70's Terrace Wars

[bolty58]

I enjoy reading the tales of that time... I've read a few like one about the ICF from West Ham and the Soul Crew from Cardiff (neither of which I can remember the name of)

 

Which are the best ones to buy?

 

 

Can recommend 'Bovver' by Chris Brown. About Bristol Rovers' Tote End. A bit fanciful as you'd think they were undefeatable. We had some fun times down there and always gave as good as we got. They never made a serious show at Burnden to my memory.

 

The book captures the zeitgeist though. I like the way he intertwines the tale with commentary on the music of the times. Inextricably linked as far as I was concerned.

 

Maybe I am just biased because he makes a big deal of one of my all time favourites from that era:-

 

 

[bwfc2003]

seem to remember a game in the seventies when a bristol city fan pulled a gun out on the embankment?

[TheWanderer1958]

I enjoy reading the tales of that time... I've read a few like one about the ICF from West Ham and the Soul Crew from Cardiff (neither of which I can remember the name of)

 

Which are the best ones to buy?

"Steaming in" was one of the earliest I think. Written by an Arsenal fan but quite a bit about England away, myself and an ex poster can verify the accuracy of the Luxembourg bit.... What a night that was!!

[anewman]

Tony O'Neil, leader of Man Utd's hooligans in the 80s and 90s on the match at Bolton in 74/75 when he was 16 and learning the trade so to speak.

 

"With it being a local fixture all the firms headed there under their own steam;there was no set plan to meet.Everyone was with their own pals from their own area.We got in Bolton's covered end early behind the goal.We hung about and gradually Bolton fans filtered in.It wasn't on top (ie Man Utd getting battered) but a few kids were giving us verbals.Next thing, my mate was being slung round by one of them and we were having a little go.It stopped and the coppers came in but didn't throw us out.We got a little more verbal but stood our ground and there were not enough of them to overrun us.

We could see more Reds coming in through our side, in twos, threes, fives.All of a sudden they all piled in from the other side and charged into the stand from the left and into Bolton.And who should come surging past but the lad who started the first bit of trouble with us.We were running towards the trouble, Bolton were running away and we were armswinging as they went past.The kid who had given it the big un got laid out.Then I butted this kid at the back and he was fucked.A flying headbutt one of many I have done.He went down and then were all over them.The papers later reported that United rampaged through the town and fought on the terraces.74 people were ejected, 50 treated for injuries and 46 arrested"

 

btw O'Neil left Millwall at half time to go home that season so intimidating and outnumbered were Man Utd fans on a midweek night at the Den.

 

 

 

Thats the same prick who said he jumped off a moving train as it was pulling into Bolton bout 5/6 years ago and him and his boys allegedly did Bolton in the tunnel. Now according to my aunty mavis who was an innocent bystander in all of this, that was total bollocks so I wouldn't believe a word that gobshite writes.

 

btw I didnt know train doors opened before the train was stationary

[Guest Blixa]

Had I been more than a toddler in 70/71 and had I not been a lifelong coward I'm sure I'd have been involved!

 

I read an Oldham fan's book (Carl Spiers) about their doings over the years. He was very clear that Bolton were top dogs outside of the Big 4 from Manchester and Merseyside and was pretty graphic about some of Bolton's visits to Boundary Park. Reckoned by the 80s they'd turned the tables.

 

This about the first game of 71/2 season, Oldham 2 Bolton 2.

"We ran down to Boundary Park all excited and paid in to the Chaddy End and what I saw would never leave my memory. The Chaddy End was full of Bolton fans, thousands all across, singing, roaring etc. They took the Chaddy good style. I had never seen such support. I remember it was a red hot day and any resistance from Oldham got destroyed, including the Glodwick Mob hammered and chased out of the Chaddy. I can still recall the awesome sight of thousands of Bolton fans punching the air in unison chanting "We are the Wanderers". It was a fantastic sight, there were so many and they had so much passion for their club, even to this day there are certain lads in Oldham who visually shake at the mention and the way they rampaged through Oldham kicking a lot of people to fuck. It gives me immense pleasure that by the late 70s things would turn around so much that we would be going to Bolton and having a go. But between 1971 and 75 they were top dogs for sure, very hard, big numbers and showed no mercy."

 

Think I know Carl Spiers, was a mod/skin in the late 70s, early 80s if it's the same one.

[SpiritofBurnden]

Derby gypos having a go in the Lever End and the OB fighting alongside us!

 

Younger readers may be surprised to know that in those days the OB did not just stand there filming people. They were usually right in the thick of it. In fact it wasn't uncommon to see the odd copper's helmet flying through the air in the midst of the mayhem.

[DC08WFC]

Before my time this.

 

Is this sort of stuff in the Manny Road book?

[Boby Brno]

Younger readers may be surprised to know that in those days the OB did not just stand there filming people. They were usually right in the thick of it. In fact it wasn't uncommon to see the odd copper's helmet flying through the air in the midst of the mayhem.

It was normal for both sets of fans to be separated by just a line of Police down the steps of the terracing. The gap was probably about 2ft between the opposing fans with a Bobby every 2ft or so. It seems amazing now how both sets of fans respected the 'no mans land' inbetween.

 

 

 

[Boby Brno]

Not sure they were in the same year but I remember the OB making Bolton remove their boots and leave them lined up across the back of the Chadderton End. This incident was preceded by a half naked biker cutting a swathe through the Bolton hordes brandishing a sabre. He got clothes lined on his third pass - out cold.

 

On another occasion in winter, same thing happened again in the Chaddy and Man Citys mob turned up too due to their game being called off. They were sent packing as well.

 

We had some serious travelling support back then.

I was there that day and I remember well the City fans making their way at half time from the other end into the Chaddy End. I would guess there was about 50 - 100 of them and they slowly moved up the terracing towards us. I was with a bunch of lads from L/H and suddenly, a lad who I will refer to as DC, went charging down the steps at the City fans screaming like a Banshee! The City fans went back to the other end a bit quicker than when they came.

I suppose a lot of people will frown on the antics of that generation of young lads (and a few girls) but it was a completely different time to now. I would hate it if any of my lads got into some of the bother that we did but at the same time I would hope that they were savvy enough to look after themselves if it ever kicked off at a game.

 

 

 

[paulhanley]

It was normal for both sets of fans to be separated by just a line of Police down the steps of the terracing. The gap was probably about 2ft between the opposing fans with a Bobby every 2ft or so. It seems amazing now how both sets of fans respected the 'no mans land' inbetween.

 

To be fair (with the addition of a bit of sheeting laid over the seats) its not much different these days. The main change is that today's 'hooligans' are more interested in posturing and hiding behind the police than actual fighting.

[Ani]

To be fair (with the addition of a bit of sheeting laid over the seats) its not much different these days. The main change is that today's 'hooligans' are more interested in posturing and hiding behind the police than actual fighting.

 

Or that on the old days a fine was an extreme punishment, these days it is a 2-3 year prison sentence.

[bolton va va]

It was normal for both sets of fans to be separated by just a line of Police down the steps of the terracing. The gap was probably about 2ft between the opposing fans with a Bobby every 2ft or so. It seems amazing now how both sets of fans respected the 'no mans land' inbetween.

I've heard a leading Bolton chap -Mr FD- tell the story of one of the days on the Chaddy End at Oldham where he was stood at the back of the Bolton fans, next to the police line, with Oldham fans the other side. A big Oldham fan spent the entire first half threatening FD -"I'm gonna kill you ,you,ll never get home blah blah " but a couple of minutes before half time , the nearest policeman quietly said to FD ,"I'm going for a brew at half time ". The moment he went ,FD knocked the dickhead out cold, & when the policeman returned he just nodded at FD.

I didn't see it, but i don't doubt the story for a second.

 

I was also on the Chaddy End the time the City fans turned up, & like you say , it was one of the quickest retreats in history.

[leigh white]

Or that on the old days a fine was an extreme punishment, these days it is a 2-3 year prison sentence.

And having your mug shot taken on the terraces on away grounds didnt help matters in the late 80s.

[Mounts Kipper]

Tony O'Neil, leader of Man Utd's hooligans in the 80s and 90s on the match at Bolton in 74/75 when he was 16 and learning the trade so to speak.

 

"With it being a local fixture all the firms headed there under their own steam;there was no set plan to meet.Everyone was with their own pals from their own area.We got in Bolton's covered end early behind the goal.We hung about and gradually Bolton fans filtered in.It wasn't on top (ie Man Utd getting battered) but a few kids were giving us verbals.Next thing, my mate was being slung round by one of them and we were having a little go.It stopped and the coppers came in but didn't throw us out.We got a little more verbal but stood our ground and there were not enough of them to overrun us.

We could see more Reds coming in through our side, in twos, threes, fives.All of a sudden they all piled in from the other side and charged into the stand from the left and into Bolton.And who should come surging past but the lad who started the first bit of trouble with us.We were running towards the trouble, Bolton were running away and we were armswinging as they went past.The kid who had given it the big un got laid out.Then I butted this kid at the back and he was fucked.A flying headbutt one of many I have done.He went down and then were all over them.The papers later reported that United rampaged through the town and fought on the terraces.74 people were ejected, 50 treated for injuries and 46 arrested"

 

btw O'Neil left Millwall at half time to go home that season so intimidating and outnumbered were Man Utd fans on a midweek night at the Den.

 

I was 11 when Man u came to Burnden I usually stood in the Lever end and would go to the match with a Farnworth lad who happened to live near me in L/H and had already seen quite a few away fans try to take the Lever and with little success, any how that day I think may parents were worried as Utd had a terrible reputation and decided that my cousins Boyfriend should take me he was in his 20s and a red, we had tickets in the Burnden seats, the one and only time I ever sat in there, the ground seemed to be full of Man U fans except for a few brave Bolton lads on the Lever end trying to defend there territory, my heart sunk as United fans began to get the upper hand, from that day on I have hated the red scum it burnt into my soulthe pain of being surrounded and humiliated by them, even today looking back 35 years later I rememeber how I felt that day it still hurts and I wish I could of been of use and old enough that day to have stood on the Lever end.

 

Regarding Oldham I went to all the games from the mid 70s and I dont remember them getting the upper hand, that article about the Bolton support and the passion our fans showed and the numbers who turned out sent a shiver down the back off my neck, for the younger lads today nothing can compare with the burning passion Bolton fans used to show in the 70s it was truly awe inspiring support, the Lever End was unbeliveable,I am thankful that I experienced that passion it still fuels my support to this day.

Edited June 26, 2011 by Mounts Kipper

[M G WHITES]

Speaking of FV River Plate have just gone down first time in 110 years and its going off big time inside and outside the ground

 

 

 

 

[bolty58]

Younger readers may be surprised to know that in those days the OB did not just stand there filming people. They were usually right in the thick of it. In fact it wasn't uncommon to see the odd copper's helmet flying through the air in the midst of the mayhem.

 

 

A regular sight - especially with the likes of Big Dennis at Preston and a good mate of a couple of posters on here sending about a dozen flying on Oldham station.

 

Had to laugh at the Oldham story about one of our well known fans decking a bloke at Oldham. Of all the ones to pick out and threaten To this day, a good NS dancer and still shaking the floor at the Twisted Wheel I hear.

 

Going back to some of these other clubs fans referring to Bolton as 'hard'. I would probably have used the term 'mad'. We had some game lads in its heyday. No backward steps.

[bolty58]

Speaking of FV River Plate have just gone down first time in 110 years and its going off big time inside and outside the ground

 

 

Aye and one of their big playing heroes (Daniel Passarella) is the target in his Club Presidents role.

 

Boca fans will be loving this.

[athywhite1958]

I got one or two good hidings in the 70's and 80's, as did many others, but we took part, Athy lads weren't too well thought of by Bolton lads, until we proved ourselves in some serious 'rivalry', never claimed to be 'hard' or 'mad', we just took part

[bolty58]

I got one or two good hidings in the 70's and 80's, as did many others, but we took part, Athy lads weren't too well thought of by Bolton lads, until we proved ourselves in some serious 'rivalry', never claimed to be 'hard' or 'mad', we just took part

 

 

Not my recollection R. Athy and Farnworth mobs were well respected. Always there when required - especially at Worsley Civic and The Way Inn when 'extra curricular' activities were on the menu

[bwfc2003]

I was 11 when Man u came to Burnden I usually stood in the Lever end and would go to the match with a Farnworth lad who happened to live near me in L/H and had already seen quite a few away fans try to take the Lever and with little success, any how that day I think may parents were worried as Utd had a terrible reputation and decided that my cousins Boyfriend should take me he was in his 20s and a red, we had tickets in the Burnden seats, the one and only time I ever sat in there, the ground seemed to be full of Man U fans except for a few brave Bolton lads on the Lever end trying to defend there territory, my heart sunk as United fans began to get the upper hand, from that day on I have hated the red scum it burnt into my soulthe pain of being surrounded and humiliated by them, even today looking back 35 years later I rememeber how I felt that day it still hurts and I wish I could of been of use and old enough that day to have stood on the Lever end.

 

Regarding Oldham I went to all the games from the mid 70s and I dont remember them getting the upper hand, that article about the Bolton support and the passion our fans showed and the numbers who turned out sent a shiver down the back off my neck, for the younger lads today nothing can compare with the burning passion Bolton fans used to show in the 70s it was truly awe inspiring support, the Lever End was unbeliveable,I am thankful that I experienced that passion it still fuels my support to this day.

I think in that game we were outnumbered 10:1 in the Lever End, and to think some people in another thread are questionning why we hate the filth

Edited June 26, 2011 by bwfc2003

[athywhite1958]

Not my recollection R. Athy and Farnworth mobs were well respected. Always there when required - especially at Worsley Civic and The Way Inn when 'extra curricular' activities were on the menu

 

Bloody 'ell, almost forgot about those nights at the Way Inn , we also used to get off the bus at Four Lane Ends and get on the Manc - Wigan bus full of Munichs,some beltin scraps on them buses, pie eating Wiggin knobs

[white -50]

Not really into the bother back then, but remember in the 60's stood at the top of the Lever End, they charged you and you charged them back. One game charged them back,looked round there was only me and another lad in no mans land.

[bolty58]

Bloody 'ell, almost forgot about those nights at the Way Inn , we also used to get off the bus at Four Lane Ends and get on the Manc - Wigan bus full of Munichs,some beltin scraps on them buses, pie eating Wiggin knobs

 

 

I was referring to two specific incidents where a few of our lads had gone for a night out and copped a hiding. Word went round for the time and date of 'balancing the ledger'. Only two double decker busloads to Leigh but half of the Lever End was at the Civic. It was like the fooking Wild West with tables flying; optics being smashed; locals and bouncers running for cover. I remember passing the Farnworth mob (who had decided to leg it to Worsley) on the bus. Formation marching!

 

Should definitely be in the BEN archives this one.

 

Mad times! These days they have Playstations; paintballing and porn. Barring Fiesta and Health & Efficiency, we only had football and fighting.

[Big_Sharps]

Disgusting, ruining the name of the club with your shenanigans.

[Burndens Bogs]

I hardly missed a game in the 70's as a young un at Burnden - first 7 years in the Lever end, then the Burnden terrace for the latter part of the decade.It was a strange mix of fear and excitement going to a game back then.It took the police about 15 years to get their act together.