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Post by QuorndonShrew on Aug 7, 2011 22:49:18 GMT 1
Curious question really, do you think it is a fair assumption that away fans are a truer reflection of a club than the greater number that turn up for home matches?
The only reason I ask is because I thought our vocal support yesterday was poor, and I've said this for a long time. When I go away with Shrewsbury, we have a cracking away following and we can create some really good atmospheres. Stockport in particular last season comes to mind. The chants are funny, the chants are relevant, the amount of noise created behind the goal of a ground (terracing helps) when we're in full voice is as good as I think you will find at this level.
But when we are at home, why do I cringe when our 'supporters' of block 18/19 come out with some of the most un-original, pathetic, cringeworthy chants/songs/bile whatever you call it, that I have heard at a football ground. A fine example would be the 'Sit down you paedophile' slur which seems to rear its head in every single home game. Although the song is deeply deplorable in itself, it is a song that has been used to target Arsene Wenger, a slur in itself that has absolutely no foundation but perhaps mildly comical the first time it was sung. Yet why do we find room for this every game?
Why was every song yesterday either a direct response to what Plymouth were singing. If they sang 'Green Army' we'd sing 'Blue Army'. A bit like when you were 6 years old and you'd wind up your older brother or sister by playing 'copycats' and repeating everything they say. If it wasnt a blatent taxing of chants coming from the away end, it was singing about Plymouth's 'debt crisis'. The most original chants of all, 'Going bust, going bust'. The kind of extensive vocabulary that children of welfare families from York Road would turn their noses up at.
Perhaps it is unfair to compare but I've been to other teams matches, I've been in the Hajduk Split end of a needless friendly where the stadium is absolutely rocking. I've listened to Manchester United fans away from home when they've been live on Sky. I listened to Plymouth fans yesterday and Accrington Stanley fans from the back end of last season who's supporters (on the whole) were a credit to their side. Since the 17/18 year old meatheads of block 19 became the official lyricists and linguistics of the club in this stadium, our atmosphere has really suffered. I was never a fan of the 'Ultras' behind the South Stand to begin with, but at least the songs coming from that end were relevant and if they werent, it was generally funny or in good taste.
You may call me a hypocrite because at home I'm not as vocal as I am when I go away from home, thus I am happy to leave the singing to others. But c'mon guys, we can surely do better than that? And even if we cant, can we not drown out the idiots at the back of 19 with some pro-Shrewsbury chants as opposed to these backward irrelevant chants that were being sung yesterday. Which reminds me. Why the f*** was there anti-Wolves chants being sung? I dislike that lot as much as the next man but what relevance did that have on a match between ourselves and a team that is probably as far away from Wolverhampton geographically as you could care to be in the football league?
Baffled.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 7, 2011 23:12:03 GMT 1
same, i sit in the south stand but am louder away, went to Oldham and that was imense, we are loudest in the cup
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Post by QuorndonShrew on Aug 7, 2011 23:15:17 GMT 1
same, i sit in the south stand but am louder away, went to Oldham and that was imense, we are loudest in the cup Yeah I agree with you there. I think when we go away especially to far flung grounds we're also less likely to attract the same idiots that give it large from block 19. I'm almost tempted to go to away games only. Just seems to be a totally different vibe.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 7, 2011 23:25:41 GMT 1
In all honesty, I'm of the opinion that Shrewsbury's support is usually pretty poor. With regard to noise levels, song repertoire and sustained singing, we must rival the worst in the entire football league.
Furthermore, I can only recall a handful of occasions where I was genuinely proud of our support away from home. There was obviously MK Dons in the play-offs but I was equally impressed by our efforts at Hereford (2004) and Birmingham in the league cup. Aside from those mentioned, I'm really struggling.
My last away match was against Cheltenham at Easter and I was genuinely embarrassed by the massed hordes of silent Salopians. You'd have thought we had just been relegated!
I think it must be the 'middle-class town' mentality shining through. The club also has a high proportion of elderly/female supporters and I doubt that helps with the creation of noise levels.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 7, 2011 23:27:57 GMT 1
at Oldham last year we sang Graham Turners Barmy Army for 15-25 minutes and had red hands from clapping at the end
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ragnvaldr
Midland League Division Two
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Post by ragnvaldr on Aug 7, 2011 23:32:15 GMT 1
You have to ask yourself why do they go in block 19? Is because of days like yesterday, Oxford, Port Vale and Hereford with the hope that one day we entertain West Ham, Cardiff or Millwall so that it does really kick off big time in there. People don't go in there because of the view as it possibly the worst vantage point in the ground to watch a game from, which makes you wonder why do they go in there, its not for the atmosphere either if people wanted to go for atmosphere better noise could be generated from the South Stand as a whole stand singing just like Plymouth showed us how it can be done yesterday.
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Post by mattmw on Aug 7, 2011 23:32:38 GMT 1
Think it's always easier to get an atmosphere going at away games and it's always been the case since I've been going to away games
Generally those who go away are the hardcore fans who really back the club, so are more likely to sing and shout and not moan or sit quietly as some home fans do
Also when you are away and in a minority there is more of a "we're all in this together" attitude so when a player makes a mistake the fans generally get behind them rather than do the usual "get him off Turner" shouts
And of course away from home fans are nearly always in one small area of a ground so the songs and shouts seem more concentrated
I've got a mate who is a wolves fan and says much the same - at home wolves fans can be quick to get on players backs, but away from home the atmosphere is very different and much more positive
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Post by QuorndonShrew on Aug 7, 2011 23:53:34 GMT 1
You have to ask yourself why do they go in block 19? Is because of days like yesterday, Oxford, Port Vale and Hereford with the hope that one day we entertain West Ham, Cardiff or Millwall so that it does really kick off big time in there. People don't go in there because of the view as it possibly the worst vantage point in the ground to watch a game from, which makes you wonder why do they go in there, its not for the atmosphere either if people wanted to go for atmosphere better noise could be generated from the South Stand as a whole stand singing just like Plymouth showed us how it can be done yesterday. Traditionally the 'hardcore' support has tended to come from behind the goal, you're definately right with what you say. Look at the Stretford End, The Kop, Bootham End at Stoke, the north stand at Poljud in Split. Then again on the flip side, it was always the Riverside where the majority of the 'singers' stood back in the good old days. Maybe its a Shrewsbury thing. Perhaps we are pricing out the 'hardcore' element of Shrewsbury fans and the 'new breed' of fans who we've won over since moving stadiums has had an affect on the general atmosphere? Thats for another day but good or bad atmosphere, there is no excuse for some of the w.ank songs that have been coming from the west stand in the last season or two.
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Post by stfcfan87 on Aug 8, 2011 0:11:21 GMT 1
Agree a lot with the opening poster in particular the mind numbingly stupid chants of sit down you paedophile. If you sing that you are a moron.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2011 0:25:50 GMT 1
Do you realise how stupid it sounds when your complaining about the atmosphere at the meadow, then the only thing you do about it, is sit in a quite area, then talk about it on a forum? Why not get of your arse and join in with the 18/19 area or come over and sing the songs you want to hear, theres no point sitting the other side of the ground saying 'i dont like this song' do something about it, if not, it clearly doesnt mean that much to you does it.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2011 0:34:02 GMT 1
i want an atmosphere but im there to watch good football, so i sit somewhere i can see a game well and near people i know, that doesnt make me a hypocrite or a bad fan which it sounds like your hinting but if your not forgive me
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Post by QuorndonShrew on Aug 8, 2011 0:34:27 GMT 1
Do you realise how stupid it sounds when your complaining about the atmosphere at the meadow, then the only thing you do about it, is sit in a quite area, then talk about it on a forum? Why not get of your arse and join in with the 18/19 area or come over and sing the songs you want to hear, theres no point sitting the other side of the ground saying 'i dont like this song' do something about it, if not, it clearly doesnt mean that much to you does it. I generally do stand at the back of 18 although yesterday I was in row B so nearer the front. Whether we decide to sing or not doesn't alter the fact that some of the chants coming from the west stand are mindless and idiotic at best.
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Post by Shrew_Down_Under on Aug 8, 2011 1:11:07 GMT 1
at Oldham last year we sang Graham Turners Barmy Army for 15-25 minutes and had red hands from clapping at the end As one of the 200 or so that made the trip, I couldn't agree more! I always thought the main principal for chanting / singing at games was to get behind your team. How exactly does singing mindless offence s**t such as the already quoted "sit down you paedophile" do this? Some of the children in 18/19 need to get a grip and get behind their team as opposed to trying to wind up opposing fans. Where does the line stop at offensive chanting? A few years back I recall Spurs fans being reprimanded for chanting offensive stuff at Sol Campbell when at Pompey. Maybe the club need to take action against the mindless minority, who are quite frankly letting everyone associated with Shrewsbury Town down! Unfortunately the incidents between 18/19 and away fans is becoming more common place. A worrying situation for all concerned.
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Post by jamo on Aug 8, 2011 7:26:28 GMT 1
The configuration of the Greenhous Meadow will never allow for a vibrant atmosphere.
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Post by stuttgartershrew on Aug 8, 2011 7:57:52 GMT 1
The configuration of the Greenhous Meadow will never allow for a vibrant atmosphere. How do you mean Jamo? The away support seem to manage it. Even if its not the biggest of followings. I think it was Crewe I last saw at the Meadow and even with a hand full of fans at the back of the stand they made a fair amount of noise... The concern is whether that's it now for the new stadium. We've been there a fair bit now and you wonder whether it will change for the better or whether this is it from here on in (we get this topic pretty much every season, every few months). It was never loud at the old Meadow to be honest and in moving stadiums we had perhaps a chance to change things. I think we missed a trick when we moved in Oteley Road. The club and fans could have made an effort to change things but we didn't.
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Post by SamHarvey on Aug 8, 2011 8:24:37 GMT 1
definitely agree with this. Im a ST holder in block 18 but luckily was in the box for sat, and the atmosphere opposite was shocking. Do think we have a better atmosphere away because you have all the good support from around the ground and when there all together generates a great atmosphere. Hopefully the home support will pick up again as we get into the season because we can get a real good atmosphere going at times so a bit harsh to say theres never any atmosphere at the GM.
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2011 11:44:00 GMT 1
same, i sit in the south stand but am louder away, went to Oldham and that was imense, we are loudest in the cup That was immense, always enjoyable to be part of a small vocal following. And no sign of the block 19 "loyal supporters" whatsoever. Bury was good aswell, "super sammy aiston!"
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Post by Fingers on Aug 8, 2011 11:47:33 GMT 1
In all honesty, I'm of the opinion that Shrewsbury's support is usually pretty poor. With regard to noise levels, song repertoire and sustained singing, we must rival the worst in the entire football league. Furthermore, I can only recall a handful of occasions where I was genuinely proud of our support away from home. There was obviously MK Dons in the play-offs but I was equally impressed by our efforts at Hereford (2004) and Birmingham in the league cup. Aside from those mentioned, I'm really struggling. My last away match was against Cheltenham at Easter and I was genuinely embarrassed by the massed hordes of silent Salopians. You'd have thought we had just been relegated! I think it must be the 'middle-class town' mentality shining through. The club also has a high proportion of elderly/female supporters and I doubt that helps with the creation of noise levels. Spot on. Very quiet at home and never ear deafening away. Daggers and Bury away in the run to the playoff final in 2009 were good away days but alas we haven't really had that much to shout about away from home in recent times.
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Post by El Huracán!!!! on Aug 8, 2011 12:27:52 GMT 1
Be fair when was the last time you went to
Macclefield, Morcambe Oxford Torquay Bury Hereford Lincoln Northampton Wycombe
And many others and were blow away or even slightly impressed with the noise the nome fans made.... its easy to paint us into a corner but there a LOT of football league clubs you can name who are the same if not worse...I have been to Macclesfield loads of time and NOT ONCE can I recall them making any kind of sustained noise.... and they have a bloody Terrace (or did not sure if they upgraded it to seats now?)
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2011 12:33:19 GMT 1
In all honesty, I'm of the opinion that Shrewsbury's support is usually pretty poor. With regard to noise levels, song repertoire and sustained singing, we must rival the worst in the entire football league. Furthermore, I can only recall a handful of occasions where I was genuinely proud of our support away from home. There was obviously MK Dons in the play-offs but I was equally impressed by our efforts at Hereford (2004) and Birmingham in the league cup. Aside from those mentioned, I'm really struggling. My last away match was against Cheltenham at Easter and I was genuinely embarrassed by the massed hordes of silent Salopians. You'd have thought we had just been relegated! I think it must be the 'middle-class town' mentality shining through. The club also has a high proportion of elderly/female supporters and I doubt that helps with the creation of noise levels. Sadly this sums it up well You can go on about being an seater ground with no soul, you can go on about singers being in the wrong area, you can go on about certain people wanting to abuse away fans more than supporting the team, you can go on about the lack of original songs and so on. The simple fact that the atmosphere is poor at the current ground as it was at the old ground and like it is on alot of away games, is simply because there are not enough people who want to sing and make a noise Id say that there arent too many grounds Ive visted over the past few years that Ive been impressed with, however with our attendances the atmosphere should be better. Its not and we only have ourselves to blame
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Post by SouthStandShrew on Aug 8, 2011 12:45:43 GMT 1
In all honesty, I'm of the opinion that Shrewsbury's support is usually pretty poor. With regard to noise levels, song repertoire and sustained singing, we must rival the worst in the entire football league. Furthermore, I can only recall a handful of occasions where I was genuinely proud of our support away from home. There was obviously MK Dons in the play-offs but I was equally impressed by our efforts at Hereford (2004) and Birmingham in the league cup. Aside from those mentioned, I'm really struggling. My last away match was against Cheltenham at Easter and I was genuinely embarrassed by the massed hordes of silent Salopians. You'd have thought we had just been relegated! I think it must be the 'middle-class town' mentality shining through. The club also has a high proportion of elderly/female supporters and I doubt that helps with the creation of noise levels. RE The Cheltenham comment - To be fair the fact Bury were losing at home against Wycombe was the issue that day.
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Post by SouthStandShrew on Aug 8, 2011 12:46:24 GMT 1
Was Mallet there Saturday?
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Post by Feedo Gnasher on Aug 8, 2011 12:55:31 GMT 1
Was Mallet there Saturday? Heard a rumour he's banned till January after kicking off after being refused entry vs Torquay.
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Post by SouthStandShrew on Aug 8, 2011 12:57:16 GMT 1
Was Mallet there Saturday? Heard a rumour he's banned till January after kicking off after being refused entry vs Torquay. Never knew he was refused entry in the Playoffs, saw him at Planmoor kicking off!
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Post by Deleted on Aug 8, 2011 13:00:40 GMT 1
To be fair the fact Bury were losing at home against Wycombe was the issue that day. Not an excuse - we were winning away (with ease) and sitting 4th in the table.
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ragnvaldr
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Post by ragnvaldr on Aug 8, 2011 13:01:32 GMT 1
I had a discussion with somebody on Saturday who said maybe they should close block 18 and 19 and just have them open when they are needed when games are likely to sell out. Incidents like Hereford, Vale, Oxford and Plymouth wouldn't happen along with the abusive songs towards away fans because most the singers would have to go in the South Stand. I'm not being a spoil sport, for the majority it would massively improve the atmosphere. Yes there would be no noise coming from 18 and 19 but the rest of the ground would be more compact and viberent. I think its time the club thought about this abit more.
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Post by Feedo Gnasher on Aug 8, 2011 13:01:44 GMT 1
Heard a rumour he's banned till January after kicking off after being refused entry vs Torquay. Never knew he was refused entry in the Playoffs, saw him at Planmoor kicking off! He was at Plainmoor being a menace, but we wouldn't let him in at home, apparently he got in a scuffle and generally kicking off. Unconfirmed though.
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Post by SouthStandShrew on Aug 8, 2011 13:04:15 GMT 1
Bring back the Ultras!
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Post by gtismygod on Aug 8, 2011 15:30:16 GMT 1
agree with this thread in general as our support is quiet at best (bar oxford when 18 and 19 were rocking), although dont complain about the minority who do get behind the team, get yourselves to the south stand and make some noise. the number of fans making a noise really is quite embarassing.
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Post by stuttgartershrew on Aug 8, 2011 16:56:46 GMT 1
That’s not too bad an idea. Not sure they went about it the right way but for me it was always the best way to get some decent atmosphere going, in the middle of the South Stand. I reckon the acoustics would be better, you’d have more folk around about who would be willing to join in (blocks 18 and 19 are off to the side and out of the way for the vast majority of Town support), you could concentrate on supporting the team rather than being confrontational with the away fans and I’ve always thought it better to have your team attacking a goal where a decent amount of noise is being generated. I recall when the lads in the South Stand were trying to get numbers together they were told we already have a singing section, it’s in Blocks 18 and 19, why would you want to split the support? I think (then and now) to a fair few of us that’s pretty obvious. For a start it seems what goes on in those blocks is not everyone’s cup of tea but more importantly, it just doesn’t seem to be working with regards to getting a decent atmosphere going and getting decent vocal support to back the team... I’m not having a go at the chaps in those blocks by the way, sure the vast majority are decent sorts who want to get behind the team the best they can. I just think with the location of those blocks you are fighting a losing battle…
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