[Albion] Historical BHA fact check - 1970s

[The Large One]

We're doing some filming in Brighton on Friday for another one of these Premier League worldwide media thingies that we never get to see in the UK. They're doing a story on the Brighton / Palace rivalry ahead of the game on the 28th. And we need your help, please.

Legend has it that the 'Seagulls' chant started in the 1970s in the Bosun in West Street (now 'Molly Malone's'?). Is this the case, or was it another drinking establishment? If so, which one - and what's there now?

If the story can't be agreed upon by those old enough to remember, we can always film outside the Seven Stars instead.

Thanks in advance.

 

[seagulls4ever]

I don't know, since I wasn't born. But the consistent theme that is emerging is that overseas coverage of the Premier League is far superior to the domestic coverage, particularly for teams outside the top 6. Is this for NBC?

 

[AZ Gull]

The lads who gave Seagulls their name

....The Seagulls were christened with liberal swiggings of beer on Christmas eve of 1975. Christmas festivities were in full swing in the Bosun pub in West Street, Brighton. A group of Albion fans were analysing their vocal failings after a visit to Crystal Palace and decided how to put things right. Said Jeff Wells of Bowring Way, Brighton: “At Selhurst Park the Palace supporters started chanting ‘Eagles’ and the volume was so loud that we could not sing anything louder than them.”

The cry Dolphins never roll easily off the frenzied lips of even the most ardent fan – even when your team was getting the better of Crystal Palace. The Albion have always tried to develop the seaside theme and in pre-war days were known as Shrimps. Many would suggest the nickname was rather appropriate: they were rather small fry and inclined to be gobbled up by the Football League’s big fish. Added to that, Gillingham were also known as the Shrimps, which complicated things. The re-named Dolphins was intended to develop the local link as the Brighton town crest has them, but it never had popular appeal.

Jeff Walls had the marine connection in mind at this Christmas booze up, when he queried: “What do you call those birds down the seafront?” His mate Lee Phillips chanted “Seagulls” and then the nickname was out. It soon spread around the pub, a favourite meeting place for fans. By February the terraces were picking it up and by the end of the season it caught on good and proper. The police had given a helping hand, as well. A crackdown on behaviour in the North Stand led to migration to other parts. .....

 

[The Large One]

The lads who gave Seagulls their name

Ta. Just checking.

Good enough for me.

 

[Joey Jo Jo Jr. Shabadoo]

I believe some filming has already taken place for this with comedians Stephen Grant and Kevin Day representing the two clubs. Stephen was asking a similar question as the OP on facebook a few weeks ago.

 

[catfish]

Definitely first heard it at the Palace game in Feb '76.

 

[The Large One]

I believe some filming has already taken place for this with comedians Stephen Grant and Kevin Day representing the two clubs. Stephen was asking a similar question as the OP on facebook a few weeks ago.

True. Not sure the Bosun was mentioned. Contemplating doing it outside there, but not if it's too noisy.

 

[Not Andy Naylor]

The Bosun was always the story I’d heard.

I had the impression that the Dolphins nickname first appeared when dolphins were brought into the Aquarium.

But since when were Gillingham ever called the Shrimps?

 

[spence]

Just read the little tag to this thread, very fitting

 

[timbha]

Wasn’t Derek chapman involved?

 

[origigull]

Wasn’t Derek chapman involved?

The Derby County home matchday programme May 2016 has all the facts about the naming of the Seagulls as well as the promotion pull-out Argus in 1979. Just got home from work so no link.

 

[AZ Gull]

The Derby County home matchday programme May 2016 has all the facts about the naming of the Seagulls ....

....which is now available from the recently-added programme archive on the main club website - Derby County matchday programme 2 May 2016

(Page 66 onwards)

 

[origigull]

....which is now available from the recently-added programme archive on the main club website - Derby County matchday programme 2 May 2016

(Page 66 onwards)

Thanks AZ saves me a job.

 

[Grassman]

Just read the little tag to this thread, very fitting

Young Jeff Walls doesn't come out of it very well if you ask me. "What do you call those birds down the seafront?", he supposedly asked. Well, Jeff, what the f*ck do you think they are? Penguins? A hen party from Horsham? No, mate, they're f*cking seagulls. I was born in 1969 and I don't think they were ever called anything else.

 

[origigull]

Young Jeff Walls doesn't come out of it very well if you ask me. "What do you call those birds down the seafront?", he supposedly asked. Well, Jeff, what the f*ck do you think they are? Penguins? A hen party from Horsham? No, mate, they're f*cking seagulls. I was born in 1969 and I don't think they were ever called anything else.

There was a lot of booze being drunk as it was Christmas. The mind fogs after a few pints.

 

[Seagull58]

We're doing some filming in Brighton on Friday for another one of these Premier League worldwide media thingies that we never get to see in the UK. They're doing a story on the Brighton / Palace rivalry ahead of the game on the 28th. And we need your help, please.

Legend has it that the 'Seagulls' chant started in the 1970s in the Bosun in West Street (now 'Molly Malone's'?). Is this the case, or was it another drinking establishment? If so, which one - and what's there now?

If the story can't be agreed upon by those old enough to remember, we can always film outside the Seven Stars instead.

Thanks in advance.

I saw you on the show last Saturday evening chatting to Ian Wright, some guy called Dave and the blonde chick.

 

[The Large One]

I saw you on the show last Saturday evening chatting to Ian Wright, some guy called Dave and the blonde chick.

No you didn't. You saw the other chap.

#FacesForRadio

 

[The Large One]

Just read the little tag to this thread, very fitting

Well, no-one's going to blow yours, are they?

 

[Superphil]

The Shrimps

 

[Harry Wilson's tackle]

The Shrimps

Yep. That was what they were when I first went.

What was the game where we were mocked by away lot (Spurs?) chanting 'seaweed'? Late 70s.

Despite the fact there is no such thing as a seagull, I'm content.

C C C Cider!