Daz Smith – Leicester City – Baby Squad

 

Lifelong Leicester fan and drummer from B Squadron joined us at Awayday Radio for a chat about the casual scene.

Hiya Daz, Right firstly how did you get into football and when?

I first got into football like most other lads I suspect, going to watch your team with your dad as a young boy, then as I got older I seemed to be more interested in the crowd and what they were doing than the football, it wasn’t long before I was old enough to go to football on my own and very quickly became involved in the hooligan side of the game.

 

What was your first memory of trouble at a football match?

First memory of trouble at a game was late 70 s against Sunderland on the club car park, I was with my dad I was only about 13…… Scared me to death.

 

When did you become a football casual?

I became involved in the casual scene later than most, to be honest around 84, I was a skinhead prior to this, and I was getting more and more involved in the violence most weeks so it was a natural progression to get the casual look most other lads had got.

 

Who are your main rivals?

Main rivals I would say are Coventry City, certainly works for most of the lads anyway.

 

What was your biggest battle with them?

Had a few good Un’s with Coventry to be honest, early 80’s at Highfield Road, one of our boys got 90 tickets in the home end, it all kicked off obviously and then it spilled onto the pitch the game got stopped for several minutes, went off proper after the game also.

Then more recently 2007 an arranged meet in Earlsdon on the outskirts of Coventry at 10.00 o clock in the morning prior to the game, around 100 were fighting in the street outside the pub, the incident ended up with a few getting jailed and long football banning orders,  myself included.

 

 

Who else did you have a big battle with?

We have had rows with most mobs over the years, had some good off’s with Chelsea home and away, 89 at Leicester was especially naughty.

 

Who have you come unstuck against?

You don’t win um all trust me, although some of the books written would suggest otherwise. One dark memory for me was derby away mid 90’s on a Sunday, we took a coach just one way, landed in Derby town centre and got a fuckin good hiding to be honest!

And again after the game on route to the train station.

Bad day at the office.

 

Name 5 firms you rate and why?

I rate all firms on the day, never underestimate any fucker.  I’ve got no top 5 because it all changes season after season.

However a special mention to Derby, Villa, Sheff Wednesday, Wolves.

These mobs always come for it irrespective of their numbers to Leicester.

 

What clobber do you wear down the match?

I’m afraid I’m still a stone island dinosaur even at 55! If it’s done right there ain’t nothing better.

 

What was your music scene on your awayday?

Music for me as always been punk rock & Oi, not the norm for a football casual, but it’s what I love.

Leicester city means everything to me, I love the casual scene, but I’m also the drummer in the Leicester punk/Oi band B SQUADRON, absolutely love being in this band, we are currently working on our second album.

 

And lastly, tell us what you enjoyed about being a football casual?

I love the casual scene, love the look, oneupmanship, Distinctly knowing who’s who sort of thing,

And of course the camaraderie within your group. You make life long family friends within the scene.

 

Thanks, Daz. It’s been a pleasure chatting to you!