Rebrand: What ‘On The Terraces’ Means For Us

On the Terraces. What does our rebrand even mean? Who has terraces anymore?

Terraces are not a direct reference to the slabs on concrete we grew up on. It means so much more, a culture within a sport, something to belong to. Being ‘on the terraces’ is an admission of being part of something bigger than football. It belongs, feeling at home and shutting the stress outside. It’s a religion with a dress code, practices and rituals that run deeper than watching 90 minutes on a Saturday afternoon if our evil Sky TV overlords allow it.

English football terrace culture is a vibrant phenomenon that transcends the sport, intertwining fashion, music, and social identity in a way that has made it a cornerstone of British cultural history. From its humble beginnings in the working-class neighbourhoods of industrial England to its global influence in the 21st century, the culture surrounding football terraces has evolved into something far greater than a simple spectator experience.

This article explores the key eras of terrace culture, the iconic fashion trends, the soundtrack that has accompanied generations of fans, and what makes this subculture so enduringly special.

The 1960s: The Birth of a Movement

The roots of terrace culture can be traced back to the 1960s when football was cementing its place as the sport of the working class in post-war Britain. The terraces, the standing areas of football stadiums, became the beating heart of this culture. Fans could gather in these places, united by their love for their team and a shared social identity. The sense of community was palpable, and the terraces became a place for self-expression and belonging.

In the 1960s, the culture was still in its infancy, focusing more on fans’ camaraderie than any particular fashion or music trends. The chants and songs that emerged during this period were simple but heartfelt, reflecting the raw passion of the supporters. Football clubs began to develop strong local followings, setting the stage for what was to come.

The 1970s: The Rise of the Casuals

The 1970s marked a significant turning point in terrace culture with the emergence of the “Casual” movement. This era saw the birth of a distinct subculture characterized by a unique sense of style. Casuals were (are) football fans who rejected the traditional football attire of scarves and rosettes, opting instead for high-end designer clothing, often sourced from abroad. Brands like Stone Island, Sergio Tacchini, Fred Perry, and Adidas became synonymous with the movement.

The Casuals were more than just fashion-conscious fans; they were part of a broader social trend that reflected the changing face of Britain. The country was going through economic turmoil, and the Casuals, often from working-class backgrounds, used fashion as a way to assert their identity and status, in the same way as punks, skinheads and mods. The terraces became a catwalk for these fans, where the latest trends were showcased, and rival groups of fans would compete not just in supporting their teams, but in outdressing one another.

The 1980s: The Music Revolution

The 1980s were a defining decade for terrace culture, as music began to play an increasingly important role in shaping the identity of football fans. This was the era when the post-punk and New Wave movements were at their peak, and bands like The Smiths, Joy Division, and The Clash became the soundtrack of the terraces. The music was rebellious and anti-establishment, mirroring the attitudes of many football fans at the time – sometimes a little too much, as violence at grounds became entangled with terrace culture, leading to many mixing up hooligans and Casuals. There are some crossover points, it’s hard to argue against that, but hooliganism was not a cornerstone of the terrace movement.

As music’s influence grew, so did terrace culture’s complexity. The chants became more sophisticated, often borrowing from popular songs. Football stadiums reverberated with the sounds of “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” “Blue Moon,” and “Glad All Over,” as fans adapted these tunes to support their teams. The terraces were no longer just a place to watch football; they had become a stage for a cultural performance that blended sport, music, and fashion.

The 1990s: The Globalization of Terrace Culture

The 1990s saw the globalization of English football and, with it, the spread of terrace culture beyond the borders of the UK. The formation of the Premier League in 1992 brought unprecedented exposure to English football, and fans worldwide began to adopt and adapt the traditions of the terraces.

In the late eighties and early nineties, ecstasy had a big role to play in terrace culture and, indeed, in the slow rejection of hooliganism. Away fans would often travel to other towns and cities not looking for a fight, but instead for a night of dancing and drug taking. There’s a strong argument that ecstasy played a role in the scaling back of hooliganism, although few would say that out loud.

This era also saw the commercialization of football as big money began to flow into the sport. While this brought about changes in the way football was consumed, with more fans watching games on television rather than attending in person, the core elements of terrace culture persisted. The fashion remained a key aspect, with brands like Burberry, Lacoste, and CP Company becoming popular among fans. The music evolved, too, with Britpop bands like Oasis and Blur capturing the spirit of the terraces in their anthems.

The Fashion: From Scarves to Designer Labels

Fashion has always been a crucial component of terrace culture, serving as a means of self-expression and group identity. In the early days, football fans typically wore their team’s scarves and colours as a way of showing their allegiance. However, as the Casuals movement took hold in the 1970s, the fashion on the terraces began to shift dramatically.

The Casuals favoured a more understated look, eschewing team colours in favour of designer labels. This was partly a reaction to the increased policing of football matches, as fans sought to blend in and avoid being targeted by authorities. The clothing was functional and fashionable, with brands like Adidas and Puma producing trainers ideal for navigating the often-treacherous terraces.

As the culture evolved, so did the fashion. The 1980s and 1990s saw the introduction of new brands and styles, with fans increasingly looking to Italy and France for inspiration. Labels like Stone Island, Sergio Tacchini, and Fila became synonymous with terrace culture, as fans sought to distinguish themselves through their clothing. Even today, these brands remain popular among football fans, a testament to their enduring appeal.

The Music: The Soundtrack of the Terraces

Music has always been a central element of terrace culture, providing the soundtrack to the highs and lows of supporting a football team. From the early chants of the 1960s to the anthems of the 1980s and 1990s, music has helped define football fans’ identity.

The 1970s and 1980s were particularly important for the development of terrace music, as fans began to incorporate popular songs into their chants. This was a time of great creativity, with fans taking songs from the charts and adapting them to suit their teams. The Smiths’ “This Charming Man” became a terrace favourite, as did Joy Division’s “Love Will Tear Us Apart.”

The 1990s brought a new wave of music to the terraces, with Britpop bands like Oasis and Blur dominating the charts. Their songs, with their working-class roots and anthemic choruses, were perfectly suited to the football terraces. One thing that reverberates throughout terrace culture is the notion of working-class heroes, grafting in the week and letting loose at the weekend, bound together by their club, their terrace and their mates.

What Makes Terrace Culture So Special?

What sets terrace culture apart is its ability to unite people, regardless of their background or social status. Terraces have always been places where fans can come together to support their team, share their love of music, and express themselves through fashion. This culture has been shaped by the people who participate in it, evolving over time to reflect the changing face of British society.

Terrace culture is also special because of its authenticity. Unlike many aspects of modern football, which have been commercialized and sanitized, the terraces remain a place where fans can be themselves. Whether it’s through their choice of clothing, the songs they sing, or the way they support their team, the terraces offer a space for genuine self-expression.

In an age where football is increasingly driven by money and global interests, terrace culture serves as a reminder of what the sport is really about: passion, community, and identity. It’s a culture that has endured for over half a century and shows no signs of disappearing anytime soon. For many fans, the terraces are not just a place to watch football; they are a home, a place where they belong, and a vital part of their identity.

That’s why we’re becoming ‘On The Terraces’.