As I have often said the announcing equipment is a total waste of time in the Kingsland area, and wouldn't be missed if it wasn't there, but you do worry about the Safety implications.
Liverpool fans have certainly changed over the years. Didn't ever really "like" them during their glory years, but did respect them greatly. Used to take big numbers away and the Kop was always even-handed to away teams (check out the Kop applauding a couple of Le Tiss goals at Anfield). Were also trendsetters for songs and football fashion. But now, most of their songs are from Celtic. They've got into the "against modern football" thing, maybe to offset the fact their club doesn't win anything anymore so they are desperately trying to appear edgy (hence the smokebomb (which isn't edgy at all really)). Plus feels like a general feeling of "entitlement" that you often get from fans of "big clubs". Perhaps the hardcore Liverpool fan hasn't changed and its just the johnnycomelatelys who are tarnishing the image a bit, but overall yesterday, their support was one of the poorest at SMS in years.
Those normally empty seats in the Chapel end were occupied this week, it appeared to be the Under 18 Squad as their game had been washed out, they were able to attend for once, don't know if they counted in the overall attendance though.
Tbh the new tier thing Liverpool have rolled out seems a joke to me as well http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/live...ol-fc-ticket-prices-unveiled-100252-32953419/
I am always fuming at people who leave early for the sake of saving a few minutes on their journey home, especially when Saints are winning or it's a close match.
Nothing against fans standing up against clubs ripping them off, but you can't really be a hypocrite with it either. If those LFC fans don't renew their season tickets on a matter of principle (or they just can't afford it) then fair play to them. There has to be a breaking point in football for ticket prices, but whilst the clubs sell out most weeks, the clubs know they can keep on getting bums on seats. They don't care if they are 20+ years season ticket holders, or brand new ones sold to corporate event companies who then sell them onto Asian fans here on holiday. Trouble is, clubs know its the most loyal fans they can squeeze the most. Its why hardly any clubs do discounts for long term season ticket holders etc. Clubs preach loyalty, but in few instances do they reward their fans for displaying it.
I have lived overseas since i was 5 and a few years ago I went to see a game with my friend (now in the u18's) and his dad and i had to leave earlier. Although were losing at the time I still wanted to stay for the whole time. I can see why people like to leave earlier (traffic etc) but i know myself i wont ever leave a game early again as it's extra special when i get to watch southampton.
CBK.....suggest you ask some of those people why they are leaving early. I did and got a variety of replies......"What the **** has it to do with you"........"I paid the same as you for my ticket I'll do what I want"............"I start work in an hour"....... "the bus to the hospital leaves in 5 minutes thats where my missus is" "Want to miss any trouble" (Pompey game) The last excuse was probably the most often used. I actually asked one guy who chose to come in late, then get up and go to the loo (presumably) then go to the concourse early at half time back late from the concourse and finally leave the game about 10 minutes early. I asked him if he realised how annoying it was to keep having to get up to let him through. He replied "It's a free country isn't it"..........As frustrating as it is there is not not much you can reply to that is there..........?
Can't argue with any of those responses really, especially the first one. Well done for having the front to ask though - I'm far too English to do that, though I often want too.
I think CBK is absolutely 100% correct. With me, it has always been that if you have to leave early, then don't go at all. If you want to spend half your time in the concourses, stay in the pub instead. I have never arrived late or left early. I'm not being holier than thou here, it's just that it's a kind of unwritten rule, and arriving late or leaving early doesn't even enter into my head. You just don't do it. On another subject of football support, I saw video of Roy Hodgson in the stand and noticed Nicola two rows below him absolutely engrossed in the game. He was sat alone, as far as I could see and was, for all the world, the tortured soul that he says he is when he watches the game. He could be Saints most devoted fan..!
Someone said that no one sits with Nicola because they don't like him....I said, believe me if he wanted someone to be sat there they would be. Definitely a nervous fan and prefers to be alone.
Yeah I remember seeing it too! Nice little gold plaque with his name engraved into it. I think it says "In Loving Memory of Markus Liebherr".
Don't get up for him would be an idea. Just move your legs, that always winds up constant getter uppers.
Like it. I reckon a new word is required for the English language, because quite simply fidget doesn't adequately describe and replace the three words you're using.