Undercover Football Hooligan | Infiltrating the Millwall Firm - The Story Behind ID | JAMES BANNON

In 1995 the movie ID was released, one of the original movies on English football hooliganism. James Bannon is about to give you the full true story behind the movie. James was an undercover cop who infiltrated the notorious Millwall firm and made his way all the way to the top of the organisation. James led a double life, getting in fights, getting arrested, getting found out and even falling in love. You can read the full story in James Sunday Times bestseller, Running with The Firm. I hope you enjoy the episode.
LISTEN to the full episode HERE:
Spotify: spoti.fi/3APG9d8
iTunes: apple.co/3COgsKu

[@LukeGood1018]

You can tell this guy loved being in a firm more than being a copper.

[@sandorhartig3957]

This guy isnt a pig, he could be a proper membrr of den!!!

[@corbybuck8575]

You know it , still wears the gear aswell. I reckon he was a football lad infiltrating the filth !!

[@crotchrottss]

@@corbybuck8575 lol..

[@mcfcrusssinfin6371]

Rockin the stonie an all, you can see his eyes light up when talking about sticky situations

[@usa567hjfth7]

Yeah a was just thinking that.

[@jimtheyid]

So so glad I've found your podcasts, these are absolutely gold. Please keep doing what you do

[@mrpleasurehead]

“So my first night as a Millwall fan, my Sargent has just revealed that he thinks John Fashanu is white and I’ve had my fucking head kicked in” brilliant 😆

[@swiftcee266]

Harry the Dog. Millwall legend..God bless him. Believe he's passed. 'Everyone carries a tool' cracks me up everytime, and launching a one man assault on the Bristol end way back when.

[@mrkipling2201]

There's a couple of things in that Millwall Panorama documentary that made me laugh. When the well spoken narrator says ' Old Bill ' and when one of Millwall's top blokes is talking about not letting any northerners take the piss and we're going up there to do a few geezers, yet they're going to play Bristol Rovers!! Brilliant!! 😂😂

[@navillus15]

@@mrkipling2201 Also when the narrator says, "...There was Harry The Dog, Mat Pat and Winkle," I couldn't help but think that would make a good title for a children's story book.

[@Isleofskye]

I am Millwall and that may have been the midweek game,, that I, also attended, and I, also, went in at THe North Bank by paying at the turnstile but after 60 years this year of actually attending Millwall games since 1962, I have never been involved at all. That night though The 8,000 (?)Millwall end was jammed and there were plenty outside hence me walking around the ground in order to gain admission thru' the Home End. I had my City work suit on, climbed onto the pitch, and walked around smiling with the odd wave to an imaginary friend on the right-hand side as if I was an Arsenal Official, minus a Walkie Talkie. I continued to the Millwall (Clock ) End and revealed my scarf and the Police Officers let me into the Away terrace in front of me:)

[@bettyboo8760]

I was in the north bank with gooners to right about 700, that was sat game , the midweek game was at your gaff...this sat game went of from 11 in morning all evening , every street ! A horse got smashed with lump of wood outside north bank as the whole of the stairs went straight into wall.. I remember the lad in his suit walking past seats waving ...lol

[@20thcenturygamingc64]

Enjoyed that, nice one.

[@steve9542000]

I grew up hating Millwall and their fans, but i have to admit they always turned up at Upton Park in 70s, 80s and 90s when i used to go. Even when they were short handed they never ran. I got to know a few of their oldèr lot years later, good solid lads. ......I dont recall many other clubs nearly as game .back then.

[@mattyknight5599]

They turned up at goodison in the 70s sure those who went won’t forget that terrible day

[@ianrolfe2779]

@@mattyknight5599 still dining out on that one lad? Hows zippy these days

[@mattyknight5599]

@@ianrolfe2779 on that ONE ? 😂😂funny you and don’t no mate he will alright I’m guessing

[@robbie73vespa]

brilliant stuff lad 👏👏👏

[@Watts660]

I read the book a few years ago and loved it, I'm not into football but to be honest I don't think it matters. It's just a really good book and a total insight into football violence and the firms that are involved in it. Thanks for posting this.

[@dontfeedthetroll294]

Watch the movie ID it's based on his story aswell, if you liked the book you'll love the film

[@c.p5757]

Great film and great book. The guy knew how to adapt and survive.

[@johndean4765]

CP YOUR gullible To believe in this Walter Mitty.

[@dontfeedthetroll294]

@@johndean4765 Well you're retarded then to not realize every single bit is 100% true. It was worldwide news when it actually happened and there was a book and 3 different films made about it. For future reference it helps to actually know what you're on about before you incorrectly comment/contradict. Talk about putting your foot in your mouth 😂.

[@brianmclean643]

Went to Millwall in the 80,s with Newcastle, I was 11 year's old,shit my pants, loved Millwall ever since, hope you guys get in the premier League soon

[@henners9747]

Superb interview

[@bradleywilkinson6611]

Loved reading his book. Couldn't put it down.

[@johndean4765]

Bradley Wilkins you loved his book but most of it is fantasy and the rest he found out.

[@desijuice2729]

Can’t wait to read the book !

[@andycameron4722]

Well worth a read

[@antonb28]

Still wearing the stone island he loves it , the passion never goes away gives you goosebumps

[@benitolazio8193]

S.I Is cringe.

[@johnpettigrew83]

Saying that West Ham won the world cup in '66 would have gone down a treat in a Lions pub.

[@CFCseventy]

Great story

[@koont666]

Fucking great story teller ,the flight jacket before he said it was orange inside I was laughing 😂

[@pollardmark]

GREAT Interview ;-) He's got some bottle !! Loved the film.. Gonna buy the book now. Must of been a right laugh trying to nick that clock :-)

[@dannykirton6445]

The clock thing was made up by the press

[@terencegreen3399]

Made up maybe but they put 24 hour security on arsenal clock

[@andycameron4722]

The book is well worth a read

[@raindancerave8521]

Thought I was watching jackanory 😂😂

[@fearlessjoebanzai]

"Two months of quite hard work" - having a couple of pints and a sarnie every day!

[@timcomley3241]

Yeah that will be all he did 🙄

[@fearlessjoebanzai]

@@timcomley3241, sorry, you're right, apparently he had to endure the odd packet of pork scratchings and dry roasted peanuts - oh the horror!

[@dantaylor897]

Are you from NZ Andy? My first time listening im loving it. Fuk that for a laugh goin undercover with that lot

[@darrenwilliams6103]

Filth thinking he's a geezer. Jog on

[@Myer468]

The thing about Millwall is no matter what firm or how many you bring they will still get stuck in and fight. Course Millwall have not win every fight but I can promise you now they will steam in and cause as much damage as possible. That's how Millwall gained such a big reputation.

[@cyrilthesquirrel1546]

ID - loved it - my fiancee at the time wasn't quite so impressed....... but Donna, you did pick it!

[@Ellis_B]

Flippin love you Gumbo

[@Ellis_B]

@Sharks not seen it dude.i can never find anything I wanna watch on Netflix

[@stevew2249]

Good listen ,seem to jump from story to story though what happened after the chemist ?????, he went from going into detail about West Ham hunting him down , to drawing arsenal in the cup

[@acousticmotorbike2118]

I read this book and it was incredible. Loved it.

[@roneriksen5675]

You should be so proud jumbo

[@robertjsmith]

Hilarious,thanks

[@JacobScott0000]

Great show but the audio needs sorting. Compression would be a good idea. So it doesn't jump from quiet to loud

[@lukeallen8224]

This is so funny!

[@FactaNonVerba744]

Been a copper and im Millwall.. can say for fact I can see why he got on so well as a hooligan..least hooligans are loyal and genuine even if they do create carnage! If u have a sense of humour and a good genuine character then def don’t join the police 👌

[@newforestpixie5297]

The last Copper I worked for was only the 2nd customer in my 30 years of self employment to vacuum out the existing & new crap between the joists within the ceiling chambers after I’d notched the joists . He’d fitted the sanitaryware & radiator and chased out the walls for pipework and everything was dead level , equidistant, totally immaculate including his equipment etc. I figured he must be a nightmare to live with then realised the girl making me tea was his new missus….👍

[@dontfeedthetroll294]

*Being

[@benitolazio8193]

Stop lying.

[@TheRugbyPod]

Nutters. What a wild story.

[@ianmiller2969]

Mm

[@thebomb78]

All bullshit

[@nickdavis487]

Oh please Geezer-Really? u like a good bed time STORY?????

[@DavidHalfordsLane]

I remember the Arsenal v Millwall game very well - and the media story about the Clock being taken is 100% true. I was a uniformed PC that day at the Clock End - I remember seeing Frank McLintock on the touch line before the game. We spent the whole match pulling Millwall hooligans out of the crowd. Crazy day. We used to have operational feeding (nothing special) in Highbury Vale school before kick off.

[@Doug1885]

The Daily Mirror fuelled that story….We spent the match laughing how many of you there were guarding the bottom of that clock….It was akin to the Battle of Waterloo when the British formed squares against the French Cavalry charge.

[@nasreireinas3392]

We never played you, when frank mclintock played for us??? A player draging fans out of the crowd,??? Who are you,, that is the biggest lot of bollocks i have ever heard , what planet are you on!?

[@DavidHalfordsLane]

@@nasreireinas3392 I think you need to re-read what I said you numpty. Or maybe go back to school. 🔔end.

[@Jartran72]

@@nasreireinas3392 Learn to read mate :)

[@nasreireinas3392]

@@Jartran72 ok got that bit about players pulling people out of the crowd wrong, when we played millwall frank mclintock was long gone, maybe he was linesman that day lol,

[@alanjax7685]

"paul" im pissing myself laughing, now where have i heard that before,

[@denisweijers7268]

The best hools movie ever,, no more bob, no more gimbo, no more shadwell😭👌

[@matthewarmitage6681]

"I fucking love you Gumbo"

[@donnylucas3207]

Cool asf

[@carlpeel5382]

story tell is right

[@famalam943]

Very interesting talk this. Only bad thing was the sound wasn’t great. Think it was the compression. Could be wrong. Anyway. Loved this otherwise

[@peterowbottom1110]

7 mins 58, that's WIGAN town center, what's the doing on there? I'd say mid to late 80's looking at it more than likely Wigan v Bolton

[@markgibbins4143]

Tells a story well 😂😂

[@MCHOKUM]

I.D the film is available on KZbin

[@Martyfartini]

Fuckin long walk from Mile End rd to Upton Park!!

[@johndean4765]

I think he didn't walk from Mile End must have been a closer road

[@Roscoe.P.Coldchain]

I tell the iconic film with him fighting with England fans in Belgium I think, he could scrap as well haha

[@garymay8905]

I’ve seen him scrapping on Wimbledon common carved uncle Bulgaria’s face rightl up .

[@baz5521]

please uncle bulgaria woulda carved the muppet up we all know what happens when wombles and muppet's meet it aint pretty

[@halfordslain7477]

@@baz5521 remember you're a womble

[@daddypig.5796]

You mean Hampstead heath. When u were both out cottaging.

[@garymay8905]

@@daddypig.5796 Get back in your sty piglet..

[@godwinsonofwessex]

i think the coins,darts scene and police turning a blind eye is based on boros ayresome park..notorious and absolute petrifying at the most of times..the cleveland police would turn a blind eye..boro firm one of the best aswell. ..went a few times in the 80s being a gooner..other than millwall..middlesbrough frontline were everywhere and we couldnt get away quick enough..

[@mrkipling2201]

A Manchester United fan got hit in the eye with a dart after it was thrown by the away fans at Old Trafford. In the late 1970's, early 1980's. Not sure who the opposition was.

[@sm7eric]

I remember once before United city some guys came over singing city songs saying undercover cops we United won 5 1 always thought was they or bullshiting lol

[@TheHighwayDreams]

What?

[@daddypig.5796]

Saying some of the fucking sentences constructed in this whole reply section have been a bit tough to decipher, would be a drastic understatement.

[@justintime1307]

I fuckin love you Gumbo

[@wendyslittleprogram3984]

Just listened to the full thing. Great story. Would’ve been nice if you gave a spoiler alert warning for the film 🙄

[@jondouglas1057]

It’s in the title

[@matrix3046]

Love you gumbo lol

[@swiftcee266]

Still wearing the Stoney! ....old habits...

[@lisawallace6182]

Lee dungarees , casual clobber 👌👌

[@KenUbeleveit1]

In another interview he mentions the operation had to be dissolved due to other officers lying/fabricating events in other hooligan operations.

[@bencousins7311]

Could it be the own goal case against the inner-city firm the police got caught making up evidence.

[@TheEssexSpurs]

Why use a picture from November 1978 which was Tottenham at Chelsea?

[@jonwiltsie107]

Uh hmmm

[@DudleyBlue]

i really dont think CCTV in the 80s was as advanced to distinguish Dungarees from Jeans!!!! CCTV was completely in it's infancy which generated very grainy black and white footage where You could just about make out what was going on.... You certainly couldnt identify anyone....

[@mrkipling2201]

True although some CCTV was very good picture wise in the late 80’s. Some of the stuff they used to show on Crimewatch UK was very clear.

[@angie-smart-but-casual]

In 80 barely any cctv or hoolivans got away with murder till old bill caught on hence never had my pic take except one I didn't know about

[@mrkipling2201]

The North bank at Highbury held more than 8,000. Probably around 15-20,000.

[@clivetaylor6395]

This story is so full of holes I was around through all this

[@michaelwhittaker5432]

completely , so non of the then fans remember these painters turning up then completely vanishing a fw weeks later ???

[@MrSqurk]

@@michaelwhittaker5432 a couple of painters hanging around for a while isn’t exactly a memorable event. Especially when they turned up, left and nothing happened.

[@donnybrasco9330]

The geezer said he was was also from south london originally so how didn’t he get rumbled by someone he knew 😂

[@10TJ10]

bro, i beg you just make it full screen

[@barnabyhoofer8044]

This sounds very much like the ID movie. They walted as painters and decorators, and had their lunchtimes in the main boozer, when it was quiet. Got to know the bar staff, and then used it at night. They were also challenged by the Shadwell mob, who visited the house they were supposedly doing up.

[@Larri-b]

Id was based on this

[@tganet7123]

Great spot.

[@Larri-b]

@tkelly81 wtf you in about you div

[@jasonblonde4886]

John and Trevor bollocks.

[@simep2378]

That's because it was ...

[@gordonsmith1845]

The yacht gang 😂😂😂😂

[@Tiptap1978]

Interesting choice of hoodie….

[@Lamby1010]

When is book out ?

[@dannykirton6445]

Book has been out years

[@andycameron4722]

It's called running with the firm

[@Mark-ex7yv]

Dungarees ...yeah right

[@lukeallen8224]

Bloody Chris lol

[@MrBollocks10]

It must have been a long, long time ago.

[@MrBollocks10]

Still in the stone Island. Haha Must still be undercover.

[@monstersaxon1547]

If this bloke is or isn't telling the truth, who gives a fuck. Film is quality, plus it shows Millmoor and market in town, which is always a bonus.

[@thugmonk9837]

So did this guy get a Shadwell tattoo on his arse in real life too lol

[@ianpodmore9666]

He wakes up every morning in a land called Narnia.

[@JohnSmith-gq1ln]

I'm Arsenal but run around with millwall I set up a meet before THat game I know every millwall that turned up to that meet at Highbury hill. And I tell you now he wasn't there fact. I think he run around with some want to be firm. Maybe they cold have a row. That game with the clock. I know he wasn't with the boys

[@geegee8625]

I dont believe you

[@sidvicious05]

But everybody knows you John Smith

[@karlreeves8684]

Sid vicious lol

[@tomcooksey1711]

why can’t u Just put the actual video on screen instead of ur adverts lowe it

[@richieA]

Am I missing something here ? First night they’ve been outed as being bizzies cause his mate though fash was white then next day he’s on the lads coach to Leeds? Didn’t they think one of the lads from the boozer might recognise them ?

[@alanjax7685]

they knew, its the old saying keep your friends close but keep your enemies even closer,

[@MrSqurk]

@@alanjax7685 that saying doesn’t mean let the old bill see all your criminal shit haha.

[@martinj1933]

Nope, he got the train like others to Leeds and then everyone got put on buses to the ground, normals and thugs alike.

[@johndean4765]

Richie Anderson sounds like a tall story as they would have been recognised when they tried to infiltrate going to Leeds.Also the so called college Was not at all streetwise why continue to still go with him?I suspect this story has been partially made up.

[@johndean4765]

Richie Anderson seems to me everything he says is made up i am totally not convinced in his story telling .Blatant lies how come he didn't get recognised when he tried for a second time to infiltrate them?

[@tomfinney3416]

lol milwall leaving north end , they walked past a mosque giving it the big un to little kids , the whole estate chased them onto the train , and my how they ran , fun day

[@thejannerofplymouth3654]

I absolutely loved ID , back when i/we teenage Plymouth fans thought we were the dogs bollocks ,,,, " let's go down the home end and kick some fucking heads in "

[@richardevans7035]

Pilgrims I'm a spurs fan but plym are my 2nd team.as my grandparents were from there

[@thejannerofplymouth3654]

@@richardevans7035 the last 2 weeks have been awful as an argyle fan ... 4 games lost , manager ups and leaves cause he was banging someone's wife .... Sometimes I hate football ... Spurs and argyle , could you have picked any worse teams lol

[@richardevans7035]

@@thejannerofplymouth3654 I know mate should have picked Liverpool and Real Madrid as a kid lol, the last few weeks have been poor but I would be happy with a play off spot come May

[@thejannerofplymouth3654]

@@xlbubblehead2505 Ken? .... hahahah oh yes I know Ken ( not ) Plymouth has a catchment area of 850 000 people so there are lots of kens , Kennys ......... ard as fuck mate

[@thejannerofplymouth3654]

@@xlbubblehead2505 not fan base ..... the area ,,,,,, its Plymouth or the shit up the road

[@8minuteenglish140]

35 mins with Walter Mitty

[@johndean4765]

8 minutes english his story sounds suspect

[@bigbernie7260]

The police version of Jason Marinory porkies a plenty.

[@theshed7094]

If you walk in a boozer and are only recognised by a few, for whatever reason.. you need to give some big names who can vouch for you..from yrs bk..can't understand older blokes just starting to show and get away with it

[@13strange67]

Bobby Ballbags !

[@bosh5049]

What is the exact years he claims he was undercover. Anybody know?

[@standrewsSH]

its got to be 86/87 ish, thats when plod took a proper interest in us. Our lot ( brum ) got pulled in oct 87, the rest were around the same tme, apart from chelsea who were pulled in before the 86 world cup. Im sure chelseas trial collapsed, west hams definently did.

[@mickymouze1224]

The Arsenal Millwall game was January '88

[@johnwelch3896]

The undercover grass Walter Mitty

[@5pintwonder869]

This would be loads better to watch if it was full screen rather than the advertising it’s off putting

[@torreviejaus]

All sounds about right

[@anthonysmith9920]

Still wearing stone island......and not his OB uniform

[@shalomaleichem7296]

Can anyone vouch this story ?

[@darlof8938]

The book is great , he defo wasn’t a pig by the end of his operation 🤣

[@johndean4765]

Darlof he's fooled a lot of people into buying his book.A lot of his story doesn't ring true.

[@darlof8938]

I was just going off what I read mate in the book, you can never believe a pig in general I no that they all piss in the same bucket.

[@robbyles9600]

🇬🇧

[@Millwall77]

'Top Gun jacket' ?

[@salfordian0076]

This is the ID script basically? I never knew this was based on a true story?

[@johndean4765]

Could be Mr Bannon has seen the film ,got some ideas from it then says he was involved, I don't fall for this.

[@burnleytilidie1882]

Must be still at it with the stone island on 🤣🤣

[@poteyes6351]

Not one real lad wears stone island anymore only people wearing stone island at football are the posers with all the gear no idea… 657

[@thebomb78]

@@poteyes6351 True. NOLU! 🦁

[@stelladogbreath1904]

What still telling lies

[@the_egg_man492]

@@poteyes6351 bullshit been wearing SI from 1986 when I were 13

[@tganet7123]

@@poteyes6351 Bullshit. It's gone downhill but plenty still wear it.

[@laurencechrisp1368]

Undercover Grass NUFC🇬🇧🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿EDL

[@steviesteve4118]

You can spell??

[@cockney1980]

filth....a blight on our hobby

[@michaelwhittaker5432]

Complete bollocks , you dont just walk in to a teams own pub and go ` hey can I be in your gang ` ??? he actually talks more like an ex squadie more an a teamster

[@nasreireinas3392]

Thank fuck someone who knows what hes talking about, the only people who believe this bollocks have never veen to a game in their life,!

[@johndean4765]

Michael whitta the guy that said he was a copper talking about infiltrating firms is living in a world of fantasy .My view is he's made it all up to make money selling his book.His most telling lie was Millwall wearing dungarees what a load of rubbish. I expect a lot of gullible people will buy this nonsense.

[@grahamcollins6872]

Waste of taxpayers money. Hardly arrested anybody on these duties. Read the book, I keep a open mind about the facts !

[@UKCasuals]

could you get James Bannon to get in touch with UK casuals

[@declanshanahan3888]

He’s a bullshitter isn’t he? None of the wackers know him from what I’ve seen on the old ITK site. Wandsworth as well. Chelsea manor.

[@888Londoncalling]

@@declanshanahan3888 Nobody knew him maybe he had it with a few Barmys but he wasn't anywhere with the right lot when it kicked 100% certain.

[@tommccabe2644]

wonder if one of the Manchester coverts wrote a book

[@williammcilwraith9304]

I followed Hull in the 70s /80s but when they went away where l couldn't l went to with Leeds mate to Elland road. Many great times, only issue was when l went to Leeds and City at Elland Road. Oh dear, l stood at the Gelders end and city scored and l jumped up ! Oh dear, a muppet had a go so l responded but a couple of Leeds fans got involved. They actually said said we know you and this guy is a clown. We suggest you keep quiet! City scored a 2nd and l kept my hands right in my pocket! Millwall fans came to Hull and arrived at half time. The chairman went upto the Millwall fans and gave them a free programme and they chanted his name ! The City fans gave them the trophy for the best away fans!

[@4th_Lensman_of_the_apocalypse]

So he bought a property himself that he was being payed police wages to do up! This guy’s a smart cookie! 😂💀

[@dollydiddums7889]

Is this NOT the copper who did undercover , enjoyed the coke and buzz that much he quit met and joined Millwall firm 🤔 Anyone confirm !

[@michaelmorgan8539]

He is a bullshiter

[@stdomingoblues1187]

No that was Shadwell army