Paul
I come from the same town as you, and think it's a fair question you ask.
My contribution to this is to say that during the 70's footy violence, and inter town violence from my own experience were both rife. Coach loads of lads on stag do's in a town with a different accent would inevitably be involved in large scale disturbances. Some of these lads were soulies, some not. I've bought records from one of the worst (or best) hoolies in the country in our town. I've been to Blackpool Mecca and it's kicked of big time every week. Not all involved were soulies, many on the free bus went for the fight. Just a coincidence in timing IMO. most of my old mates are soulies and have at some stage been involved, but we come from a small feicely proud, and working class town mate. Not sure if it's the same nationwide, though Garv is from the South, so sounds likely.
Best
Dave