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[docker-p]

This whole episode has been a bit farcical with the club now doing a partial U-turn ( but why not just let any home fan buy a ticket to whichever home area they like just as 99.9% of other clubs do?)

Questions have to be asked of the new regime for coming out with such a dumb plan in the first place.

The plan was based on a very crude form of social engineering and very possibly illegal when push comes to shove.

The German owner needs to get himself some better advice.

[pilsburydoughboy]

This whole episode has been a bit farcical with the club now doing a partial U-turn ( but why not just let any home fan buy a ticket to whichever home area they like just as 99.9% of other clubs do?)

Questions have to be asked of the new regime for coming out with such a dumb plan in the first place.

The plan was based on a very crude form of social engineering and very possibly illegal when push comes to shove.

The German owner needs to get himself some better advice.

 

Glad to see you are still alive after saturday.

You missed a great gig at Lennons.

Your getting too old mush.You dropped a shoulder at 14 pints.

[docker-p]

Glad to see you are still alive after saturday.

You missed a great gig at Lennons.

Your getting too old mush.You dropped a shoulder at 14 pints.

You youngsters have me beat every time.

[Noodles34]

I bought 2 kids tickets on saturday no problem, in fact they were free which was a bit bemusing! Got my ST in the Itchen North and quite happy where i am thanks, don't wanna stand in The Northam though nothing against those who do as with the lads that stand at the back of my stand.

It does make me laugh when you get a load of people on here slating those who want a bit of banter with the away section, Jesus, you obviously don't get being a football fan.

To me its firstly about Saints winning, second about meeting my mate for a beer and a laugh and lastly but just importantly its about being tribal. its one of the last traits of mankind and though this namby pamby world is all very well to bring up your kids in, just remember where we came from and what are instincts were (on a broader scale, its the reason while we will suffer in places like Afghanistan and the middle east because they still have this instict in abundance and though it will eventually 'westernise', it will be hard work until then, you only have to ask the Russians, anyway, i digress!). And so sorry for being a 40 something who wants to "stand with his arms wide open at the away fans" etc, I don't care and i enjoy it and generally people don't have a problem with it around me as i don't have a problem with them sitting tight.

Finally, i took my six year old boy and I told him he was going to hear some bad stuff (a lot from me maybe) but the thing was it was it said, or sung or shouted in the ground, stays in the ground, if it doesn't then he won't be going again, and he's been fine, no problem whatsoever. So one day he well might be joining in, so what, as long as he is a responsible individual on the outside who generally doesn't cause problems to other people outside then i think he (and me) can do the 'tribal' chanting and baiting and rejoicing and generally arse about for 90 minutes every other week or so.

So sorry if it offends anyone who doesn't understand what it is like to be a football fan.

[hamster]

Dell Days, you are right - the atmosphere is pretty quiet, but was it really before they shut the Itchen Corner? we had a ground to be proud of atmosphere wise when two ends pretty full were vocally getting behind the team. The atmosphere now is sterile to say the least

 

Fair comment MC.

 

When all is said and done, and whatever side of the fence (even those with splinters) would have to agree that the timing for this debate is terrible. I ultimately have my own personal agenda, and would like to sit in Block 45 or 46, I would like the away fans to my left, for the banter.

 

I would like to sit there for practical reasons; the friend I go with has a disabilty, he loves being really involved with the banter and singing, he has difficulty walking and the nearer I can be to my car the better, I also love being sat in front of the vocal bunch behind me, they are brilliant as when they get going so do all of the people around me. If we could we would both love to get right in amongst it, but it would not be practical. In all seriousness, I think a lot of the visually impaired fans love being part of the Itchen North too. You really get a feel for what is going on in the game sat there, something that even than Radio Solent can't convey.

 

My worst fear in all of this stealth re-design of the ground seating plan, is that they shove the visually impaired supporters into a quiet corner. It really would not read well to the PC brigade either.

 

Also Mr Cortese, please don't shove us over into the Kingsland stand, it's hard enough to contend with Brittania Road some days, please don't send us into one of the least accesible areas of the ground, many disabled fans would struggle to cope with that railway bridge on a good day, let alone when we've parked on the Bitterne side of Brittania Road and you (or the police) close the north car park.

 

Retract the decision please, consult with us customers who will be effected by this decision and then make a customer service based decision NOT a business one. They are after all, intrinsically linked.

 

Cheers

hamster

[hamster]

I bought 2 kids tickets on saturday no problem, in fact they were free which was a bit bemusing! Got my ST in the Itchen North and quite happy where i am thanks, don't wanna stand in The Northam though nothing against those who do as with the lads that stand at the back of my stand.

It does make me laugh when you get a load of people on here slating those who want a bit of banter with the away section, Jesus, you obviously don't get being a football fan.

To me its firstly about Saints winning, second about meeting my mate for a beer and a laugh and lastly but just importantly its about being tribal. its one of the last traits of mankind and though this namby pamby world is all very well to bring up your kids in, just remember where we came from and what are instincts were (on a broader scale, its the reason while we will suffer in places like Afghanistan and the middle east because they still have this instict in abundance and though it will eventually 'westernise', it will be hard work until then, you only have to ask the Russians, anyway, i digress!). And so sorry for being a 40 something who wants to "stand with his arms wide open at the away fans" etc, I don't care and i enjoy it and generally people don't have a problem with it around me as i don't have a problem with them sitting tight.

Finally, i took my six year old boy and I told him he was going to hear some bad stuff (a lot from me maybe) but the thing was it was it said, or sung or shouted in the ground, stays in the ground, if it doesn't then he won't be going again, and he's been fine, no problem whatsoever. So one day he well might be joining in, so what, as long as he is a responsible individual on the outside who generally doesn't cause problems to other people outside then i think he (and me) can do the 'tribal' chanting and baiting and rejoicing and generally arse about for 90 minutes every other week or so.

So sorry if it offends anyone who doesn't understand what it is like to be a football fan.

 

Are you me? That was like reading poetry, seriously.

[Gis]

Good news that there seems some compromise that allows season ticket holders to buy for others in Block 4 and 5 again. I would like to see this officially on the OS though, plus some apology about how this has all been handled.

 

Actually if it does end up this way and season ticket holders are responsible for their guests it could do the Itchen North atmosphere a real favour as it may weed out some casuals who don't seem to understand there is a balance between banter and boring abuse.

[Hemel Saint]

Away fans are allowed to make too much noise because of the Itchen North being closed, when it was open hardly no set of away supporters could make noise because they were boxed in by two vocal sets of fans.

 

Here is an example, which backs up your point...

 

 

.

[hamster]

Here is an example, which backs up your point...

 

 

.

 

If you really do think that we could get that same level of noise by opening Block 1-3 that would be brilliant. That is what I go to football for.

COYR's

Maybe open it up for anyone on The Nortahm who wants to swap seats and come into the Itchen. There you go, they just got the names of the stands mixed up. They really meant to move everyone into the Itchen, it's obvious now.

[OldNick]

Dell Days, you are right - the atmosphere is pretty quiet, but was it really before they shut the Itchen Corner? we had a ground to be proud of atmosphere wise when two ends pretty full were vocally getting behind the team. The atmosphere now is sterile to say the least

yeah it was a better atmopsphere under RL Lol

[krissyboy31]

yeah it was a better atmopsphere under RL Lol

 

Probably true TBH. Without the anti Lowe songs they've got nowt to sing about!

[Scummer]

yeah it was a better atmopsphere under RL Lol

 

And then he shut the corner.

 

I agree that a couple of years ago the Itchen corner was good. I sat there a few times, and I'd have chosen a season ticket there this year if the corner was still open.

 

As it is, it's a shadow of its former self.

[docker-p]

And then he shut the corner.

 

I agree that a couple of years ago the Itchen corner was good. I sat there a few times, and I'd have chosen a season ticket there this year if the corner was still open.

 

As it is, it's a shadow of its former self.

So rather than trying their hardest to close the Itchen North, they should be re-opening blocks 1-3, and that would create a fantastic atmospere, and better support, which would help towards better results which in turn would lead us back quicker into the Premiership where we would once again have full houses and no part of the ground would be closed. Simples.

[yorkie]

I really cannot understand why the Itchen North remains closed.

 

Rumour has it that in the lower divisions away fans tend to be a bit more aggressive, not goody two shoes with prawn sandwiches that sit down like in The Prem! Hence I guess there are Saints fans health issues at heart!

 

No I don't buy it either. With the faces I have seen in that part of the ground over the last few seasons I would suggest the away fans health may be at risk! However we are all a lot older and wiser, and as someone has already lamented - what goes on in the ground - stays in the ground.

 

The local plod must be such pussies to enforce such a rule...if extra police are required to keep every one safe then charge a pound extra per seat to get the right atmosphere. Sure other parts of the ground will look more sparsely populated - but at least we will drown out any of the away fans for good.

 

It never ceased to amaze me the reaction of the away fans when the Itchen North started up - it really did seem to shut them up!

 

I accept it is all very tribal - but isn't that what football is (and was) all about?

 

I suppose reducing the risk of a "flashpoint" is the real reason behind it - however if all the labelled trouble makers went there to cause trouble - where are they sitting now?

 

I seem to remember the party atmosphere against Southend that failed play-off season...there was no trouble then and we all had a so called "fans love-in". Strange how the club cuts it's cloth to suit itself.

 

Poor old Markus has never seen or heard the mighty Itchen North in full battle cry (not literally of course) - why not make it a special day against a non-descript side (say Leeds) and see what happens...let's face it has to be a sell out then it will have to open. What a great compliment...what will the police costs be that day regardless if the Itchen North is open or not?

 

There is a certain homeliness in the Itchen North.

It's a bit like your local pub, or that comfortable pair of slippers.

Mostly gents of a certain age group ranging from 45-55 years old.

Father & sons (and daughters)

Sometimes 3-generations of a family united together.

Everyone acknowledged each other & chatted.

Personally I didn't get that anywhere else in the ground.

 

Hopefully not for the last time...

 

We're The Itchen

We're The Itchen

We're the Itchen over 'ere.

 

Oh for Pompey in the 3rd Round of the FA Cup at SMS - what could be better?

Is there any other opponent that invokes such passion?

 

Sorry to go on - but after closing the Itchen North Blocks 1,2 & 3 I feel as though I have been robbed of a part of the matchday experience. Awaydays seem to be almost as much fun - but it isn't the same.

[Mouldy Coat]

Fully agree Docker P.

 

The Itchen North Corner must be re-opened. We are getting 20,000 every week and the company now has no debt. There is no excuse. Why deprice fans from where they want to sit and the ground from a decent atmosphere.

 

I would buy a season ticket again if they re-open the Itchen North Corner.

Call me what you will, but I usually go to as many games as I can make and had been a season ticket holder for 14 years, but I am not impressed when the club take away your right to where you want to sit.

 

RE-OPEN BLOCKS 1-2&3 NOW!

[Mouldy Coat]

The simple reality is when teams bring 2,500 + travelling fans with them this season, we will be outsung and it will seem like a home match to them

 

What chance have we go of outsinging Leeds with the Itchen North closed this season?

 

The answer is ZERO

 

We are seriously giving away points.

[St Will]

You're not thinking about this intelligently at all. To open the itchen corner would require more stewards, more police etc, which costs money. Which is pointless for the club when you can get just as good a view from anywhere else in the ground, and especially when it's only a relatively small number of people who actually care that they can't sit in blocks 1-3.

[Chez]

I bought 2 kids tickets on saturday no problem, in fact they were free which was a bit bemusing! Got my ST in the Itchen North and quite happy where i am thanks, don't wanna stand in The Northam though nothing against those who do as with the lads that stand at the back of my stand.

It does make me laugh when you get a load of people on here slating those who want a bit of banter with the away section, Jesus, you obviously don't get being a football fan.

To me its firstly about Saints winning, second about meeting my mate for a beer and a laugh and lastly but just importantly its about being tribal. its one of the last traits of mankind and though this namby pamby world is all very well to bring up your kids in, just remember where we came from and what are instincts were (on a broader scale, its the reason while we will suffer in places like Afghanistan and the middle east because they still have this instict in abundance and though it will eventually 'westernise', it will be hard work until then, you only have to ask the Russians, anyway, i digress!). And so sorry for being a 40 something who wants to "stand with his arms wide open at the away fans" etc, I don't care and i enjoy it and generally people don't have a problem with it around me as i don't have a problem with them sitting tight.

Finally, i took my six year old boy and I told him he was going to hear some bad stuff (a lot from me maybe) but the thing was it was it said, or sung or shouted in the ground, stays in the ground, if it doesn't then he won't be going again, and he's been fine, no problem whatsoever. So one day he well might be joining in, so what, as long as he is a responsible individual on the outside who generally doesn't cause problems to other people outside then i think he (and me) can do the 'tribal' chanting and baiting and rejoicing and generally arse about for 90 minutes every other week or so.

So sorry if it offends anyone who doesn't understand what it is like to be a football fan.

 

a man of my own heart.

[Chez]

when it's only a relatively small number of people who actually care that they can't sit in blocks 1-3.

 

Says who? Ever thought that it might have been a thousand supporters that were annoyed (to varying degrees) by the closure of blocks 1-3? A thousand people chose to sit there week in week out for 7 or 8 seasons so why would they be happy to move elsewhere for absolutely no reason whatsoever.

 

On Saturday there were 6 or 7 old bill (and SFC stewards) patrolling the edge of Block 4, so even WITH the cost cutting measures we had security costs which I would guess were absolutely no different to when blocks 1-3 were open.

Edited 6 October, 2009 by Chez

[Mouldy Coat]

You're not thinking about this intelligently at all. To open the itchen corner would require more stewards, more police etc, which costs money. Which is pointless for the club when you can get just as good a view from anywhere else in the ground, and especially when it's only a relatively small number of people who actually care that they can't sit in blocks 1-3.

 

Will, low blow. Don't insult my intelligence, just stick to saying that we have a difference in opinion. I understand it costs money and it is difficult to quantify the return in terms of league points and success on the pitch, but IMO away teams can take more points from the home side if supporters are subdued.

[Mouldy Coat]

You're not thinking about this intelligently at all. To open the itchen corner would require more stewards, more police etc, which costs money. Which is pointless for the club when you can get just as good a view from anywhere else in the ground, and especially when it's only a relatively small number of people who actually care that they can't sit in blocks 1-3.

 

...Will, i'm not talking about the view. If my opinion was based purely on view I would sit in the centre of the Itchen or Kingsland stands and not moan. It's the overal experience and ultimatley atmosphere which reflects on the players on the pitch.

[Johnny Bognor]

OK, I am a North Itchener and I understand the increased costs of keeping the corner open due to the proximity of the away fans. However, I don't see lower stewarding/policing since blocks 2 and 3 were closed, so is this not just a red herring?

 

There are certainly no savings on the concourse as the same bars/food outlets are open.

 

If the costs of policing the corner have been cut and there is not a business case for opening blocks 2-3, then as a North Itchener, I would be prepared to pay more for my ticket.

 

Mods, can we have a poll for those to state that they would be prepared to collectively pay more (hence covering the increased policing costs although I don't see lower stewarding/policing since blocks 2 and 3 were closed)?

 

Surely if enough North Itcheners were prepared to pay a bit more (I don't know, maybe £5 each per game) for their seats, then there would be no business case to keep it closed.

 

Is this a viable proposition to put to the club?

[Mouldy Coat]

OK, I am a North Itchener and I understand the increased costs of keeping the corner open due to the proximity of the away fans. However, I don't see lower stewarding/policing since blocks 2 and 3 were closed, so is this not just a red herring?

 

There are certainly no savings on the concourse as the same bars/food outlets are open.

 

If the costs of policing the corner have been cut and there is not a business case for opening blocks 2-3, then as a North Itchener, I would be prepared to pay more for my ticket.

 

Mods, can we have a poll for those to state that they would be prepared to collectively pay more (hence covering the increased policing costs although I don't see lower stewarding/policing since blocks 2 and 3 were closed)?

 

Surely if enough North Itcheners were prepared to pay a bit more (I don't know, maybe £5 each per game) for their seats, then there would be no business case to keep it closed.

 

Is this a viable proposition to put to the club?

 

Jonny, encouraging mail that people are prepared to voice their opinion on this. We must hear a statement from the club first, before deciding what to do about it. I am not sure everyone will pay an extra £5 but at least people are coming up with ideas. It would be good to get some reciprical feedback from teh new regime on where this is going.

 

We need to understand the bare facts and they need to listen to the supporters. We want our Itchen back!!

[Jones91]

Has everyone missed something?

 

There will be much more banter in the northam now between home and away fans with the itchen north being shut, as before the away fans sung 90% of their songs towards the itchen because they were facing each other. Now they will be forced to give their abuse to the northam...

 

Anyway in a few years time it will all be sell outs again and the whole ground will be open so you can go back to your original seat and pull one off

[Mouldy Coat]

point taken, but Northam is not as good a view as Itchen North. People also get fed up with the stand up sit down, if you hate pompey, love the saints etc....

 

Can't wait to pull one off when they open the Itchen. Maybe we can pay for the so called extra police costs by the club having an open all areas 'pull one off in the stands day'......big screens showing some filthy Dutch porn, £20 a tug......ok maybe not.

[derry]

The club doesn't want a Northam/Itchen North atmosphere in the Itchen, it must be pretty obvious by now that the club don't want standing, swearing chants at opposition supporters, confrontational atitudes, they have decided to clear all but season ticket holders out of the Itchen.

 

That means any behaviour that the club deems unacceptable, which the stewards are finding difficulty controlling, can easily be dealt with, identifying the seat holder and cancelling the season ticket.

 

The demand for the season ticket to be examined by stewards would be the outcome, and if ejection carried out, quite likely that the season ticket would be confiscated at the best cancelled.

 

This is purely my opinion based on the difficulties to date expressed about block 4

[dune]

It's long been my view that home fans should be shoved away in a corner and for logistical (police) reasons the Itchen North is the only available option, but after reading the views of those in the Itchen North it's quite clear that those in that stand don't want to move. I can fully understand their setiments and maybe if i was in their position i too would feel peeved.

 

It's a balancing act between the good of the club (in creating home areas behind the goals to the benefit to the team) and the club respecting loyal fans who don't want to move.

 

Whoever made the decision to stop selling tickets in the Itchen has made an error of judgement. Everything Mr Liebherr and Mr Cortese has done thus far has been comendable, but this decision by David Luker (acording to suggestions on here it's Lukers idea?) has done a lot to errode the good work done.

 

I think the decision to ban matchday sales in the Itchen seats affected should be reversed and an apology issued.

 

If away fans are to be moved it should be done in one fell sweep in the close season next summer, but those fans affected should be given a goodwill peace offering of discounted ST prices FOR LIFE at the goals/wings rate for any part of the ground they choose to relocate to.

[derry]

It's long been my view that home fans should be shoved away in a corner and for logistical (police) reasons the Itchen North is the only available option, but after reading the views of those in the Itchen North it's quite clear that those in that stand don't want to move. I can fully understand their setiments and maybe if i was in their position i too would feel peeved.

 

It's a balancing act between the good of the club (in creating home areas behind the goals to the benefit to the team) and the club respecting loyal fans who don't want to move.

 

Whoever made the decision to stop selling tickets in the Itchen has made an error of judgement. Everything Mr Liebherr and Mr Cortese has done thus far has been comendable, but this decision by David Luker (acording to suggestions on here it's Lukers idea?) has done a lot to errode the good work done.

 

I think the decision to ban matchday sales in the Itchen seats affected should be reversed and an apology issued.

 

If away fans are to be moved it should be done in one fell sweep in the close season next summer, but those fans affected should be given a goodwill peace offering of discounted ST prices FOR LIFE at the goals/wings rate for any part of the ground they choose to relocate to.

 

I don't think it is David Luker's decision as he has instructed the ticket office to sell additional tickets to season ticket holders while he gets the issue clarified.

 

I suspect with the exception of some in block 4 there is certainly a great deal of support from those in block 5 for the season ticket only concept.

 

David Luker has already stated that the club have no plans to coerce existing season ticket holders to move. In addition the access from the main concourse at turnstile A preclude the away fans from that area.

 

I would be amazed if the directors and corporates would want the away supporters blasting them from blocks 1-6. If anything it would be the opposite, they want them as far away as possible.

[Wes Tender]

It's long been my view that home fans should be shoved away in a corner and for logistical (police) reasons the Itchen North is the only available option, but after reading the views of those in the Itchen North it's quite clear that those in that stand don't want to move. I can fully understand their setiments and maybe if i was in their position i too would feel peeved.

 

It's a balancing act between the good of the club (in creating home areas behind the goals to the benefit to the team) and the club respecting loyal fans who don't want to move.

 

Whoever made the decision to stop selling tickets in the Itchen has made an error of judgement. Everything Mr Liebherr and Mr Cortese has done thus far has been comendable, but this decision by David Luker (acording to suggestions on here it's Lukers idea?) has done a lot to errode the good work done. I think the decision to ban matchday sales in the Itchen seats affected should be reversed and an apology issued.

 

If away fans are to be moved it should be done in one fell sweep in the close season next summer, but those fans affected should be given a goodwill peace offering of discounted ST prices FOR LIFE at the goals/wings rate for any part of the ground they choose to relocate to

 

I remain to be convinced that the Chapel / Kingsland corner is not a viable alternative for the away fans and they could exit via the Industrial Estate without too much difficulty.

 

But what would happen to the fans in the Northam and the Itchen north corner under those circumstances? Would there then be this stout refusal of the Itchen brigade to move? I supect that as the proximity to the rival fans is the clearest reason for their positioning, as it is for the Northam, the Northam fans would wish to fill the Chapel stand and the Itchen corner brigade would then relocate to the other side of the away fans in the Kingsland. If there have been ructions caused by having the rowdy away fans, or the rowdy home fans in front of the corporate boxes, the problems would be resolved by this switch.

 

Can anybody give convincing reasons why this change could not work? The Police are cited as not favouring it, but what exactly are the problems?

 

Naturally, if the change were to be made, then the time to do it would be the close season.

 

There is no way that the club should be expected to give that compensation to displaced fans for life. One season maybe. If the switch of the away fans was made to the diagonally opposite corner, then no compensation would be needed at all, as any switch of those fans to follow the proximity towards them would be voluntary and likewise those who didn't want to be near us Northam yobs would make their own voluntary move as a result too.

[Torres]

I remain to be convinced that the Chapel / Kingsland corner is not a viable alternative for the away fans and they could exit via the Industrial Estate without too much difficulty.

 

What about the coaches?

[Wes Tender]

What about the coaches?

 

Have a look at the aerial picture of the stadium. The away coaches could be waiting after the game along the road through the industrial estate, The exit from the corner could be cordoned off easily so that the away fans could be funelled out by that road, the home fans from the Kingsland stand guided towarss Britannia Road, past the Shop. None of this stupidity about partitioning the car park on the other side.

[Thedelldays]

Have a look at the aerial picture of the stadium. The away coaches could be waiting after the game along the road through the industrial estate, The exit from the corner could be cordoned off easily so that the away fans could be funelled out by that road, the home fans from the Kingsland stand guided towarss Britannia Road, past the Shop. None of this stupidity about partitioning the car park on the other side.

 

Jesus. Some are whinging because they might be too far from hurling abuse at away fans. Moving the away fans to the opposite end of the ground will cause a major whinge feat

[Wes Tender]

Jesus. Some are whinging because they might be too far from hurling abuse at away fans. Moving the away fans to the opposite end of the ground will cause a major whinge feat

 

HaHa! That's why I suggested that all those in favour of the proximity to the away fans would all relocate too.

 

What is it about the Northam or the Itchen corner that fans appreciate? Is it the particular entrance / plastic seat / concourse? Of course not! They percieve the atmosphere to be better close to the away supporters. They like to chant and sing their hearts out. That is why I sit (stand) in the Northam. I would have no qualms in getting the equivalent seat diagonally opposite to mine in the Chapel. That would be behind the left hand goal post, although if the whole of the Chapel was taken up by home fans and the away supporters pushed into the corner, I might fancy edging closer to the Chapel / Kingsland corner. The Itchen corner brigade would have the choice of tagging onto the corner of the Chapel, or the Chapel end of the Kingsland. Naturally, any who did have a desire to remain in the Itchen North corner, could do so, but I suspect that it is nothing to do with the location at all.

[Torres]

Have a look at the aerial picture of the stadium. The away coaches could be waiting after the game along the road through the industrial estate, The exit from the corner could be cordoned off easily so that the away fans could be funelled out by that road, the home fans from the Kingsland stand guided towarss Britannia Road, past the Shop. None of this stupidity about partitioning the car park on the other side.

 

If you've got the aerial picture up, take a look at the route the coaches would then have to take away from the ground. The police are never going to want to have to escort the away coaches through that industrial estate to get away from the stadium. And I don't blame them - there have been enough incidents when they just have to get them up Britannia Rd and away.

 

And even when they're out of the estate, then where?

[Saint_clark]

If you've got the aerial picture up, take a look at the route the coaches would then have to take away from the ground. The police are never going to want to have to escort the away coaches through that industrial estate to get away from the stadium. And I don't blame them - there have been enough incidents when they just have to get them up Britannia Rd and away.

 

And even when they're out of the estate, then where?

 

Agreed, it's too much hassle.

Am I the only person who thinks the best solution is "leave them where they are, reopen the itchen north"?

[LGTL]

Itchen blocks 1-3 provided the best place in the ground to sit, it still does, even when it's shut. Says alot about the atmosphere in the rest of the ground, bar two blocks of the Northam.

 

As Saint Clarke says, re-open 1-3 and leave it at that.

[LGTL]

Itchen blocks 1-3 were the best blocks to sit, and still are even when they are closed, which says alot about the atmosphere in the rest of the stadium, bar 2 blocks of the northam.

 

As Saint Clark says, open1 1-3 and leave it at that.

[LGTL]

So passionate about it I had to post it twice....

[Saint_clark]

So passionate about it I had to post it twice....

 

At least you got my name right the second time.

[Norm]

There was already a thread on this, but you had to start your own little one. Little attention seeker, are we? You can hardly accuse me of being a sanitised, sit down, no swearing, no banter fan, as I have always been block 42 behind the goal in the Northam, so as close as the away fans as it is possible to be. I wouldn't take an 8 year old daughter to the Northam, but if your standards aren't as high as mine, then it's up to you how you bring up your children. No point in the nine o'clock TV watershed in your household is there?

 

And was it the football you fell in love with 25 years ago, or was it the swearing, banter, insanitary environment? Anyway, whatever it was, it seems that having supported the saints for 25 years, you are prepared to give it up just because you can't sit in a certain part of the stadium. Diddums.

 

Wes, you are out of order with this post:( Agree or disagree with him, he has a point and he has a right to make it. What he does in his own home is no concern of yours or mine. Lets keep the thread to football.

[St. Jason]

Have a look at the aerial picture of the stadium. The away coaches could be waiting after the game along the road through the industrial estate, The exit from the corner could be cordoned off easily so that the away fans could be funelled out by that road, the home fans from the Kingsland stand guided towarss Britannia Road, past the Shop. None of this stupidity about partitioning the car park on the other side.

 

Excellent shout mate, I've said exactly the same in an earlier post, it would be ideal in my opinion. I think the Northam fans would stay where they are as bonds, routines and friends have all been made. You could then probably have a good reason to re-close the Kingsland corner pushing those fans into the Northam thus creating a genuine 'Kop' home end. Family stand and Itchen South can be moved into the Chaple making both ends behind the goals full!

 

Note, you are right about Britannia road, its a flash point every week, moving the away fans to the Kingsland South would segregate easily!

[St. Jason]

Jesus. Some are whinging because they might be too far from hurling abuse at away fans. Moving the away fans to the opposite end of the ground will cause a major whinge feat

 

Mooosh, if you actually care to read what people are saying you'd get it. No one is saying don't move them we are saying don't move us! More to the point what I am saying is don't sell me a season ticket then take away my right to purchase additional tickets 4 games into the season!

[Chez]

The club doesn't want a Northam/Itchen North atmosphere in the Itchen, it must be pretty obvious by now that the club don't want standing, swearing chants at opposition supporters, confrontational atitudes, they have decided to clear all but season ticket holders out of the Itchen.

 

That means any behaviour that the club deems unacceptable, which the stewards are finding difficulty controlling, can easily be dealt with, identifying the seat holder and cancelling the season ticket.

 

The demand for the season ticket to be examined by stewards would be the outcome, and if ejection carried out, quite likely that the season ticket would be confiscated at the best cancelled.

 

This is purely my opinion based on the difficulties to date expressed about block 4

 

you've hit the nail on the head. What I don't understand is why this hostility all of a sudden. Block 4 supporters haven't done anything of note to deserve this negativity.

[Thedelldays]

Mooosh, if you actually care to read what people are saying you'd get it. No one is saying don't move them we are saying don't move us! More to the point what I am saying is don't sell me a season ticket then take away my right to purchase additional tickets 4 games into the season!

 

You go to the ground because the club allow you. You do not have an inherent right To lose in the first place

[St. Jason]

You go to the ground because the club allow you. You do not have an inherent right To lose in the first place

 

Are you even a Saints fan DD??

 

I get your argumentative, I get your lonely and old and the only conversation you have is on here, but I don't get your post!!!!

 

I realise your trying to be clever, but ffs mooosh, be clever, answer my point, answer anyone's point!!

[voteforpedro]

I'm with St Jason on this one.

A couple of seasons ago the Itchen corner, blocks 1-4, was probably the best section in the ground for atmosphere. In my opinion it was on many occasions louder than the Northam, but yet offered a very different matchday experience.

However the club dont seem to see it this way and have been gradually moving people out of this area.

By all means open up the Northam/ Kingsland corner; but this doesn't mean block 4 has to be shut instead.

In my opinion this wont improve the atmosphere, but will end up damaging it.

[Thedelldays]

Are you even a Saints fan DD??

 

I get your argumentative, I get your lonely and old and the only conversation you have is on here, but I don't get your post!!!!

 

I realise your trying to be clever, but ffs mooosh, be clever, answer my point, answer anyone's point!!

 

Ahhhhhhhh

 

typical forum trait. Don't like a response you mist get personal

 

nice one

[Noodles34]

Jesus. Some are whinging because they might be too far from hurling abuse at away fans. Moving the away fans to the opposite end of the ground will cause a major whinge feat

 

I guess you have a more peaceful experience at the cinema, why don't you just settle for that.

Personally I don't want to watch a football match inside a morgue and if swearing and chanting is banned etc I won't be going, Saints Fan first, goes without saying, but Football Fan second and they go hand in hand really.

 

Anyone would think all this banter leads to mayhem outside, I mean how many people have had their throats slit or even met up outside, it generally doesn't happen, therefore the banter is generally good natured even though it may not look like it, and everyone knows by now which are the 'nice' areas of SMS and at the moment its not really an issue getting a ticket anywhere in the ground. So you DD, can enjoy your popcorn and flask of coffee under your tarten blanket in the Kingsland or Chapel without any feat of hearing any 'nasty' words or God forbid someone standing!

[Torres]

Excellent shout mate, I've said exactly the same in an earlier post, it would be ideal in my opinion.

 

It would be ideal for us within the ground but I just can't see the police agreeing to the extra hassle for them having to escort the away coaches from the ground that way.

 

Extra hassle that the club may well have to pay for too, btw. And the police aren't cheap.

[derry]

I guess you have a more peaceful experience at the cinema, why don't you just settle for that.

Personally I don't want to watch a football match inside a morgue and if swearing and chanting is banned etc I won't be going, Saints Fan first, goes without saying, but Football Fan second and they go hand in hand really.

 

Anyone would think all this banter leads to mayhem outside, I mean how many people have had their throats slit or even met up outside, it generally doesn't happen, therefore the banter is generally good natured even though it may not look like it, and everyone knows by now which are the 'nice' areas of SMS and at the moment its not really an issue getting a ticket anywhere in the ground. So you DD, can enjoy your popcorn and flask of coffee under your tarten blanket in the Kingsland or Chapel without any feat of hearing any 'nasty' words or God forbid someone standing!

 

You obviously have no respect for women or children. The sort of obscene language chanted by some is an insult and has no place.