DALLAS — A documentary titled "Lost Down Mexico Way" chronicles the story of a group of Wolverhampton Wanderers fans who traveled to the 1986 FIFA World Cup in Mexico and chose to remain in the United States, building new lives in Texas. The film, directed by Jack Leigh and produced by Eight Engines, was filmed 40 years after the group’s journey.
The men, originally from Stourbridge and Lye in England’s Black Country, flew to Houston before heading to Monterrey for the tournament. After the World Cup ended, they visited Belize and then flew to Dallas. During their time in Mexico, the group was arrested for being shirtless and drinking beer in the streets.
At the time, the fans were unemployed under Margaret Thatcher’s government and sought adventure abroad. Gary Allen, known as Adder, recalled, "In 1986, Margaret Thatcher was in power, a few of us had lost our jobs, so we planned to go to the World Cup in Mexico." He added, "It was the best thing we'd ever seen. At this point, we're all thinking 'this is the life, this is a lot better than what we were doing back in England.'"
Allen described the opportunities they found in the U.S., saying, "America was a different kettle of fish – the opportunity was the biggest thing for us. You could get a job anywhere. I had three jobs in the first three or four weeks. Your accents got you the women, you played on that. We didn't want to leave."
Steve Dawson, nicknamed Texas Steve, called the summer of 1986 "It was the funnest summer of my life." Dawson now lives in Dallas, while Stuart Bates, known as Batesy, resides in Houston. Allen, who retired last year from running his own company, lives in Atlanta and visits his former travel companions annually.
Director Jack Leigh said, "I just think there's such a level of charm to the guys, and they're so relatable. They're just working-class lads, going on this truly incredible adventure."