The Football Factory is the controversial debut novel by English author John King, and is based around the adventures of a group of working-class Londoners who follow Chelsea home and away, fighting their rivals on the streets of England's cities.

The language used is hard-hitting but imaginative, as Tommy's frustration and outspoken views on life in modern-day Britain delve into a range of subjects, including class, patriotism, prejudice, poverty, and the political system.

Bill Farrell is a calmer voice, but while his more measured reflections present an alternative approach to that of the younger men, he shares their frustrations and feelings of powerlessness.

Tommy remembers the glory days of the Shed at Stamford Bridge, the Chelsea North Stand and Gate 13, along with his own assessments of opposing players and supporters.

[4] The controversy of the book's initial release was repeated, as the subject matter and the presence of a number of known Chelsea hooligans among the extras caused great excitement in the media.