn chapter – hysterical!). It’s a very worthwhile read in my opinion and even if people say they’re not into the trouble side of things it’s still worth reading to appreciate what things were like.” – Batman
“I’m not a habitual ‘hooligan book’ reader, but I bought it purely as it’s a book about the club I love. I started reading it with an open mind that night, and must admit once started, I couldn’t put it down until I read it cover to cover. I really enjoyed it, and in parts it had me in absolute stitches, (not at glorifying violence but at genuinely funny experiences that we’ve all had at sometime or other down the City and on the road). It was great to remember and reminisce as I made my way through the book. I’ve been supporting the City since I was 7 (first game in 1977 vs Leicester), so I remember most of the eras mentioned. The matches, grounds, clothes, fashions, travel, pubs, and characters all came flooding back. Just like any book or film, it’s got its great bits, its got it’s not so great bits, but overall well worth the money and time invested.” – HM Alright
Praise for From Shattered Dreams to Wembley Way:
“A unique history of Cardiff City from a true fan’s perspective. A must read.” – Peter Ridsdale, Chairman, Cardiff City FC
“A fascinating read. Abraham’s tale is packed with revealing anecdotes. It is not a great work of literature and was never meant to be, but it does succeed in its sole aim of making the reader aware of how weird, wonderful and ultimately destructive the Sam Hammam era at Cardiff City became.” – James Corrigan, Wales on Sunday
“Interesting and very informative. A very important book on an important part of the club’s history and one that is surely a ‘must have’ for all City fans. Although there are no real surprises, there’s plenty that the average fan will want to know about. Definitely a welcome edition to the City bookshelf. Rating: 9/10.” – Thin Blue Line fanzine
“I’ve read a great deal in my time and seeing such a volatile character as Sam Hammam from the points of view of several people with different characters is a rare sight in literature whether it be fact or fiction. It’s a mile ahead of the usual plodding ghost-written football memoirs and everyone involved creates a clear picture of the events that shook our club out of its grave and into the dangerous debt ridden sunlight. The whole story unfolds clearly and without sentimentality. It’s very interesting and gives those of us on the outside a close look at the conflicts of personalities and aims of those involved. A fascinating book.” – Caliburn, cardiffcity.com
“Compulsive reading. As a Cardiff City fan it came as no great surprise that the book was interesting but what did surprise me is that it was also entertaining, well-structured and well written. A very worthwhile project which certainly exceeded my expectations.” – Peter, amazon.co.uk
“Absolutely brilliant book and fills a lot of gaps that ordinary fans like me have wondered about for years.” – Ambassador, cardiffcity.com
“Cracking read. An honest and open account of Sam Hammam’s so-called inner circle. Some of the things that were written actually brought a tear to my eye, some made me laugh out loud and some made me angry – all the things you would expect being a City fan I suppose. A top read.” – Bucksbluebird, cardiffcity.com
“A must for all Cardiff fans and an excellent read for football fans in general” – Kempy, amazon.co.uk
“I’m one of those people who read one book a year but I couldn’t put Shattered Dreams down. It’s a must for all City fans with some interesting facts and many funny moments.” – Cityone, cardiffcity.com
“I have read many football books and this one is up there at the top of my list. Very enjoyable reading.” M Tobin, amazon.co.uk
“Compulsive reading and thoroughly enjoyable. I think the Sam Hammam era will prove to be the most fascinating period in the club’s history and certainly my lifetime. This book serves as a superb record of how it was.” – Nigelblues, cardiffcity.com
“A good, honest account of behind the scenes at Cardiff City written by fans hoping for a better tomorrow. A must read for any football fan regardless of where their club loyalties lie.” – Baron Village, amazon.co.uk
“A cracking read. Best book I have read since Oh Ah Stantona – in fact, the only football book worth reading since then! I’m not a great reader but picked the book up and couldn’t put it down. It’s well organised and although everyone in it is either a City fan or closely associated with the club it offers many different viewpoints. An excellent read.” – Wilts, cardiffcity.com
“If you’re going to do one thing this year then get this book! I guarantee once you start you won’t be able to put it down. It’s the closest thing to riding a roller coaster in print. Brilliant read.” – Pill Blue, cardiffcity.com
“Passionate, raw and often humorous. Essential for all those with an interest in Cardiff City.” – Bluebirds4me, amazon.co.uk
“An absolute must for any fan of Cardiff City. A can’t put down book. Real fans’ views of what were traumatic years for us all.” – Bobbanker, cardiff city.com
“Being a relatively new Bluebirds fan (approximately 10 years) I found it a very convenient and informative guide to the club’s history.” Pooroldjon, cardiffcity.com
“Well written with some excellent photographs to illustrate the story. A very interesting read which had me on the edge of my seat at times.” – Smiffy, amazon.co.uk
“A great read. What amazed me that so many people could tell the same story from a different perspective and nonetheless keep it fresh.” – Danescourt Blue, cardiffcity.com
“It really is an excellent piece of work. Required reading for any City fan.” – Magichat, cardiffcity.com
“Shattered Dreams is a fantastic read and a great insight into the rollercoaster ride we as fans have experienced over the past eight years at the club.” – Forever In Blue Jeans, cardiffcity.com
