Son of Bob Posted 27 January, 2010 Author Share Posted 27 January, 2010 They have that token/card system as the Amsterdan Arena...not the greatest idea ever after experiencing it with England. Also, only one seat thick segregation against Pompey...good luck Hants constab/stewards! I think what they'd ideally like to do in the long term is have a combined ST/swipe card. You would then just basically stick £50 on (or whatever) and use it until it runs out, then top it up again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
benjii Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 Good plan and get the team to kick to teh Chapel first half. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StuRomseySaint Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 The Chapel/Kingsland corner is the ideal spot for them if they are going to be put into a corner, but they will need to promote the Chapel as the new 'Kop' as well, as people want to be near the away fans and the atmosphere will be spoiled somewhat by being at other sides of the stadium. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
for_heaven's_Saint Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 Although I do enjoy block 42 because it is next to the away fans, imagine how good a full Northam all singing in unison would be? If they could find a way to put the away fans in the Kingsland North i think that would be ideal, although, like the itchen north, we may find fans want to sit the other side of the away fans too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Block 5 Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 No, it is my understanding that the family area will be moved, as will the disabled area. Perfect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 The Chapel/Kingsland corner is the ideal spot for them if they are going to be put into a corner, but they will need to promote the Chapel as the new 'Kop' as well, as people want to be near the away fans and the atmosphere will be spoiled somewhat by being at other sides of the stadium. Exactly. Stick them in the corner and make the Chapel the end for home fans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hatch Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 My invite to this meeting must have got lost in the post Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
saints triumph Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 My match day experiance would be improved if they bring back action replays on the big screens. Being well ****ed at most games I need a second look. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shurlock Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 Good plan and get the team to kick to teh Chapel first half. saw we kicked into the northam for the 2nd half on saturday. first time for a while - was it ipswich's idea or our ours? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 Son of Bob, did you tell them that the reason the vocal fans are where they are is to be next to the away fans? All this will do is create a game of musical chairs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Evil Monkey Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 The Chapel/Kingsland corner is the ideal spot for them if they are going to be put into a corner, but they will need to promote the Chapel as the new 'Kop' as well, as people want to be near the away fans and the atmosphere will be spoiled somewhat by being at other sides of the stadium. Except the suggestion is that the chapel wont be available to STH, isnt it? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicestersaint Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 The ticketign arrangeemnts for Pompey do not seem to take account of supporters who are exiles. Some of us get to few home games but go to various away matches. We are not necessarily on the database because we get our tickets elsewhere - in my case from midlands saints. I had hoped that one of my season ticket friends would be able to buy a ticket for me so i could sit with them but that now seems impossible. I think the club needs to reintroduce a membership scheme. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
paris Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 Thanks Bob ,are they aware that the Itchen North being closed kills a lot of the atmosphere ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 IMO we need a situation where we get one full end with the away supporters in a corner next to us. That would be ideal and the best of both worlds. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70's Mike Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 Surely that corner which used to be the Family Centre is not big enough on its own to accomodate all away fans. Will the excess be in Chapel or Kingsland? Secondly i assume it will mean away fans will be locked in after games or will all Kingsland fans going back to DOCKS area have to walk round stadium because access to Chapel car park is denied to home fans. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 I think the club needs to reintroduce a membership scheme. They don't really need a membership scheme until demand for tickets is so high that the 32k capacity struggles to meet the demand. That will come on a return to the Premiership. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Saturday Boy Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 I think what they'd ideally like to do in the long term is have a combined ST/swipe card. You would then just basically stick £50 on (or whatever) and use it until it runs out, then top it up again. Yeah a ST swipe card would be good. I have one for my membership at the Rose Bowl and it seems to work well. It might be a bit expensive to install but would probably work out cheaper in the long run as less stewards/staff would be needed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissyboy31 Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 IMO we need a situation where we get one full end with the away supporters in a corner next to us. That would be ideal and the best of both worlds. I think this makes more sense TBH. Give them Blocks 35 to 38 with 39 empty for segregation. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
No 2 to Maybush Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 Logistically the best place for the away supporters would be the Itchen North (easy stewarding onto the coaches, etc). Any other block would cause policing problems post-match, unless they are planning to introduce lock-ins for the away supporters as a regular occurance. I would like to see the back of those "supporter" murals they put up in the concourses a couple of seasons ago and the reintroduction of the Saints Legends murals that we used to have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scudamore Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 My invite to this meeting must have got lost in the post I got an invite to a meating at St Marys. Not really my scene though. Do they do beer vending machines? They should do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissyboy31 Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 They don't really need a membership scheme until demand for tickets is so high that the 32k capacity struggles to meet the demand. That will come on a return to the Premiership. But it's another revenue stream. 10k or so, @ say £20 per head (up front) is not to be sniffed at and holders would have the priority over cup tickets etc. Plus the membership card could double as the stadium charge card. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Duckhunter Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 I thought the away fans were where they are, as it was easier to get them in and out of the stadium. Are the police behind any decision to move them, because although it might not be an issue in League 1 it maybe if we get back into Prem. From a personal point of view the Family section is great in the Chapel, but it wont be too many years until my youngster will want to be out with the masses. Looking at the beer is great as well, I leave it as late as possible to get to the game.If the beer was better and there was a "pub like" atmosphere in the bars, I would stroll down a bit earlier. What ever happens it's great that those in charge are thinking about things that affect us, the loyal supporter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of Bob Posted 27 January, 2010 Author Share Posted 27 January, 2010 Son of Bob, did you tell them that the reason the vocal fans are where they are is to be next to the away fans? All this will do is create a game of musical chairs. Of course they are! But that's not everyone's way of thinking. It will undoubtedly lead to a lot of 'musical chairs' as you put it but a high percentage of people sit in the Northam as it is the loudest part of the ground, not just because it's next to the away fans. They are there to watch the game and enjoy a good atmosphere and not necessarily to go 'eyeball to eyeball' with the away fans and miss the actual match! I've personally never enjoyed the Northam that much because the away fans are a distraction. Prior to 'the change' I always had my season ticket in block 2 as you could banter with fans AND watch the game. Perfect! There are a percentage of people who's idea of a football match is to get wrecked and spend 90 minutes stood at 90 degrees to the pitch and insult the fans of who-ever is playing us that week. It's certainly not mine and I'm sure many in the Northam share that view. Those people who like to 'get close' to the away fans will no doubt go over the Chapel but I certainly don't see this idea as 'just switching the stadium round'. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amsterdam Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 They have that token/card system as the Amsterdan Arena...not the greatest idea ever after experiencing it with England. It's true that it's a pain for a one-off game because you don't want to load too much on your card (but then find you have to keep queuing at the recharge area every time you need another round of drinks!). However, it is good if you go (semi) regularly to the stadium (I see the occasional match at the Arena and go to quite a few concerts) - it makes being served much quicker (no change needed) - so I think it's a good system for ST holders - brilliant if they could combine it with the ST itself - v. innovative thinking; I love my club more each day! It's like having a kid who was a nightmare child for the first 10 years, then grows into an intelligent, charming and interesting "youth"!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of Bob Posted 27 January, 2010 Author Share Posted 27 January, 2010 Logistically the best place for the away supporters would be the Itchen North (easy stewarding onto the coaches, etc). Any other block would cause policing problems post-match, unless they are planning to introduce lock-ins for the away supporters as a regular occurance. I would like to see the back of those "supporter" murals they put up in the concourses a couple of seasons ago and the reintroduction of the Saints Legends murals that we used to have. They would never move the away fans to the Itchen North as it's in front of the corporate areas. Simple as. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Matthew Le God Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 Of course they are! But that's not everyone's way of thinking. It will undoubtedly lead to a lot of 'musical chairs' as you put it but a high percentage of people sit in the Northam as it is the loudest part of the ground, not just because it's next to the away fans. But it is the loudest part of the ground because some of those in the Northam want to be next to the away fans. I know not all are there for that reason, then if the people that are there to be near the away fans move then it will stop being the loudest part. Then those in the Northam for the reason of it being loud will want to move out. Catch 22 (sort of ). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of Bob Posted 27 January, 2010 Author Share Posted 27 January, 2010 It's true that it's a pain for a one-off game because you don't want to load too much on your card (but then find you have to keep queuing at the recharge area every time you need another round of drinks!). However, it is good if you go (semi) regularly to the stadium (I see the occasional match at the Arena and go to quite a few concerts) - it makes being served much quicker (no change needed) - so I think it's a good system for ST holders - brilliant if they could combine it with the ST itself - v. innovative thinking; I love my club more each day! It's like having a kid who was a nightmare child for the first 10 years, then grows into an intelligent, charming and interesting "youth"!! It is my understanding you will also be able to use good old cash but the queues would be segregated for each payment method, hence creating a 'fast track' for card holders. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Tone Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 Son of Bob, did you tell them that the reason the vocal fans are where they are is to be next to the away fans? All this will do is create a game of musical chairs. Exactly. Why do they think the northam end became the noisiest one in the first place? Supporters went there when St Mary's opened *because* it was next to the away fans. Moving away fans will just move home fans too. If away fans are moved to the chapel/kingsland it will upset a lot of the ST holders in the Kingsland (and say what you like about the kingsland, I reckon it is where the majority of ST holders sit) Boring old farts like me, with a ST currently in Kingsland South, will not want to be next to the away fans, especially as seats around me will gradually fill up with younger, noisier fans who will want to stand throughout the game, blocking my view or forcing me to stand too etc. Eventual result -- Chapel/ Kingsland South become as the Northam and Itchen North are now. No net change, no solid end of home singing support, just a lot of loyal fans upset. Meanwhile the police control room/viewing point above the current away fans would need to be moved (HOW?) and the arrangements for away coaches changed. Where would they park? There's far less room near the kingsland than there is by the northam. Away fans will be further from the station, making it harder for the police to control and shepherd away any large stroppy groups if there is troub;le. I'm sorry. It sounds lke a really half-baked idea to me, with little understanding of how English football crowds work. K. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of Bob Posted 27 January, 2010 Author Share Posted 27 January, 2010 But it is the loudest part of the ground because some of those in the Northam want to be next to the away fans. I know not all are there for that reason, then if the people that are there to be near the away fans move then it will stop being the loudest part. Then those in the Northam for the reason of it being loud will want to move out. Catch 22 (sort of ). It is a catch 22 but it works well up at the Stadium of light. I go there quite often and the majority of the loudest fans congregate in the stand opposite the away end. There are also pockets of fans either side of the away fans that produce good noise as well and that's how I think it will go. You therefore get 2 good loud outlets of noise from the stands and on the occasion they all sing in unison it sounds awesome and fills the whole ground. There are a large number of fans who want to go to a match, watch a good game of football, and sing to their hearts content and I think they will set up camp in the Northam. There will be a percentage who enjoy the eyeballing and will move down the other end. I reckon everyone's a winner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Incongruous Monk Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 They don't really need a membership scheme until demand for tickets is so high that the 32k capacity struggles to meet the demand. That will come on a return to the Premiership. If the intension is to continue (what has historically been the case) linking big games to purchase history memberships are essential as a means to encourage people onto the database and track sales. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissyboy31 Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 It is a catch 22 but it works well up at the Stadium of light. I go there quite often and the majority of the loudest fans congregate in the stand opposite the away end. There are also pockets of fans either side of the away fans that produce good noise as well and that's how I think it will go. You therefore get 2 good loud outlets of noise from the stands and on the occasion they all sing in unison it sounds awesome and fills the whole ground. There are a large number of fans who want to go to a match, watch a good game of football, and sing to their hearts content and I think they will set up camp in the Northam. There will be a percentage who enjoy the eyeballing and will move down the other end. I reckon everyone's a winner. I agree. We are one of the few teams to have a proper "kop" and I think that contributes to the somewhat soulless atmosphere at St Mary's. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Octopus Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 Leave the away fans where they are and open the itchen north, IMO. Closing this section is what has killed the atmosphere. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dr Octopus Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 Leave the away fans where they are and open the itchen north, IMO. Closing this section is what has killed the atmosphere. Maybe they will realize this when the skates come down!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Tone Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 It is a catch 22 but it works well up at the Stadium of light. I go there quite often and the majority of the loudest fans congregate in the stand opposite the away end. There are also pockets of fans either side of the away fans that produce good noise as well and that's how I think it will go. You therefore get 2 good loud outlets of noise from the stands and on the occasion they all sing in unison it sounds awesome and fills the whole ground. There are a large number of fans who want to go to a match, watch a good game of football, and sing to their hearts content and I think they will set up camp in the Northam. There will be a percentage who enjoy the eyeballing and will move down the other end. I reckon everyone's a winner. I take it you gave them the impression at the meeting that you thought most fans would like this idea? How would those currently with STs in Kingsland South or the Chapel be winners? I don't know what sort of age you are or how long you've been going to matches. I'm 56 and have been a very regular match-going football fan for 39 years. Part of the pleasure for me is meeting the same regulars sitting around me. Moving fans around in a major way like this will upset all sorts of casual friendships. It will be like starting at St Mary's from the Dell all over again.... and for what .. a bit more noise. Is the atmospherer now so rubbish? K. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lord Turnip Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 I loved the old Archers Road stand next to the East stand at the Dell as it created a fantastic atmosphere with good natured banter from both sets of fans being within shouting distance of each other. My friend and I originally went to the Northam when we moved to St Mary's but subsequently moved to the Itchen North corner which was as good as the old Archers. Of course we got moved again when they closed the corners but I would love to be back adjacent to the away fans. For the record my friend and myself are both in our fifties and have NEVER been involved in trouble. Putting the away fans in the Itchen North would put them near the police control box and near where the away coaches currently park. We who like a little light banter could then relocate to the Northam. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hypochondriac Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 It is a catch 22 but it works well up at the Stadium of light. I go there quite often and the majority of the loudest fans congregate in the stand opposite the away end. There are also pockets of fans either side of the away fans that produce good noise as well and that's how I think it will go. You therefore get 2 good loud outlets of noise from the stands and on the occasion they all sing in unison it sounds awesome and fills the whole ground. There are a large number of fans who want to go to a match, watch a good game of football, and sing to their hearts content and I think they will set up camp in the Northam. There will be a percentage who enjoy the eyeballing and will move down the other end. I reckon everyone's a winner. I disagree. I think many enjoy a bit of both and certainly scoring a goal is sweeter if you can see the despair on the face of the opposition supporters. Imagine how cr*p the derby would be if te skates were down the other end. Would not be half as good. A big part of football is the banter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitey Grandad Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 It's great to hear that there will be meetings and consultation. I have a couple of points: Aren't the away fans in the the Itchen / Northam corner for easy access to their coaches and ticket office collections? The queues for pies and pints are enough to deter any but the hardened participators. Anything that can be done to reduce them would be fantastic. How about having indiviidual accounts for each supporter with a direct-debit setup (similar to Paypal) to make paying for tickets easier and quicker? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xerox Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 It is a catch 22 but it works well up at the Stadium of light. I go there quite often and the majority of the loudest fans congregate in the stand opposite the away end. There are also pockets of fans either side of the away fans that produce good noise as well and that's how I think it will go. You therefore get 2 good loud outlets of noise from the stands and on the occasion they all sing in unison it sounds awesome and fills the whole ground. There are a large number of fans who want to go to a match, watch a good game of football, and sing to their hearts content and I think they will set up camp in the Northam. There will be a percentage who enjoy the eyeballing and will move down the other end. I reckon everyone's a winner. err.. i thought the idea was to have one place full of noise?? it wont work waste of time, i'll move to the kingsland as banter is part of football, best thing would be to reopen ichen north and leave the away fans where they are otherwise next season you are going to get previously quiet areas invaded by noisy fans, and those people will end up moving somwhere else. sms evolved a good spread of supproters, all finding the area they liked, over the first few years - pain in the neck to go through it all again - waste of time!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
forever a red and white Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 another problem with this is that the security office is in the corner, so how will it help moving them. I like the idea of having the whole stand but i can;t see it working. Enoguh people will follow the away fans which will lead to the northam failing to sell out thus not creating a kop affect. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Whitey Grandad Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 another problem with this is that the security office is in the corner, so how will it help moving them. I like the idea of having the whole stand but i can;t see it working. Enoguh people will follow the away fans which will lead to the northam failing to sell out thus not creating a kop affect. True, although I will point out that the Kop at Anfield is the other end to the away supporters. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of Bob Posted 27 January, 2010 Author Share Posted 27 January, 2010 I take it you gave them the impression at the meeting that you thought most fans would like this idea? How would those currently with STs in Kingsland South or the Chapel be winners? I don't know what sort of age you are or how long you've been going to matches. I'm 56 and have been a very regular match-going football fan for 39 years. Part of the pleasure for me is meeting the same regulars sitting around me. Moving fans around in a major way like this will upset all sorts of casual friendships. It will be like starting at St Mary's from the Dell all over again.... and for what .. a bit more noise. Is the atmospherer now so rubbish? K. Not at all Ken. I told them it would split the fans 50-50 which is exactly what it has done. I also made the point to David Luker that the fans that would be most angered by this could well be the 'older generation' that currently sit in the Chapel. I think my point was well made and I'm sure you won't be the only one that feels this way. And for the record, I'm 37 and have been following Saints since the 70's Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ewell Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 I don't think moving the away fans is necessarily a bad idea but those that want to eyeball and exchange posturing and banter with the away fans will move. They may then decide to go in the Chapel and is this stand will be a non season ticket holding stand then the club could potentially lose a fair amount of revenue. I would also say it is a non starter until the police have had their say. The costs of policing St Mary's could also dramatically rise with this move of away fans so the club may also curtail the plans once the police have given their views unless they are on board and in agreement already. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ken Tone Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 True, although I will point out that the Kop at Anfield is the other end to the away supporters. Yes but that tends to be the case in grounds with a long history, where main noisy home ends were established for years before many away fans travelled at all ,and long before segregation of away fans. (I know there are exceptions) St Mary's is still new and volatile. Many Northam and Itchen North fans will move IMO. K. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of Bob Posted 27 January, 2010 Author Share Posted 27 January, 2010 I don't think moving the away fans is necessarily a bad idea but those that want to eyeball and exchange posturing and banter with the away fans will move. They may then decide to go in the Chapel and is this stand will be a non season ticket holding stand then the club could potentially lose a fair amount of revenue. I would also say it is a non starter until the police have had their say. The costs of policing St Mary's could also dramatically rise with this move of away fans so the club may also curtail the plans once the police have given their views unless they are on board and in agreement already. From what I understood it was suggested that the away coaches would be parked in the industrial estate near the chapel end and the fans brought in that way. The foot traffic over the bridge would remain similar wherever the away fans are situated. They have to get in somehow! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
croydonsaint Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 Son of Bob, did you get any hints on imminent signings? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Son of Bob Posted 27 January, 2010 Author Share Posted 27 January, 2010 Son of Bob, did you get any hints on imminent signings? Unfortunately not! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
View From The Top Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 Any suggestions as to where the family centre would be situated? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sperm_john Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 loving the idea of swipe cards, sounds kinda 'oyster' card ish and will hopefully half the queueing time.. and thank God they are addressing the beer/drinks and food situation, no wonder no1 socialises at St Marys before the game, it's would be like standing around drinking p1ss water in a morgue.. understand peoples confusions about moving the away fans, but like how nicola is trying to arrange it so we have a 'kop' end... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SaintDonkey Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 They have that token/card system as the Amsterdan Arena...not the greatest idea ever after experiencing it with England. I've experienced it at the Allianz Arena for an 1860 match and when the majority of fans are used to it it works beautifully. I agree for one off events like England matches where people don't know the system, and don't want to put too much on the card, it's a nightmare, but the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages. Now if we can persuade people to decide what they want before they get to the front of the queue we might actually be able to get a pint at half time without missing any of the match! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
corsacar saint Posted 27 January, 2010 Share Posted 27 January, 2010 It is very good that fans are being kept in the loop. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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