You can mingle now to what previous years were like. I remember the 80's. Some games you had to fight your way to the ground and then fight your way back out. They were the dark days when our attendances were down to an average of about 11,000. Some away games were a serious challenge. A lot of people went for the trouble but never to the game. How many here remember going to away games like Chelsea, Leeds, West Ham and even the Brum teams? Safety was either in numbers, or not wearing colours and keeping your mouth shut so your accent was not heard. You still had to get out of the ground. I was a teenager then. It felt like you had accomplished something some games to get in and out in one piece. I used to get the special train. One cup game against West Brom was a bit scary. First stop was New Street if I remember right. The Zulu's were waiting for us. By the time we got near the ground most of the people affiliated to different Brum teams had had a go at us. It was a police escort most of the way, but not all the way. Each time the police were not there it meant trouble. It was nearly as bad on the way home. A lot of the trouble in football these days are the idiots from them days that can't let go as they enjoy the buzz, and also young lads that know no better.
Now you can mingle with the home fans most of the time and have a drink with them. Good banter and a good day. Still depends on who you are playing though. I am glad the 80's are well behind us. You will still get idiots though. Most of them just want to look big to their friends, but as soon as it gets ugly they run away. At least women and children can go to the game now. 25 years ago that was not the case.
ointlaugh:
