Wolves fans who never came back from Mexico 1986 reunite in USA at World Cup 2026 | OneFootball

Four Wolves supporters who travelled to Mexico 1986 and chose not to return reunited in the USA last week, 40 years on. Gary Allen and Stuart Bates, both 63, met at England’s 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas.

According to ExpressAndStar.com, Allen, now based in Atlanta, linked up with Bates, who lives in Texas, and long-time friend Steve Dawson, known as Texas Steve. Allen and his son slipped into a Croatian VIP box to watch from $3,000 seats after paying £700 for tickets in the Croatia end at Dallas Stadium.

Allen called it the best venue he has seen England in, praising the air-conditioned, futuristic feel and a carnival atmosphere far removed from 1986. The trio attended their first England game together before celebrating late into the night.

Back in 1986, Allen, Bates, David Arnold and Garry Hardwicke left the Midlands with little money after losing their jobs. Styling themselves The Disco Firm, the Wolves fans from Stourbridge and Lye, with Arnold from Solihull a Birmingham City supporter, followed England in Monterrey and Acapulco until Argentina’s Hand of God ended the run. Two of the group even convinced local women they were Peter Shilton and Gary Lineker.

Allen later built a sewage and drain equipment business turning over 20 million dollars annually before retiring last year. Bates works in the car industry in Houston, and Arnold stayed in Monterrey where he became head of a school. Their friend Rabbit Head died two years ago.

Allen believes England are rolling and will go deep in the tournament. Next up for the friends is New York for the Panama game, which they plan to watch in downtown Manhattan. Their story is now the subject of a documentary, Lost Down Mexico Way.

Source: ExpressAndStar.com