simonwilton
- Dec 8, 2022
- 3 min read

gav aka the casual sniper

Today proper football caught up with gav for a chinwag about casuals, football. & Music.

Thanks for joining us at Proper Football. Let's start with you telling us a bit about yourself.

It's a pleasure, names Gav, aka the Casual Sniper, Dad, Grandad, ineligible bachelor (laughs) sober alcoholic who's loving life again without the booze.

Who's your team and how did you first start supporting them?

Pompey, basically it became the thing to do & place to be seen as a teenager.

When and why did you first get into Casual culture?

Same time as I got hooked on Pompey, you had to look half decent Ya know!!

In your opinion who/where did casual start?

No comment really, it's still alive and kicking, that's all that matters.

Favourite piece of terrace attire?

Lois cords.

Least favourite trend you've witnessed on the terraces?

Can't say there was one back in the day, now it's that whole wearing all black thing.

Is there anything you would love to own but just can't get your hands on it.

Yeah, well not exactly own but a woman who loves the whole casual scene.... a man can dream.

There's a lot of newer independent clothing labels popping up all the time. Anything that struck you that stands out from the rest?

Think it would be unfair to pinpoint one, complete kudos to all those who truly are "keeping it casual".

I see you're into your Scooters. Did you ever consider yourself a Mod?

Nope, never, always a casual.

Britain has seen many subcultures come and go, in your opinion what is it about the Casual movement that keeps it still going?

I think with the casual scene there's no steadfast rules, no uniform, you're the casual you want to be.

In our opinion the music has always been an important part of Terrace Culture. What would be your favourite tunes for a match day?

Back in the day in the "Barn" at Pompey it was always the Jam belting out.

Do you have a favourite album/single of all time?

The Liberty of Norton Folgate, love a bit of old London. Single. Ian Browns El Mundo Pequeno,

Proper chill out tune.

Favourite band/artist?

Ian Brown (he hates the establishment just like me)

Any bands/artist that you feel are part of Terrace Culture?

Open to each Casuals interpretation.

Any up-and-coming bands you can recommend?

Too busy listening to my old stuff.

Did you get into the dance music scene in the late 80's/ early 90's?

Yup, 89 was the best summer of my life, was basically nocturnal & raved my arse off. That era of illegal raves will never be seen again... legendary times for all those who luckily lived it.

On to a bit about the football... sum up your team's season so far.

Pompey as a team to follow and I parted years ago, long story. I'm still Pompey, it's in my blood but the club itself has become timid compared to the great terrace days of old, Ruined!

Do you still attend games regularly?

Yes, but not Pompey.