CHARACTERS
Why was Luke always scared around the gang?
Because he was afraid the lads would reject or hurt him.
Which football club did the lads support?
Chelsea
Complete the quote: “Whatever you say, ______.”
“replied Luke.”
What dream did Luke often have?
He dreamed about autumn woods with red and yellow leaves falling into his hands.
What did the gang usually wait for after football matches?
A fight.
What job did Luke want to learn after school?
He wanted to become a carpenter.
What was Bonetti’s nickname?
“The Cat”.
What did Dave say football politicians did not understand?
That fighting was “part of the game”.
How did Luke usually feel after this dream?
Strange.
What did Dave throw at the Indonesian boy in Amsterdam?
A glass from an outside table.
Why did Big Dave fail to join the army?
He failed the psychological test.
Where were England going to play Holland?
In Amsterdam.
What excuse could always change the conversation in the gang?
Talking about football or Chelsea.
Why did Luke enjoy football matches so much?
Because in the crowd he stopped feeling scared and became just another fan.
Why did Luke not drink much on the boat to Amsterdam?
Because he was seasick.
What did Luke enjoy most about woodworking?
He loved working with wood, the smell of pine, and making beautiful useful things with his hands.
According to Dave’s history book, what was football like in the Middle Ages?
It was more like a battle than a game and was used to sort out differences through fighting.
What did Dave mean by “sort out their differences”?
Fight each other.
What did Luke suddenly notice about the gang in Amsterdam?
That they looked awful and behaved badly compared to the calm local people.
What was Luke’s job when the lads were causing trouble in pubs?
To warn Dave if police cars appeared.
What finally made Luke realise he did not have to stay with the gang?
A young Dutchman told him that if he disagreed with his friends, he did not have to stay with them
What historical event did Mike mention when talking about possible trouble in Amsterdam?
Charleroi during Euro 2000 in Belgium.
What were Luke’s final words about the gang at the end of the story?
“They’re not my friends. Not any more.”
What future life did Luke imagine for himself at the end of the story?
Working with fine wood, making furniture, walking in the woods, and leaving the gang behind
Why did Luke refuse the furniture company’s job offer at first?
Because he thought the gang would not approve of it.