THE North-East's police chief who headed England's fight against World Cup football thugs has praised fans for their good behaviour in Japan.

But Ron Hogg, who led the team of officers that helped the Japanese police the tournament, says it is too early to declare the soccer yob a thing of the past.

Mr Hogg, Assistant Chief Constable of the Durham force, is already planning for England's European Championships cam- paign, which begins in October.

About 10,000 England fans made the trip to Japan but only 15 were arrested, mostly for shoplifting and dishonesty offences.

Banning orders prevented 1,000 known troublemakers from travelling and a further 50 who were not banned were refused entry by immigration officials.

Mr Hogg, who maintains English fans' notoriety is exaggerated, said: "I predicted there would be low level disorder but we had nothing and I was proved wrong.

"The behaviour of the fans is to be complimented. The vast majority of the fans were excellent ambassadors for the country.

"The fans' performance represents a significant step forward in changing their image, but we are not there yet. I will view success when we can go to a major competition in Europe and get a similar outcome."

The European Championships finals will be held in Portugal in 2004, but qualifying games this year and next will see England travel to Slovakia, Liechtenstein, Macedonia and Turkey.

"We'll never totally eradicate football hooliganism but we can take action to minimise its effect and impact," Mr Hogg said.

He wants to see at least 2,000 banning orders, measures to encourage good fans to report troublemakers, plus greater policing of ports and co-operation between European countries to set up common policing standards.

Turkey could offer the greatest chances of trouble - two Leeds fans were stabbed to death in Istanbul three years ago by Galatasaray supporters.

"That's the greatest risk match that I see. We'll have to work hard to make sure that things go well," he said, adding: "The Turkish police have come on board since Galatasary."

His officers have already been to Portugal and plans are under way for the coming campaign.

Mr Hogg said the banning orders, refusal of entry to yobs, the Football Association's England Fans' Club - where police run checks on members - the Japanese police's heeding of his team's advice and the friendliness of the Japanese people had all helped.