I'm not sure the bigger clubs would be the ones most interested. Of all the Prem clubs who are in European competition regularly which ones would go for it? Which ones would pay a lot of money to change their grounds around and risk upsetting the "prawn sandwich eating fans" who bring in far greater revenue than a few extra heads in a standing area will? I think it's the clubs below them that will be looking at this more closely certainly at first. Interesting thread mate and although we differ in opinions I respect anyone who sees this from the other angle. One thing I do worry about is the way the media will paint this as a "football fans vs Hillsborough families" debate which it really isn't. I've spoken to fans from many clubs over the years about this and there are tons who would love standing back but just as many who are far happier with the way grounds are nowadays who wouldn't want to go back.
i hope that doesn't happen billy, but can sadly see that happening with the media, be a disgusting way to highlight the changes proposed, but we all know the media have no morals and do what the fluk they like. i can see the argument for standing and the fact the game has changed,better policing safety etc, but still worries me further down the line corners will be cut and lives taken, as it stands now it works and is safe(nothing is ever full proof obviously) but why risk this just to make a few more pennies, because we will have an owner in the not too distant future at one of the clubs that will try and cut back costs and it will be lives that are risked as a result, also nobody seems to be accountable for anything any more unless it suits them!!! tells you all you need to know if Villa are the only club in the Prem backing this, and that is so they can get attendance figures up they are hoping. Loved standing but i hope personally this fails.
I actually agree with what you are saying but it also sort of fits in with my point too. I said that clubs would look to increase capacity IF they wanted standing areas. IF they want standing areas they would, as many people have pointed out, have to charge less for the tickets. Clubs are not going to be interested in generating less income. The only way around this would to be increase the capacity. Again as you rightly say, developments would cost so any club making these changes would want to see a financial benefit from making these changes. The only way they can do this is by generating more income after the changes than before. Again, this points to an increase in capacity. Clubs like to say they are in touch with the fans and that they have our best interests at heart but how many really mean that...? Especially with so many owners who have not supported the club they own for years upon years! Edit: As for your point about the media and them making it a 'football fans v Hillsborough families' debate; I wouldn't put it past them as they have zero morals but you would like to think that the reporters of today will have seen how certain reporters of 1989 have been treated and think twice before burning their toes
Exactly the same issues I'd have with it too mate. I'm certain it COULD be done safely but how would those safety standards be maintained long term?
Again I can't really argue mate. I don't think it would be a money spinner for any of the clubs who "currently" fill their respective grounds week in week out. The issue will only ever arise (IMO) with clubs who can't fill the seats. However this might not be a million miles away. Ticket prices are already expensive and they show no signs of getting cheaper. I'm not sure about average Prem attendances but I definitely see more empty seats at grounds than I was seeing a few years ago. Players wage demands are still increasing so how do clubs keep prices down and still attract top talent. Less fashionable clubs can't compete for the big sponsorship deals, don't get the CL income etc. As for the media mate they have an agenda. Many journalists and publications have come out of the Hillsborough report looking like the scum that they are. They won't like that one little bit. Too cynical? Well its kind of hard not to be eh.
From a personal point of view, I'd love to see standing areas coming back in, as I ****ing hate with a passion the lack of legroom associated with some seated areas. I'm particularly thinking of the Centenary stand here, as I'm an average height bloke, and I still end up catching the seat edge in front just under my bloody kneecap. Its happened every time I've been to a game. I much preferred standing on the Kop personally. Just made sure no more than one bevvy before a match, as getting out for a piss and back to the same spot was impossible. Well, quickly, anyway...
I'm all for it, and I was strongly against the law change when it happened. Anyone could see that a blanket ban was harsh, as it was ridiculous to compare the Kop with a total cow shed like Lepping Lane. Hillsborough could never of happened at Anfield, never in a million years. But that evil bitch Thatcher got her way, and standing was banned. I can see the argument, stop men doing tribalistic activities, you will reduce his aggression, and the evidence of crowd control stats, since it happened will back up the benefits of stopping a few thousand young men from jostling each other and chanting battle cries. We have been chemically castrated and are now more docile. This is why a modern top European night equates to Liverpool playing Accrington Stanley in the 3rd round of the FA cup in the 70's when it comes to singing and atmosphere. It's safe and child friendly. So I would like nothing more than to reverse the standing ban, but I doubt the watered down solutions of the modern game will not see a return to the glory days, and so I don't think it is worth considering. These German safe standing seats are a laugh. For me, it would need to be a case of returning the Kop to how it was, or don't bother.
