St Mary's Stadium

[angelman]

3 hours ago, Oldandtired said:

I think it took about three minutes in to sing the shitty Pompey song. That has got so old now...

 

 

2 hours ago, smithy said:

It's usually under a minute, so that's progress

 

It started before they kicked off.

[angelman]

4 hours ago, Whitey Grandad said:

Oh yes indeed. The North car park was a nightmare. The burger van in the middle only made things worse. I wasn’t clear if the blockage was caused by too many people or queues for the burgers or those standing around watching the TV screen or those listening to the live band.

Over 30,000 people have to get away after the game and blocking one of the main escape routes isn’t a very good idea.

Why don’t they turn the fan zone thing around and have it facing north?

I expect there will be changes for the next game.

What was the bridge like over the railway at full time? I had to get a wriggle on today, so hit it early.

Edited August 24 by angelman

[Disco Stu]

Tifo looked shite. Such a poor design. Shame as it could have been great and I'm sure it was a fair outlay for the club.

[Whitey Grandad]

4 minutes ago, Disco Stu said:

Tifo looked shite. Such a poor design. Shame as it could have been great and I'm sure it was a fair outlay for the club.

Tifo?

[Daft Kerplunk]

6 minutes ago, Disco Stu said:

Tifo looked shite. Such a poor design. Shame as it could have been great and I'm sure it was a fair outlay for the club.

Needs to be done by fans, not the club committee

[gammon cheeks]

Absolutely loved being in the Northam today ...thought it was good to be honest 

[Sunglasses Ron]

Well it looked good on the TV at least, a much nicer vista than it used to be. It’s quite satisfying no longer being able to see the away fans wildly celebrate their goals.

[RedWillie]

Sat in the Kingsland b34, it was definitely noisier than usual and has the chance to be a useful addition. I barely heard the Forest fans to be honest , except when they scored. Unfortunately, our slow football killed any enthusiasm or gave a reason to be excited and make a noise.

[Nordic Saint]

 

3 hours ago, gammon cheeks said:

Absolutely loved being in the Northam today ...thought it was good to be honest 

I agree. The new setup was a clear improvement. The atmosphere at the beginning was very good, but the dire performance from the team slowly sucked the life out of the crowd. in the past, there would have been almost total silence from the home fans and all you'd have heard would have been the Forest fans throughout the entire game. It wasn't like that this time. The home fans were noticably in the ascendance until the end when people started  leaving  and the Forest fans knew they were going to win. 

That Pompey song needs to stop though. Once might be just about acceptable but to keep hearing it repeated is soul destroying.

Edited August 25 by Nordic Saint

[SaintNewForest]

Was incredibly underwhelming I thought. The so-called Northam wall was nothing. The atmosphere was no different, maybe a little worse, to how it was previously. The fan zones were crap and just hindered walking round the stadium. If they have to down this tinpot route, at least allow clear access round the stadium for those of us who want to avoid it. 

That the forest fans outsung at times was worrying, and I think the atmosphere suffered from losing the home fans vs away fans atmosphere to be honest. 

Lots to work on here, early days and all that, but it doesn't scream an improvement. 

[mikee]

I thought I would give the Northam fan zone a try today and think it worked well as pre and post match entertainment. The Moonrunners band were pretty decent and got some atmosphere going, even after the match.

Not sure why people were congregating outside the fan zone in the rain as there was space inside and under cover - and that is what caused the blockages.

The biggest issue with the fan zone is that it is not meant to be the highlight of the day, which today it was!

Fair play to the club for trying to improve the matchday experience.

[Lee On Solent Saint]

8 minutes ago, mikee said:

I thought I would give the Northam fan zone a try today and think it worked well as pre and post match entertainment. The Moonrunners band were pretty decent and got some atmosphere going, even after the match.

Not sure why people were congregating outside the fan zone in the rain as there was space inside and under cover - and that is what caused the blockages.

The biggest issue with the fan zone is that it is not meant to be the highlight of the day, which today it was!

Fair play to the club for trying to improve the matchday experience.

The only thing that enhances my matchday experience is the performance on the pitch. Couldn't give a shit about the fans zone bollocks.

[TheAlehouseBrawlers]

We were in the Northam yesterday and I thought it was OK and will certainly get better. Very good at the start, best first half, but complete lack of chances created set a reality in and the support suffered (all round the ground. A goal would have changed everything.

I think those knocking it were against it from the start. Sometimes there were different chants starting all over and some started one one side, gradually progressed across but had already ended where it started.

Forest fans only woke up after they'd scored but thought they'd be much better than they were, they only "outsung" us at the end as they were winning and our lot had already realised we were so inferior at home to a relegation rival we couldn't afford to lose to. And if you're in the Chapel Itchen corner (as someone posted) of course the aways will sound loud, you're right in front of them. It will get worse, Man United will be non-stop, maybe 'supporters' down that end need to pipe up more.

Teething problems with the fanzones regarding a bit of congestion but thought they were generally good - not really for me other than at halftime but can only praise the club for trying something new.

[Kenilworthy]

19 minutes ago, TheAlehouseBrawlers said:

We were in the Northam yesterday and I thought it was OK and will certainly get better. Very good at the start, best first half, but complete lack of chances created set a reality in and the support suffered (all round the ground. A goal would have changed everything.

I think those knocking it were against it from the start. Sometimes there were different chants starting all over and some started one one side, gradually progressed across but had already ended where it started.

Forest fans only woke up after they'd scored but thought they'd be much better than they were, they only "outsung" us at the end as they were winning and our lot had already realised we were so inferior at home to a relegation rival we couldn't afford to lose to. And if you're in the Chapel Itchen corner (as someone posted) of course the aways will sound loud, you're right in front of them. It will get worse, Man United will be non-stop, maybe 'supporters' down that end need to pipe up more.

Teething problems with the fanzones regarding a bit of congestion but thought they were generally good - not really for me other than at halftime but can only praise the club for trying something new.

I think the perspective on the away fans depends a lot on where you are. Being next to them in the Chapel they were annoyingly loud throughout the game.

[Miltonaggro]

11 hours ago, Turkish said:

We need a guy like this. Maybe a role for voice of the fans Saintrob?

 

 

Whatever we were going to spend on O'Riley needs to be reallocated so we can get this chap.

[Turkish]

9 minutes ago, Miltonaggro said:

Whatever we were going to spend on O'Riley needs to be reallocated so we can get this chap.

Saint Rob is the obvious candidate he has the respect of the fan base already and would love the job but Surely there must be someone in the many supporters groups that can share the load? Is there anyone from Rainbow saints that is willing to step up? What was that other supporters group we used to have that met with the club every so often? There was a bird in that who seemed to think she was the dogs bollocks giving her views on Twitter every 20 seconds. 

[ant]

I've been in the same spot in Block 42 for a dozen years, so feel reasonably qualified to comment. 

The talk about following the away fans was definitely just talk. All the old faces were in situ.

Half-expected some movement to the other Northam blocks given they were open for business - but I guess folks are set in their ways. 

The atmosphere was decent until kickoff-ish.

Some looked pretty confused about the flag going up over us. 😆

But yeah, once we got going it was more or less the same as it ever was. Louder when the players were doing something and quieter when under the cosh.

The way the safe standing bars are put in makes it harder to pass any (ahem) larger guys - or for them to get past you. It was strange looking over to Block 43 (and what I could make out of 44) and seeing fans standing but silent.

The fanzone is what it is. Not for me but seemed popular. Was pretty bloody annoying that people were still filtering back from it on the hour mark, mind. 

From what I saw the fanzone had a similar effect to designated away pubs. That 'loud in the Spoons, quiet in the stands' dynamic where the gobby fans blow their loads too soon. 

Getting away at the end was unnecessarily annoying, as there's less room behind the stand and we all have to leave at the breaks in the perimeter. 

It's early days but ultimately most changes appear for little tangible benefit.

[miserableoldgit]

10 hours ago, angelman said:

What was the bridge like over the railway at full time? I had to get a wriggle on today, so hit it early.

No worse that normal....in fact it may have even been slightly more free-flowing than normal.

[6ft8saint]

2 hours ago, TheAlehouseBrawlers said:

We were in the Northam yesterday and I thought it was OK and will certainly get better. Very good at the start, best first half, but complete lack of chances created set a reality in and the support suffered (all round the ground. A goal would have changed everything.

I think those knocking it were against it from the start. Sometimes there were different chants starting all over and some started one one side, gradually progressed across but had already ended where it started.

Forest fans only woke up after they'd scored but thought they'd be much better than they were, they only "outsung" us at the end as they were winning and our lot had already realised we were so inferior at home to a relegation rival we couldn't afford to lose to. And if you're in the Chapel Itchen corner (as someone posted) of course the aways will sound loud, you're right in front of them. It will get worse, Man United will be non-stop, maybe 'supporters' down that end need to pipe up more.

Teething problems with the fanzones regarding a bit of congestion but thought they were generally good - not really for me other than at halftime but can only praise the club for trying something new.

Having been sat alot closer to the away fans in the family area they didn't stop all match. 

 

Northam was good at start and for 1st 30mins but there large sections of time it was like it was before. The stadium rely on Northam to start chants and the stadium to carry them. 

 

Can hopefully see potential for match days

[um pahars]

3 hours ago, Turkish said:

Saint Rob is the obvious candidate he has the respect of the fan base already and would love the job but Surely there must be someone in the many supporters groups that can share the load? Is there anyone from Rainbow saints that is willing to step up? What was that other supporters group we used to have that met with the club every so often? There was a bird in that who seemed to think she was the dogs bollocks giving her views on Twitter every 20 seconds. 

I’m offended you haven’t nominated me!!!

As for the Northam, have to say it’s got potential. From the Itchen it seemed as though the original Blocks 41-43 were the same as in previous years and the rest were finding their feet. 
 

Started ok, but tailed off as the insipid performance sucked the life out of the crowd. The first half performance on the pitch was woeful and the second only marginally better.
 

Couldn’t hear the away fans, but probably more to do with proximity.

Edited August 25 by um pahars

[Saint_Jonny]

Took about 5 minutes for the people round me to start moaning about the Northam being a "shit hole" and singing that they want their Itchen back. Great job giving it a chance guys, really, amazing job. 

[Turkish]

2 hours ago, um pahars said:

I’m offended you haven’t nominated me!!!

As for the Northam, have to say it’s got potential. From the Itchen it seemed as though the original Blocks 41-43 were the same as in previous years and the rest were finding their feet. 
 

Started ok, but tailed off as the insipid performance sucked the life out of the crowd. The first half performance on the pitch was woeful and the second only marginally better.
 

Couldn’t hear the away fans, but probably more to do with proximity.

Unfortunately you don’t meet the criteria Um. The last time you tried to make something roar it was quieter than a dead cat 

[Appy]

Thought it was fine to be honest, we just have so few songs it dies a death pretty quickly, especially when there’s no away fans to “banter with”. 
 

It got going in the second half when we picked up a bit, but the goal just killed it. 

[Dr Who?]

I think the club are doing some great things around the stadium and the fan park and the northern wall are a positive for sure. Makes it more of a match day experience for all, and you can still get tanked up and just stumble a few yards to your seat.  Start winning some games and things will improve even more. 

[SouSaint]

It was loud at the beginning of both halves but performance on the pitch made it go a bit stale, shame about the other 20,000 fans who'd rather sit there in complete silence though. 

[SaintsLoyal]

‘Matchday Experience’   LOL. 🤪 I’m only interested in the football 

[Hayling Saint]

2 hours ago, SaintsLoyal said:

‘Matchday Experience’   LOL. 🤪 I’m only interested in the football 

Me too

[rallyboy]

I'm starting to wonder whether the atmosphere may be influenced by what goes on in the game...

Anyone who was gleefully dancing around waving their foam hands and letting off pyros while we were pinned back trying to play goalkicks out of our own six yard box, wasn't reading the room.

If we get to score a goal one day, perhaps the Northam might sound better.

I also suspect that if you sit in the Chapel next to the opposition fans, you'll probably hear them more than if you were further away.

It's like the Father Ted cows thing, but in audio form.

[beatlesaint]

My ony criticism/concern would be that I think with the Northam fan park they need to do something to ensure there is a clear walk way through it, getting from Britannia Road/Itchen Stand through to the Kingsland and vice versa was murder and with people being encouraged to use the footbridge as opposed to through the industial estate it really needs a pathway that isnt blocked by people having a drink and standing around. maybe like me the club didnt expect people to be stood outside in the pissing rain when there was plenty of room undercover.

Edited August 26 by beatlesaint

[Whitey Grandad]

22 minutes ago, beatlesaint said:

My ony criticism/concern would be that I think with the Northam fan park they need to do something to ensure there is a clear walk way through it, getting from Britannia Road/Itchen Stand through to the Kingsland and vice versa was murder and with people being encouraged to use the footbridge as opposed to through the industial estate it really needs a pathway that isnt blocked by people having a drink and standing around. maybe like me the club didnt expect people to be stood outside in the pissing rain when there was plenty of room undercover.

I was wondering whether it would be worth considering letting fans in the Kingsland go across to the east through the stadium itself. 

Something needs to change. The burger van should be moved for a start. 

It wasn't clear from ground level why we couldn't move. Was it queues for the burgers, watching the TV screen, listening to the band, or just too many people trying to go in too many directions?

[beatlesaint]

18 minutes ago, Whitey Grandad said:

I was wondering whether it would be worth considering letting fans in the Kingsland go across to the east through the stadium itself. 

Something needs to change. The burger van should be moved for a start. 

It wasn't clear from ground level why we couldn't move. Was it queues for the burgers, watching the TV screen, listening to the band, or just too many people trying to go in too many directions?

I think it was a combination of all of those things, certainly there were a lot of people just stood around so there needs to be a designated walk through area especially given they aren't encouraging people to walk through the away area which, as i said before, was a main entry into the stadium grounds.

[Nordic Saint]

23 hours ago, um pahars said:

 

Couldn’t hear the away fans, but probably more to do with proximity.

The acoustics in a corner are much worse so the sound doesn't carry as much as it did when they were behind the goal. That's the main reason football clubs around the world stick the away fans in a corner. I only really heard them at the end when they were celebrating winning and home fans were drifting out.  It made a nice change from the last time we were playing that badly in the Premier League when all you heard throughout the game was the away fans singng.

Edited August 26 by Nordic Saint

[SaintsLoyal]

A noticeable increase in congestion and timing dispersal because of the daft idea to 'cage in' fans ala 1980s 

The fencing will have to go, crazy idea and if there was any surging it would cause a serious situation.

 

Edited August 26 by SaintsLoyal

[TheAlehouseBrawlers]

There was always going to be teething problems with so many changes, although as far as I could see the new QR code tickets worked well, these will sort themselves out over the next few home games. I think fans coming out of the Northam will realise turning right out to Britannia Road and walking up to Northam Road and going left over the railway bridge won't be much different to the time it takes queuing to get over the footbridge.

I'm still reading one or two bemoaning the loss of the Itchen North crowd and being forced into the Northam for safe standing, there was an option. Some safe-standing is available in the KIngsland North (Block 38), you could have done your thing there. I also noticed Saturday that there was still fans joining in the singing in blocks 1-3 and I think they were still anticipating some standing towards the back as the Corp boxes were boarded off in that area. Maybe they could have just remained there.

[OldNick]

22 hours ago, Nordic Saint said:

The acoustics in a corner are much worse so the sound doesn't carry as much as it did when they were behind the goal. That's the main reason football clubs around the world stick the away fans in a corner. I only really heard them at the end when they were celebrating winning and home fans were drifting out.  It made a nice change from the last time we were playing that badly in the Premier League when all you heard throughout the game was the away fans singng.

Sadly as I am nearly opposite the away fans in my new seat , the away fans were loud but better than drowning out the Northam that I thought was pretty good, shame they had little to bring them to life Annoying that the first 3 songs as the game started was about Pompey. We do need some new songs, the Forest fans did have a few different ones

[franniesTache]

5 hours ago, TheAlehouseBrawlers said:

There was always going to be teething problems with so many changes, although as far as I could see the new QR code tickets worked well, these will sort themselves out over the next few home games. I think fans coming out of the Northam will realise turning right out to Britannia Road and walking up to Northam Road and going left over the railway bridge won't be much different to the time it takes queuing to get over the footbridge.

I'm still reading one or two bemoaning the loss of the Itchen North crowd and being forced into the Northam for safe standing, there was an option. Some safe-standing is available in the KIngsland North (Block 38), you could have done your thing there. I also noticed Saturday that there was still fans joining in the singing in blocks 1-3 and I think they were still anticipating some standing towards the back as the Corp boxes were boarded off in that area. Maybe they could have just remained there.

I think the corporate boxes at the back of the Itchen North are being turned into a champagne bar aren't they? Hence why they're closed (and no this really isn't a joke, it's true! God alone knows what's happened to football that we're now having champagne bars pop up)

Edited August 27 by franniesTache
because i can't spell

[goodymatt]

3 hours ago, franniesTache said:

I think the corporate boxes at the back of the Itchen North are being turned into a champagne bar aren't they? Hence why they're closed (and no this really isn't a joke, it's true! God alone knows what's happened to football that we're now having champagne bars pop up)

Trying to do something about our flat performances? 😉 

Edited August 27 by goodymatt

[SaintsLoyal]

I do hope people complain to the club about the congestion post match as it will become a regular event unless they remove the fencing.

[franniesTache]

52 minutes ago, goodymatt said:

Trying to do something about our flat performances? 😉 

CHAMPAGNE BAR - Coming soon! 

We will be converting six of the executive boxes on the top floor of the Itchen North end of the stadium into a new Champagne Bar. This lounge will be available for matchdays and can also be used on non-matchdays as a celebration space for birthdays, anniversaries and much more. More details and the full launch will come later in 2024.      

https://www.southamptonfc.com/en/news/article/whats-changed-at-st-marys-this-season-everything-you-need-to-know-so-far

 

It's what the people are clamouring for, at a time of a cost of living crisis, when people are moaning about the atmosphere, and football has lost it's edge, the only sensible answer is a champagne bar.

Live. Love. Laugh everyone, it's bubbles o'clock! 

[Patrick Bateman]

8 hours ago, franniesTache said:

CHAMPAGNE BAR - Coming soon! 

We will be converting six of the executive boxes on the top floor of the Itchen North end of the stadium into a new Champagne Bar. This lounge will be available for matchdays and can also be used on non-matchdays as a celebration space for birthdays, anniversaries and much more. More details and the full launch will come later in 2024.      

https://www.southamptonfc.com/en/news/article/whats-changed-at-st-marys-this-season-everything-you-need-to-know-so-far

 

It's what the people are clamouring for, at a time of a cost of living crisis, when people are moaning about the atmosphere, and football has lost it's edge, the only sensible answer is a champagne bar.

Live. Love. Laugh everyone, it's bubbles o'clock! 

No words ... 

[Lee On Solent Saint]

16 hours ago, franniesTache said:

CHAMPAGNE BAR - Coming soon! 

We will be converting six of the executive boxes on the top floor of the Itchen North end of the stadium into a new Champagne Bar. This lounge will be available for matchdays and can also be used on non-matchdays as a celebration space for birthdays, anniversaries and much more. More details and the full launch will come later in 2024.      

https://www.southamptonfc.com/en/news/article/whats-changed-at-st-marys-this-season-everything-you-need-to-know-so-far

 

It's what the people are clamouring for, at a time of a cost of living crisis, when people are moaning about the atmosphere, and football has lost it's edge, the only sensible answer is a champagne bar.

Live. Love. Laugh everyone, it's bubbles o'clock! 

Executive boxes not selling well then. 

[Saint_clark]

11 hours ago, Patrick Bateman said:

No words ... 

Don't see anything wrong with it personally. Can see it doing well for company events.

[S-Clarke]

19 hours ago, franniesTache said:

CHAMPAGNE BAR - Coming soon! 

We will be converting six of the executive boxes on the top floor of the Itchen North end of the stadium into a new Champagne Bar. This lounge will be available for matchdays and can also be used on non-matchdays as a celebration space for birthdays, anniversaries and much more. More details and the full launch will come later in 2024.      

https://www.southamptonfc.com/en/news/article/whats-changed-at-st-marys-this-season-everything-you-need-to-know-so-far

 

It's what the people are clamouring for, at a time of a cost of living crisis, when people are moaning about the atmosphere, and football has lost it's edge, the only sensible answer is a champagne bar.

Live. Love. Laugh everyone, it's bubbles o'clock! 

It is cringe and is far away from what football was once about, even as recently as 10 years ago, but I think it's a sad indication of what clubs have to do now with PSR/FFP or whatever bollocks it's called these days. Football is now primarily all about commercials and a financial manipulation game as a first priority, any success on the pitch is a secondary to that. If it works over a long-term then obviously both things go hand in hand and it fuels the football side, but initially it looks like nonsense.

All revenue streams they can create will help the club and provide more income. That's one of the reasons they're doing all these changes and fan zones, lots of opportunities to sell more merch food/drink to a captive audience. 

Edited August 28 by S-Clarke

[iansums]

19 hours ago, franniesTache said:

CHAMPAGNE BAR - Coming soon! 

We will be converting six of the executive boxes on the top floor of the Itchen North end of the stadium into a new Champagne Bar. This lounge will be available for matchdays and can also be used on non-matchdays as a celebration space for birthdays, anniversaries and much more. More details and the full launch will come later in 2024.      

https://www.southamptonfc.com/en/news/article/whats-changed-at-st-marys-this-season-everything-you-need-to-know-so-far

 

It's what the people are clamouring for, at a time of a cost of living crisis, when people are moaning about the atmosphere, and football has lost it's edge, the only sensible answer is a champagne bar.

Live. Love. Laugh everyone, it's bubbles o'clock! 

I'm not going unless they offer prawn sandwiches.

[franniesTache]

46 minutes ago, iansums said:

I'm not going unless they offer prawn sandwiches.

caviar blinis or nothing for me

[Matthew Le God]

Season tickets sold out

Forest game sold out

Man Utd game sold out

Ipswich game sold out

https://x.com/SouthamptonFC/status/1828779818143428947

Very difficult for anyone to get a ticket unless you are a season ticket holder or a member, very few (if any) reach general sale.

😉😇

Edited August 28 by Matthew Le God

[CSA96]

Give it a few more games and you'll be able to get tickets... 

[OldNick]

2 hours ago, S-Clarke said:

It is cringe and is far away from what football was once about, even as recently as 10 years ago, but I think it's a sad indication of what clubs have to do now with PSR/FFP or whatever bollocks it's called these days. Football is now primarily all about commercials and a financial manipulation game as a first priority, any success on the pitch is a secondary to that. If it works over a long-term then obviously both things go hand in hand and it fuels the football side, but initially it looks like nonsense.

All revenue streams they can create will help the club and provide more income. That's one of the reasons they're doing all these changes and fan zones, lots of opportunities to sell more merch food/drink to a captive audience. 

Champagne bars are now found in many high streets, they werent there 10 years ago either. Its like lamenting the lack of flared trousers in the shops

[SaintsLoyal]

I advocate drink

2 hours ago, S-Clarke said:

It is cringe and is far away from what football was once about, even as recently as 10 years ago, but I think it's a sad indication of what clubs have to do now with PSR/FFP or whatever bollocks it's called these days. Football is now primarily all about commercials and a financial manipulation game as a first priority, any success on the pitch is a secondary to that. If it works over a long-term then obviously both things go hand in hand and it fuels the football side, but initially it looks like nonsense.

All revenue streams they can create will help the club and provide more income. That's one of the reasons they're doing all these changes and fan zones, lots of opportunities to sell more merch food/drink to a captive audience. 

Sadly there are plenty of modern day football fans/spectators who lap it up.  'match day experience' !!  f*ck off 

Being a football fan is not about spending hours on end at the Stadium, you meet people at drinking holes, have a crack, go to the match and then do some post match business somewhere else.  

I fully adovcate not going anywhere near the fanzone and drinking eating in usual establishments, the club waste millions on shit players.

[TheAlehouseBrawlers]

1 hour ago, Matthew Le God said:

Season tickets sold out

Forest game sold out

Man Utd game sold out

Ipswich game sold out

https://x.com/SouthamptonFC/status/1828779818143428947

Very difficult for anyone to get a ticket unless you are a season ticket holder or a member, very few (if any) reach general sale.

😉😇

Are we the only ground in the country that can sell-out a month in advance and so turn many more away from being able to buy tickets, yet still have the same empty seats (particularly at the front of the Itchen) every home game?