The Official Website
A Casuals Game
A Gritty British Crime Series
Born From The Terraces
Written by Dean Rinaldi & Roy Larner, Co-author
South East London. The 1980s.
A group of football casuals thrive in the pulsating subculture of terrace life, camaraderie and pub culture. Their local boozer is The Londoners Arms, where Buster is top boy and runs the firm.
Johnny works a dead-end, poorly paid job at a call centre and struggles to maintain the casual lifestyle he lives for. When he uncovers a loophole leading to international credit card fraud on a major scale, it transforms his life and draws him deep into a dangerous criminal underworld.
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Inside the Series
Terrace Culture Meets Organised Crime
Set against the changing landscape of South East London during the 1980s, A Casuals Game follows a close-knit group drawn together by football, reputation and the excitement of the casual scene.
When Johnny discovers a lucrative weakness in the system, the group’s world expands beyond the terraces into international fraud, serious criminals and consequences none of them could have predicted.
The Authors
Dean Rinaldi and Roy Larner
Dean Rinaldi
Author
Dean Rinaldi was born in Lewisham, South London, where his passion for storytelling began at an early age. He wrote his first novel at just fourteen years old.
Before returning to his true calling, Dean spent more than three decades managing multi-million-pound businesses for large groups. Writing remained an enduring passion throughout his business career.
Today, Dean has 38 published books, predominantly in the crime, subculture and biographical genres. His work has attracted significant industry attention, with five books optioned for film development.
Roy Larner
Co-author
Roy Larner was born in Peckham, South London, and is a lifelong supporter of Millwall F.C. As a talented young footballer, he earned a trial with Arsenal F.C., but chronic asthma brought his sporting ambitions to an early end.
In 2017, Roy displayed extraordinary courage during the London Bridge attack when he confronted three machete-wielding terrorists with his bare hands.
Despite being stabbed eight times, his actions helped scores of people escape to safety. His bravery earned him the nickname The Lion of London Bridge and international recognition as a symbol of courage and resilience.
Early Messages of Support
Support From Film, Music and British Culture
“Roy Larner continues to stand as a symbol of courage. Congratulations to Roy and Dean for delivering a compelling and authentic casual crime trilogy.”
Dougie Brimson
Green Street, Top Dog and Red Bus Movies
“Respect and admiration to you, Roy Larner, for your bravery and resilience. It’s great to see you working with Dean on the 80s casual series.”
Tamer Hassan
The Football Factory, The Business and Layer Cake
“Roy Larner’s courage and story continues to inspire many. Wishing Roy and Dean every success with their 80s casual trilogy.”
Ricci Harnett
Rise of the Footsoldier, Top Dog and 28 Days Later
“Roy Larner is a great man and should have got the George Cross. Congratulations to Roy and Dean with your 80s casual trilogy.”
Garry Bushell
British journalist and cultural commentator
“You’re a legend, Roy. Good luck to you and Dean with your new books.”
Charles Bronson
Britain’s most notorious prisoner
“Roy Larner remains an inspiration for courage and determination. Congratulations to both Roy and Dean on their joint venture.”
Michael Henry
Movie director
“Sending respect to Roy Larner and wishing you and Dean every success with your casual series.”
Jason Mariner
Former Chelsea Headhunter
“Hoping all is well with you, Roy, and congratulations to you and Dean on your trilogy.”
Tim V
Sham 69
“The 80s, a decade that played by a completely different set of rules. Wishing Roy and Dean every success with your casual trilogy.”
Jeff Turner
The Cockney Rejects
Reader Reviews
What Readers Are Saying
★★★★★
“This is the 1980s with all glamour stripped away. The terraces, pubs, backstreets and rivalries all feel utterly authentic. The characters are flawed, dangerous and unforgettable.”
Dave Mercer
★★★★★
“Part terrace culture and part gangland thriller. This novel captures a vanished era with remarkable detail. The atmosphere practically seeps off the page.”
Chris Holt
★★★★★
“Born from the terraces and forged in the streets, this is crime fiction at its rawest. The dialogue is spot on and the setting feels lived-in rather than researched.”
Mick Donovan
★★★★★
“A dark and gripping journey into the world of football firms, criminals and lads trapped by reputation. Dean and Roy balance the action with genuine emotional weight.”
Paul Bradley
★★★★★
“This book has the feel of a classic British crime film. Tough, atmospheric and relentlessly entertaining. A superb read for fans of gritty, character-driven crime drama.”
Alan Price
The Books
The A Casuals Game Series
Each book stands as its own chapter in the expanding world of A Casuals Game.
Book Two
Old Ties – New Lies
Book Three
Loose Ends
Coming Soon
The Story Continues
Three further books are planned as the world of A Casuals Game expands.
Book Four
High Stakes
Book Five
Power & Paranoia
Book Six
Control & Consequence
Also by Dean Rinaldi and Roy Larner
The Lion of London Bridge
A Remarkable True Story
Roy Larner became known around the world as The Lion of London Bridge after confronting three terrorists during the 2017 London Bridge attack.
Despite suffering eight stab wounds, Roy’s extraordinary courage helped people escape to safety. His inspiring story of bravery, resilience and survival was brought to life by author and ghostwriter Dean Rinaldi.
Read by thousands around the world, The Lion of London Bridge remains one of Dean and Roy’s most successful collaborations.
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Contact
Get in Touch
For enquiries about A Casuals Game, the wider series, interviews, media opportunities or future projects, contact Dean or Roy directly.
The Official Home of the Series
Enter the World of A Casuals Game
Enter Johnny’s world of football, friendship, fraud and the criminal underworld of 1980s South East London.
Follow A Casuals Game as the series grows. Future books, publishing news, media announcements and exclusive content will be available here at acasualsgame.com.