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Post by frankwellshrews on Apr 19, 2015 9:58:26 GMT 1
Had a discussion with a fellow B & Aer on the way up to Bury on Tuesday night which prompted me to start this discussion.
Saturday sees an opportunity for Salop to seal promotion in front of a large away following. It will likely be a sunny day. Drink will probably have been taken by many. There will be an all round carnival atmosphere.
Lots of us will inevitably want to stand up and sing. In fact many of us will actually feel the afternoon has been somewhat diminished if we can't stand, though we will doubtless respect the needs of others if we are put in that position.
Whaddon road has a very shallow away end. It is unlikely that a seat at the back will offer a significantly better view than that of a few rows further down. So here's what I'm proposing;
How's about we unofficially designate the back few rows as standing rows? This system effectively worked at Bury, albeit with a less crowded stand, and as long as we get this out to people far enough in advance there's no reason it can't work on Saturday.
I understand that some will feel aggrieved at not being able to sit where they like but I would ask them to bear two things in mind:
1. I wish to stand but will sit down if I'm unfairly blocking anyone's view. So will my friends. Not everyone is as polite though. There will inevitably be some who will simply stand regardless which will lead to much of the first half being spent distracted by arguments amongst fans rather than enjoying what promises to be a memorable afternoon.
2. An away stand with everybody sat down and the singing fans dissipated will lead to a diminished atmosphere. I understand that some of you won't care but surely the fairest way to ensure that everyone gets to enjoy the afternoon is to reach some sort of compromise?
Also, if all you really want to do is sit and watch the match why not get a ticket in the side stand with the home fans where there will be a much better view?
So; #standattheback #sitatthefront
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2015 10:02:21 GMT 1
A very good post. Adherence to the above idea will lead to a wonderful afternoon in which everyone can watch the game as they please.
I do foresee issues though with the sit-down-in-silence brigade which is why a couple of pals and I have plumped for a ticket on the home terrace.
COYB
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Post by Pilch on Apr 19, 2015 10:05:49 GMT 1
what normally happens is there is no respect, you stand unless you are forced to sit down ;-)
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Post by ssshrew on Apr 19, 2015 10:12:33 GMT 1
As I can in no way be described sadly as a young supporter any more, I would willingly not sit in my designated seat and be nearer the front so that I could sit and others could stand. That way avoids as little aggro as possible and everyone gets to enjoy the game.
Just one thing though, if an unofficial agreement is that standees go to the back, who were the bunch standing right at the front at Bury? It didn't affect me as I was over to one side but it did affect some and I though this was a tad selfish to be honest.
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Post by frankwellshrews on Apr 19, 2015 10:13:36 GMT 1
what normally happens is there is no respect, you stand unless you are forced to sit down ;-) Kind of the point I'm making in bullet point one.
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Post by ssshrew on Apr 19, 2015 10:15:46 GMT 1
Just read your post again and have to say that when I purchased my tickets, there was no choice given as to side stand or behind the goal - - they were just tickets!
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Post by frankwellshrews on Apr 19, 2015 10:15:53 GMT 1
As I can in no way be described sadly as a young supporter any more, I would willingly not sit in my designated seat and be nearer the front so that I could sit and others could stand. That way avoids as little aggro as possible and everyone gets to enjoy the game. Just one thing though, if an unofficial agreement is that standees go to the back, who were the bunch standing right at the front at Bury? It didn't affect me as I was over to one side but it did affect some and I though this was a tad selfish to be honest. Excellent stuff ssshrew. Not sure who the group you're referring to are but if we make it clear from the start that the back is for standers we can avoid this on Saturday.
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Post by ssshrew on Apr 19, 2015 10:16:53 GMT 1
Great - everyone should be happy all round particularly if we get the result.
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Post by frankwellshrews on Apr 19, 2015 10:18:10 GMT 1
A very good post. Adherence to the above idea will lead to a wonderful afternoon in which everyone can watch the game as they please. I do foresee issues though with the sit-down-in-silence brigade which is why a couple of pals and I have plumped for a ticket on the home terrace. COYB I considered doing this myself but decided in the end I'd rather be with my fellow Salop fans. Will regret the decision not to if I have to spend the afternoon sat in silence though.
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Post by ssshrew on Apr 19, 2015 10:19:46 GMT 1
Mind you if we win for promotion and they are relegated, I know which end I would rather be in at the final whistle.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2015 11:06:53 GMT 1
Works fine when they don't enforce the sit in your numbered seat ruling, like at Bury, but when then do enforce it becomes a nightmare.
There was 1 particular chap at Bury who came and stood down the front, against the metal bar, treating it like a terrace and meant that a young kid and his dad couldn't see and nor could a few others. He didn't even ask if people could see around him, which they couldn't. People moved, because there were spare seats, but there won't be at Cheltenham and if there are people who can't stand, due to medical conditions, etc, they are clearly not going to be happy
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Post by frankwellshrews on Apr 19, 2015 11:11:41 GMT 1
Works fine when they don't enforce the sit in your numbered seat ruling, like at Bury, but when then do enforce it becomes a nightmare. There was 1 particular chap at Bury who came and stood down the front, against the metal bar, treating it like a terrace and meant that a young kid and his dad couldn't see and nor could a few others. He didn't even ask if people could see around him, which they couldn't. People moved, because there were spare seats, but there won't be at Cheltenham and if there are people who can't stand, due to medical conditions, etc, they are clearly not going to be happy Very disappointed to hear that gavgav. However, another situation that could be avoided by sticking to the suggested solution.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2015 11:17:35 GMT 1
Works fine when they don't enforce the sit in your numbered seat ruling, like at Bury, but when then do enforce it becomes a nightmare. There was 1 particular chap at Bury who came and stood down the front, against the metal bar, treating it like a terrace and meant that a young kid and his dad couldn't see and nor could a few others. He didn't even ask if people could see around him, which they couldn't. People moved, because there were spare seats, but there won't be at Cheltenham and if there are people who can't stand, due to medical conditions, etc, they are clearly not going to be happy Very disappointed to hear that gavgav. However, another situation that could be avoided by sticking to the suggested solution. Absolutely. I've never understood the need for numbered seating. There are 1700 tickets and I would assume 1700 seats and so why is there a need to make people sit in a certain seat. It's not like at a theatre when you pay more for the better seats!!
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Post by Dancin on Apr 19, 2015 11:31:41 GMT 1
Just read your post again and have to say that when I purchased my tickets, there was no choice given as to side stand or behind the goal - - they were just tickets! No their not, my tickets clearly state Hazelwood Stand 2 row G and have seat numbers. Having been to the ground before I'm happy with seats and will expect to sit or stand in them as I have two juniors with me and won't get wet if it rains.
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Post by Dancin on Apr 19, 2015 11:36:30 GMT 1
Very disappointed to hear that gavgav. However, another situation that could be avoided by sticking to the suggested solution. Absolutely. I've never understood the need for numbered seating. There are 1700 tickets and I would assume 1700 seats and so why is there a need to make people sit in a certain seat. It's not like at a theatre when you pay more for the better seats!! When you bought your tickets did you or whoever bought them give a supporter number to the club?
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Post by Southern Fried Afro on Apr 19, 2015 11:57:28 GMT 1
If you get into the ground 30-40 mins before kick off, you should be able to stand/sit where you want. The problems happen when people turn up late and there's limited places left to go. If I've ever turned up late to a game, as much as I like to stand throughout, I understand that I may have to sit.
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Post by frankwellshrews on Apr 19, 2015 11:57:56 GMT 1
Absolutely. I've never understood the need for numbered seating. There are 1700 tickets and I would assume 1700 seats and so why is there a need to make people sit in a certain seat. It's not like at a theatre when you pay more for the better seats!! When you bought your tickets did you or whoever bought them give a supporter number to the club? I gave my supporter number when buying the ticket as I had to verify the required number of loyalty points. Not sure I see the relevance though. I certainly wasn't offered a choice of seats. Might I suggest some waterproofs for Saturday, just in case?
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Post by frankwellshrews on Apr 19, 2015 11:59:00 GMT 1
If you get into the ground 30-40 mins before kick off, you should be able to stand/sit where you want. The problems happen when people turn up late and there's limited places left to go. If I've ever turned up late to a game, as much as I like to stand throughout, I understand that I may have to sit. Also a great point that needs to be considered by all on Saturday.
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Post by buryshrew on Apr 19, 2015 12:13:16 GMT 1
At Walsall earlier this season we stood where we wanted until we were asked to move by two separate groups as we were in their seats, so ended up going to our allocated numbers as it was easier than getting in a row about it. Ideally we would have preferred to stand nearer the back but ended up sitting. People seem to get quite militant over their specific seats at bigger games like that even if there are plenty more to choose from at the time - maybe it's those that don't go away as often, either way, good luck with the strategy but I'll be amazed if it comes off!
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2015 12:49:36 GMT 1
Absolutely. I've never understood the need for numbered seating. There are 1700 tickets and I would assume 1700 seats and so why is there a need to make people sit in a certain seat. It's not like at a theatre when you pay more for the better seats!! When you bought your tickets did you or whoever bought them give a supporter number to the club? Yes, because you needed loyalty points to purchase. Not quite sure of the relevance to my point though?
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Post by WATR on Apr 19, 2015 12:49:53 GMT 1
No doubt some of the usual suspects will criticise your idea, whilst in the same breath reminiscing about the good old "knee's up mother brown" days on the riverside - the same experiences they wish to deny to the current younger generation of fans by forcing them to succumb to sitting in silence.
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Post by vanner on Apr 19, 2015 13:14:01 GMT 1
If you want to stand get there early and fill up the back. Standing normally means 3 people fit into 2 seats so it'll mean plenty of seats at the front for people who want to sit. Happy days all round hopefully.
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Post by northwestman on Apr 19, 2015 13:15:50 GMT 1
I've also never understood the need for numbered seating. Being stuck behind a pillar or at pitch level when there are far better empty seats nearby is severely irritating.
I've always been of the 1st come 1st served philosophy. If you want a good seat then arrive nice and early for the game.
And if we have to have standing, then there should be clear signs not only indicating which rows these are, but also stating that anyone standing other than in these areas runs the risk of being ejected from the ground. However, in an ideal world there should really be designated standing areas in grounds, as I'm sure that it might well be argued that standing up by a seat breaches Health and Safety regulations.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2015 13:29:05 GMT 1
Live and let live. Stand at the back, sit at the front and also look around you, does that old boy whose been going thirty years longer than you deserve to miss the game? Why not move back, offer to swap or if you won't do those things then maybe sit down? And don't get agro with anyone, it should be an amazing day made by those around you as much as what happens on the pitch so be considerate to your fellow fans. Not that most people need telling, we're a generally decent bunch! Finally, if you do stagger in 10mins late then please realise you'll have to hunt down the spare seat, not suddenly claim your allocated one. We're not all playing musical chairs cos you wanted an extra jar!
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pkd
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Post by pkd on Apr 19, 2015 13:34:10 GMT 1
...forcing them to succumb to sitting in silence. There may well be some who are obliged to sit down, but nobody's going to be forced to be silent. There are many of us who sit AND sing.
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Post by northwestman on Apr 19, 2015 13:41:23 GMT 1
Live and let live. Stand at the back, sit at the front and also look around you, does that old boy whose been going thirty years longer than you deserve to miss the game? Why not move back, offer to swap or if you won't do those things then maybe sit down? And don't get agro with anyone, it should be an amazing day made by those around you as much as what happens on the pitch so be considerate to your fellow fans. Not that most people need telling, we're a generally decent bunch! Finally, if you do stagger in 10mins late then please realise you'll have to hunt down the spare seat, not suddenly claim your allocated one. We're not all playing musical chairs cos you wanted an extra jar! Whilst agreeing 100% with these sentiments, regrettably this does not reflect my actual experience at the Leeds away game where I was sitting right behind "The Whistler" (whatever happened to him?) and had others frequently standing up in front of me obstructing my view whilst a few seriously inebriated teenagers crashed around behind me chanting tuneless dirges whilst paying little if any attention to the game.
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Post by mattmw on Apr 19, 2015 14:16:46 GMT 1
Not sure if its the case at Cheltenham, but some grounds regulations require fans to sit in the seat designated as part of the licensing agreements. Think its a way of monitoring possible trouble makers via CCTV and being able to guide stewards to specific seats if there is a problem
Hopefully a bit of common sense as suggested in the posts above will make it a good day for everyone, but with it being a big game for both sides and a big attendance just be aware the stewards may be asked to enforce the rules more strictly. Possible Cheltenham might be employing outside stewards too, who are slightly less flexible than regular club stewards
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Post by MidWalesShrew on Apr 19, 2015 14:28:07 GMT 1
Picking up my 2 tickets tomorrow. I will gladly swap with someone who wants to sit if mine are lower down and theirs are higher up as I will be standing.
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Post by Feedo Gnasher on Apr 19, 2015 14:29:41 GMT 1
Live and let live. Stand at the back, sit at the front and also look around you, does that old boy whose been going thirty years longer than you deserve to miss the game? Why not move back, offer to swap or if you won't do those things then maybe sit down? And don't get agro with anyone, it should be an amazing day made by those around you as much as what happens on the pitch so be considerate to your fellow fans. Not that most people need telling, we're a generally decent bunch! Finally, if you do stagger in 10mins late then please realise you'll have to hunt down the spare seat, not suddenly claim your allocated one. We're not all playing musical chairs cos you wanted an extra jar! Whilst agreeing 100% with these sentiments, regrettably this does not reflect my actual experience at the Leeds away game where I was sitting right behind "The Whistler" (whatever happened to him?) and had others frequently standing up in front of me obstructing my view whilst a few seriously inebriated teenagers crashed around behind me chanting tuneless dirges whilst paying little if any attention to the game. 'The Whistler' Colin resides in Block 19 and still whistles.
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Post by callum on Apr 19, 2015 14:33:27 GMT 1
A very good post. Adherence to the above idea will lead to a wonderful afternoon in which everyone can watch the game as they please. I do foresee issues though with the sit-down-in-silence brigade which is why a couple of pals and I have plumped for a ticket on the home terrace. COYB Surely you'll have to sit in silence anyway if your in the home end? I don't mind which seat I sit/stand in but if a fan comes and demands their seat I'll have to move and in all probability go to my dedicated seat resulting in someone else having to move.
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