That's brilliant Famous. Knew you used to go in the 70's & 80's, but didn't know any of that. Were you at Anfield in '89? Being at Old Trafford was one thing, but whenever i watch that game back, it really must've been something else being there that night.
Guv used to be what AM was all about. Amongst the brilliant posters, we also had the characters, and he was definitely one of them. Used to love reading his posts in the "View from..." threads, along with Rocky, Marco, Exiled et al. It was brilliant, especially how i was travelling to these away games with my old man from the age of 12-18 (i think i joined AM at 16), yet reading and taking in something completely different to my match day experience. It's not that my dad wanted me to have the "family experience" (ergh), but he obviously didn't want me getting too close to any action, although you would often witness it. Guv'nor wasn't afraid to speak his mind, and i guess that ultimately got him banned.
Used to love being on the away scheme and following the Arse up and down the country. Even at such a young age, used to feel such a community amongst those who travelled. The buzz of walking down Seven Sisters to WHL is something that cannot be matched. I think my first trip to WHL was in 99, so i would've been 12. Obviously my old man wouldn't let me wear colours, and it was always one of those things you didn't quite understand til you experienced it. By the time i was 15, i was well experienced at avoiding all trouble and going "undercover". It's these experiences that drive the sheer hatred for everything and anything Spurs, and also why i've perhaps been fascinated by such stories like your own Famous, since an early age. I remember coming out of Stamford Bridge after Kanu's hat-trick. I had nothing on to suggest i was an Arsenal fan, but had a Nike rainjacket on. The amount of abuse i got was unreal.
Having to quit the scheme was the one downsides of going to University, as well as my Mum and Dad going through a pretty rough divorce. Hopefully be able to get back on that soon. However, expect to see me on the pitch at the City of Manchester should that cunt do anything similar to last season. I'm in Row 3, so he should be easy pickings!