Old photos

[VAL1850]

Good article here from DM featuring various old grounds before and after including the Goldstone

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...wed-grounds-day-buildings-long-fans-left.html

 

[Sussaxon]

I thought Euro 96,but obviously Hereford was 1997 but still loads of Union Jack flags on show.
Maybe our flag expert [MENTION=29098]Sussaxon[/MENTION] could help with an answer.

Yes, Euro 96 was the turning point. With England hosting the tournament, and with Scotland in England's group it was felt that something more English was necessary to represent England by supporters. A campaign ran by the media was started to get more supporters to take St George's Crosses to the England games. England had always been officially represented by the Cross of St George at international games, you just have to see the opening ceremony of the 1966 World Cup, and the TV graphics at the 1990 World Cup. I believe most people took along Union Jacks to England games because it was widely-available, most recognisable and the St George's Cross was associated with the Far-Right. However, the media campaign in 1996 removed this stereotype, and hence all the St George's crosses today.

 

[happypig]

The lad in the middle in the white jumper seems to be waiting for smartphones to be invented