So it's effectively an 'U16 stand' rather than a "family stand"?
We don't have a big enough fanbase or a big enough stadium to arse about with these things in my opinion. Sounds like they're running 18k loftus Road as if it's a big multi purpose 60k seater. It's not designed for family stands- certainly not if it's to the detriment of the Loft's atmosphere. Performances will improve on the pitch if the upper + lower loft are filled with the 'hardcore' vocal fans. What's wrong with Ellerslie/SA Road/school end? I know Phil Beard had a mealy mouthed excuse for this in the past, but it really needs readdressing.
On a basic level: there'll be more dissatisfied fans if the lower loft remains a family stand, than if it doesn't. It simply doesn't make sense to anger a major part of your customer base for the sake of a minor part.
Kids have survived for 100 years without being squirrelled away in parts of stadiums. Football's never had a problem with attracting young fans in that time? I loved sitting in the mixed areas as a kid, the cultural melting pot element was always an exotic attraction.
Strikes me this is the initiative of a "Boutique club" trying to attract ponsey Fulham types who don't want to sit with the Riff Raff.
The level of disrespect shown by phil is really reminiscent of Flavio's assertion that he didn't give a toss about "people who turn up and pay £20". Have times changed as much as we thought..?
Can't disagree with a word of that. An "off-the-pitch" snapshot of our club as it stands.
Polaroid moment.