How long before we are told that it is not fair for us to have a proper four sided ground? It's wrong innit? A temporary stand to go with temporary players....
Given reports elsewhere that it is psychologically better for the home side that away supporters are not placed behind either goal, I wonder if this stand will be earmarked for the opposition? If this is the case the acoustics need to be made so that the players don't hear anything from it.
I would love to see the Ken Furphy stand, opened by SEJ and Graham Taylor cutting the ribbon and the Pozzos watching on.
Old man gaywood was a great watford supporter, burds custard yellow roller used to park in the garage next door to the ground...eccentric with the ex airforce fighter in his garden, sidewinder missile and telephone box....
On some other forums, people are suggesting that we should move away fans into the new East Stand so 1881 could have the Vic Road end. Do people think this is a good idea? Personally I think the away fans should be moved to the Lower Rous and spread out along the touchline about two or three rows deep. I remember that Norwich did that to away fans a few years back when one their stands was being developed, it was a complete nightmare because there was now way on earth ANY atmosphere could be created in that configuration. I know it would mean some ST's moving, but with the offer of a seat in the new stand that may make that decision a little more palatable.
I seem to have a memory that for the 2nd leg of the play-off semi-final against Palace in 2006 we had their fans sit in the Rous. Did I just make that up? I didn't attend the game in person, I had to watch on TV, maybe I mis-heard some commentary. Did we also use the terracing on the east side for that game?
I would prefer they sat in the Lower Rous, assuming we could fill the rest of the stands, but what is more likely is the family area go into the new stand and we offer the whole Vic Road end for the larger-supported teams, and the smaller ones it will be half away, half unreserved! Could it be a problem with allocations as well? I think you have to offer 2,000 to away fans, or 10% of the capacity if the ground is smaller (so about 1,700 at the moment). Can the Lower Rous actually hold that? With the new stand, will half of the Vic Road end be enough to satisfy this too? As for names for the new East Stand... I fully expect there to be a sponsor lined up for naming rights, so as much as we want the GT/EJ stand, have a feeling it will have a corporate name!
This was on another forum posted from the Watford Council planning page: Erection of steel framed spectator stand with cantilever roof comprising circa 2,600 seats sitting on concrete bleachers and concrete steps with a concourse area at ground level incorporation concession outlets and toilets. a new changing room area will be provided consisting of changing rooms for teams and officials and associated medical facilities. Access will be afforded through existing turnstile openings in the boundary wall along Occupation Road Ref. No: 13/01076/FUL | Status: Application Invalid On Receipt Not good news? Surely must be ok to built something like this which is hardly intrusive.
Apparently this has been published online, with other plans but I cannot find them (according to the FTRE podcast)
They were in the Lower Rous and I still can't understand why all away supporters aren't housed their so home supporters can get both ends behind the goals as well as better views whilst away fans struggle to generate an atmosphere. It can't be to do with Upper Rous yobbos chucking stuff down onto the fans below, maybe something about harder segregation at both ends where the stands 'meet'? Other teams have been housed their too (Ipswich and Peterborough come to mind from the 90s).
My junior hornet has just shown me Blackpool's new stand which is built along the same lines as we are going to have. I personally think it looks out of place and doesn't suit or fit the character of the rest of the stadium. I recently saw Barnet's new hybrid stand (again very similar) which has only got 300 less seats then what we're having and I gotta say it's very underwhelming. I know beggars can't be choosers but, a few extra quid spent now will make everything look and last longer
