Firsly let me put my tin hat on.

Looking around the airport book shop a couple of weeks ago for something to read on the plane, I stumbled across a copy of "These Colours dont run", by Derek Dykes. A couple of years ago I read Hibs Boy, and was intrigued to see the difference, if any, in the stories. The other thought was that during the early 80s and through the 90s, I never missed many matches, home or away, and it would be good to reminisce. Overall there was lots of similarities between the 2 books, but TCDR had a lot more humour, even although the majority of the stories were about violence, as you would expect.

I actually enjoyed TCDR. It was light reading, mentioned loads of matches I'd attended, and brought back lots of memories. It got me thinking about how I reacted during the "casual" era, and although I was not part of it, it was suddenly fashionable to wear decent gear to matches, and stop wearing colours.
It seemed easier going to Ibrox, Parkhead, and Tynecastle with no colours, and there is no doubt that was due to the fact that although my mates and I were not associated with the casual movement, looking like them to opposing supporters was no bad thing, although you did get more attention from Stewards and Police. The other thing that got me on Derek Dykes side, was that he was at pains to stress that violence was almost always against other groups and pre- arranged. For me personally, attending many of the games he talks about, I honestly cant remember seeing much trouble.

So, how did I feel about the CCS? Probably glad that it seems to have disappeared, but left with a strange pride that they were seen as No.1, and that most of the guys who were part of it, have grown into men, and are still big Hibbys who attend the majority of the games.

Would be interesting to hear others views, and yes the tin hat is now securely fastened!.