Toonarama - The Fans

Through Thin and Thin "Where were you when you were not quite as good as you are now?" is a familiar refrain heard from visiting supporters. Fair comment or not? Toonarama supplies the truth.

On the Pitch - Fans have trodden the turf on a number of occasions in United's history. Sometimes celebrating, sometimes "rioting", sometimes committing a public indecency offence. This article relives some of these arresting encroachments.

The Beginnings [1890s] The first years of the club were characterised by poor attendances and one exasperated director even suggested "they don't deserve to be catered for". This was partly because rival supporters from East and West felt disenfranchised by the collapse of the West and the invasion from the East, but the primitive facilities and the erratic quality of the play also played a part.

A Tremendous framework of excited humanity [1890s] You may have imagined that the Victorian Magpie supporters would be more like a present day Canary; all mild mannered and restrained. Infact, especially on the big occasion they could put the current atmosphere to shame; despite primitive conditions and limited capacity.

The Age of The Toilet Roll [1960s] - There were less of them, but the ones who turned up were certainly having a busy time. This was the decade that brought us invading, chanting, singing, roof climbing, hobnail boot wearing, toilet roll hurling, bottle throwing, fighting hooligans. At least those who stayed at home were given regular TV football for the first time.

Hoolys, Bottles, Toon and Trouble [1960's] It started with kids, schoolyard songs and toilet rolls but ended with skinheads, bottles and knives. It was a story of innocence lost and hooligans gained. Unfortunately it was just the first chapter of a lengthy book

Dick Gilhespy - A preview of the artwork of Dick Gilhespy who has kindly let us display them on Toonarama. If you would like to purchase copies of any of the paintings or would like to see any more of Dick's excellent work why not take a trip to www.fansoffootball.co.uk