I loved Shades. I was first an under-age patron in about 1982, the first of 100's of visits over the years, on a well trodden path to clubs. Not the same when a much later refit ripped out the wine bar bit.
I worked with someone from the Dean Hammond age group, who had been released by the Albion when he was 19. He said Cullip was as hard as nails and all of the 16 to 19 youth squad were scared of him. They let him win every tackle in training.
Trained at the gym the same time as Muzza last summer. He smiles and is politely friendly, contrary to one of the haters theories.
Bought cakes and drinks off of the legend Andy Rollings at his Preston Park cafe.