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What's happened to the Northam?


Saint Fan CaM
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Firstly, please don't think this is a simple moan or dig - it's not - I'm just interested in other views and admit it might just be my ears. I sit in the Kingsland and so fully appreciate I'm hardly one to criticise, but I do have a consistent vantage point to make a judgement over several seasons.

 

What has happened to the Northam? I mean the vocal support - the songs/chants - the cohesiveness of that. I'm comparing it to just three seasons ago when we were in L1. The songs seemed more innovative - louder - good rapport and bouncing of songs around the ground. Remember "we're the Northam over here - we're the Itchen over here" and other favourites like "sing us a song Chapel"? The only positive I can draw is that OWTS gets sung a bit slower now.

 

I don't know what's happened, but the singing now seems quieter, fragmented and...well, a bit bland and clinical. Is this the Prem effect? Surely the ground should be rocking even more now? Is there anything that can be done to improve the situation? Does it need improving?

 

Thoughts and comments?

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I'm in block 42 and it does seem like the kingsland north corner is taking control a bit more with starting chants and a bit of additional volume.

 

Hey it's the Itchen Corner that leads now! Blocks 1/2/3. The away fans get it from both directions.

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I have no idea how the different stands sing, but it has been fantastic watching saints on TV, or listening on the radio and hearing how loudly our fans sing home and away. They are drowning out other teams fans in away matches and singing the roof off at St Mary's too. I've never heard our support sound so good.

 

There can't be many better for noise in the PL at the moment, certainly for our size and the distance of the journeys our travelling fans make.

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I've had my season ticket in block 42 since the start of st marys, having moved from the archers (via the milton) and in my opinion the big difference is the increase in people buying single tickets.

 

There are far more "lads" with their girlfriends at the front of block 42 than there used to be. Also there's a lot more kids dressed as green street extras who seem to be more interested in pointing at their mates at the back.

 

Kingsland is good these days but if maybe they/the northam listen a bit more it'd be better in general. I've noticed a lot that we don't take our lead from each other and join their songs. On a couple of points yesterday both block 42 and the kingsland were singing different songs at the same time.

 

As for wit, with block 42 being closer the away fans it's more responsive and humorous, but the problem with the kingsland is they don't hear it/or react slowly as they're further away so the spontaneous chants get drowned out.

 

All in my view of course.

 

Oh and as an aside what was all the run away stuff about yesterday? Heard people singing it a few times at the back of the northam.

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Not so certain about Block 3 nowadays.

 

I've moved back there after two years exile in Block 5 and we are surrounded by 'day trippers' now, and considering a move to somewhere with a better atmosphere.

 

Is there anywhere in St. Mary's for a bit of middle-aged chaos now? That's why the Itchen used to be so great. Somewhere where you could shout and sing for most of the match, but take your wife, and daughters along with you for a great day out without feeling threatened.

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Is there anywhere in St. Mary's for a bit of middle-aged chaos now? That's why the Itchen used to be so great. Somewhere where you could shout and sing for most of the match, but take your wife, and daughters along with you for a great day out without feeling threatened.

 

There are far more "lads" with their girlfriends at the front of block 42 than there used to be. .

Problem solved! :) Maybe block 42 lower could be couples only? :lol:

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Also been in 42 since game 2 at St Mary's and it is definitely different - less banter, same songs, not much innovation, all feels a bit tired and formulaic. Worse this season because of our form but even towards the end of last season it was feeling a bit jaded. Not helped by the three lads behind me who are prototype Upper East Stand moaners. Thinking of moving, seriously tempted by the hospitality seating if only so my old man can go when i can't cos of work.

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What happened up in the top of Block 1/away fans yesterday? Saw someone getting dragged out just after we scored !?

 

Also as much as I love sitting in 37, there always seems to be a point in the game where the top of that block seems to want to go through the whole book of anti pompey songs....all noise is good noise, and I don't mind the odd anti-pompey song, but I'd prefer more pro-saints songs!

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It is still better than most of the other ground I've been to recently, but I'm sure more fans used to take responsibility to lift the players during tough periods of a match.

 

Currently too many seem to take their lead from what's happening on the pitch, as opposed to trying to lift things ourselves. There are times where it's really bloody frustrating trying to get anything going.

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Paul Jewell on GOS today said he was impressed "always a cup tie atmosphere at St Mary's" obviously still hoping for a decent job?

 

I agree with the two song bit and it does seem we now have the Northam and the Kingsland trying to start up songs. Don't see too much of an issue I'd rather have two blocks trying to sing all the time than no one starting them! even if they don't always join in each others songs. (I think as they are already singing rather than because they aren't listening)

 

As for wit? "**** Chrismas jumper" does it get any wittier?

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Sitting in the Chapel you get to hear quite a bit of noise and witty chants from the Northam & Kingsland corner.

 

You also notice that people are getting absorbed in the game and concentration takes over from singing, but then you always get someone who can't concentrate as much and something starts to get sung.

 

Just as an aside there is a bloke 2 - 3 rows behind me who is going the be told to shut up soon. For the best part of Saturdays game all you could hear was him talking a whole load of cobblers, this mate that, that mate this, some mate who thought driving his van from Sholing to Chandlers Ford was too far to go all at a few decibels below shouting. Then when he does actually pipe up about Saints it is an absolute Horses ar$e that dribbles out of his gob. I don't actually think he sees much of the game as he is talking to his mate................. Be surprised if you Northam dwellers can't hear him too!!

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One more thing to add here though can the idiot that keeps singing chelsea songs in the Northam please shut the fu.ck up! One man went to mow is and always has been a chelsea song, it's not funny, it's not ours and you sound like a din.

 

Thanks

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It's a shame because when the Northam's really rocking I wouldn't choose to be anywhere else in the ground (other than on the pitch of course, lapping it up and earning a few bob). I know that the fear of losing has returned after being spoilt for wins for a time, but that's even more reason to get behind the team and chant rather than stand there in silence.

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