This film is part of Free

Shouts for City!

From 'Red and White' Rosemary to 'Zigger Zagger' and veteran Fred Trimble, who has been watching the Potters since 1913: Stoke City's fans are a devoted bunch.

Documentary 1975 26 mins

From the collection of:

Logo for Media Archive for Central England

Overview

At a time when football fans were developing an unsavoury reputation for violent behaviour, Sue Jay attempts to give a more balanced view of football supporters by focussing on Stoke City's followers. The Victoria Ground, the club's historic stadium, has seen many highs and lows since 1878 and in 1975 they were chasing the First Division title. Sue goes 'native' and gets kitted out in red and white to watch the Potters entertain Birmingham City.

Zigger Zagger's real name was John Bayley. His distinctive chant at the Boothen End inspired a play of the same name by Peter Terson for the National Youth Theatre that was later televised by the BBC. Garth Crooks, who is seen at the start of his career with the Stoke City youth team, had a successful playing career and was the first black chairman of the PFA in 1988.