It takes two to tango, and Millwall were always down to dance. The ‘Bushwhackers’ would take on any firm in the country, including those who followed rivals West Ham United.
Former top boy Bill Gardner, a long-time hooligan-turned-author, has a plethora of stories he’s gained from facing the Millwall mob.
From 600-man fights to rushing into a scrap all on his lonesome, Gardner’s experiences whilst being part of a firm detail just how prevalent hooliganism used to be.
READ MORE: 'I joined Millwall hooligans – 300 thugs came at us with bottles & golf clubs, but we won'
READ MORE: 'I was a Millwall hooligan – these are the five toughest rival firms we ever fought with
“I’m not a violent person; I just stood my ground”, said Gardner, as featured in the 2004 book Terrace Legends by Cass Pennant and Martin King.
“I was coming home from Chelsea away in the early '70s. We pulled in at Whitechapel train station, and some Millwall were on the platform. The doors opened, and they jumped on and started slapping a few young West Ham fans about.
“I steamed into them thinking that the rest of our boys on the train would back me up, but no, I ended up steaming into them on my own.
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“Plus, losing a game – being relegated has to be the worst feeling of all. If you follow my team, then these things happen. But the spineless way we went down in the 2002/3 season and taking into account the squad of players we had.”
West Ham’s 10-year-stint in the top flight came to an end that year, despite the likes of Jermain Defoe, Michael Carrick and Paolo Di Canio, and finishing on a now-safety-detailing 42 points.
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“I think Millwall [were the toughest] when I think of some of those games we played,” Gardner added. “More than 300 on each side, you know what I mean, when we went over there they used to all turn out and I’ve got nothing but respect for them, I think they are all alright.
“It’s just a free-for-all all really; as they say in the film Zulu, ‘mark your target’ when they come, you know what I mean. You know the one you are going to have."
He also detailed how hooliganism was cracked down on as part of the Met Police's Operation Fulltime, as part of which Gardner was arrested.
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“The retirement of the faces involved helped stop it all. And CCTV cameras and the use of police spotters have helped stop it spreading further.
“In terms of songs, 'Bubbles' is the best”, added Gardner, as he recalled the affinity he had for his club anthem, “I know 'Bubbles' is our song, but it's a bit of a defeatist song. I also like 'You'll Never Walk Alone' – it's a great rousing football song.
“I don't go a lot of songs about Munich '58 and Aberfan. I don't like Man. United, but these types of songs are in bad taste. I wouldn't like to hear songs badmouthing Bobby Moore.”
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