East stand development.

[Thatseasider]

Most clubs in the country (world?) can cope with a fully enclosed ground.

I hoping they do but its specifically never been mentioned. Only ever an easy.

It will be a huge disappointment if its not, as if we are only adding an east and a 4600 one our capacity doesn't really increase at all. Only the useable slightly.

We'd be stuck then at a similar capacity to now, limiting us forever.

The north stand is the biggest draw for new fans we have, it sells first for every game, almost everyone wants to be near it, especially youngsters.

Makes sense then to build a NE corner and East and put away fans in part of the SE and corner and x. Adding home fans to the north section where popularity is highest and increasing the atmosphere too.

We'll never get near 20k capacity if we don't build the aprox 1k corner.

Given how daft we've been about segregation it wouldn't surprise me if we did something silly here too and the plans show a building there so not looking good.

The other issue then is we then have away fans up to the middle of the stand which means people in the west pay silly money for their seats but the ones opposite can't be used for premium seating.

Block x in the South is always empty anyway so away fans in the SE corner and part of the SE, leaves the middle of the new East for premium seating again.

This is best for home advantage having away fans as much in a corner as possible.

SS has been ambitious with the TG and I'd hope the same here too. Being a fan surely he knows what's required...

Think it makes sense to leave a gap between the East and the North, similar to how it is now.

These clubs that fully enclose the stadium, then have to lose 500/1K seats to segregate, perhaps it ends up being like Leicester where the away are in the corner with very little segregation, however seeing how we over do security and segregation now I can't see that happening.

Point being we'll build these seats and then not be able to use them, because we will have to section off part of it.

Yes possibly the SE corner is used, but Bloomfield Road and our North stand is a really good atmosphere commensurate with our size, to garner that further I'd put the away fans in the north side of the East, unless you have media in the middle you would also need some segregation in the new east so you lose out either way, I just wouldn't want us to become a Doncaster style soulless bowl. Putting the away fans in the SE would be an atmosphere killer.

You've got to put away fans some where, not sure I buy the argument they can't be in the middle of a stand because on the other side of the ground people pay premiums.

I'd say we need a capacity of about 18k for the initial East development, which would require that stand to hold 5k I think, so about right but that stand needs to have plans to build a second tier or to have the corner filled in adding a few thousand to take us to 20/22k if we look like we need it.

 

[JJpool]

Actually, given the silly segregation etc can anyone seriously see them putting away fans next to the north, especially as when it's a hostile derby game and they are right next to each other....

 

[midfield general]

It wouldn't make sense without the NE corner. The entry/exit arrangements for the North and East need rethinking and the corner would help to sort it.

I hoping they do but its specifically never been mentioned. Only ever an easy.

It will be a huge disappointment if its not, as if we are only adding an east and a 4600 one our capacity doesn't really increase at all. Only the useable slightly.

We'd be stuck then at a similar capacity to now, limiting us forever.

The north stand is the biggest draw for new fans we have, it sells first for every game, almost everyone wants to be near it, especially youngsters.

Makes sense then to build a NE corner and East and put away fans in part of the SE and corner and x. Adding home fans to the north section where popularity is highest and increasing the atmosphere too.

We'll never get near 20k capacity if we don't build the aprox 1k corner.

Given how daft we've been about segregation it wouldn't surprise me if we did something silly here too and the plans show a building there so not looking good.

The other issue then is we then have away fans up to the middle of the stand which means people in the west pay silly money for their seats but the ones opposite can't be used for premium seating.

Block x in the South is always empty anyway so away fans in the SE corner and part of the SE, leaves the middle of the new East for premium seating again.

This is best for home advantage having away fans as much in a corner as possible.

SS has been ambitious with the TG and I'd hope the same here too. Being a fan surely he knows what's required...

The question's need to be brought up at the meeting next week.then the board can hopefully chew over any sensible suggestions before it's too late.
Surely Simon wants to increase capacity for the future?.if not why bother buying better players and going for promotion's which will inevitably bring in new supporters and increase revenue.

 

[Insider]

If the East stand becomes a good place to sit with good facilities then home fans should benefit and maybe?? away fans could be put in the South and I say that as someone that currently sits in it.

 

[JJpool]

Think it makes sense to leave a gap between the East and the North, similar to how it is now.

These clubs that fully enclose the stadium, then have to lose 500/1K seats to segregate, perhaps it ends up being like Leicester where the away are in the corner with very little segregation, however seeing how we over do security and segregation now I can't see that happening.

Point being we'll build these seats and then not be able to use them, because we will have to section off part of it.

Yes possibly the SE corner is used, but Bloomfield Road and our North stand is a really good atmosphere commensurate with our size, to garner that further I'd put the away fans in the north side of the East, unless you have media in the middle you would also need some segregation in the new east so you lose out either way, I just wouldn't want us to become a Doncaster style soulless bowl. Putting the away fans in the SE would be an atmosphere killer.

You've got to put away fans some where, not sure I buy the argument they can't be in the middle of a stand because on the other side of the ground people pay premiums.

I'd say we need a capacity of about 18k for the initial East development, which would require that stand to hold 5k I think, so about right but that stand needs to have plans to build a second tier or to have the corner filled in adding a few thousand to take us to 20/22k if we look like we need it.

I do like the banter of away fans near the north, however as said given the club feel the need to put multiple blocks of segregation between the nobbers and the north east fans we had, can you really see potentially nobbers at some point right next to the north stand, I can't.

More important than banter is the north is the most popular stand and that end sells far better. I'd rather see a ne and corner full of pool fans, the atmosphere then would be incredibly loud.

BTW we don't have to lose that many seats for segregation. Only near the north do they do it and at other grounds it's minimal.

I doubt very much that a 2 tier stand is under consideration.

We aren't going to get anywhere near 20k+ without some serious ambition and certainly a corner.

Even when we've had 800 in the NE it's been brilliant. The south is a bit of a dead zone around block x, no one wants to go round there.

I think this bit is crucial....

In your scenario if its a stand of similar size as it's predicted to be, away fans only get around 2300 in the NE side and if they have more they end up using effectively all the east. That's assuming we put away fans right near the north with no segregation which they won't do for big derby games.

Imagine building a brand new stand and its being almost unused by home fans, mainly for away fans.

How shit is that. Brand new facilities mainly for away fans. If we sold any tickets in the NW side it means away fans are limited to 2300. Which is basically what half of the East is now.

OK if were in league 1 but this is a long term project and we'll return to the championship again if we do end up going down.

It would be mad to build it and barely use it for home fans at times because of them limiting away fan capacity and revenue, which we know the club love to take. If they then do take it we again have almost all away fans in the east, a brand new stand. Which would be pathetic tbh.

 

[Thatseasider]

I do like the banter of away fans near the north, however as said given the club feel the need to put multiple blocks of segregation between the nobbers and the north east fans we had, can you really see potentially nobbers at some point right next to the north stand, I can't.

More important than banter is the north is the most popular stand and that end sells far better. I'd rather see a ne and corner full of pool fans, the atmosphere then would be incredibly loud.

BTW we don't have to lose that many seats for segregation. Only near the north do they do it and at other grounds it's minimal.

I doubt very much that a 2 tier stand is under consideration.

We aren't going to get anywhere near 20k+ without some serious ambition and certainly a corner.

Even when we've had 800 in the NE it's been brilliant. The south is a bit of a dead zone around block x, no one wants to go round there.

I think this bit is crucial....

In your scenario if its a stand of similar size as it's predicted to be, away fans only get around 2300 in the NE side and if they have more they end up using effectively all the east. That's assuming we put away fans right near the north with no segregation which they won't do for big derby games.

Imagine building a brand new stand and its being almost unused by home fans, mainly for away fans.

How shit is that. Brand new facilities mainly for away fans. If we sold any tickets in the NW side it means away fans are limited to 2300. Which is basically what half of the East is now.

OK if were in league 1 but this is a long term project and we'll return to the championship again if we do end up going down.

It would be mad to build it and barely use it for home fans at times because of them limiting away fan capa. Which we know the club love to take. If they then do take it we again have almost all away fans in a brand new stand. Which would be pathetic tbh.

You start by saying if we build it with a gap we couldn’t put the away fans right up against the North with a gap in the stand but then say in a full wrapped around stadium wouldn’t need too much segregation. Not sure that logically follows.

I really don’t mind building a new stand and letting away fans use it. Seems really counter productive point to say home fans MUST have it. I’d prefer the away fans down the side of the pitch as opposed to behind one goal, seems to nullify them somewhat, I’m sure there was a study about say fan placement correlation to away points. I’ll see if I can find it.

Yes I think you’re right limiting the away end to 2.5k ish would be a challenge given the crowds we get currently, I’m not sure how you get around that.

I don’t think we should rule out a second tier in future plans. That whole area behind the stand will be gone and will be nothing like what it looks like now. We wouldn’t have any space constraints.

Currently 20k would be ridiculous for us but if we have plans to fill the corner in or build a second tier should be need it I’d say that’s about right for the next 2-4 years whenever this project is up and running.

 

[BISONS]

Because having that temporary stand or nothing when it’s safety certificate expires is a horrible left over from a time we weren’t run properly as a football club.

We’ve made tonnes of errors this year but they’ve all be made for the right reasons. Trying to push the club on. They’ve just failed. It happens.

No one wants to sit in that stand, it’s a part of the reason we can’t operate for sustained period in the Championship or above. It’s a huge turd at the side of the stadium, it’s time we washed it away and continued to improve as a club.

If we have a new stand that brings the capacity to 17/18 k that can be fully used depending on its configuration, ticket prices will likely come down in an attempt to fill it regularly, the atmosphere may also improve and we organically grow the fan base over the next ten years which means we have a better chance to get 15+k home fans every game. It’s the only way we’ll be able to avoid seasons like this one in the future.

The new stand will slightly reduce the capacity to around 16k. Allowing for a space between fans the capacity will be a little over 15k. Perfect for lg1 but too small for any higher.

 

[LA1 Seasider]

Again. That document isn’t necessarily related to or representative of any actual East stand plans. It’s a council document relating to funding and securing a plot of land which will later be transferred into club ownership in some manner.

Can’t imagine the council would get away saying to central government ‘we’re having £6.5 million quid to turf some locals out of their home and subsidise a millionaire bankers private enterprise’

It’s purely about the council acquiring the parcel of land.

What they do with that land, and then how the club intend to develop it will be a separate thing.

In fact - at the last SDM I went to they confirmed the East stand plans were subject to how much land the council could / would make available. Would be odd for the club to buy/lease land to then build a stand smaller than what they have on the existing parcel.

 

[Matesrates]

Maybe there’s a plan for safe standing which would increase capacity

 

[JJpool]

You start by saying if we build it with a gap we couldn’t put the away fans right up against the North with a gap in the stand but then say in a full wrapped around stadium wouldn’t need too much segregation. Not sure that logically follows.

I really don’t mind building a new stand and letting away fans use it. Seems really counter productive point to say home fans MUST have it. I’d prefer the away fans down the side of the pitch as opposed to behind one goal, seems to nullify them somewhat, I’m sure there was a study about say fan placement correlation to away points. I’ll see if I can find it.

Yes I think you’re right limiting the away end to 2.5k ish would be a challenge given the crowds we get currently, I’m not sure how you get around that.

I don’t think we should rule out a second tier in future plans. That whole area behind the stand will be gone and will be nothing like what it looks like now. We wouldn’t have any space constraints.

Currently 20k would be ridiculous for us but if we have plans to fill the corner in or build a second tier should be need it I’d say that’s about right for the next 2-4 years whenever this project is up and running.

The north stand gets treated differently for segregation as we've seen, in the SE near the corner away fans are really close to home fans at the front, a corner doesn't work well for segregation as the bottom ends of each stand, South and East, are close.

You can have fans further apart with less seats lost in a straight section.

A brand new stand mainly for away fans would be a joke tbh. Got to be part use for home fans too.

Away fans the full length is the biggest disadvantage, no matter which way they're kicking they have fans at both ends.

Just can't see a 2 tier but I guess we'll see. Should have plans in 'spring' apparently.

But the way I suggested is best for pool fans actually getting to use the new stand or part of it, better for making the north atmosphere even better plus growing the fanbase more given that side is so popular.

 

[JJpool]

Again. That document isn’t necessarily related to or representative of any actual East stand plans. It’s a council document relating to funding and securing a plot of land which will later be transferred into club ownership in some manner.

Can’t imagine the council would get away saying to central government ‘we’re having £6.5 million quid to turf some locals out of their home and subsidise a millionaire bankers private enterprise’

It’s purely about the council acquiring the parcel of land.

What they do with that land, and then how the club intend to develop it will be a separate thing.

In fact - at the last SDM I went to they confirmed the East stand plans were subject to how much land the council could / would make available. Would be odd for the club to buy/lease land to then build a stand smaller than what they have on the existing parcel.

It would be odd to get the land and build something the same size or less as what's there, plus not to complete the corner.

Maybe you can ask at the meeting if they are building NE corner?

 

[LA1 Seasider]

It would be odd to get the land and build something the same size or less as what's there, plus not to complete the corner.

Maybe you can ask at the meeting if they are building NE corner?

If I’m invited I’ll certainly try find out.

 

[Thatseasider]

The north stand gets treated differently for segregation as we've seen, in the SE near the corner away fans are really close to home fans at the front, a corner doesn't work well for segregation as the bottom ends of each stand, South and East, are close.

You can have fans further apart with less seats lost in a straight section.

A brand new stand mainly for away fans would be a joke tbh. Got to be part use for home fans too.

Away fans the full length is the biggest disadvantage, no matter which way they're kicking they have fans at both ends.

Just can't see a 2 tier but I guess we'll see. Should have plans in 'spring' apparently.

But the way I suggested is best for pool fans actually getting to use the new stand or part of it, better for making the north atmosphere even better plus growing the fanbase more given that side is so popular.

I'm probably not describing what I'm envisioning well, but I wouldn't want it purely for the away fans it would be half and half.

I think the best way to visualise what I think is best, is think of Carrow Road and how they do away (if you've ever been, if not this is pretty pointless ). One half of the length of the pitch, with a natural break in the stadium between their main end (our North Stand in this scenario) and the away fans around the corner, however the stand would need to be 'tall', similar to how Crewe's main stand is to fit 3k away and 3k home down the south end of the east. But that'll likely take the capacity over 18k and doesn't look like we're doing that.

We have to put away fans somewhere, the south was at one time built brand new for us, is it just a question of the passage of time as to where you put them, just seems very daft to say no mess around with the whole configuration because away fans can't sit somewhere new. Away fans next to the south is an atmosphere killer, they need to be next to the North, someone at the club who understands us as a club and football outside of the PL needs to work this into the plans.

 

[Loco]

How many on here would want to go in the East? With the sun in your eyes all the time? It's never been that popular with home fans.

 

[JJpool]

I'm probably not describing what I'm envisioning well, but I wouldn't want it purely for the away fans it would be half and half.

I think the best way to visualise what I think is best, is think of Carrow Road and how they do away (if you've ever been, if not this is pretty pointless ). One half of the length of the pitch, with a natural break in the stadium between their main end (our North Stand in this scenario) and the away fans around the corner, however the stand would need to be 'tall', similar to how Crewe's main stand is to fit 3k away and 3k home down the south end of the east. But that'll likely take the capacity over 18k and doesn't look like we're doing that.

We have to put away fans somewhere, the south was at one time built brand new for us, is it just a question of the passage of time as to where you put them, just seems very daft to say no mess around with the whole configuration because away fans can't sit somewhere new. Away fans next to the south is an atmosphere killer, they need to be next to the North, someone at the club who understands us as a club and football outside of the PL needs to work this into the plans.

No I get it, but the only advantage is the banter.

We've had amazing atmospheres with away fans in the South part, especially with more home fans in the NE, even only a few. The nobber games were rocking.

The problem is all the other advantages are having it the other way. The north is all but sold out and so are the corners. There's nowhere for new fans to go near our most popular stand.

I haven't been to Norwich but can see on maps, tbh that makes my point further.

Their main end, given it has 2 corners on the main stand, is the end at the opposite end from away fans, our main end is the north stand, that's why you build a corner around it and make it all home fans. If our main stand was south it make it like Norwich with away fans in the NE.

Their other stand near away fans is a bit like our south with away fans in the SE. The only difference is we have a corner filled in

The SE and corner can be away, as it is now.

Allowing us to build up the north stand and best accommodate where a lot of new fans are most interested in sitting, ok standing.

We also then get to use the NE corner and NE of the new stand. The other way we only get to use it if there's less then 2300 away fans which at championship level there's often more. If that's the case they get the whole thing.

There's no perfect solution but growing the main area of thr stadium is the best one.

 

[JJpool]

How many on here would want to go in the East? With the sun in your eyes all the time? It's never been that popular with home fans.

Yeah which is why when someone said swap it with the west, to become our new main stand, it's not a good idea.

However for use of the NE corner and NE thats fine for new fans and casuals. Being next to the north stand makes it a decent place to be when the weather is normal.

 

[Thatseasider]

No I get it, but the only advantage is the banter.

We've had amazing atmospheres with away fans in the South part, especially with more home fans in the NE, even only a few. The nobber games were rocking.

The problem is all the other advantages are having it the other way. The north is all but sold out and so are the corners. There's nowhere for new fans to go near our most popular stand.

I haven't been to Norwich but can see on maps, tbh that makes my point further.

Their main end, given it has 2 corners on the main stand, is the end at the opposite end from away fans, our main end is the north stand, that's why you build a corner around it and make it all home fans. If our main stand was south it make it like Norwich with away fans in the NE.

Their other stand near away fans is a bit like our south with away fans in the SE. The only difference is we have a corner filled in

The SE and corner can be away, as it is now.

Allowing us to build up the north stand and best accommodate where a lot of new fans are most interested in sitting.

We also then get to use the NE corner and NE of the new stand. The other way we only get to use it if there's less then 2300 away fans which at championship level there's often more. If that's the case they get the whole thing.

There's no perfect solution but growing the main area of thr stadium is the best one.

I think you’re dismissing the need to continue and improve the atmosphere at our ground, it’s renowned across the country and given our size often separates us as a club from places of a similar size, Rotherham for instance. It’s what will get newcomers hooked and come back for more.

You’re right about the configuration at Carrow road their main stand is the opposite side from the away fans and the atmosphere’s crap.

Honestly I think you’re clutching at straws when you say the atmosphere in the south next to the away fans is amazing. I take you you don’t sit there because it’s non-existent, holding PNE up as the example is well, it shows how much there isn’t an atmosphere down there. You’ve said yourself up the thread it’s very patchy in places and having say there a fair few times in the last few years it’s really not very good. No chanting, nothing with the away fans, it’d be a horrible idea to put the away fans down towards the south.

It really depends on the final plans, what division we’re in, crowds we’re pulling in and a few other factors. I just fear a bowl like Doncaster kills something we’ve built up through the shit years we’ve experienced that we should try to hold on to. There’s ways to increase the capacity, improve the stadium and keep our fairly unique atmosphere, more over improve it.

 

[JJpool]

I think you’re dismissing the need to continue and improve the atmosphere at our ground, it’s renowned across the country and given our size often separates us as a club from places of a similar size, Rotherham for instance. It’s what will get newcomers hooked and come back for more.

You’re right about the configuration at Carrow road their main stand is the opposite side from the away fans and the atmosphere’s crap.

Honestly I think you’re clutching at straws when you say the atmosphere in the south next to the away fans is amazing. I take you you don’t sit there because it’s non-existent, holding PNE up as the example is well, it shows how much there isn’t an atmosphere down there. You’ve said yourself up the thread it’s very patchy in places and having say there a fair few times in the last few years it’s really not very good. No chanting, nothing with the away fans, it’d be a horrible idea to put the away fans down towards the south.

It really depends on the final plans, what division we’re in, crowds we’re pulling in and a few other factors. I just fear a bowl like Doncaster kills something we’ve built up through the shit years we’ve experienced that we should try to hold on to.

Our atmosphere's great but that's with about 4k altogether in the north, corner, plus balcony area.

Imagine how good it'll be when we add 1k in the NE corner and even more in the NE. There could be 5-8k all at that end and all giving it large. As I've said even 800 made a huge difference in the nobber games. People seem to think we can't get any better, we can if there were loads more pool fans that end.

No one is interested in sitting in the South near block x, there's no draw. The draw is the north, that's undeniable.

Where did I say the atmosphere in the south is amazing? I said there have still been amazing atmospheres with away fans placed in the SE, like the nobbers game, adding even a small amount of fans in the NE made it far better, so imagine way more.

The rest of what you’ve put is based on something I didn't say. The atmosphere in the north is better with more pool fans around us, yes away fans for banter, but the nobber games proved its better with home fans in the east. That then makes it far easier to spread around the ground as the louder it is the more feel they can get involved in other areas.

It really doesn't depend on what division we're in, that would be very shortsighted to plan for an east based on that, you build for the future, aiming high.

I don't want a identical bowl as such either, the east could easily be a similar but slightly higher roof and have seats going all the way back, unlike our stands which have supporting beams limiting how far the seats can go back. But our stadium is that bowl design so it's going to be that way somewhat anyway. At least with different height seating areas it has some character.

I can't see Sadler building a new stand for it to be potentially all away fans, it just seems mad. Nor can I see away fans in a big PNE derby game right next to the north, so that wouldn't work well either.

 

[Thatseasider]

Where did I say the atmosphere in the south is amazing? I said there have still been amazing atmospheres with away fans placed in the SE, like the nobbers game, adding even a small amount of fans in the NE made it far better, so imagine way more.

The rest of what you’ve put is based on something I didn't say. The atmosphere in the north is better with more pool fans around us, yes away fans for banter, but the nobber games proved its better with home fans in the east. That then makes it far easier to spread around the ground as the louder it is the more feel they can get involved in other areas.

I can't see Sadler building a new stand for it to be potentially all away fans, it just seems mad. Nor can I see away fans in a big PNE derby game right next to the north, so that wouldn't work well either.

‘We've had amazing atmospheres with away fans in the South part’

I’ve not advocated for a new stand which is wholly away fans, I’ve also said we need home fans half and half in the new stand I fear you’re not reading my posts.

As long as we’re not getting battered in the PNE or Burnley games the atmosphere in the ground is always bouncing. But when there’s 4K Sheff U fans or Boro fans or who ever brings that amount over the last three years when they’ve just been plonked down at the south side the there’s been nothing going on with the atmosphere outside what the North can create by it’s self. You’re making stuff up if you think the north and the away fans past the media section in the south side of the east create good atmosphere.

 

[JJpool]

‘We've had amazing atmospheres with away fans in the South part’

I’ve not advocated for a new stand which is wholly away fans, I’ve also said we need home fans half and half in the new stand I fear you’re not reading my posts.

As long as we’re not getting battered in the PNE or Burnley games the atmosphere in the ground is always bouncing. But when there’s 4K Sheff U fans or Boro fans or who ever brings that amount over the last three years when they’ve just been plonked down at the south side the there’s been nothing going on with the atmosphere outside what the North can create by it’s self. You’re making stuff up if you think the north and the away fans past the media section in the south side of the east create good atmosphere.

Yes, we have had amazing atmospheres (in the north) with away fans in the south part, like the nobbers game and many others.

The atmosphere in the north and whole ground was great, but the north was class and no away fans in the NE then, only some home fans.

I'm reading, are you as your the one getting stuff wrong here... but we're making the same points over and over. As said the issue with the NE means they get the whole stand if there's more than 2300 ish. Also there's no appeal for home fans to sell the SE part as much as the north.

The SE doesn't hold 4k, only aprox 2.2k.

Eh. Me making stuff up? The away fans have been in the SE the last few seasons and we've had great atmospheres for lots of games with them there, that's not making anything up its a fact. Yes banter with away fans in the NE is good, but I'd rather it be full of pool fans, as said, if we want to attract new fans the best chance is if they can stand with the north, a lot of youngsters aren't interested in the south near block x.

That's why it never sells, people have had the opportunity all season to go and have that banter with away fans, yet the north sells out and Block x is dead, why? Because people love to be near the north stand, it's just a fact. So it makes perfect sense if we want to attract more and build up the atmosphere further to get fans on the side that sells. Plus also give away fans the position of least influence.

 

[northstand]

We need a 2 tier east to give the stadium a bit of character, home fans get the full stand, even so far as saying make it the new corporate / 1953 section and let the west stand lot gravitate over.

Away fans get the south, they come out that way after the game anyway, simples…

 

[Thatseasider]

Yes, we have had amazing atmospheres (in the north) with away fans in the south part, like the nobbers game and many others.

The atmosphere in the north and whole ground was great, but the north was class and no away fans in the NE then, only some home fans.

I'm reading, are you as your the one getting stuff wrong here... but we're making the same points over and over. As said the issue with the NE means they get the whole stand if there's more than 2300 ish. Also there's no appeal for home fans to sell the SE part as much as the north.

The south doesn't hold 4k, only aprox 2.2k.

Eh. Me making stuff up? The away fans have been in the SE the last few seasons and we've had great atmospheres for lots of games with them there, that's not making anything up its a fact. Yes banter with away fans in the NE is good, but I'd rather it be full of pool fans, as said, if we want to attract new fans the best chance is if they can stand with the north, a lot of youngsters aren't interested in the south near block x.

That's why it never sells, people have had the opportunity all season to go and have that banter with away fans, yet the north sells out and Block x is dead, why? Because people love to be near the north stand, it's just a fact. So it makes perfect sense if we want to attract more and build up the atmosphere further to get fans on the side that sells. Plus also give away fans the position of least influence.

If you don’t make things clear in the post how can I understand them?

I’ve got nothing wrong in my post chum.

if you think having the away fans in the south part of the east is the least effective that makes no sense as what ever side of the east they’re it’s equally as ‘ineffective’, north or south.

I think you’re also forgetting that you build a corner next to the North stand, the NE, and it loses its magic. It’s currently an outpost of the drum, the atmosphere, people jumping around bowling It around next to more of our home fans it loses why people go in there.

Tell me, which side of the North has the best atmosphere, west with a corner & more ‘pool fans around them or east, which is unique and closest to the away fans? And why is that? Argument over.

We’ll regret not getting the configuration right. Away fans next to the south is just shite.

 

[JJpool]

If you don’t make things clear in the post how can I understand them?

I’ve got nothing wrong in my post chum.

if you think having the away fans in the south part of the east is the least effective that makes no sense as what ever side of the east they’re it’s equally as ‘ineffective’, north or south.

I think you’re also forgetting that you build a corner next to the North stand, the NE, and it loses its magic. It’s currently an outpost of the drum, the atmosphere, people jumping around bowling It around next to more of our home fans it loses why people go in there.

Tell me, which side of the North has the best atmosphere, west with a corner or east, which is unique and closest to the away fans? And why is that? Argument over.

We’ll regret not getting the configuration right. Away fans next to the south is just shite.

It's pretty clear what I said. We've had amazing atmospheres with away fans located where they are, the south part.

So you missed that, you said 4k boro and sheff u in the SE or it comes across like that. That's wrong.

Having away fans in a corner is their least effective area to influence a game, that's pretty standard at most grounds where they can, they'll put away fans in a corner. For us the SE and corner area would be that.

I'm not forgetting anything, I don't see how building a corner loses any magic, yes you lose a wall, but you gain a corner which could hold up your 1k fans who will be roght next to block a and be massivelyadding to thr noise. That more than makes up for it without even adding in thr NE with pool fans.

We all know the muckers and singing section is block b and around. But the whole North gets involved, I'm on the other side and do just as much. It's not argument over at all, I've said the banter is good and people love it with away fans. But that's the only advantage of having them that side. We then lose a corner in your scenario and lose the chance to build fans around our (by far)most popular stand.

If we had loads of room in and around the north I'd be happy for away fans in the NE, but we don't, it's sold out and there's no room to grow and no one is interested in the south side. A point you seem to ignore.

 

[Thatseasider]

It's pretty clear what I said. We've had amazing atmospheres with away fans located where they are, the south part.

So you missed that, you said 4k boro and sheff u in the SE or it comes across like that. That's wrong.

Having away fans in a corner is their least effective area to influence a game, that's pretty standard at most grounds where they can, they'll put away fans in a corner. For us the SE and corner area would be that.

I'm not forgetting anything, I don't see how building a corner loses any magic, yes you lose a wall, but you gain a corner which could hold up your 1k fans who will be roght next to block a and be massivelyadding to thr noise. That more than makes up for it without even adding in thr NE with pool fans.

We all know the muckers and singing section is block b and around. But the whole North gets involved, I'm on the other side and do just as much. It's not argument over at all, I've said the banter is good and people love it with away fans. But that's the only advantage of having them that side. We then lose a corner in your scenario and lose the chance to build fans around our (by far)most popular stand.

If we had loads of room in and around the north I'd be happy for away fans in the NE, but we don't, it's sold out and there's no room to grow and no one is interested in the south side. A point you seem to ignore.

It is argument over because we already have part of the North stand with a corner and that’s not where the atmosphere comes from at all.

All I can say is you have low expectations if you think how it’s set out now generates great atmosphere.

A B & C blocks do a great job doing what they do but it could be so much better.

The SE corner - Jesus come on don’t be a wet wipe atmosphere killer that. Ask any of the lads in A B C where they want the away fans.

 

[todayistheday]

Be down to several thousand if we go down.

 

[Pauls_Boutique]

Can’t see the Police allowing away fans next to the North without a big block of segregation, even with better dispersal outside. More likely they will go in the south west corner and a block either side.

 

[AlternativeSeaside]

A new east stand needs to increase capacity and I think we should be aiming for a 20k plus, anything less than that shows total lack of ambition which I’ve had to persevere my whole Pool supporting life, if Sadler is to get anything right let’s hope it is this!

 

[Pauls_Boutique]

Id also like a new stand to be built with a little bit of imagination in the design outside, rather than breeze blocks and panels on the cheap like the last owners threw up.

 

[JJpool]

It is argument over because we already have part of the North stand with a corner and that’s not where the atmosphere comes from at all.

All I can say is you have low expectations if you think how it’s set out now generates great atmosphere.

A B & C blocks do a great job doing what they do but it could be so much better.

The SE corner - Jesus come on don’t be a wet wipe atmosphere killer that. Ask any of the lads in A B C where they want the away fans.

That's not the argument at all. It's about adding to that north stand.

The atmosphere begins with b block area but the whole north is involved, I'm nowhere near away fans but sing just as much.

Ideally we'd want away fans there yes for the interaction. But doing so stops any ability to expand our fanbase around our most popular stand.

We know they want away fans near them. But if they were that bothered about just being near away fans they'd go and be in block x, but they don't for good reason, because the north is the place to be regardless of where away fans are.

There isn't a perfect solution, losing something each way.

So what your saying is our atmospheres have been shit? Even though they’ve been amazing under this current setup, with away fans nowhere near... weird hill to die on when it's blatantly incorrect. Our atmosphere's have been great last season with away fans there and this in the games mentioned.

Yes it could be so much better with more fans around them, ever heard how loud pool fans in higher numbers are away from home. In the past at Deepdale for eg.

I think your being a bit hopeful if you think away fans will be allowed next to the north, especially for big derby games without segregation.

I'm not being a "wet wipe atmosphere killer" it didn't kill the atmosphere having other teams in the SE.

The only way there'd be a compromise is if we built a NE corner and filled it, then had a segregation section, relatively small, then had away fans in part of the NE and along. The only issue then is away fans are also central and that's an advantage and it eliminates using the stand for our corporate or premium seats.

But it would both add to the north stand and keep away fans closer. But isn't ideal either.

 

[Thatseasider]

Can’t see the Police allowing away fans next to the North without a big block of segregation, even with better dispersal outside. More likely they will go in the south west corner and a block either side.

Lancs police allow Burnley & away fans literally 5 yards away from each other in the Bob Lord stand. That creates one of the best atmosphere’s and experiences at a league game as you’re going to get.

They exit the same stand too.

How the hell do they make that work.

 

[JJpool]

Can’t see the Police allowing away fans next to the North without a big block of segregation, even with better dispersal outside. More likely they will go in the south west corner and a block either side.

Exactly, doesn't seem likely, I think there's always one block nearest the north segregated off with a flag, so away fans that side, depending on the size of the new stand, could probably only get 2k ish into that side, meaning they'd again have to have the full east or as good as for anything bigger. Not desirable for a brand new stand to give it all away.

 

[Thatseasider]

That's not the argument at all. It's about adding to that north stand.

The atmosphere begins with b block area but the whole north is involved, I'm nowhere near away fans but sing just as much.

Ideally we'd want away fans there yes for the interaction. But doing so stops any ability to expand our fanbase around our most popular stand.

We know they want away fans near them. But if they were that bothered about just being near away fans they'd go and be in block x, but they don't for good reason, because the north is the place to be regardless of where away fans are.

There isn't a perfect solution, losing something each way.

So what your saying is our atmospheres have been shit? Even though they’ve been amazing under this current setup, with away fans nowhere near... weird hill to die on when it's blatantly incorrect. Our atmosphere's have been great last season with away fans there and this in the games mentioned.

Yes it could be so much better with more fans around them, ever heard how loud pool fans in higher numbers are away from home. In the past at Deepdale for eg.

I think your being a bit hopeful if you think away fans will be allowed next to the north, especially for big derby games without segregation.

I'm not being a "wet wipe atmosphere killer" it didn't kill the atmosphere having other teams in the SE.

The only way there'd be a compromise is if we built a NE corner and filled it, then had a segregation section, relatively small, then had away fans in part of the NE and along. The only issue then is away fans are also central and that's an advantage and it eliminates using the stand for our corporate or premium seats.

But it would both add to the north stand and keep away fans closer. But isn't ideal either.

If you only ever sit in the north stand it might sound great to you but when you sit all over the ground trust me the atmosphere in the whole ground isn’t as good as you’re making out.

So much is lost plonking the away fans down the south end.

In my opinion for not much gain a thousand extra seats.

I just don’t get why people are pissing their pants about the police not letting us do this and the exits not being sufficient for that.

It’ll be a whole new set up.

How do Lancs police allow Burnley and Blackpool/Preston fans in the same stand then? Literally meters apart from each other exiting out of the same stand.

They manage it. Like we can int he future.

Honestly such blinkered negative thinking.

You give the rest of the ground the chance to have a good atmosphere if you have the away fans flanked one the north one side and hopefully a new east south side trying to out do the north.

I’ll say, swap your ticket for a seat in the south for two games. You’ll see what I mean.

 

[Pauls_Boutique]

Lancs police allow Burnley & away fans literally 5 yards away from each other in the Bob Lord stand. That creates one of the best atmosphere’s and experiences at a league game as you’re going to get.

They exit the same stand too.

How the hell do they make that work.

Yeah it’s bonkers isn’t it. Burnley this season was one of the best away games I’ve ever been to for atmosphere at that end, probably helped by it being a decent game to be fair.

 

[Thatseasider]

Yeah it’s bonkers isn’t it. Burnley this season was one of the best away games I’ve ever been to for atmosphere at that end, probably helped by it being a decent game to be fair.

And this is my point.

I think both sets of fans added to the performance on the pitch. Particularly us in the second half. We need to try and replicate something like that.

What a chance with as close to a blank canvass as you’ll get.

 

[JJpool]

If you only ever sit in the north stand it might sound great to you but when you sit all over the ground trust me the atmosphere in the whole ground isn’t as good as you’re making out.

So much is lost plonking the away fans down the south end.

In my opinion for not much gain a thousand extra seats.

I just don’t get why people are pissing their pants about the police not letting us do this and the exits not being sufficient for that.

It’ll be a whole new set up.

How do Lancs police allow Burnley and Blackpool/Preston fans in the same stand then? Literally meters apart from each other exiting out of the same stand.

They manage it. Like we can int he future.

Honestly such blinkered negative thinking.

I agree we shouldn't need silly segregation when others have a line of stewards.

As for the atmosphere the north is the place for it, but the rest do get involved when it's loud enough or encouraging enough.

Not a lot you can do about that, the west will never be like the north nor will the south.

That's why I'm saying add to the north with another few thousand pool fans around it and it'd be even louder and pull in other areas even more.

I said put them in the corner for least effect, that stands, but I'd be happy with them nearby if possible. Its just not possible to have that and build fans around the north.

Basically, the stadium was built too small. If we had an end like the nobbers holding 6k we wouldn't be debating this at all, that'd be enough and imagine 6k pool fans in our North stand.

It's not blinkered negative thinking at all, it's wanting to grow our support at the end people want to be.

Infact, one of the only ways to settle this maybe if we built a 2 tier stand.

That way we could maybe have both away fans nearby and add to the north stand. With fans top tier maybe and pool bottom. Or whatever, but then I guess we'd get people chucking stuff

I just can't see us going for a 2 tier.

Surely you agree adding another 1k or more to the north stand would be a positive? Even if its just the corner.

 

[mad-link]

If anyone has the ear of SS please pass on from me a) a big thank you for ploughing money in to our club which has been the most run-down and badly managed in the league for the past 30-odd years and b) please build a steeper East Stand to give the ground character and nudge us up to 20k ish. See Hearts or Hibs for good examples of such, ta very much

It looks a big ground but with those steep stands only holds 20,099.

 

[Ping Pong]

Only a few months away from season ticket renewal time so I was expecting a story like this to pop up soon. Next month we will have an update on the training ground, about how close we are to getting work started etc etc, then as soon as season tickets are on sale and we have sold a decent amount we won’t hear a thing until next year. Being strung along and lied to once again just like the Oyston’s.

Training ground is apparently on hold.
Doubt it will go ahead due to finances.

 

[JJpool]

If anyone has the ear of SS please pass on from me a) a big thank you for ploughing money in to our club which has been the most run-down and badly managed in the league for the past 30-odd years and b) please build a steeper East Stand to give the ground character and nudge us up to 20k ish. See Hearts or Hibs for good examples of such, ta very much

Yeah those steeper ones that go all the way back is a big possibility. Apparently our North stand is the highest a stand can go with exits at the bottom, so they'd have to be higher up in a stand like that. Not that it's an issue.

 

[Bloodtangerine]

Build it and they will come.

We'll be deliberately giving away a financial advantage if we don't build it.

Has to be built

 

[Thatseasider]

I agree we shouldn't need silly segregation when others have a line of stewards.

As for the atmosphere the north is the place for it, but the rest do get involved when it's loud enough or encouraging enough.

Not a lot you can do about that, the west will never be like the north nor will the south.

That's why I'm saying add to the north with another few thousand pool fans around it and it'd be even louder and pull in other areas even more.

I said put them in the corner for least effect, that stands, but I'd be happy with them nearby if possible. Its just not possible to have that and build fans around the north.

Basically, the stadium was built too small. If we had an end like the nobbers holding 6k we wouldn't be debating this at all, that'd be enough and imagine 6k pool fans in our North stand.

It's not blinkered negative thinking at all, it's wanting to grow our support at the end people want to be.

Infact, one of the only ways to settle this maybe if we built a 2 tier stand.

That way we could maybe have both away fans nearby and add to the north stand. With fans top tier maybe and pool bottom. Or whatever, but then I guess we'd get people chucking stuff

I just can't see us going for a 2 tier.

Surely you agree adding another 1k or more to the north stand would be a positive? Even if its just the corner.

No sorry I don’t.

I think if we ‘bowl’ the north it loses something. It’s not worth it for a possible thousand extra muckers.

I think we need to try and get those people on the south side of the east which would be ours. We should try and flank the away fans on both sides by vocal support. It would help the south get going too much in the same way you’re end of the north is encouraged by B block.

Agreed the stadium was completely botched I mean exit gangways directly behind the goal shocking planning. But at least the north is unique we shouldn’t lose that in my opinion.

We both want the club to grow I think we stifle ourselves basing that on a thousand or what ever it is in a corner of the ground over and above a whole side of a stand.

I’m not just saying this for the sake of it, just try a game or two in the south, next to the away fans. There’s nothing there and you can hardly hear the north, not a slight on the north just the acoustics. It might alter your option

 

[JJpool]

No sorry I don’t.

I think if we ‘bowl’ the north it loses something. It’s not worth it for a possible thousand extra muckers.

I think we need to try and get those people on the south side of the east which would be ours. We should try and flank the away fans on both sides by vocal support. It would help the south get going too much in the same way you’re end of the north is encouraged by B block.

Agreed the stadium was completely botched I mean exit gangways directly behind the goal shocking planning. But at least the north is unique we shouldn’t lose that in my opinion.

We both want the club to grow I think we stifle ourselves basing that on a thousand or what ever it is in a corner of the ground over and above a whole side of a stand.

I’m not just saying this for the sake of it, just try a game or two in the south, next to the away fans. There’s nothing there and you can hardly hear the north, not a slight on the north just the aquatics. It might alter your option

I think it's pretty clear it is worth it as shown in nobber games with even less than 1k.

Adding in the future hopefully 3 or 4 k would be epic. You'd hear it even more then.

The south east side could be good and a SE singing section would be welcome but unlikely. Right now the north is the draw. Also they wouldn't be able to sell ST there as away fans would be trapped at whatever that one side holds, which won't be that large I'd imagine. Or they'd have to start moving home fans when the away fans take it as the club wont turn down revenue. It's a bit messy. Plus we aren't adding to our best area which is too small and should be bigger.

As for the south, no thanks, it looks shit there. That's why it's the last to fill. Most want to be the other end and why we need space to grow.

A bit of an extreme example but....Man Uniteds Stretford end isn't near away fans yet is their best and most vocal end.

Absolutely no reason the north with a NE corner and pool fans in the NE can't be similar. A whole end of passionate pool fans.

Banter with away fans is great and can still happen with them in the SE section from thr north or NE, but the chants are more about supporting the team which happens regardless.

For me, grow around the north,we can worry about flanking away fans after that. Infact in the way I said we would do. We'd have the south stand nutters... away fans in blocks x, SE corner and part of the SE and nearly double the amount of fans around the north stand, so twice as loud. It'll be epic.

Either that or build a 2 tier.

 

[LA1 Seasider]

If anyone has the ear of SS please pass on from me a) a big thank you for ploughing money in to our club which has been the most run-down and badly managed in the league for the past 30-odd years and b) please build a steeper East Stand to give the ground character and nudge us up to 20k ish. See Hearts or Hibs for good examples of such, ta very much

It looks a big ground but with those steep stands only holds 20,099.

Given the discussions regarding budget for the East something similar to the new stand at Hearts may well be what we could see at Bloomfield Road. Obviously though the overall design could differ massively, as could capacity etc.

 

[Thatseasider]

I think it's pretty clear it is worth it as shown in nobber games with even less than 1k.

Adding in the future hopefully 3 or 4 k would be epic. You'd hear it even more then.

The south east side could be good and a SE singing section would be welcome but unlikely. Right now the north is the draw. Also they wouldn't be able to sell ST there as away fans would be trapped at whatever that one side holds, which won't be that large I'd imagine. Or they'd have to start moving home fans when the away fans take it as the club wont turn down revenue. It's a bit messy. Plus we aren't adding to our best area which is too small and should be bigger.

As for the south, no thanks, it looks shit there. That's why it's the last to fill. Most want to be the other end and why we need space to grow.

A bit of an extreme example but....Man Uniteds Stretford end isn't near away fans yet is their best and most vocal end.

Absolutely no reason the north with a NE corner and pool fans in the NE can't be similar. A whole end of passionate pool fans.

Banter with away fans is great and can still happen with them in the SE section from thr north or NE, but the chants are more about supporting the team which happens regardless.

For me, grow around the north,we can worry about flanking away fans after that. Infact in the way I said we would do. We'd have the south stand nutters... away fans in blocks x, SE corner and part of the SE and nearly double the amount of fans around the north stand, so twice as loud. It'll be epic.

Either that or build a 2 tier.

I see it differently and I think it’s summed up that you don’t even need to go into the south to know it’s crap.

As you say the grounds been botched it’s killed that side of the stadium. My overarching point is the north is fine, it’s thriving. But given we have a one time opportunity to encourage the rest of the stadium to become more like the north it’s the better way of going over throwing everyone down that end of the stadium and then putting the away fans as far away as possible from the only part of the stadium with any life. I think that’d be a mistake.

I think the design and construction will be well thought out what ever the final plans are. We have people in charge that genuinely care.

 

[rockontommy]

Id also like a new stand to be built with a little bit of imagination in the design outside, rather than breeze blocks and panels on the cheap like the last owners threw up.

Me too but suspect the Os mostly got what they were given, using Football Foundation cash to build, although I don't know if there were any checks and balances to ensure these grants were spent properly. Probably not.

Who will be funding the new east stand exactly? As a proportion, how much of this development is to be paid for using public money and grants vs Simon Sadler's own cash and money from the club?

 

[Loco]

We need a 2 tier east to give the stadium a bit of character, home fans get the full stand, even so far as saying make it the new corporate / 1953 section and let the west stand lot gravitate over.

Away fans get the south, they come out that way after the game anyway, simples…

Why would those paying more want to have the sun in their eyes? Go and sit in the Parkside at Cods and you'll see what I mean.

 

[PdxTangerine]

Pretty sure the east currently holds 5'200. Replacing it with a 4'600 capacity stand without a NE corner would reduce our capacity to around 15'000. Assuming any segregation we're then under 15'000 usable capacity.

Would be very short sighted and completely nullify our potential for growing attendances.

We need 18'000 bare minimum.

 

[Northstandsinger]

2 things
Anything under 18k is just plain embarrassing, tinpot and will say everything we need to know about where we are going as a club.

Second thing, away fans should be next to the north half the pitch if we want to have good atmosphere, if we go down to league one and there’s 300 Shrewsbury fans plonked right down the south end of the east the atmosphere will be none existent.

The new east should be north half away fans a proper segregation at the halfway line then south half home fans,
I assume they will build a fence in compound behind the away end where the away coaches will drive inside so away fans will come straight outside the ground and onto coaches and out of town eliminating any trouble just like at Stoke, boro, Swansea, Birmingham ect, the away fans will get a proper concourse and will have great banter with the north, then the south half of the new east should have a dedicated disabled area half way up the stand not at ground level, the disabled seats at ground level are a joke and when people come down for the last 5/10 minutes and watched from the front they get to see nothing.

Anything less than 18k would be absolutely horrendous proper tinpot, tiny club mentality which will reduce our gates, we should be striving to be bigger.

 

[Loco]

2 things
Anything under 18k is just plain embarrassing, tinpot and will say everything we need to know about where we are going as a club.

Second thing, away fans should be next to the north half the pitch if we want to have good atmosphere, if we go down to league one and there’s 300 Shrewsbury fans plonked right down the south end of the east the atmosphere will be none existent.

The new east should be north half away fans a proper segregation at the halfway line then south half home fans,
I assume they will build a fence in compound behind the away end where the away coaches will drive inside so away fans will come straight outside the ground and onto coaches and out of town eliminating any trouble just like at Stoke, boro, Swansea, Birmingham ect, the away fans will get a proper concourse and will have great banter with the north, then the south half of the new east should have a dedicated disabled area half way up the stand not at ground level, the disabled seats at ground level are a joke and when people come down for the last 5/10 minutes and watched from the front they get to see nothing.

Anything less than 18k would be absolutely horrendous proper tinpot, tiny club mentality which will reduce our gates, we should be striving to be bigger.

Not sure Blackpool as a town will be keen on away fans coming in and going out like that. Visit Blackpool.

 

[LA1 Seasider]

If there is a North East corner it would make a lot of sense logistically to move the away fans to the North of the West stand and put the media in M block or directly to the North of M block. There’s a natural segregation that way both in the stand and within the concourse (which aren’t ideal facilities for home fans) and also puts away fans closest to the car parks, coach parks, train station and to the promenade from where the majority will come and then go after a match. Most home fans come from the East of the ground too and would likely prefer better concourse and facilities, especially if a new purpose built club shop / ticket office is included in the East.

 

[JJpool]

I see it differently and I think it’s summed up that you don’t even need to go into the south to know it’s crap.

As you say the grounds been botched it’s killed that side of the stadium. My overarching point is the north is fine, it’s thriving. But given we have a one time opportunity to encourage the rest of the stadium to become more like the north it’s the better way of going over throwing everyone down that end of the stadium and then putting the away fans as far away as possible from the only part of the stadium with any life. I think that’d be a mistake.

I think the design and construction will be well thought out what ever the final plans are. We have people in charge that genuinely care.

It's not the best for the sort of atmosphere youngsters want to be near, but they still get involved in the south, but the north needs to grow and use it's popularity. No point trying to force people into an area they don't want to be thats less attractive. People in the south like to sit down and not everyone wants to be near thr youngsters. But nothing to stop a singing section being formed at that end too, but clearly theres no will given its always empty near away fans. Youngsters will want to be where its all happening for now, if we could get another section going then great but it'll be more difficult.

I guess we'll just have to see what happens.

Thr club will be considering much more than some in the north wanting away fans there for banter. The commercial side of it, premium seating, any corporate all in the new east, all will play a part in their decision, so will a place where away fans can have the biggest allocation. The NE doesn't help provide that without giving them all of the new stand and I think that'll factor into it too, it won't be popular to give most of it away.