DEL CLevelANd INTERVIEW

Hi DEl, Thanks for joining us. Who's your team and how did you first start supporting them?

I support Brentford FC. Griffin Park was just over the road from where I lived so it was a no brainer really. My Dads family came from BOW, so he supported the Hammers.

When and why did you first get into Casual culture?

I was a Skinhead growing up from the age of 13 until I was 15/16 and so was everyone i knew on the estate and also at school but in the last 6 weeks holiday before going into the then known 5th year, we sort of morphed into Casuals, grew our skinheads out and got wedges, so 16 I suppose.

In your opinion who/where did casual start?

I had a pair of adidas kick when i was 12 years old, does that make me a casual? does that mean it started in the south? it's a discussion that's been going on for donkeys. I had a season ticket from the late seventies too the late nineties and all I know is when we played team's that were not from London, they didn't dress like us. Coming from a housing estate a lot of my mates supported other teams like QPR, Chelsea, & West ham and if Brentford were away and I wasn't going, I used to go with them and again if they were playing clubs that was not from London, they didn't dress like us. At the end of the day let's all just be pleased it started in our lifetime, what a great era.

Favourite piece of terrace attire?

I'm an adidas trainer enthusiast (don't like the word collector) so it changes every day. First pair as mentioned before were kick, but i am partial to a London and anything Spezial.

Least favourite trend you've witnessed on the terraces?

Donkey Jackets & Flares.

I believe you're a bit of a collector, what is your most prized possession?

My Liam Gallaghers.

Is there anything you would love to own but just can't get your hands on it.

Brooksy's adidas ZX550 or an Ardwick both in a 7.

There's a lot of newer independent clothing labels popping up all the time. Anything that struck you that stands out from the rest?

A few to be fair, Grand Alliance. Project North. James Darby. Everyday Garments, Old School fc.

In our opinion the music has always been an important part of Terrace Culture. What would be your favourite tunes for a match day?

Ska, Trojan, Soul, Motown bit of Northern growing up. But for me once the Casual/Terrace seen started it was Jazz Funk all the way for me and all my mates, Football during the day then Clubbing of a night time so it went hand in hand back then, so yes. I'm more of an Indie buff these days but still heavily into the mentioned genres.

Do you have a favourite album/single of all time?

No, I don't as there are too many to mention, depends what mood I'm in.

Favourite band/artist?

An unending list, although I have started a pin badge leg tattoo of artists/bands who I love from my youth to now.

Any bands/artist that you feel are part of Terrace Culture?

Loads, more indie and rock n roll though, I think. the Gallaghers Brothers are into Terrace attire and Football among others.

Any up-and-coming bands you can recommend?

Locked-in, The Chase, The Trojan Beats, Andrew Cushin and Mindsight to name a few.

Last and next gig you will be going to?

I love a gig and go to load's; Me & the Mrs love live music. Jamie T last Friday and Last Saturday cover bands The Clone Roses, The Smiths Ltd & Oasish. This Friday I'm seeing a cover band called the Style Councillors.

Did you get into the dance music scene in the late 80's/ early 90's?

Late 80s yes House etc. Started a family from 1990 (have 5 Kids) Didn't really get right into the rave seen as much as others preferred live music and started to get into Indie.

On to a bit about the football.... sum up your team's season so far.

Not bad mid table, just a dream for them to be in the premiership as I've waited all my life for it.

Do you still attend games regularly?

Not as much as I would like as I'm always busy, went to a couple of games last season but don't hold a season Ticket anymore but have still been a member for years. always watching on TV or streaming these days.

Which club traditionally are your biggest rivals?

QPR & Fulham although have good mates who support both of them clubs so all good fun.

All clubs have to move with the times, but do you miss Griffin Park?

Yes, the old Griffin Park with the Royal Oak end, loved that ground, But the new ground is really nice although it needs to be bigger especially if we stay up in the premiership.

The Premier LEAGUE, is it everything you hoped it would be?

Yes! at the moment, we're not really struggling at the bottom as a lot of people thought we would be and relegated after the first season. Mid table and beat some good teams so all's tip top.

A lot of fans have been drawn towards lower/non-league football recently. Anyone else you follow?

Nope, I'm Just a Bee.

Any views on this year's World Cup in Qatar?

I'm not feeling it to be fair, I'm normally all over it, everyone is normally ringing one another to go round each other's gaffs to watch a match but this year it's quiet, there ain't a St. Georges flag anywhere around here, think it's because where & when it is.

Sum up Modern football in one sentence.

Different.

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