Yes I know we've discussed this one before, but it appears there may be some political will behind it now, will a pilot scheme be coming to a ground near you soon? (Or quite far from you, as it looks like the Welsh will be getting first go at it) As someone who when I do attend games, will generally sit (I say that loosly) in the lower Barclay. I have thought safe standing is not just sensible but a very obvious way forward. http://www.theguardian.com/football/2015/feb/14/safe-standing-welsh-assembly If you believe the figures on this article it would appear that with 96% backing from fans near everyone believes it is the way forward. Many fans already flout requests from stewards to sit down home and away and at many clubs. So what would be the big deal? In theory people wanting to sit through out the match would be less disturbed, may be some cheaper tickets, greater atmosphere, and a quick way of boosting attendances. Bah!
I think its a great idea, definitely adds to the atmosphere at a game. I must admit to standing for a good 70/80% of the game because I just can't get into otherwise. At Ipswich for instance I would like to see at the very least SBR lower brought in as standing, but it could be extended to SAR lower and/or along the sides.
As much as I would welcome safe standing I doubt it will ever happen tbh. It's a shame because younger fans have never experienced the atmosphere that standing creates. You simply cannot compare the atmosphere at Carrow Road today to that of years ago. If you were standing in the middle of the Barclay terrace for a big game, especially a night game, the atmosphere was simply electric and at times deafening, at least I am one of the privilaged to have experienced it. The best ever for me was the Milk Cup semi against Ipswich in '85, we were crammed in like sardines that night and when Brucie headed in that winner late on, well the noise was absolutely incredible and I left the ground with noise ringing in my hears and no voice !
great memories for you guys. your right though, the younger generation probably can't even imagine being within that type atmosphere, our old north stand was great, with the oppo's fans within touching distance. superb times!
I was in the Barclay starting in the early 80's and it was awesome, like KIO especially in really big games when it was sardines that started at the back and ended up about 10ft from the net when we scored! Then came the seats I stayed in the Lower Barclay, block D, in row X right at the back under the boxes. We were allowed to stand a lot of the time, and most of the time had to as the rows in front would stand up every time the ball crossed the half way line towards the opponents goal. It was that, and the reduce atmosphere that made me start to question why it was 'really' necessary at Carrow Road. Sitting down killed the singing, most of the time. I would welcome 'safe standing' with open arms, but would still miss the crazy surges I once thought were so much fun.
Lower Barclay would be great as safe standing. Everyone down there already stands for the majority of the match and theres high demand for tickets because it's generally the best atmosphere. Lower River-end stand would be good too, and along the fronts of the South Stand and City Stand. We could pretty much double our attendance, in those areas at least. And the whole ground might make some noise then!
Different subject but along the same lines, I see in Scotland they are trying to allow alcohol in the stadiums again. I for one would like this. Your thoughts?
Used to stand in the Barclay in my early teens in the late 80s and it was an amazing experience - the singing, the banter, the away fans a coin throw away (!). Big games were hectic and packed out, but the atmosphere as stated by others above was never replicated post Taylor changes. I went to the first PL game ever at CR and sat in the Barclay in approximately the same spot as I used to stand, with a view of the pitch from just above the crossbar. For all the Sky fireworks and even the result (3-1 against Forest) it was like comparing Peppermint Park (Norwich's Premier Nightclub back in the late 80s) to a library. I'd welcome standing back - lower Barclay and lower River End would be sensible and hark back to the days I refer to above. The atmosphere would be enhanced, the stadium would be fuller of happier fans who hopefully pay less and have more then to shout about! OTBC
and sometimes the home fans too, so I discovered one day with my head cut in several places thanks to Doncaster fans in an FA Cup game! Still, made a bit picking up the coins later. So much for the people of Yorkshire being either poor or tight
Yes my brother got 50p in the temple at Liverpool home 1989, and that was circa 15% of the admission price. He had a thumping headache, but was well chuffed. 2ps were the usual amount...
Yes 50p was the usual missile of choice back in them days due to the edging! Mind you we couldn't afford to throw away that sort of money so we had to settle for 20p instead...!
You could tell them a mile off all logos by Fred Perry and Ben Sherman with brilliant white FILA trainers!
Chelsea used to throw £5 notes. They didn't hurt when they hit you but there were some spectacular injuries caused by the scramble to get to them!
ah the bruises and money I made the day Jimmy Rimmer got pelted. standing at the front of the Barclay as a young fella was a hazardous experiecne
Must say, I have to feel sympathy with you fans of today who have never really experienced 45,000 standing fans in the old ground, the atmosphere really was something else. Like KIO I remember both evening and day matches when the whole stadium fairly rocked as one. Personally I don´t see why certain sections of the ground shouldn´t be for ´standing room only´ - would certainly add to the matchday experience, and allow a few more in.
I would like to see it return for the atmosphere and singing but my last experience standing at a match was in the Holt End at villa against Everton on that fateful day. It was a miracle that no one was crushed at our semifinal that day. I will never forget travelling back to Norfolk on the coach listening to the radio as the terrible news came in from Hillsborough. I think football has gone past that now and I don't think it will return.
Speaking of Hillborough, I believe McNally lost a close friend or possibly family member that day, and is therefore very much against standing. If it was ever allowed, I can't see him pushing the club to be early adopters
Talking of terrace atmospheres, I've just come across this gem on youtube. City's first ever game in the top flight in 1972 I was there all those years ago as a 10 year old and Jimmy Bone was my hero at the time
