It was seven years ago this month... (FANS UNITED)

[The Large One]

...that Richard Vaughan, a young Plymouth Argyle fan wrote on North Stand Chat about the way Archer and Bellotti were running the club into the ground. His post suggested that fans from around the country should come to the Goldstone wearing their own home team's colours.

So began Fans United.

I think a little (albeit belated) appreciation for Richard and his sense of solidarity and support...

:clap: :clap: :clap:

What are your memories of 8 February 1997?

[Dez]

:clap: :bounce: :clap:

[Italiaseagull]

Originally posted by The Large One


What are your memories of 8 February 1997?

Very very good ones. I especially remember the Eintracht Frankfurt fans in the North Stand, was brilliant of them to travel so far. :clap: :clap:

[CHAPPERS]

:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

[edna krabappel]

Fog.

Wondering what this so called Fans United Day would turn out like, expecting maybe a couple from the nearest league clubs.

Then driving up to the ground and seeing a car load of Norwich fans broken down at the roundabout at the top of Dyke Road and Snaky Hill. And being asked for directions to the Goldstone from half way along the Old Shoreham Road by Wolves and West Brom fans. THen we realised it was going to be something special.

[Italiaseagull]

Oh yeah, and Charlton brought about 7 coaches full of fans, respect due. :clap:

[Rougvie]

Driving all the way from Aberdeen to a Job Interview at Gatwick the day before (which 2 weeks later I got) then staying at my Nans in Hove, who I hadn't seen for 6 years !!

The drive was done in my very first car, a mini, and it cost me £21 all the way down in petrol.

Changed days !!

:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

[Northstander]

A truly Momentous time...."Respect" to everyone involved and to those fans who took the time to visit "The mighty Goldstone".

:clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

[pasty]

Originally posted by The Large One
What are your memories of 8 February 1997?

Good and bad.

My birthday is February 9th and I'd organised a house party for the 8th after footy. Woke up in the morning to find my bathroom ceiling on my bathroom floor due to a leak from the upstairs flat!Major running around to get it made safe before going off to football.

The footy was brilliant. Not too many memories however due to the afore mentioned birthday party in the evening. All round a jolly spiffing day though !

[Northstander]

http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/bmlss/brighton.gif

:angel: :angel: Rip Goldtone!:angel: :angel:

[Safeway]

Originally posted by edna krabappel
Then driving up to the ground and seeing a car load of Norwich fans broken down at the roundabout at the top of Dyke Road and Snaky Hill. And being asked for directions to the Goldstone from half way along the Old Shoreham Road by Wolves and West Brom fans. THen we realised it was going to be something special.

The last sentence of that just send a tingle up my spine.

Aside from the obvious I'd like to echo your first comment: fog.

[alan partridge]

amazing day.


best moment for me was standing at the back of the northstand and seeing everyone hold their different scarves aloft. has there ever been such a mix of football fans ANYWHERE, EVER?

[Northstander]

Old Trafford every saturday...all the fans there travel from miles to watch there team!!!

:clap2:

[Trotster]

Fantastic Day, Fantastic Support - still got the certificate that was handed out on the day on my bedroom wall

Classic quote from it- 'No man is bigger than the club he purports to serve.'

[Drooper]

What are your memories of 8 February 1997? [/B]

I remember being surrounded at the game by all sorts of region accents, all having a great time exchanging friendly banter.

I think the scousers banter was one of the funniest things I have ever heard,

it was difficult to focus on the game as the crowd was far more entertaining that day...

Bloody great day

:bhasign:

:ascarf: :ascarf: :ascarf:

[Drooper]

What are your memories of 8 February 1997? [/B]

I remember being surrounded at the game by all sorts of region accents, all having a great time exchanging friendly banter.

I think the scousers banter was one of the funniest things I have ever heard,

it was difficult to focus on the game as the crowd was far more entertaining that day...

Bloody great day

:bhasign:

:ascarf: :ascarf: :ascarf:

[gumbopickles]

football united, well never be defeated!

remember the chelsea fan being held aloft in the northstand leading the singing.

[black & white seagull]

Wondering what this so called Fans United Day would turn out like, expecting maybe a couple from the nearest league clubs.


Same here. I lived in Cambridge at the time, and thought it sounded like a nice idea, but wouldn't really come to much. I remember walking up Sackville Road and thinking it looked no busier than usual, then turning into Old Shoreham Road and seeing thousands of football fans in every conceivable strip queuing to support our team. It still makes the hair on the back of my neck stand on end when I think about it.

The adrenaline rush on the part of the players must have played a huge part in the great score, and given that we stayed up on goal difference that season, without Fans United we'd probably have gone down.

My favourite banner of the day was 'Real Madrid say "Archer Out"'

[eiregull]

i wasnt there unfortunatly but reading this thread brings a tear to the eye, this thread could make north stand gold yet. :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap:

[Raphael Meade]

fantastic fucking day. remember the german bloke with the big hat and flag (frankfurt?!)

probably the most amazing day EVER...

[Gwylan]

Amazing day. I was already emotional as it had been the anniversary of my dad's death just two days before and my niece had been born the previous day. I'd just come from seeing her for the first time and bumped into a bunch of Charlton fans at the station.

It was incredible seeing all the colours. The North Stand was like being back in the 70s in promotion seasons.

Easily my best Goldstone day since the FA Cup run of '83.

[Ex Shelton Seagull]

That fog seemed to get thicker as the game went on. I remember thinking “please God don’t get this game called off” but it actually helped to create one of the best atmospheres I can remember at the Goldstone.
I saw the flags and banners being waved out on Old Shoreham Road and the queues forming outside the turnstiles. Seeing all the different coloured shirts and scarves and I thinking “bloody hell, it’s actually happening!”
It was the first game in months that myself and my Dad could go onto the West terrace. Bellotti had banned non-season ticket holders from the terrace after the Darlington home game if I remember rightly, so it was like returning home that day. There were a couple of Everton fans in front of us and a Sheffield United fan behind us. The only time I’d seen fans of another club on the west terrace was when we’d played Fulham earlier that season and that had nearly ended in a riot.
The only goal I can remember was an absolute thunderbolt of a header from Gary Hobson (I think) but I can remember Craig Maskell throwing his hat-trick match ball into the North Stand at the final whistle. For me that was the day the escape started. Following that game the crowds started turning up in big numbers for home games and we didn’t lose at home for the rest of the season. I reckon that day got a lot of people of their arses and back to the Albion, maybe some people who lived locally but supported another team decided to turn up again?
A final note, there is no way in Gods Green Earth that the crowd was only 8,500. The place was packed!

[Robot Chicken]

I was in the West Stand next to a couple of Real Madrid fans with a banner.
Walking through Hove park before the game was great fun, it was a case of guess the shirt and feeling immensely proud that all these fans from all over the country had come down to the Goldstone to help out my team.

[Drooper]

What are your memories of 8 February 1997? [/B]

I remember being surrounded at the game by all sorts of region accents, all having a great time exchanging friendly banter.

I think the scousers banter was one of the funniest things I have ever heard,

it was difficult to focus on the game as the crowd was far more entertaining that day...

Bloody great day

:bhasign:

:ascarf: :ascarf: :ascarf:

[wallington seagull]

I remember driving down from London and panicking by the time I got to the Mill Road roundabout that I wouldn't be able to get in! Listening to the build up on the radio, the ground was nearly full!
I also remember an Everton fan shouting at Stuart Storer "How come you never played like this when you was at Everton" (or that could have been the Wigan game?) Also Craig Maskell's hatrick - throwing the match ball to the fans in the North Stand.

(never thought Craig got the fans on his side - he was on a lot of dosh, but his goals saved us for disaster that season, and it was him who hit the post at Hereford allowing Robbie to score from the rebound)

[Martlet]

RAGE ONLINE
United Colours of Football

We went to a football match the other day. That isn't an unusual occurrence. Less usual was that fans of almost every league club were there. The match was Brighton against Hartlepool. The occasion was Fans United.
The idea of "Fans United" came not from a Brighton fan, but from a teenage Plymouth fan. It quickly sprang into reality. Fans from all over the country used the Internet to confirm that they would be there on the day. The day itself was an occasion containing some of the most exhilirating, poignant and downright satisfying scenes yet seen in football.

We arrived early enough to meet up with fans in the Hedgehog and Hogshead pub. The day started as it was set to continue - we seemed to meet fans of all the clubs that had beaten Oxford this season. This started with a conversation with a Southampton fan in the pub. It took a while to get used to the strangeness of the atmosphere - fans of so many different clubs gathered together with nothing more than friendly banter to show for it. Soon our goal became to spot fans of as many clubs as we could. We also bumped into four other Oxford fans.

After a wander into Hove for some lunch, we walked back past the ground to Hove Rugby Club. On the route through the park were posted messages of support from fans of clubs around the UK and Europe. This included a large number from local rivals Crystal Palace - this issue transcending the otherwise important sense of local rivalry. It was wonderful to see the number of messages from people outside the UK - the Internet had transformed Brighton's fight into an international issue.

A sharp reminder that Brighton are not the only club with troubles was to be found at the rugby club. In addition to the collection bucket for Brighton was one for Bournemouth as well - a club in perhaps even greater danger of going out of business. Indeed if Bournemouth were to fold it might even save Brighton from the drop, but this was not a day for such selfishness. People gave generously to both concerns.

Back at the ground we met a Brighton supporter of pensionable age, who spoke with real hatred of Archer, Stanley and Bellotti. He reminded us for how long he had put time, effort and money into Brighton compared with the current regime. But above all he expressed wonder and gratitude at the multitude of different fans that arrived to help HIS club.

The game itself was a unique and uplifting experience. The ground was flooded with shirts and banners of all colours. The noise had to be heard to be believed; the free whistles provided were certainly well used. Large banners were passed above the heads of the people in the crowd. An Eintracht Frankfurt banner was marched up and down in front of the main stand. We stood and chatted to fans from Cambridge and, poignantly, one from the now defunct Maidstone United. A Chelsea fan stood on someone's shoulders and led the crowd in various anti-Archer chanting. We all cheered Brighton on. It was easy to see Hartlepool as the fall-guys in this match, with everyone (bar Hartlepool fans presumably) rooting for Brighton, but I'm sure most of their fans saw the point. Hartlepool fans recently asked their club's season ticket holders to pay at the tunrstiles, so serious is their own crisis. Fans of many of the lower division clubs had "it could be us" at the back of their minds, I'm sure.

This was an occasion about as far removed from the ideals of the Premiership, Champions League and other assorted money-fests as one could get. Unsurprisingly one of the organisers told us the worst response had been from Manchester United. There is little to link them and the likes of Brighton these days.

But what a success! Fans United was an occasion for football supporters from all corners of the land to show solidarity with Brighton. Solidarity against a board callous enough to sell the Goldstone Ground without any sound plan for a replacement. Solidarity against the kind of bad ownership that leaves a once successful club close to dropping out of league football altogether. Most of all, solidarity in the sentiment "Archer Out!" And I think we proved our point...

(Oh, by the way, the match ended Brighton 5 Hartlepool 0)

[Eddie the Seagull]

I'd only been out of hospital 6 weeks after spending 5 weeks unconcious in intensive care.

So even though I was still very weak I had a blinding time in the North Stand.

Fucking amazing day with all the different colours, atmosphere, result.

My best ever day at the Goldstone (along with Doncaster).

[Deadly Danson]

Best Albion day ever bar none. Travelled down from Norwich for the game and was genuienly emotional chatting to other fans from other clubs at the back of the North Stand. I specifically remember a Fulham fan asking me if the atmosphere was always like this and the great surges when we scored and the same Fulham fan seeming genuinely ecstatic at the goal. The atmopshere was unbelievable and knowing at the end of the season that those 5 goals had made all the difference made it all the more poignant.

Quality times.

[Zeitgeist]

Prior to the game, I had wondered if it would be some kind anti-climax. Walking down Old Shoreham road from the Hove park tavern proved me SO wrong! Through the fog, the sight of the march around the ground being led by the Eintract Frankfurt fans sent a shiver down the spine. That was the day that the three C:censored:S running the club MUST have realised the game was up for them. That day is right up there in my all time Albion greatest moments. Craig Maskell scored a hat trick that day. He took a fair amount of stick that season for his so called lack of effort. The 14 or so goals he scored that season probably kept us in the league though?

[Seagull's Return]

I remember seeing the fog in the morning and thinking, shit - hope it isn't called off...

I remember also that Eintracht Frankfurt bloke with the hat and flag, was his name Wolf? Top man! Plus all those colours - loads of Charlton - and the amazing atmosphere in the North Stand. Remember Vialli leading the singing? And poor old Hartlepool in their fog-coloured shirts, getting tonked and handing us a lifeline not just for League status, but for the existence of the club.The whole, incredible day is etched forever into my heart, and I expect the same's true for most of us.

Richard Vaughan - friend of the Albion, and of football everywhere.:clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

[The Large One]

Actually, I haven't put my memories up here yet.

I remember sending messages to a Doncaster fan before the game, and he was raving about Colin Cramb, and he would be wearing a Donny shirt with Cramb's name on the back. Never got to meet up with him - even though he did turn up. He was gob-smacked when I spoke to him the following week.

It was just brilliant the day. We were queueing to get into the North Stand when about three or four Wimbledon fans opened the exit gate, and there must have been about 500 people just piled into the ground.

I stood in the North next to a Spurs fan, a Watford fan, a few Charlton fans and a couple of Stoke City fans. The Eintracht fans were friends of Attila's. I think they were staying on his floor while they were in England. I saw the Rea Madrid flag over in the West Stand.

I had made some simple A3 posters saying 'Archer Out', Bellotti Out' and 'Boycott Focus DIY' with the Brighton badge faded into the background. You can see people holding them up on the back of 'Build a Bonfire'.

Talking of which, the gusto with which that song was sung by - well - everyone was just emotional. Don't remember a hugh amount about the game except for Craig Maskell kissing the ball and hoofing it into the crowd. He did that after the game as well. :lolol: You could clearly tell how much it meant to the players... At times, you did wonder.

Best day at The Goldstone since possibly the 6th Round win against Norwich in 83. Easily beats the 1991 game against Ipswich for importance. It gave a platform from which to launch our survival. I could be wrong, but I don't think we lost at The Goldstone after that - ever.

Brilliant day but in a way, I hope we don't have to do it again - not for our benefit anyway.

Thanks Richard - may your team have a moderate amount of success this season!

[Bwian]

Absolutely monumental day and without a doubt THE very best Albion moment ever.

Apart from the importance of the day to the Albion, it proved that true football fans have no desire to fight each other. Spurs and Gooners, Liverpool and Blue Noses, Ipswich and Norwich-all walking along Old Shoreham Road together, as if it was the normal thing to do.

Football fans' finest hour without any doubt-shame the football authorities took no notice of what was really happening that day. They continue to kiss the backsides of the ManUres, bend over backwards to preserve Leeds but don't give a shit about the likes of us, Bury, Notts County, etc., etc.

Fans United-anybody that was there will never forget the day, the friendliness, the unity or the emotions. I know I never will.

Richard Vaughan and fans from all other clubs who helped us that day...

:clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :clap: :cheers: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown: :bowdown:

[¡Cereal Killer!]

If any1 can read german then http://www.uebersteiger.de/26/brighton.htm
i can read a little german but couldnt be bothered to read

[Shizuoka Dolphin]

I wasn't there becuase I was an idiot.

[Trotster]

Just re-read this thread again - It reminds me of so many good days down at the Goldstone, the days when you never knew if we would be playing there again teh following saturday and the days when the week before the game, new and different ways of protesting were being thought up and organised. Fans United was amazing and reading this thread, i got shivers down my spine, I kinda wish we could have that day again - although obvioulsy dont want it to be in the same circumstances.

Fantastic

[SeagullSimon]

R.I.P Goldstone :bowdown:

[Lampton]

I remember meeting up with family (west country seagulls) and joining a QUEUE! well, hadn't had to do that for ages, i could even sometimes sit on the north stand terrace and watch the games. i stood in front of some norwich fans and had a chat. they hadn't been able to get a programme and in a fit of niceness and thanks for their effort, i handed them my programme for free (bit gutted now that i don't have it in my collection). superb charlton and wimbledon fans are my lasting memory. still brings a shudder and tear to my girly eye to this day. football is a family and unless you have experienced the crap, you can't appreciate the success. premiership -nah! give me slightly boring footy. in the pouring rain, sitting in an outdoor stand in a twee atheletics stadium watching the team i love anyday.:

moo: :moo: :moo:

[Set of Tracksuits]

there will never be another day like that one. i just remember wanting to shake hands with everyone i met, reading all the messages in hove park, seeing hundreds of people coming down old shoreham road all wearing different club colours.

brilliant.

[chemical brother]

I can't believe it was 7 years ago, that's fucking depressing.

I missed the game to go and see a mate of mine in hospital, but my mate who's a hartlepool fan travelled down and was in the away end (I didn't know him then) and he never stops banging on about what a great day it was.

xx

[Wozza]

Originally posted by Martlet
RAGE ONLINE
United Colours of Football

The idea of "Fans United" came not from a Brighton fan, but from a teenage Plymouth fan. It quickly sprang into reality.

Yeah, like it just happened! :lolol:

How it actually happened (http://www.wordrepublic.com/albion/fansunited/index.html)

PS Someone should change the subject header to something more meaningful - I've only just noticed this thread.

[Trotster]

Just read that link Wozza - fantastic documentation of the build up. its well worth reading the fans views as well - nearly cried when i remembered how we sung 'you'll never walk alone'

[Wozza]

Merci!

[Citrus]

Originally posted by The Northstander
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/bmlss/brighton.gif

:angel: :angel: Rip Goldtone!:angel: :angel:

Great picture. Makes The Goldstone look massive!:clap2: :clap2: :clap2:

(I was there too by the way):)

[Lord Bracknell]

That's an amazing archive, Wozza.

Complete with what I presume is the "original" message from Richard Vaughan:-

I see the scum FA have now taken 2 points who do they think they are they wouldn`t do this to Man United. It makes me sick what is happening to your club and it`s an insult to your fans. I`m a Plymouth fan and I think that one week when we`re away I`m going to come up and support your protest. I think it would be a good idea if LOADS of fans from different clubs turned up at Brighton (with their shirts on) and joined in it would show that we`re all behind you 100%
Richard Vaughan - ENGLAND - Wed, Dec 11, 1996 at 23:31:32

:clap: :clap: :clap:

[Kent Seagull]

Originally posted by Nathan Cook
If any1 can read german then http://www.uebersteiger.de/26/brighton.htm
i can read a little german but couldnt be bothered to read

Translated with the Google translator. The Engish is a bit odd but you can get the gist of it.

http://translate.google.com/translate?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.u ebersteiger.de%2F26%2Fbrighton .htm&langpair=de%7Cen&hl=en&ie=ISO-8859-1&prev=%2Flanguage_tools

[Woodingdean Gull]

This deserves to back at the top. For anyone who hasn't done so, read Wozza's links, all of them.

[Superphil]

For me memories of the mix of people, a group Of PNE fans next to us, they were missing their own game to be there.

Scousers behind us.

City, Villa and Baggies all coming down together in the same car.

I also remember some unlikely shirt swapping, can't rememebr who, might have been Man U and City fans.

Have a look at these if you need a memory jogger.

http://www.clubsincrisis.com/images/FansUnited2.jpg

http://www.clubsincrisis.com/images/ttiao2.jpg

[The Large One]

Shouldn't really laugh, but Attila the Stick brokers in the German translation was quite funny.

Should we have a Fans United day at the opening match at Falmer? It would be a great way of thanking those that supported us back in those dark days.

[Yorkie]

Originally posted by The Large One
Shouldn't really laugh, but Attila the Stick brokers in the German translation was quite funny.

Should we have a Fans United day at the opening match at Falmer? It would be a great way of thanking those that supported us back in those dark days.

That had been going through my mind too. I have already asked if this thread can go into NSC Gold when it has finished.

As a fan in exile who wasn't able to be there these posts are amazing.

[looney]

Originally posted by The Large One
Should we have a Fans United day at the opening match at Falmer? It would be a great way of thanking those that supported us back in those dark days.

Agree, great thread.

[attila]

It was indeed a fantastic day. The Ubersteiger is the St. Pauli fanzine - there were supporters from about 9 German clubs there in all, organised by BAFF (the German Football Supporters' Association) and they gave us huge support on both Fans United days and in many other various activities surrounding the battle against the scum. I still see them on my regular tours over there. The Eintracht guy was called Rolf - he is a really good bloke.

[The Large One]

:bounce: :bounce: :bounce:

[Storer68]

Bit more nostalgia..................... ...

From: Warren Chrismas <102212.234@C...> From: Warren Chrismas <102212.234@C...>
Date: Thu Jan 1, 1970 4:59 am
Subject: Fans United text (repost)

::: Posted by Warren Chrismas <102212.234@C...>
::: Auto-reply posts to Seagulls list - not just to sender
::: Please edit out unnecessary text in replies

Don't you just hate that? When Microsoft Word f**ks around with text, that is.
Here's the Fans United copy again - without the messy bits. I'll make proper
changes to the text later today and post version 2 tomorrow.

Cheers,

Warren



[START]
Never before has a group of supporters needed the help of others so much. Please
come to the Goldstone Ground on February 8th, wearing the colours of YOUR club.
This is not about supporting Brighton & Hove Albion for the day. It's about
supporting fellow football fans in their hour of need.

F A N S U N I T E D
Saturday February 8th, Goldstone Ground, 3PM
Brighton & Hove Albion v Hartlepool United

Help Save Brighton, Help Save Football

Has your club ever been brought to its knees by Directors that care more about
money than football?
Ever faced the threat of losing your ground?
Ever been shafted by the FA?
Ever been branded as 'thugs' by the tabloids?
Ever supported a team that doesn't stand a chance on the pitch when the 'team'
in the boardroom is so incompetent?
Got local councillors and MPs who have done nothing or next-to-nothing to help
your cause?

If you've answered 'yes' to any of the above then you know what fans of Brighton
& Hove Albion are going through. We're battling against ALL of the above, with
the nightmare of total extinction becoming increasing likely as each week
passes.

You think that the English Football League needs clubs like Brighton & Hove
Albion? Well, right now Brighton & Hove Albion supporters need people like YOU.


WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT FANS UNITED? FULL DETAILS FOLLOW BELOW

*Fans United? What's it all about?
We are asking fans of clubs all over the country (and beyond!!!) to put aside
their own club allegiances for a day, to come to the game at the Goldstone
Ground on February 8th in a massive show of solidarity against the Brighton
board and against greed and corruption in football as a whole.

*Why the game against Hartlepool United?
February 8th has been chosen because there are no Premiership games and a
restricted First Division programme on this day due to the World Cup qualifiers
taking place during the following week.

*Why is all this necessary?
As you are no doubt aware (and if you're not, click here!) [LINK HERE], Brighton
& Hove Albion Football Club is on the verge of extinction thanks to the efforts
of a team of morally corrupt businessmen who appear to care about money more
than the club or the sport.

Albion fans have tried (almost) everything possible to oust the present regime
and to prompt the English FA into doing something. We've forced a game to be
abandoned (the so-called 'riot' at the end of last season), we've held-up games
with peaceful on-pitch demonstrations (and, thanks to the FA, lost 2pts in the
process), we've protested outside Archer's home in Lancashire and Bellotti's
House in Eastbourne, we've marched through London to the FA headquarters, we've
organised petitions, we've written letters to everyone involved, we've organised
whistle protests and much more besides.

These protests have gained us media attention all over the world (we've had
coverage everywhere from mainland Europe to the United States, Australia and
beyond), but in one way they can all be considered failures - the board remains
in place, the FA has yet to do anything truly constructive and the club is
edging closer towards extinction as each week passes.

*So why involve fans of other clubs?
Because it's become increasing obvious over the last few months - primarily
though the entries in the Campaign Guestbook [LINK HERE] - that it's not just
Albion fans that care about the welfare of Brighton & Hove Albion, but
supporters of clubs all over the world (including fans of our supposed 'rivals'
such as Crystal Palace, Millwall, Fulham and Portsmouth).

Many supporters clearly have a soft-spot for Brighton (the club and the town)
whilst many are worried about the future of their own clubs and lower division
football as a whole.

The reoccurring question is "How can I help?" and when a Plymouth Argyle fan
suggested that we invite everyone to the Goldstone in a massive show of support,
we found the answer. A number of other supporters backed the idea, and so we
(Internet Seagulls) came up with a suitable date and set the ball rolling,
seeking to gain as much publicity for the event as possible.

*What incentive is there to come?
Not only will you be helping the cause of beleaguered Albion supporters, you'll
also be sending a message to the authorities and the money men, that the FANS
are that most important thing in football, that we will not be toyed with and
that we will not allow lower division clubs to die.

As if that wasn't enough (!!), keep in mind also that, as it's due to be
demolished in May, this could well be your last chance to visit the Goldstone
Ground (a ground which, judging by the messages in the Campaign Guestbook, holds
a special place in many people's hearts).

*Will there be other football-events on the day?
Hopefully, yes. The Brighton & Hove Albion Supporters' Club is currently working
on organising locally-based spin-off events. More details will be posted here
soon.

*Will there be any 'trouble' at the game?
By attending the event, fans will be showing that they truly care about
football, so the chances of hostilities between sets of fans are extremely slim.
Besides, when was the last time you saw a 92-sided battle!!

*Will there be on-pitch demonstrations during the game?
Hopefully not. We will be gaining enough media attention on the day without
resorting to further protests. You may, however, wish to bring along a whistle!

*What happens if the game is postponed?
The chances of the Football League, or Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club
itself, postponing the game to disrupt the protest, are thought to be slim. The
authorities presume that we would simply move the event to another day... and
they're right!!! If the game is called off for any reason, come back to these
pages or watch the mainstream media for more information.

*Can I pre-book tickets for the game?
[Can anyone answer this!?!]

*What if too many people attend Fans United?
This is currently thought to be unlikely. A typical attendance at the Goldstone
Ground is around 5,000. The current capacity (when the East terracing is open,
as it should be on the day) is at least 10,000. That's enough space for 55 extra
supporters from each of the other Premiership and Football League clubs.
Whatever, come early to avoid disappointment!!!

*I've heard that you only want 20 fans from each club?
No. Several newspapers and news services (all via one source) misquoted a news
release. We used the 20 figure as an example, pointing out the fact that if just
a few fans (20) came from every other club, we'd have a significant amount of
extra supporters (almost 2,000) present on the day. Obviously, we want as many
fans to attend as possible, and from ANY club.

*Are celebrities likely to attend?
TV and Radio presenters Danny Baker and Chris Evans have both stated publicly
that they will be attending, as has Helen XXXXX [FILL HERE] of SKY TV's Soccer
AM. We are currently approaching other celebrities as well as ex-Albion players.

Quick plug: Tune into Danny Baker's Baker Line, Radio 5 Live, Wednesday nights,
10-11pm. It's the best football-related radio show around and he's a top geezer.

*Isn't this Fans United thing just putting money into the pockets of Archer and
co?
Yes, but it will be small feed compared to the tax bill that they are about to
face. All the same, visiting fans are encouraged not to buy anything -
souvenirs, or food or drink - in the ground or club shop.

*Has anything like Fans United been done before?
To our knowledge, no. As far as we are aware, this is the first time that
supporters of all clubs have been asked to come together and protest as one.
We'll all be making history.

*If it's a success, will there be similar events in the future?
Probably not at Brighton. However, if supporters of other clubs wish to organise
similar events, be it this season, next season or further in the future, we
would be more than happy to help or advise in any way we can.

*How do I get to the Goldstone Ground?
By Car:
>From the East (and Europe!): [FILL HERE]
>From the West: [FILL HERE]
>From the North: [FILL HERE]
Parking: [FILL HERE]

By train:
>From London: [FILL HERE]
Nearest station: Hove [FILL HERE]

*Who is organising Fans United?
ALL Brighton & Hove Albion-related supporters groups and fanzines are joining
together to ensure that the event is a success. However, the key players at this
time are Internet Seagulls, the Brighton & Hove Albion Supporter's Club and
Seaside Sega.

If you require more information please e-mail Warren Chrismas
(warren@e...) or Gary Crittenden (gjc@e...) with the
words 'Fans United Query' in the subject line. See you on Feb 8th!!!
[END]


/ Sent by the Seagulls list for fans of Brighton & Hove Albion /
/ For help send email to: seagulls-request@t... :with /
/ the word: info :on a line on its own in your message's body. /
/ For human help email: rkh2@u... : World Wide Web sites: /
/ Seagulls Server:....... http://homepages.enterprise.net/gjc /
/ Albion Web: http://www.aber.ac.uk/~bmh1/seagulls/index.html /

[Trigger]

Unfortunately i wasn't allowed in thanks to some twat... (we all know who)

I did watch from the gardens tho behind the East Terrace, i remember the atmosphere being great, so many colours of different teams, i remeber one Chelsea fan who seemed to be off his head! A marvellous day for football.

I think it was also the day i smooched Helen Chamberlain lol

[Emily's Mum]

I still get a shiver down my spine when I think of that day. My best friend died the day before & I didn't feel well enough to go to the game, but I did. I nearly didn't get in the ground as the turnstiles weren't built for ladies who were 6 months pregnant!

I stood on my old spot at the back of the North Stand & I can honestly say that I can't remember much of the match (fog & having to go the loo all the time!)

I cried at the end of the game, it was to be my last time ever standing in the North Stand. I met a group of Charlton fans who looked after me so well, what a top bunch of supporters :clap:

That game restored my faith in human nature somewhat. If all of those fans could travel to Brighton to help us, then I was going to do the same, I hardly missed another match that season. I think I was part of something unique & the memories will live on forever.

[Wozza]

Originally posted by Storer68
Bit more nostalgia..................... ...

Date: Thu Jan 1, 1970 4:59 am
Subject: Fans United text (repost)


Er... would prefer it if you didn't post my emails on NSC.

The finished version of that document is here anyway: http://www.wordrepublic.com/albion/fansunited/fuwebsite.html

Cheers.

[alan partridge]

Originally posted by The Large One
Shouldn't really laugh, but Attila the Stick brokers in the German translation was quite funny.

Should we have a Fans United day at the opening match at Falmer? It would be a great way of thanking those that supported us back in those dark days.

that thought had crossed my mind too. doncaster perhaps, or maybe even hartlepool just so they know it wasn't personal:lolol:

or, there's bound to be other clubs in trouble whenever (touch wood) falmer is built, so we should get one of them along

lovely stuff

[mona]

Sadly a lot of idealism and unity have gone. Following the Albion away now results in a lot of abuse about the fact that some gay people have made Brighton their home. Albion fans then abuse the locals ....and so on.

On a positive note the community trust idea of football ownership is a good thing.

The FA are still a shambles and were acquiescent in the more recent blatant asset stripping of York. Let's hope some of the unity of 96/97 might return. Strangely there was a large group of Tranmere fans alongside me on that day.

[The Large One]

Originally posted by Lord Bracknell
That's an amazing archive, Wozza.

Complete with what I presume is the "original" message from Richard Vaughan:-

Richard Vaughan - ENGLAND - Wed, Dec 11, 1996 at 23:31:32

:clap: :clap: :clap:

What the hell was a 15 year old doing up at that hour - on a schoolday? :nono: No dobut trying to influence the minds of the diseased cretins. Looks like it worked.

Anyone know what he's doing now? Is he going to be at Withdean at the end of January for our match against PAFC? I am sure a few people would like to buy him a drink - although it would hardly be fair if EVERYONE did.

[The Large One]

Originally posted by mona
Sadly a lot of idealism and unity have gone. Following the Albion away now results in a lot of abuse about the fact that some gay people have made Brighton their home. Albion fans then abuse the locals ....and so on.

On a positive note the community trust idea of football ownership is a good thing.


That sort of stuff was going on back then as well...

[mona]

With the game being televised shouldn't Richard Vaughan be invited along as a guest of honour when we play Plymouth. This would be good publicity for both clubs. I really feel that we have lost a lot of the spirit of Fans United. I don't expect to be great pals with opposing fans but when we play away now most Albion chants are not about getting behind the team but are small-minded abuse aimed at the home fans. No wonder we've become an unpopular club!
Fans United was something special and we must remember that we are still in a very dodgy situation as a club and that fans have less say in the game now than they did ten years back.
Can anyone help in finding Richard Vaughan and offering him the genuine gratitude he deserves.

[mona]

Reading through everybody's memories of the day again has cheered me up. I suppose this is why I have supported the Albion for forty years.
It just seems such a pity that nothing was learned from Archer Stanley and Bellotti asset stripping us.
Thank God for Uncle Dick! Where is Richard Vaughan now?

[The Large One]

Shameless :bounce: :bounce: :bounce: