ABSTRACT
This study explores aspects of the culture of the soccer crowd from the 1880s to 1930. Evidence is presented showing a range of characteristics of the crowd, with an emphasis on the ‘Cup crowd’ encompassing features present in the present-day crowd including the wearing of club colours, the presence of mascots and vocal contributions. Collective contributions (war cries, chants and songs) are examined in detail and this is followed by an in-depth review of singing by Swansea Town fans in the 1920s. This reveals that modern popular songs were just as important as traditional music to the club’s fans. They adapted the words of one popular song as a eulogy to their star player and developed actions such as the ringing of a bell and the waving of handkerchiefs to accompany others. These special songs helped create a sense of identity and ownership amongst the fans of the club.
