Heroes & Villains, the Aston Villa fanzine

Heroes & Villains => Heroes Discussion => Topic started by: Chipsticks on August 15, 2011, 07:10:31 PM

Title: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: Chipsticks on August 15, 2011, 07:10:31 PM
My best mate's a die hard Blue nose, and for his Birthday I decided to get him two tickets for Blues - Millwall.

He's demanded to take me, so unfortunately now I'm going to that. Anyone got any decent stories of being with different fans?
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: usav on August 15, 2011, 07:18:29 PM
Blimey - you've picked a good'un.

I went to Blues and Albion games plenty of times in the early 80s, it always felt strange, but always enjoyed it for what it was: a shite team against whoever it was they were playing.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: Legion on August 15, 2011, 07:20:51 PM
My best mate's a die hard Blue nose, and for his Birthday I decided to get him two tickets for Blues - Millwall.

He's demanded to take me, so unfortunately now I'm going to that. Anyone got any decent stories of being with different fans??

Goodbye. I'll miss you.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: Legion on August 15, 2011, 07:23:17 PM
I was invited to the Molineux to watch the Dogheads v Cov. The away fans spent most of the match singing 'SOTV'. I pitied them.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: Chipsticks on August 15, 2011, 07:29:49 PM
My best mate's a die hard Blue nose, and for his Birthday I decided to get him two tickets for Blues - Millwall.

He's demanded to take me, so unfortunately now I'm going to that. Anyone got any decent stories of being with different fans??

Goodbye. I'll miss you.

Yeah I'm a bit worried about that.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: woody4866 on August 15, 2011, 07:33:40 PM
Sat in the corporate area at Derby when we mullard them 0-6 with my mate

was repeatedly asked to sit down by the stewards which was quite hard when goals were flying in left right and centre

when the 6th went in we saw the stewards approaching with murder in their eyes so we just upt and left firmly stating our work was done

in all fairness the Derby fans were quite good natured with us

Derby wrote to the Company that provided us with the tickets asking them to be more carefull who they give match day tickets to in future or the facility would be removed

Happy days
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: cheltenhamlion on August 15, 2011, 07:40:43 PM
I have seen Millwall a few times, home and away. A pal from college lives down the Old Kent Road. Their away crowd are a good craic even if a little scary.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: Chipsticks on August 15, 2011, 07:47:47 PM
Out of interest I'd love it if someone could give me some tips on avoiding most of the trouble. I'd be alright but I've never been to Blues and I don't trust my mate.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: Legion on August 15, 2011, 07:49:57 PM
Out of interest I'd love it if someone could give me some tips on avoiding most of the trouble. I'd be alright but I've never been to Blues and I don't trust my mate.

Feign illness and stay at home.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: cheltenhamlion on August 15, 2011, 07:52:13 PM
Blues will only throw things over the fence and you might get a bit in town.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: Irish villain on August 15, 2011, 08:02:52 PM
Just don't wear your villa top and you will be fine!
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: German James on August 15, 2011, 08:53:00 PM
I was invited to the Molineux to watch the Dogheads v Cov. The away fans spent most of the match singing 'SOTV'. I pitied them.

That's right. Because Villa fans would never dream of singing songs about Blues when we're not playing them, would they?!
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: Chris Smith on August 15, 2011, 09:05:25 PM
I went to Blues Coventry way back when I was a lad and got thrown out by the police, I think they noticed my knuckles not dragging on the floor and realised I didn't belong.

As long as your mate isn't a div about things you'll be fine.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: Witton Warrior on August 15, 2011, 09:07:08 PM
Went to Cov with Leeds in about 78/79. My accent took some explaining! Christ they were rough lads and possibly the most consistently racist bastards I have ever heard...

Did Molineux many times (including the infamous night they were relagated by Liverpool and rioted around Wolverhampton) and still laugh at their absolute partisan hatred of any team they play but they always reserve the maximum venom for their own players.

Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: villa `cross the mersey on August 15, 2011, 09:19:29 PM
Pure and simple .............get a new mate ! ;)
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: Risso on August 15, 2011, 09:48:07 PM
I went to the Blues v Carlisle Autoglass trophy final at Wembley in my Villa top.  Still not sure how I made it out alive.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: Lizz on August 15, 2011, 10:10:16 PM
Out of interest I'd love it if someone could give me some tips on avoiding most of the trouble. I'd be alright but I've never been to Blues and I don't trust my mate.

Take VCTM's advice - get a new mate. Plus try being assertive. Just because he's demanded you go, it doesn't mean you have to go with him.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: itbrvilla on August 15, 2011, 10:20:13 PM
Went to Wolves Albion last year my my Ajax supporting mate. Had a great time.  Got to see Stripy Filth lose and Wolves catch up with Blose.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: willywombat on August 15, 2011, 11:18:02 PM
Dont use big words, eat your balti pie with your mouth open and spill bovril down the front of your vest. No-one will know you're not an authentic nose
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: Dave Clark Five on August 15, 2011, 11:24:45 PM
It all makes for a very uncomfortable day. Apart from having to endure the morons who will be very inquisitive as to why you don't clap along with them, especially if they score, your mate will doubtless think it amusing to let them know you are Villa but 'it's alright, cos he's with me'.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: damon loves JT on August 15, 2011, 11:25:07 PM
My friend Alan is a Chester City fan, we usually see a couple of away games a season. It has all the edgy threat of National Trust membership. They all know each other by name
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: DeKuip on August 15, 2011, 11:30:47 PM
I've always enjoyed the freedom of watching games that don't involve Villa - the freedom from not having your night spoilt by the result. You can even enjoy shit games when it's not your team. If it wasn't for the cost nowadays I'd still do it but it's only when I get a freebie that I go to non-Villa games now.

As a teenager and young player in the mid 70s I'd go down the Blues to watch games (usually Tuesday nights that didn't clash with Villa games) just to watch individual players. You could stand anywhere along the Kop on the side and get a good close up view. It would usually be opposition players I'd follow but they had one or two decent players themselves then too. Just watched the player and his movements, what he did off the ball etc - and not really be bothered about the score, although it did make the night better if they lost of course.

A few years back I watched Chelsea at Leicester and followed Gianfranco Zola from the minute he came out to warm up pre-match and right through the game, whether he was anywhere near the ball or not. It was pure education - I came away wishing I'd been able to watch a player like that when I was younger and learning to play myself. It's something you can't do with a TV game as the camera always follows the ball.

Okay you aren't going to see someone like that at Blues-Millwall... but Millwall aren't a bad side, they might have someone who catches your eye.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: Holtenderinthesky on August 16, 2011, 12:22:38 AM
. but Millwall aren't a bad side, they might have someone who catches your eye.

Yeah, with a stanley knife or a brick.  :(
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: hawkeye on August 16, 2011, 12:24:38 AM
I've always enjoyed the freedom of watching games that don't involve Villa - the freedom from not having your night spoilt by the result. You can even enjoy shit games when it's not your team. If it wasn't for the cost nowadays I'd still do it but it's only when I get a freebie that I go to non-Villa games now.

As a teenager and young player in the mid 70s I'd go down the Blues to watch games (usually Tuesday nights that didn't clash with Villa games) just to watch individual players. You could stand anywhere along the Kop on the side and get a good close up view. It would usually be opposition players I'd follow but they had one or two decent players themselves then too. Just watched the player and his movements, what he did off the ball etc - and not really be bothered about the score, although it did make the night better if they lost of course.

A few years back I watched Chelsea at Leicester and followed Gianfranco Zola from the minute he came out to warm up pre-match and right through the game, whether he was anywhere near the ball or not. It was pure education - I came away wishing I'd been able to watch a player like that when I was younger and learning to play myself. It's something you can't do with a TV game as the camera always follows the ball.

Okay you aren't going to see someone like that at Blues-Millwall... but Millwall aren't a bad side, they might have someone who catches your eye.
Like you as a someone that has played a bit, watching a game is different to those that havent, particularly when you dont really care who wins, what a lot of viewrs dont get is how the players are set up to do specific jobs. no many peope understand the simple concept of movement off the ball
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 16, 2011, 12:25:50 AM
Out of interest I'd love it if someone could give me some tips on avoiding most of the trouble. I'd be alright but I've never been to Blues and I don't trust my mate.

Feign illness and stay at home.

Wear claret and blue, small heath will think you are Villa, Millwall will think you are West Ham. Safety guaranteed. 
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: PeterWithesShin on August 16, 2011, 12:29:52 AM
The only non Villa, Rovers or England game i've been to was WBA vs Burnley in 92/93.
My best mate is a Baggie so that season we agreed to go a home game with each other, he came to the infamous Cov game. At their place we went in the Brummie Rd and I nearly blew my cover straight away with comments along the lines of "it's a bit empty isn't it" and "fuck me, how small is this compared to the Holte"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: Vancouver on August 16, 2011, 12:40:19 AM
I went to a Millwall home game a few ago through work. It was a midweek game against Derby and although there were hardly any fans about, there were a lot of police. Didn't stop the home fans trying to get into the away end, the tons of gypsy kids running around and a mate getting smacked in the mouth for no reason. Lovely fans Millwall
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: olofmilosevic on August 16, 2011, 01:28:00 AM
i'd say your mate was  ungrateful knob! you do him a favour and he stabs you in the back by making you watch that sh*te!! get a new mate!
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: Nelly on August 16, 2011, 01:34:35 AM
My mate dragged me to watch Blues try and get promoted against Preston a few seasons back. Fans around us were primed to invade the pitch, sure that they'd get promotion. Unfortunately (chuckle) Preston scored two screamers at my end (dunno what stand I was in). No pitch invasion that day!

It's odd though, it had to be paranoia, but it did feel as if people knew I was a Villa fan.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: The Left Side on August 16, 2011, 03:36:12 AM
I went with my mate to a Blues game in 1993 when the Villa won 1-0 at Highbury with a Tony Daley header, anyway the Blues played Swindon and managed to throw away a 4-1 lead with 20 minutes to go to lose 4-6! What a great day that was for me ;)
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: Jim Shoes on August 16, 2011, 04:36:32 AM
My wife's side of the family are noses and although my father-in-law is a die hard nose he has on sometimes joined me at VP and I get along with him fine. One year back in the 80's he had a spare ticket v Blackburn and asked me to join him which reluctantly I did.

Game was utter shite but while watching it I suddenly realised that although I never went looking for trouble I had had several decent run in's with some of their "famed" Zulu's and became a bit concerned that I might be spotted even though I was no Danny Brown or Skinhead Neil etc it just felt that they all knew I wasn't on of their own because I just couldn't join in with their boring song's.

It didn't happen thankfully as I doubt I would have won on that occaison but on the way out I did notice a loud godshite nose that I had the misfortune to work with, luckily for me he was ahead and didn't look back because he would have pointed me out in an instant. I never said anything to him at work because I didn't want him to even know that I had stepped foot in the Sty let alone that I avoided him as I didn't want a slap!

I made a mental note to never attend the Sty again if Villa were not playing, different times but if your mate "gobs off" then don't be surprised if one or two of them take it serious, most would laugh and take the piss but it only takes a few morons and you could both get hurt, good luck.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: darren woolley on August 16, 2011, 06:29:24 AM
I've been to watch a few Walsall games in the past and Wolves once when they were in Div 3.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: QBVILLA on August 16, 2011, 06:43:43 AM
I went with my mate to a Blues game in 1993 when the Villa won 1-0 at Highbury with a Tony Daley header, anyway the Blues played Swindon and managed to throw away a 4-1 lead with 20 minutes to go to lose 4-6! What a great day that was for me ;)


That's when Hoddle was player manager, he put himself on when they were 4-1 down and then dictated the game into a 6-4 win .I went to the Wolves that a season for the Swindon game purely to watch Hoddle.An absolute master.Also been up the Albion a few times and sampled the corporate hospitality.I always believed that anyone who watched from a box was missing the whole point of going to the game.However, sitting there enjoying a pint in my shirt sleeves with people dressed in thick coats and scarves 6 feet away changed my perspective.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: spk on August 16, 2011, 07:02:36 AM
Been to a few games in Italy,including cup final Milan vs Parma in a villa shirt,noboby cared apart from a friendly copper who spent most the match talking about english football with me.Also went to see Torquay vs Exeter a few years back,nearly died with laughter when the gulls fans were chanting to exeter fans "you dirty northern bastards"
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: Simba on August 16, 2011, 07:31:06 AM
Went to a Kaiser Chiefs v Orlando Pirates ( big Soweto derby) game in Johannesburg two weeks after the Soweto riots in '76. Silly. My Villa mate and I were the only Whities there and we were welcomed with humour, respect, handshakes and protection. Even got a cheer when we went to our - sit anywhere- seats. Except when we left the stadium and a bunch of Afrikaaner police arrested us and put us in nick for " inciting a riot" !

Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: PaulMcGrathsNo5Shirt on August 16, 2011, 08:39:09 AM
I was in the away end at the sty the day that non-league Kiddiminster Harriers beat Blues... just fabulous.

I also stood in the Smevick end at the Ollbeyun a few years back one Boxing day when our game was called off.  I was an away supporter that day following Bristol City. A few odd looks were given our way when they picked up on our local accents but as we were shouting all sorts of abuse at Don Goodman I think it was we had no bother.

I urge anyone if given the opportunity to do a Rangers v Celtic game. Bonkers. 
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: Olneythelonely on August 16, 2011, 09:07:09 AM
I've always enjoyed the freedom of watching games that don't involve Villa - the freedom from not having your night spoilt by the result. You can even enjoy shit games when it's not your team. If it wasn't for the cost nowadays I'd still do it but it's only when I get a freebie that I go to non-Villa games now.

As a teenager and young player in the mid 70s I'd go down the Blues to watch games (usually Tuesday nights that didn't clash with Villa games) just to watch individual players. You could stand anywhere along the Kop on the side and get a good close up view. It would usually be opposition players I'd follow but they had one or two decent players themselves then too. Just watched the player and his movements, what he did off the ball etc - and not really be bothered about the score, although it did make the night better if they lost of course.

A few years back I watched Chelsea at Leicester and followed Gianfranco Zola from the minute he came out to warm up pre-match and right through the game, whether he was anywhere near the ball or not. It was pure education - I came away wishing I'd been able to watch a player like that when I was younger and learning to play myself. It's something you can't do with a TV game as the camera always follows the ball.

Okay you aren't going to see someone like that at Blues-Millwall... but Millwall aren't a bad side, they might have someone who catches your eye.
Like you as a someone that has played a bit, watching a game is different to those that havent, particularly when you dont really care who wins, what a lot of viewrs dont get is how the players are set up to do specific jobs. no many peope understand the simple concept of movement off the ball

I'd be amazed if many football fans didn't understand the concept of "movement off the ball". It's hardly rocket science.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: Marlon From Bearwood on August 16, 2011, 09:18:47 AM
Went to Sweden V Denmark in Euro 2004 in Portugal, in my Villa shirt. Had some good banter as Sorensen, Laursen, Mellberg and Allback were all playing (ie 2 Villa players for each side).

However, a massive Swedish Skinhead saw my shirt and shouted "Shit on the Villa" before singing some Blose songs. Bizarre.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: Legion on August 16, 2011, 10:33:59 AM
I went with my mate to a Blues game in 1993 when the Villa won 1-0 at Highbury with a Tony Daley header, anyway the Blues played Swindon and managed to throw away a 4-1 lead with 20 minutes to go to lose 4-6! What a great day that was for me ;)

Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: Lee on August 16, 2011, 12:51:41 PM
In the late 80's I was in the Everton crowd for a Cup game against the Albion. My mate supported Liverpool at the time and as I worked at the Albion, I got us free tickets.

Ironically, he is now Corporate Albion, but nothing ever swayed me away from the Claret and Blue.

Also watched Liverpool play Albion in the early 80's at Anfield. You see a common denominator in my experience.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: Reuben on August 16, 2011, 01:07:39 PM
Was in the Bolton end in about 95/96 when we won 2-0 (Tommy Johnson got both)  Was quite easy to blend in and 'politely applaud' when we scored.  It was the old Supermarket ground and I was on the side where there was still terracing.

Went to Shrewsbury v Kidderminster about 5 years ago in the away end.  Was 3-2 at half time (Kidderminster were 2-0 up!)  Awful facilities but I imagine The New Meadow or whatever it is called hasn't the same charm.

Went to a few Chester games when I lived there.  They were in financial trouble so thought I'd pop along.  Weirdly there were several random football shirts on display on the kop (including Watford).  Crap level of football though and crap chants involving words like 'bluies' and 'city' *shudder*.  Sure they had a drummer as well.

Not been to Wrexham yet....
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: badluckeric(gates) on August 16, 2011, 02:56:44 PM
A mate of mine is a Wolves fan. When they got promoted for first time in yonks (05?) he bought a box for the season to entertain clients.
I got myself invited when it Wolves v Villa. Sat there with about 10 wolves fans.
We won 4-0 and I had to sit on my hands a bit. Topped off by the fact that the betting people came to us in the box rather than having to queue up. I dont bet but put a couple of quid on first goalscorer- Der Hammer! They werent too amused at the score and even less when they realised i was walking away in profit.
Great day.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: dave.woodhall on August 16, 2011, 04:40:23 PM
In the late 80's I was in the Everton crowd for a Cup game against the Albion. My mate supported Liverpool at the time and as I worked at the Albion, I got us free tickets.

Ironically, he is now Corporate Albion, but nothing ever swayed me away from the Claret and Blue.

Also watched Liverpool play Albion in the early 80's at Anfield. You see a common denominator in my experience.


To be memorised and brought up at every available opportunity.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: Vancouver on August 19, 2011, 06:06:18 PM
I used to live on the south coast and my nickname from my early was 'villa'. When we played Arsenal away I went with a bunch of Arsenal mates and drinking in the Highbury Barn pub with them and all the other Arsenal. My mate went to the packed bar whilst we all stood outside being a lovely day. My mate was struggling with the pints through the crowd and keeping shouting 'Villa' for me to help. Everyone jumped up and starting looking around. I tried to hide but he kept shouting eventually making his through to us. Then stopped in front of me and said 'fucking hell Villa I was shouting for ages'. Then the penny dropped and I was left in the middle of a circle of Arsenal fans. But it was cool and everyone just laughed.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: gervilla on August 20, 2011, 09:28:54 PM
I sat in with the Chelsea fans when we won there in 98 when Joachim scored the winner. I was straight across from the away supporters. I never openen my mouth, not even when my then girlfriend hit me in the ribs when JJ scored.I dont think I actually spoke untill  i got off the train that I got on at Fulham Broadway. Sweet.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: eamonn on August 20, 2011, 10:03:18 PM
Went to a Kaiser Chiefs v Orlando Pirates ( big Soweto derby) game in Johannesburg two weeks after the Soweto riots in '76. Silly. My Villa mate and I were the only Whities there and we were welcomed with humour, respect, handshakes and protection. Even got a cheer when we went to our - sit anywhere- seats. Except when we left the stadium and a bunch of Afrikaaner police arrested us and put us in nick for " inciting a riot" !



 :o Wheally?
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: eamonn on August 20, 2011, 10:05:52 PM
I sat in with the Chelsea fans when we won there in 98 when Joachim scored the winner. I was straight across from the away supporters. I never openen my mouth, not even when my then girlfriend hit me in the ribs when JJ scored.I dont think I actually spoke untill  i got off the train that I got on at Fulham Broadway. Sweet.

I went to Stamford Bridge for the last game of 2002/03 under GTII when we won 3-1. My brother was with me, a Chelsea fan so I was sat in with them lot. Really had to restrain myself when Vassell and Crouch tore them a new arsehole. Blew my cover when Alan Wright almost cracked the bar with a thunderbolt and Dion nodded in the rebound to make it 3-1. ''YESSSSS!'' A few pissed-off and vaguely threatening looks but as it was an end of season game with nothing riding on it I was left alone.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: Simba on August 21, 2011, 06:38:22 AM
Went to a Kaiser Chiefs v Orlando Pirates ( big Soweto derby) game in Johannesburg two weeks after the Soweto riots in '76. Silly. My Villa mate and I were the only Whities there and we were welcomed with humour, respect, handshakes and protection. Even got a cheer when we went to our - sit anywhere- seats. Except when we left the stadium and a bunch of Afrikaaner police arrested us and put us in nick for " inciting a riot" !



 :o Wheally?

Sorry Eamon, don't understand.

Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: Pat McMahon on August 21, 2011, 07:05:51 AM
I sat in with the Chelsea fans when we won there in 98 when Joachim scored the winner. I was straight across from the away supporters. I never openen my mouth, not even when my then girlfriend hit me in the ribs when JJ scored.I dont think I actually spoke untill  i got off the train that I got on at Fulham Broadway. Sweet.

I went to Stamford Bridge for the last game of 2002/03 under GTII when we won 3-1. My brother was with me, a Chelsea fan so I was sat in with them lot. Really had to restrain myself when Vassell and Crouch tore them a new arsehole. Blew my cover when Alan Wright almost cracked the bar with a thunderbolt and Dion nodded in the rebound to make it 3-1. ''YESSSSS!'' A few pissed-off and vaguely threatening looks but as it was an end of season game with nothing riding on it I was left alone.

I may have been near you, Eamonn. I was in the Upper Matthew Harding Stand for that game as a Chelsea season ticket holding mate had a spare. I clapped the third goal but kept schtum for the first two - people didn't seem too bothered as Chelsea had lost the FA cup final to Arsenal the previous week and I think they were just glad the season was over.

I have been in 3 sides of the ground at Stamford Bridge and the thing that always strikes me is that it feels so much smaller than Villa Park but has the same capacity. Even sat at the back of the Matthew Harding Stand felt closer to the pitch than the back of the Holte Lower.
Title: Re: Behind Enemy Lines
Post by: eamonn on August 21, 2011, 04:31:22 PM
Went to a Kaiser Chiefs v Orlando Pirates ( big Soweto derby) game in Johannesburg two weeks after the Soweto riots in '76. Silly. My Villa mate and I were the only Whities there and we were welcomed with humour, respect, handshakes and protection. Even got a cheer when we went to our - sit anywhere- seats. Except when we left the stadium and a bunch of Afrikaaner police arrested us and put us in nick for " inciting a riot" !



 :o Wheally?

Sorry Eamon, don't understand.


Sorry, I had a Jonathan Ross moment. I meant to say ''Really?!''
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