Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Villa Memories => Topic started by: wittonwarrior on July 26, 2015, 07:28:14 PM

Title: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on July 26, 2015, 07:28:14 PM
With the family having had to relocate due to my mum's job in the 70's at least I had the comfort of meeting some great people who were the backbone of the founding and running of the London Lions.

Nick, Dave and Clive were my big favourites as a kid (loads of respect) and I met so many people and characters through them.

I started going the game (nowadays would seem mad) as a 13/14 year old, started off with the London games, a big FA cup game and one or two trips on National Express to Brum.  I was there at Blackpool, the West Brom home game over Easter in 75, the rest of the decade spent more time on the Villa than anything else. 

This coincided with the formation of the London Lions mainly by Ian Shearer who was not like the others who I mentioned but seemed to love the Villa nevertheless.  The supporters club would block book travel by train and although the train would always be preferable to the coach, it did have its downside occasionally when we played London teams or Man Utd.  I leave that one to your imagination. 

Remember the all night trips Nottingham Forest in the Cup (we lost), Man City and United in league games mad times. 

Does anyone know anything of the lads who I have mentioned above?

As anyone with any knowledge would know this was the best period possibly in my lifetime for the Villa.

In 1980 I first moved to Australia and mostly lost day to day touch, remember this was pre internet etc.

Would like to hear from others with any of their memories.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: SteveN on July 26, 2015, 08:43:47 PM
Made a few trips until a mortgage came into my life accompanied by a wife. The only name I can remember is Frank, possibly Frank of this parish?

Main memory is of too much beer, never being a great drinker and always having to race back to New Street for the train.  Seems a lifetime ago.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on July 26, 2015, 08:51:06 PM
Yes  remember Frank (a Brummie) he was a few years older but a good lad
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: SX150 on July 26, 2015, 09:42:51 PM
Remember catching the train at Coventry and the London Lions would be on it heading to New Street. I new the faces to say hello to but that was it. Remember well the lad from Ilford that was a nut job (meant in a nice way). He was always on the same train but they tended to keep their distance from him. Wouldn't mind knowing if the old London Lions still attend and wonder whatever happened to "Cockney C*nt" as he was affectionately known by a lot of Villa fans.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: dave.woodhall on July 26, 2015, 09:53:29 PM
Coincidentally I spoke to Peter Sykes yesterday, and it got me thinking about the old lads that used to travel from London. I can never remember the names but a few of them used to drink in the Davenport's pub on Holloway Head that later became a lapdancing club. Ian Shearer  - was he the one who was a commodities broker and looked like he should wear a cravat? 
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on July 26, 2015, 10:10:32 PM
Ian Shearer was the one  who really started it all, to be fair he did a lot of leg work getting things going.  Yes he was a different character to some of  us - remember this was the 70's and he never quite fitted in,  whilst in today's football scene he would possibly be the norm and the rest of us - make your own mind up.

Another fella who did a lot for the club shortly after it being founded was Alan Cox an ex semi professional  player for Hayes.

Already rightly or wrongly drink has been mentioned, and again I would point out that it was the 70's and football was in reality still a working class sport. 

The London Lions enamel badge has  become quite a  collectors item. 

Home matches would normally begin meeting on Euston Station concourse ready for the 11:10 train to Brum.  A lot of us would make our way to the Aston Tavern and  had a favourite spot on the Holte just above the corner section on the right of the Right hand side where the C-Crew would eventually make their home. 



Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on July 26, 2015, 10:13:03 PM
that cockney c--t from Ilford is me ha ha .  I still go the Villa - am now a solicitor living in Liverpool. 
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: SX150 on July 26, 2015, 10:24:19 PM
Haha brill. Remember you being a character and often giving me and my mates from Coventry a laugh. A long standing memory is standing in the Holte End when West Ham came in before the game and most of the Holte End ran leaving half a dozen of us stood in bewilderment. This was followed by you in a Cockney accent trying to get the Villa ranks back together. Assuming that was you.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on July 26, 2015, 10:30:10 PM
that was me and I was only 16 at the time ha ha.

Shows how time affects people nowadays I just would not look to get involved unless some t--at actually had a personal dig at me.

Still love the Villa.  I was in Australia off and on for 20 odd years.  Makes you even fonder of the Villa.  Got to say I prefer the old days and the craic.  Too many plassie fans.  Funny how I cringe at some of our support then I suppose I was just the same when I was there age.

Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: SX150 on July 26, 2015, 11:12:42 PM
Great to hear you are well and still getting up the Villa. I would have been about 16 at the time too. Still get up the Villa myself. Got 4 kids (not kids now) and a 10 year old Grandson that attend games too, all season ticket holders. Amazing where the years have gone but have loads of fond memories from back in the day.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on July 26, 2015, 11:45:05 PM
My lad supports the Villa, wish I could say the same about the grandkids -Spurs and Man Ure what a  combination.

Defo not the same up the Villa  these days, when I was younger everyone knew each other.  I used to think of people like Foxey, Melv, the Greek as mini gods.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: frank on July 27, 2015, 12:18:53 AM
Made a few trips until a mortgage came into my life accompanied by a wife. The only name I can remember is Frank, possibly Frank of this parish?

Main memory is of too much beer, never being a great drinker and always having to race back to New Street for the train.  Seems a lifetime ago.
I was a member in the late 70's/early 80's when I was teaching in Croydon. I remember meeting at Euston and getting the cheap group ticket. Ian who, as WW says, was a bit different from the rest, was always there. Was he from Camberley? I had my enamel badges until fairly recently, when I passed them on to Jon Follows.
I also remember going to the Aston Tavern with them. Most of them were from the south-east but, identifying with Villa, they thought they had to order mild - dreadful drink - and I was the only one drinking bitter.
The London Lions arranged a photo session with the European Cup in 1982, so I have a picture of myself with the trophy taken by the great Terry Weir.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on July 27, 2015, 12:21:53 AM
Before he  got heavily  into Villa and the London Lions Ian Shearer actually had two season tickets one for West Ham and one  for the Villa, how weird is that.

He also cold shouldered after an incident late at night in Newcastle - in the 70's a very dodgy gaff.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: dave.woodhall on July 27, 2015, 12:44:54 AM
Talking of West Ham, Pete (I think) once told me of one London Lion who lived in those flats overlooking Upton Park. They didn't know his name or his exact address, but he never missed a match and he'd meet the rest of them at Euston, travel up although not spend any time with them, then when he got off the train back at Euston he'd be away without saying a word. He never got in touch to book tickets or make arrangements, they always put him on the train ticket because they knew he'd be there, until one day he wasn't and none of them saw or heard from him ever again.   
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: pbavfckuwait on July 27, 2015, 05:21:23 AM
No who you are talking about Dave, cant remember his name, we use to call him the Hammer, short guy and Witton you aint Duncan are you??
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on July 27, 2015, 07:26:12 AM
No Alex!
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: Newportfred on July 27, 2015, 08:11:20 AM
Memories.  Although I have never lived in London, I used to meet up with the lads at different games, in particular Nick and Dave who were good friends of mine.  I lived about halfway between London and Birmingham and used the train prior to 1976 when I learned to drive. We always met up in The Aston Tavern early, I still can't believe today how I never lost my licence. Have not heard from Nick in over 30years but someone that I know reckons he still lived in the same area, about 12 years ago. Dave and his wife are my 2 girls godparents.  I lost touch with them about 20 years ago but since have been in contact with in the last 2 years and they are both well. Memory of Frank was he always was moaning about Frank Carrodus 
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on July 27, 2015, 09:35:11 AM
Fred slightly off topic  what was the name of the Mod who Dave and Nick drank with in the Aston Tavern.

Both of them would regale me with stories of the 3rd Division days (I was so jealous).  Dave I remember started off in South London and later moved to not too far from West Ham's ground, Nick in Barnet where we used to go before North London games and Clive the builder lived in South West London. 

Frank and his raincoat!  By the way I loved  Frank Carrodus for his running and non stop effort.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: dave.woodhall on July 27, 2015, 10:09:26 AM
If it was Nick who came from Barnet was he a short bloke, a bit scruffy and seemed to be older than the rest, with longish hair? Others he used to travel with included a younger lad from Luton, a heavy-drinking tall bloke who wrote a couple of H&V pieces some years back and someone who worked on the railways (I think that was Lance) and his brother. This was in the mid-eighties and I've not seen any of them since.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on July 27, 2015, 10:19:48 AM
I always thought Lance was from Northampton - he was only around my age but had a heart problem in his teens a good   Villain.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: dave.woodhall on July 27, 2015, 12:16:13 PM
I always thought Lance was from Northampton - he was only around my age but had a heart problem in his teens a good   Villain.

Northampton does ring a bell.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: Pat McMahon on July 27, 2015, 01:30:33 PM
I used to go to games with the London Lions in the mid 80s, though I would scarper to the Crown & Cushion to meet mates once we landed at New St. Back then it was run by Sue.

I was amazed at the time how many were from the SE and had chosen Villa as opposed to Brummies living down south.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on July 27, 2015, 01:50:50 PM
I think Sue is now living in Rugby but still works in London!  How did it all fizzle out Pat?  I was abroad at the time in Aus
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: dave.woodhall on July 27, 2015, 03:14:45 PM
I think Sue is now living in Rugby but still works in London!  How did it all fizzle out Pat?  I was abroad at the time in Aus

Would that be the Sue O'Brien who worked/works for the Football Foundation? From memory, the club stated to falter when cheap individual rail tickets came in and struggled on until the early/mid-nineties. I think the final blow was when someone on the committee took their money for a good long rest.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on July 27, 2015, 04:16:16 PM
That's the lady,  she  is married to Tim.  And small world she is mates outside football with another of  my friends.  In its heyday we would have 40/50 on the train.  Went everywhere and went to Turkey when  it was considered  an out of the way place for the UEFA  cup game with Alan  Cox (think there were less than 80 fans in total).
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: Pat McMahon on July 27, 2015, 06:15:21 PM
I think Sue is now living in Rugby but still works in London!  How did it all fizzle out Pat?  I was abroad at the time in Aus

I left to live in France in 1988 and I never heard much of them after, though they did produce an annual newsletter.

Sue Wells did indeed marry Tim O'Brien and I last saw her in the Bier Keller on Old St with Chico in 2007, when somebody had the foresight to organise a 25th anniversary showing of the Bayern game in a German bar.

Which Turkey game did you go to  - Fenerbahce, Besiktas or Trabzonspor? I bet that was a cracking trip....
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on July 27, 2015, 09:17:45 PM
Fenerbahce - As I said I went over with Alan Cox - photos were in the Villa Times and the Programme.

Also there was John another Villa fan from the South East who used to make  his own way to games.    Have you any news regarding Clive a massive Villa fan who was the sensible one in comparison to some of us. 

At the beginning of the London Lions Shearer would have been happy to have run an empty trip rather than have any of  us on it.  An old fella who we knew  Lionel had to have a few words with him to let him know the score.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: dave.woodhall on July 27, 2015, 11:56:42 PM
Fenerbahce - As I said I went over with Alan Cox - photos were in the Villa Times and the Programme.

Also there was John another Villa fan from the South East who used to make  his own way to games.    Have you any news regarding Clive a massive Villa fan who was the sensible one in comparison to some of us. 

At the beginning of the London Lions Shearer would have been happy to have run an empty trip rather than have any of  us on it.  An old fella who we knew Lionel had to have a few words with him to let him know the score.

Lionel was mentioned in the Paget Rangers pre-season friendly programme in about 1988. The editor had got to know him during the third division trips - I think he was from Leatherhead.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: Sunny Villa on July 29, 2015, 07:15:42 PM


that was me and I was only 16 at the time ha ha.

Shows how time affects people nowadays I just would not look to get involved unless some t--at actually had a personal dig at me.

Still love the Villa.  I was in Australia off and on for 20 odd years.  Makes you even fonder of the Villa.  Got to say I prefer the old days and the craic.  Too many plassie fans.  Funny how I cringe at some of our support then I suppose I was just the same when I was there age.





Haha. I was right by you that day .   used to stand at the back in the middle .  Cockney Dave was just behind us .   

Haha long time ago .   I remember exchanging pleasantries with the West Ham media star .    he was a unit
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: cheltenhamlion on July 29, 2015, 07:29:17 PM
My only remembrance of Leatherhead is a young me in tear up with their fans. Cheltenham Town getting beaten in a monsoon away to Hastings and Leatherhead were away to another Hastings club who played at the top rather than bottom if the hill.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: Newportfred on July 29, 2015, 09:48:59 PM
Indeed Lance was from Northampton and worked on the railway, I cannot think who the mod was. Nick was from Barnet with the long hair and always wore a t-shirt and a suit jacket.  Met the lads at Brighton about 1973, although I had going to the Villa since about 1967, and stopped being a regular in the mid eighties when marriage and the kids kicked in. The night we won the league when we all went to a pub in Old Street in the city, normally closed at weekends, but somebody knew him and he opened up for the celebrations.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: dave.woodhall on July 29, 2015, 09:59:00 PM
Nick's definitely the one I thought he was then. It's odd that of the lot I knew circa 1985, none were still going five or so years later when I first met people like the O'Briens and Guy Haslam.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: passport1 on July 29, 2015, 10:30:40 PM
I had a short association with them in 1977 when I was working in Watford for six months . Best trip was up to Anfield when we beat them 2-1 5th November 1977 . 

I also turned out for them in a 'friendly' against the Albion London Supporters club.

A friendly bunch and a very welcome find for a Villa fan in exile.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on July 30, 2015, 12:00:08 AM
Loved Nick he was top drawer. 

Now it all comes flooding back to me Lionel was  from Leatherhead, when I started washing cars to get the £££ for the Villa I  used to get the coach  from Victoria , Lionel and his dad  would always be on it and got me into some places like the Directors suite for one game.

Remember well  the Liverpool Bonfire day game - there weren't too many Villa there that day, Merseyside was a  bit of a no go area for a lot of fans.  You really did  have to have your wits about you.  It only came on top once for me there, near the start of  season game not the Brian Little game, but a year or  two later when everyone seemed to melt and I was  getting chased by Everton by Lime Street.  It was just not known for a team to win at Anfield. 

Come the late 70's apart from Man  Utd's cockney's rent a mob (a load of hangers  on) there were not a lot of youngsters travelling off to watch non London teams - the few that did were quite matey, me, Dino of Everton, the twins who were Liverpool fans and one or two others.  We all had a hatred of this blabber mouth Leeds skinhead - a lot of older lads hated him as well.

Such a good time really - yet years  later there was no way  in the world that I would have let my boys and girl enjoy what I had and experienced. 
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: Dave Cooper please on July 30, 2015, 12:01:18 AM
My only remembrance of Leatherhead is a young me in tear up with their fans. Cheltenham Town getting beaten in a monsoon away to Hastings and Leatherhead were away to another Hastings club who played at the top rather than bottom if the hill.

St. Leonards?
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: SX150 on July 30, 2015, 12:25:48 PM
Loved Nick he was top drawer. 

Now it all comes flooding back to me Lionel was  from Leatherhead, when I started washing cars to get the £££ for the Villa I  used to get the coach  from Victoria , Lionel and his dad  would always be on it and got me into some places like the Directors suite for one game.

Remember well  the Liverpool Bonfire day game - there weren't too many Villa there that day, Merseyside was a  bit of a no go area for a lot of fans.  You really did  have to have your wits about you.  It only came on top once for me there, near the start of  season game not the Brian Little game, but a year or  two later when everyone seemed to melt and I was  getting chased by Everton by Lime Street.  It was just not known for a team to win at Anfield. 

Come the late 70's apart from Man  Utd's cockney's rent a mob (a load of hangers  on) there were not a lot of youngsters travelling off to watch non London teams - the few that did were quite matey, me, Dino of Everton, the twins who were Liverpool fans and one or two others.  We all had a hatred of this blabber mouth Leeds skinhead - a lot of older lads hated him as well.

Such a good time really - yet years  later there was no way  in the world that I would have let my boys and girl enjoy what I had and experienced. 
Quite a day that, Liverpool. I thought we took a few with us and Wolves took loads to Blackpool. We pulled into wrong service station and got in a massive scrap with Wolves and their fireworks. Got chased all over Stanley Park and any Villa fans looking like escaping the scousers were mowed down by police horses. Never did get on the coach home and managed to flag down a brummie registered car that dropped me in Selly Oak. Think there was a chapter in Danny Browns book about this day which then led to Liverpool fans being ambushed in Brum on their next visit.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: dorsetvillian on July 30, 2015, 10:35:05 PM
A group of us from Bournemouth and Southampton went to many of the Northern away games with the London Lions, taking advantage of the cheaper train tickets. They liked to leave pretty early from London so for us it was the first train out of Bournemouth. We sometimes missed the last train back to Bournemouth from Waterloo which meant having to wait for what we called the 'Milk Train' which left at 3.30AM or something stupid.  Home games we went via Reading and by the time the train reached Oxford and Banbury the whole buffet carriage was always full of Villa.  It's always great to bump into some of those people today.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: martin@ardenley on August 10, 2015, 02:55:56 PM
Contact from Ian Shearer:

Quote
Steve Nott showed me some recent correspondence about the Original London Lions club which I founded in 1977.

I guess that the fan posting from Australia is Alex Langley, who was the youngest of the regular travellers.

I was aware of a London Wolves Club which we used to meet on the trains to and from Euston, and there seemed to be enough Villans on the 17.48 or 18.18 back from New Street to form a London Branch, but no one seemed to know if it existed. I wrote to VP to ask about joining, and the reply was "We haven't got one, would you like to start it?"

So I did. The incentive was that with 20, later just 10 travelling the cost of a return ticket was less than half the day return. Pete Sykes ran the membership and I think there were 144 members though not all at one time in the years of its existence. We had good support from Charlie Tabberner at VP and Sue Steve and Abdul, so that away tickets and air travel into Europe were other things we could offer members.

The members only had two things in common, a support of Villa and a willingness to travel on the train together, otherwise they were a mixture of characters who split into several small groups. The hard core of members who travelled on every trip from the beginning, many of whom helped run the club in some capacity were Pete Sykes, Alan Cox, Dave Callaghan, Chris Hensby, Frank Gibson, Nick Becerra and Lionel Rice. Then later Harry Lawrence, Alan
Fisher, Robbo, Steve Nott, John Farrelly, Tim and Sue O'Brien.

There were some characters who should never have been allowed near the train-fare cash, and it was rumoured that their thefts killed the club - but what really did for it was the opening of the M40. It was then possible for 4 or even 2 people to travel as cheaply and even faster from home to VP without coming into London at all. Discount railcards also weakened the group travel differential.

The club was a travel club, not a meeting club for people in London who did not travel, and when it lost that utility I decided to fold it in 1999, and return the subscription money to former members. Several lasting friendships and three marriages resulted from that short-lived club and the badges, I'm told, are collectors' items.

Kind regards
Ian Shearer
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on August 10, 2015, 03:14:36 PM
the badges, I'm told, are collectors' items.

Kind regards
Ian Shearer
[/quote]

We had a bash in a pub in Paddington to celebrate the 25th anniversary of winning the League.  I think a few people from here were there - seem to remember bumping into Dave W. Anyway, at the end of the night, a fella who I'd never met before came in with a cardboard tray full of enamel "London Lions" badges and said "help yourself". Which I did, to 3 badges (one for me and one each for my stinking cockney eel-pie eating kids).  Still got them at home - am I sitting on a fortune?

these

http://thumbs2.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mP8rAUNVb2CnA36nKVBLFsQ.jpg

Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 10, 2015, 04:30:33 PM
the badges, I'm told, are collectors' items.

Kind regards
Ian Shearer

We had a bash in a pub in Paddington to celebrate the 25th anniversary of winning the League.  I think a few people from here were there - seem to remember bumping into Dave W. Anyway, at the end of the night, a fella who I'd never met before came in with a cardboard tray full of enamel "London Lions" badges and said "help yourself". Which I did, to 3 badges (one for me and one each for my stinking cockney eel-pie eating kids).  Still got them at home - am I sitting on a fortune?

these

http://thumbs2.ebaystatic.com/d/l225/m/mP8rAUNVb2CnA36nKVBLFsQ.jpg


[/quote]

The originals (large size) are worth a few quid.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on August 10, 2015, 04:31:57 PM
The one we got are about the size of a 2p coin
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 10, 2015, 04:34:41 PM
That's the ones. It depends on the maker but they could be well worth picking them up.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on August 10, 2015, 10:31:28 PM
should have a reunion - West Ham at Home was the first ever trip so how about the home league game against the shirt nickers.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: OriginalLondonLion on August 30, 2015, 03:09:37 PM
All the badges were one inch diameter. Made in Brum of course. I designed them and ordered them so I can tell you how many there were. The first batch with the white outer ring were 100. The second batch with red outer ring but no stripes were 100. The last batch red ring and stripes on the Villa half were 150. I was the guy with the tray who gave the last of them away at the reunion. 
Ian Shearer
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: Chico Hamilton III on September 01, 2015, 09:59:41 AM
All the badges were one inch diameter. Made in Brum of course. I designed them and ordered them so I can tell you how many there were. The first batch with the white outer ring were 100. The second batch with red outer ring but no stripes were 100. The last batch red ring and stripes on the Villa half were 150. I was the guy with the tray who gave the last of them away at the reunion. 
Ian Shearer

Brilliant story about how you formed the original London Lions and, for what it's worth, the badge I have is still worn regularly. I last wore it at the Cup Final......
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: dacvillan on November 30, 2015, 08:11:00 PM
Hi just happened upon this site by accident.  Hello Alex remember me.  I'm the Dave of Nick, Dave and Clive fame.  Remember the good times well.  Also remember you sleeping on my floor in the flat in Forest Gate.  Reading all the posts brings it all back to me like yesterday.  Would be good to meet up all the old crew. 

Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on November 30, 2015, 10:18:49 PM
Well I still go  the match Dave.  Get more and more pass out cards as years go by. 

Normal people think  I am  quite respectable now have a profession, married etc.  You would know differently. 

Living in Liverpool.  Much different place from "our days" in the 70's.

Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on December 27, 2015, 07:27:55 PM
anyone on the train  from Liverpool Street tomorrow?
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: georgesherwood on February 11, 2016, 02:21:25 PM
I lived in London from 1990-1992 and often went to Villa Park on the London Liner Coach. One particular weekend going we got stuck in snow on the M6 on the
way to Birmingham, slept on the coach overnight, match was called off, and took a National Express Coach back to London via Cardiff the next day. There was one
of the London Lions on the coach - although I never got his name and never saw each other again.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: Old Kodjia on October 25, 2016, 01:42:37 PM
Interesting thread.

I remember Alex (although I must confess to having referred to him as "cockeny c#%?" back then (sorry Alex)

I also remember PB Kuwait

Good memories from a golden era of watching Villa.  I bet there were some scary moments for those travelling to and from London back in those days, whether you were looking for trouble or not.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on October 25, 2016, 07:56:25 PM
Interesting thread.

I remember Alex (although I must confess to having referred to him as "cockeny c#%?" back then (sorry Alex)

I also remember PB Kuwait

Good memories from a golden era of watching Villa.  I bet there were some scary moments for those travelling to and from London back in those days, whether you were looking for trouble or not.

your forgiven!

The only real hairy times were West Ham in particular although  I knew a few of their young lads from the Ilford area so got a walk over and the Cockney Reds who were proper shits.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: Old Kodjia on October 25, 2016, 08:25:49 PM
Hi Alex-in fairness, I was slightly exaggerating.  I used to refer to you as "cockney" (due obviously to your cockney twang)

I'm glad it wasn't so bad for you guys back then-You strike me as guys who were not travelling up and down the country looking for bother but more like people who shared a great love and passion for something that is truly great.

I wondered what happened to you in the 80's when we won the league but now i've read that you emigrated.

I also remember cockney Dave (how could I ever forget?)  Also, Sunny Villa who I think mentioned him earlier on in the thread.

Glad to read that you're still keeping on keeping on mate.  We didn't really know each other back then but you stood out obviously because of your accent at the away games.

Sometimes I rue the day that I ever got into football, given the past 5 years or so of suffering.  Reading threads like this brings a glow to my heart and I wouldn't swap the memories for all the tea in China.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on October 25, 2016, 08:43:04 PM
I rue the day I went to Preston  that sunny August afternoon - lifetime of pain ....
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: Hillbilly on October 27, 2016, 10:47:32 AM
There's a photo essay in the Guardian about an estate in Walthamstow. Photo 11 has a kid in Villa gear! https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2016/oct/26/a-red-brick-utopia-the-warner-estate-in-pictures (https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2016/oct/26/a-red-brick-utopia-the-warner-estate-in-pictures)
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on October 27, 2016, 05:44:42 PM
Cockney Dave in a league of his own 😀  He used to make me laugh trying to learn the old time villa songs completely different lyrics.   Still say the icons were nick Dave c and Clive all vets from the 3rd div days   So much respect
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: Comrade Blitz on October 27, 2016, 06:09:55 PM
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this thread. Thanks for sharing.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: oswald funkletrumpet on October 27, 2016, 07:33:23 PM
There's a photo essay in the Guardian about an estate in Walthamstow. Photo 11 has a kid in Villa gear! https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2016/oct/26/a-red-brick-utopia-the-warner-estate-in-pictures (https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2016/oct/26/a-red-brick-utopia-the-warner-estate-in-pictures)

i bloody loved that tracksuit

if ever there was a retro top waiting to be made
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: the-farmer on October 27, 2016, 08:24:27 PM
There's a photo essay in the Guardian about an estate in Walthamstow. Photo 11 has a kid in Villa gear! https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2016/oct/26/a-red-brick-utopia-the-warner-estate-in-pictures (https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2016/oct/26/a-red-brick-utopia-the-warner-estate-in-pictures)

i bloody loved that tracksuit

if ever there was a retro top waiting to be made

I had the pyjamas from that era, what ever nylon they were made from combined with brush nylon ? sheets meant when you got in bed you stuck like Velcro - it was awful, I didn't wear them in bed very often !
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: Hillbilly on October 28, 2016, 04:02:12 AM
There's a photo essay in the Guardian about an estate in Walthamstow. Photo 11 has a kid in Villa gear! https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2016/oct/26/a-red-brick-utopia-the-warner-estate-in-pictures (https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2016/oct/26/a-red-brick-utopia-the-warner-estate-in-pictures)
.

i bloody loved that tracksuit

if ever there was a retro top waiting to be made

I had the pyjamas from that era, what ever nylon they were made from combined with brush nylon ? sheets meant when you got in bed you stuck like Velcro - it was awful, I didn't wear them in bed very often !
I thought he was brave wearing it in what I assume to be Wet Spam country. I didn't realise he risked death from static electrocution as well.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on October 28, 2016, 07:03:58 AM
No Alex and Dave a Brummie who lived in forest gate
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: Pat McMahon on October 28, 2016, 01:46:09 PM
There's a photo essay in the Guardian about an estate in Walthamstow. Photo 11 has a kid in Villa gear! https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2016/oct/26/a-red-brick-utopia-the-warner-estate-in-pictures (https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2016/oct/26/a-red-brick-utopia-the-warner-estate-in-pictures)
.

i bloody loved that tracksuit

if ever there was a retro top waiting to be made

I had the pyjamas from that era, what ever nylon they were made from combined with brush nylon ? sheets meant when you got in bed you stuck like Velcro - it was awful, I didn't wear them in bed very often !
I thought he was brave wearing it in what I assume to be Wet Spam country. I didn't realise he risked death from static electrocution as well.

More Spurs there than any other club, based on a fair number of nights out chatting to locals (one of my best friends  lives there)
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: class-of-82 on October 28, 2016, 06:16:02 PM
Walthamstow is only about 10 minutes from white hart lane drive through it a lot loads of yids there
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: leylandalbion on October 28, 2016, 06:43:59 PM
I can recall that tracksuit...really regret handing down all my kits...
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: oswald funkletrumpet on October 28, 2016, 07:39:45 PM
Walthamstow is only about 10 minutes from white hart lane drive through it a lot loads of yids there

definately

i went out briefly with the landlady of the dog and duck not far from the as was dog track and they were all spuds, all knew beckhams sister and him from east 17 who is now a roofer
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on October 28, 2016, 08:24:09 PM
Walthamstow is only about 10 minutes from white hart lane drive through it a lot loads of yids there

Yes not to far from WHL - place is rough as a bears arse.  Mind  you I now live in Bootle not far from Liverpool and loads call us no end.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on October 29, 2016, 10:55:34 AM
Good  to see there is a supporters club  that has been set up again in London.  From what I read individuals make the 120 miles trip regularly but only a few  times a  year is anything properly organised.

I suppose the whole package is different these days - no British  Rail,  price of football would not have allowed a  15 year old like myself to travel every week these days sometimes  getting  home at 5am in the morning from a night match in Manchester. 
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on May 27, 2017, 04:50:28 PM
Ready soon at just £5 each Original London Lions Badge with pin
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on July 05, 2017, 10:41:41 PM

(http://thumb.ibb.co/csX6kF/IMG_0662.jpg) (http://ibb.co/csX6kF)

free upload without registration (http://imgbb.com/)

(http://thumb.ibb.co/dCAOza/IMG_0663.jpg) (http://ibb.co/dCAOza)

image upload (http://imgbb.com/)



PM me  if you want one.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: peter w on July 07, 2017, 08:23:33 AM
What does the sword signify?
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: dave.woodhall on July 07, 2017, 10:31:00 AM
What does the sword signify?

The badge of the City of London.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: peter w on July 08, 2017, 08:19:00 AM
Ah.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: dacvillan on July 22, 2017, 04:01:20 PM
Hi alex put me down for a badge i lost mine many moons ago . We must meet up sometime. I now live in barton upon humber  across the river from hull..
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on July 24, 2017, 10:30:33 AM
Just send me your address I will send you a couple gratis
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on July 24, 2017, 10:31:29 AM
Just send me your address I will send you a couple gratis

Message meant for Dave Callaghan only
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on December 11, 2017, 06:33:10 PM
Just emailing Dave Callaghan about some hospitality tickets.  Any of the other originals  interested in a get together at the Villa later on in the season and don't say 10th March Wolves  - I am on holiday.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on December 21, 2017, 03:31:20 PM

(http://thumb.ibb.co/csX6kF/IMG_0662.jpg) (http://ibb.co/csX6kF)

free upload without registration (http://imgbb.com/)

(http://thumb.ibb.co/dCAOza/IMG_0663.jpg) (http://ibb.co/dCAOza)

image upload (http://imgbb.com/)



PM me  if you want one.

Looking to sell the last 30 of these I had made. 3.50 inc postage Uk only. Pm me if interested
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on February 16, 2018, 09:32:19 PM

(http://thumb.ibb.co/csX6kF/IMG_0662.jpg) (http://ibb.co/csX6kF)

free upload without registration (http://imgbb.com/)

(http://thumb.ibb.co/dCAOza/IMG_0663.jpg) (http://ibb.co/dCAOza)

image upload (http://imgbb.com/)



PM me  if you want one.

Last batch on sale tomorrow will be around Putney Bridge tomorrow - when they have gone they have gone

Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on February 18, 2018, 11:51:20 AM
All 400 now sold many thanks for your orders
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: Ayup on March 04, 2018, 11:31:20 PM
Harry Lawrence was one I remember. Very dapper man, usually wearing a white silk scarf.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: dave.woodhall on March 05, 2018, 11:49:09 AM
Harry Lawrence was one I remember. Very dapper man, usually wearing a white silk scarf.

Did he get murdered?
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on March 06, 2018, 03:25:50 PM
I remember the name, I will ask Dave Callaghan he will know.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: dave.woodhall on March 06, 2018, 03:27:33 PM
From what I remember he moved out to Thailand and died there. I know that another member was killed in London in 1989ish.
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on July 30, 2019, 10:34:20 AM
Good to see Dave Callaghan taking up my offer of a seat whilst I am out injured for Bournemouth- proper villa if the term exists and doesn’t knock anyone else
Title: Re: London Lions (the originals)
Post by: wittonwarrior on October 21, 2019, 08:58:30 AM
Going through some old programs yesterday- London lions sponsored the match ball in the famous 4-1 white heart lane win ( the ticker tape game).  Would have gone top of the league and if I remember lost the next one away at Bristol city where one single copper got us to change the words to the Andy gray song
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