Exactamente!!! Hampshire police are over the top in separating home and away fans. Look at the separation between Manchester United and Liverpool fans at either Old Trafford or Anfield; it is a line of stewards and police. The same with Chelsea and whoever they play at Stamford Bridge.
Pre match warm up is pathetic.. time for a bit of cheer leading and please please please get rid of that bloody song 'we did it our way' if ever there was a atmosphere killer...
Do you want Mike Osman back? 'Itchen Stand - are you ready?!' *huh - was he talking to us?* 'Chapel Stand - are you ready?!' *No* 'Kingsland Stand - are you ready?!' *Oh dear this is getting embarrassing now* 'NORTHAM STAND, ARE YOU READY?!' *No - we'll be out when we've finished our pints*
Yes, I would say that's quite true. Suddenly, this season, and a bit of last, supporters have been paying out extra for more matches to exotic places, and the general expectation has finally caught up with the club's ambition. Consequently, I think supporters have become a tad underwhelmed. Also, one doesn't have to be the brightest spark to realise that when you lose two class strikers, who were integral to the team's method of play, and replace them with... nobody, that doesn't exactly get them dancing in the streets. From my own perspective, right here and now, I think Saints have missed a trick this season. Maybe they're doing a little transition without telling us. And I don't hold Puel responsible for the stumble, who I think has done very well so far, considering the squad he has inherited and the juggling he's had to do. Mind you, there's plenty of season left to improve to 5th, though this time I can't quite honestly see it happening, given our lack of real high quality where it counts.
I prefer kingsland north and generally a good vibe. I would be for safe standing and increased capacity.
Most definitely. I've been calling for it for years, though I don't think it will be any cheaper. Do actually think it will happen in next few years too. Really? Near the front I assume?
That happened to me in last seasons league cup game we don't mention. Very frustrating as all the away fans were allowed to stand all game no questions asked. The pros of safe standing, far outweigh the cons imo.
Completely agree. Loved going to games and standing on the terraces, created a fantastic atmosphere. Not saying we need to take a step back and put people's safety at jeopardy but a controlled area of standing will I'm sure come back into stadiums. It's nice to have the choice.
Exactly it should be about choice. I'm too young for the terraces of old but it would be nothing like those now. I actually think it's safer than standing in seated areas where a domino affect could quite easily happen. Will add that like you say it's all about giving people a choice. I get really frustrated when I'm told to sit down if I'm surrounded by like minded people who also want to stand. Whereas in other cases like Arsenal in the cup, I was happy to sit down as there was an elderly gentleman behind me who clearly couldn't stand all game. Give people the choice is better for everyone and avoids those situations.
I've been to a couple of Swansea/Saints games at the Liberty and the away fans were absolutely brilliant. I was sitting with Swansea fans and if you think the Welsh sing at every chance, then think again. The rugby crowds are far more vocal. On my one and only visit (so far) to St Mary's I admittedly didn't sing (no-one would want me to) but did screech a few times and got quite nastily glared at by a man in the row below. Mind you, he wasn't a fan after I said that we missed Pelle...
