Yes do remember the escapdes at Rolfe St. I've mentioned before on this forum that in those days, first skinheads then suedeheads, anything from 20 to 40 lads from Tipton and Dudley would meet in Owen St. Tipton then get the train for home games either at Tipton or Dudley Port. This must have gone on for about 10 years & in that time we did get into some right battles on or around Rolfe St.
You can imagine over that time there were lots of instances but a few really do stick in my mind!
We played the wolves at home, it was the days of the Temple St. & Queens st. wolves. For this game they did have a big diesel special train which stopped at all stations. We boarded the train at Tipton and just plonked ourselves down. It started to get a big tense? It all kicked off as the train was pulling in and continued on the platform. We were really out numbered but we made a line and just let them come. As it turned out most of them turned and ran but some did take us on! The police arrived but it didn't stop it as we all walked up Halfords Lane. The return journey wasn't as bad as the police wouldn't allow us on the station until the wolves train had left but I'm afraid there was a few battles in Tipton that night?
Chelsea at home. Loads of them were on the platform back to Brum, we on w'ton side. This one tuff guy kept on & on how he was going to kill us? Anyway one of my mates had enough, jumped on the line and onto the platform, we all followed like the charge of the light bridgade! Total mayhem but it really was a toe to toe fight which seemed to last for hours but obviously didn't. Police stopped that one.
Lots of fighting, lots of blood but to finish a couple of lighter ones.
We played Coventry and whilst we were buying our tickets(we never payed going only return journey) about 20 Cov fans came in to get to platform. We closed the doors and it started. The ploice came and got stuck into everyone, I got collared but I pretended to be mute and with hand movements & mouthing explained that I was not involved. The copper fell for it and slowly started talking and using his hands like a windmill. When he finished explaining how I should get back to Tipton I just said 'thankyou'. The look on his face? I think he was too ashamed to nick me?
After a big punch up with some Arsenal I got collared. I was put to one side and was being 'guarded' by a woman police officer. I started to talk to her & she really was a good looking woman. She was friendly so I asked her out. She said yes and to make it better I didn't get charged. I met her on the Wednesday in the Red Cow Smethwick and had a great night. Since then always had a soft spot for Arsenal?
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Eventually with lads getting married, joining the army and I'm afraid some going to prison we all started to move a part. I often wonder what happened to my fellow warriors? They would all be in their late 50's, early 60's now.
I am not proud of what we got up to in the name of the Albion but we did have a eventful time! Some of you out there would know exactly what I mean that we were organised and like a little army! Maybe you will know some of my mates but look at them as too old? I tell you they would not run from anybody!