Tonight’s game against Boro brings back some fond (kind of) memories for me. I was a student at Teesside Poly 87-90, so I lived in Middlesbrough for 3 years. Leeds had a pretty big rivalry against them back then, and I remember going to the old Boro ground a few times whilst I lived up there, couple of times to see Leeds.
It was one of those places that was crammed in the middle of a housing estate and put fear into you as you approached it. Dodgy back streets with even dodgier people lurking in the shadows. Not to mention how threatened you felt once inside the stadium.
Even though I’m sure the vast majority of people are probably well glad to be rid of the dark days of hooligans (for the most part), there is something about those old stadiums and atmosphere that I miss...can’t put my finger on it, but the fear factor was kind of part and parcel of going. Anyone else remember Ayresome Park or any other experiences from that era ?
Anyway, let’s hope for a good result tonight- 2-0.
Ayresome Park
posted on 26/2/20
comment by Cal Neva (U11544)
posted 2 minutes ago
A mate of mine had relatives from South Bank and I knew a few from Stockton who were Leeds fans. Rough place
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South Bank is rough as Fvck
Stockton has its good and bad parts like most towns
posted on 26/2/20
Some mates of mine who are Chelsea fans still talk about their experience of playing Boro in the ZDS Final in 90 at Wembley.
Boro owed Chelsea for the kicking alot of their fans took at the Bridge in the 88 play off final and they let them have it big style.
These lads have seen it all following Chelsea home, away and abroad but they aways say that day at Wembley was the most scared they've ever been outside a football stadium.
posted on 26/2/20
Should have been called Awesome Park !
posted on 26/2/20
The Boro firm always showed up at spurs
One year they all turned up in Tottenham high road in a fleet of taxis,old bill weren’t too happy as they were expecting them to get off at one of the train stations near the ground.
posted on 26/2/20
I was at that ZDS final, in with the Chelsea mob ,a lot of Chelsea were getting what they call a squeeze and getting in without paying, some twot was in my seat him and his mates shoved up and sat on 3 seats between 4,nothing much to shout about a Dorigo free kick won it as i recall
posted on 26/2/20
Pawl.
Frontline Boro boys were a top firm and although I was Chelsea and in the Wembley riot era I thankfully missed that encounter.
North East guys from Geordie to mackem are made of strong stuff.
posted on 26/2/20
Cal.
When i crashed my motorbike I was off work for a month and got books out to read, and one was by a guy in Boro Frontline .....I think he was from Redcar and a real hoolie,
also into Rangers FC and loyalist right wing politics.
From stories among Chelsea fans too, Boro and Geordie held their own at the likes of Millwall, so when you take on F Troop and then the Bushwackers you are the real deal.
I only dabbled on the fringes at Rangers and Linfield riots, but got the buzz, whilst being repelled by and attracted to football violence and rivalry.
Worst football aggro in NI was between Linfield and Glentoran if you Google YouTube.
You might see yours truly lead the odd charge 30 plus years ago LMAO.
posted on 26/2/20
Hounslow.
That's some taxi fare from north east to north London, mate.lol
Were they the Frontline?
posted on 27/2/20
Comment Deleted by Site Moderator
posted on 27/2/20
comment by thebluebellsarablue (U9292)
posted 9 hours, 4 minutes ago
Cal.
When i crashed my motorbike I was off work for a month and got books out to read, and one was by a guy in Boro Frontline .....I think he was from Redcar and a real hoolie,
also into Rangers FC and loyalist right wing politics.
From stories among Chelsea fans too, Boro and Geordie held their own at the likes of Millwall, so when you take on F Troop and then the Bushwackers you are the real deal.
I only dabbled on the fringes at Rangers and Linfield riots, but got the buzz, whilst being repelled by and attracted to football violence and rivalry.
Worst football aggro in NI was between Linfield and Glentoran if you Google YouTube.
You might see yours truly lead the odd charge 30 plus years ago LMAO.
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My bro in law was ICF in his younger days and he always says because the depiction of people from the north east is nice affable fellas folk don't realise what hard bstards they are when the mood takes them.