I couldnt agree more mate. The lad im on about is mid 40s, he has a good job , lives in a nice house, and has 2 lovely young children. Hes been a hooligan for over 20years and he cant give it up.
Gety all sorts of types into hooliganism, solicitors the lot. Many of them go of to very successful lives during the week.
I work with a Boro Frontline 'lad'... lovely fella & great banter. Been to a few games with him, but I don't understand the hatred he has for Sun'land?! He hates being reminded of the time Darlo chased Boro all over Feethams Cricket Ground !!
Ha, they were done on polam lane too weren't they? Was handy firm Darlo back in the day. Don't know about now though.
Ive got a big collection of footy hooligan books and Darlo used to be a very respected firm back in the day as were Boro. I think Darlos firm was called Banktop something or the other. It was a small firm of only about 100 lads but they could all look after themselves. I very much doubt theyll have one now unless they draw boro or Hartlepool in the cup.
Just googled it to remind myself and they were called Banktop 200. The 200 is associated of how many members they were of tbe firm but only about half of them were present at any one time.
Bank Top 200. I think there'll still be a firm like. Think it's just Darlo Casuals now. But the firms hayday was while darlo were a none league club.
Most of the lads from 'the day' are still kicking about, and Darlo still have a big following. If a Hartlepool or Boro game comes to fruition.. they'd all be up for it I'm sure. They'll have to do with York, Salford & Stockport in the meantime!!
They had an influx of younguns join about 3 or 4 years back. I bet that there's still some kind of outfit in place. It would be so un-darlo not to have a firm.
Theres quite alot of youth firms starting up around the country now hence the fact footy hooliganism is back on the rise.
Seriously or are you taking the pish? Lol. Obviously books written from ex hooligans sharing their stories to make a few quid.
Back in the 80's Boro's Frontline had some top ****ing lads like. Them lads will all be about my age now. Around 50. Guess a few of them would come out of retirement for a reunion.
Yeah its quite funny cause every book associated to a firm says they were top dogs lol. I have loads at home. I must say Sunderland dont get mentioned much in any books considering we were quite high up in the most arrests table a few years ago.
Their coming out tomorow lol. Boro hooligans are all chavvy kids now but the old boys always make an appearance against the bigger clubs.
Disturbing the peace isn't proper hooliganism though is it. It's just young uns trying to make a name for themselves causing random trouble not really appreciating the organisation of yesteryear hooliganism which Sunderland have never had a big firm. Seaburn Casuals I think they were called, just a little firm.
Yeah Seaburn casuals and the Rokerites i think. Youd think a club of our fanbase with a working class background would be more well known in the hooligan circuit. Yes i agree its not proper hooliganism at all its just young lads forming togeather and being anti social. Its not like it used to be in the 70s, 80s and 90s.