Vale stewards and police.

[all]

Having been hassled by mindless morons who took delight in standing up on the front row of the stand and spoiling my view of the game I am delighted to say how well the stewards?security men handled the situation and the attention that they gave to me and my partner.
Later during the second half they were kind enough to offer to escort us to the other side odf the seating where we were able to watch the game without interference.
After the game when there appeared to be signs of trouble the police officers again showed us due respect and were able to suggest a siutable route to our car. Well done to the Stewards and the Police.

[GSMITH]

hahahaha oh dear! How are they morons for standing up on an away day at your local rivals?

Suppose we all sat down and didint have that amazing vocal support we had yesterday...

[Alexmaverick]

Good to hear the old bill get praise but have to agree with Smithy.It's a football match and a local derby so a bit of anarchy is to be expected.It's not the Bolshoi ballet.
P.s.Bring back the terraces.
P.p.s.Let's also end this crap modern thing of both teams walking out together then lining up to shake hands.No problem with the "sportsmanship" reason for doing it but much prefer to see the two sides run out separately giving you the opportunity to cheer your own and boo the other lot should you wish.Yesterdays game being a good example of when you may want to act as such.

[AlexLeicester]

Well done to the Vale stewards and the police. Whilst I was not there, it seems that the potential for 'difficulty' was recognised and acted on.

For personal reasons I will never spend a whole game standing, although I will leap (slowly and whilst holding onto my seat) to my feet when the Alex score. For the same reasons I find it obnoxious and rude to stand and obscure the view of those behind.

I accept that it is foolish to sit directly behind the goal, where the more vocal fans seem to establish themselves, therefore I won't. It does though annoy me when I have to move rather than those disturbing my view.

There is room for all sorts: it just needs a little forethought and manners.

[TwiceInABlueMoon]

I agree with both sides of the argument here.

Usually at away games, those who want to sit can go to the front of the stand to do so. Those that want to stand up, move to the back. This seems to work fairl welly and usually this is followed up on.

Whilst I can understand peoples frusstration at people standing, I have also been frustrated (as a stander) by people moving towards the back of the stand and sitting down. Therefore forcing me and others to sit. This is even though there has been plenty of room towards the front of the stand, where you can sit happily.

I think if people stick to the unwritten rules then all fans can be happily accomodated.

Regarding the original post. Its unfortunate to hear that you had issues yesterday. Due to it being a derby, there were always going to be more people standing then not. That was always going to be the case. What an atmosphere it created as well! Usually there is space to the front right of the stand where people can sit rather then st

[alexmick]

Just one question regarding this one. Why did the Taylor report advise that following the Hillsborough disaster, where 96 lives were lost, recommend that stadiums should be "all-seated"? If seats are in place, for the sake of safety, then surely spectators should remain seated.

[TwiceInABlueMoon]

In fairness, stadiums were a lot different back then, alexmick. We all now know that there were a lot of other factors involved, that caused the Hillsborough tragedy. Whilst the Taylor Report definitely helped to improve safety at football grounds, a lot of its content isn't particularly relevant to modern day stadia. Also a lot of it is old tosh, used to help cover up the atrocities that were committed by civil servants on and following that dark day back in 1989.

Every football club's fans stand at away games nowadays. It is perfectly safe in seated areas. Now even stewards have been told to allow it, rather than cracking down like they used too.

[Timon]

hahahaha oh dear! How are they morons for standing up on an away day at your local rivals?

Suppose we all sat down and didint have that amazing vocal support we had yesterday...

My lad & his 3 mates are 9yo & about 4' 6". They didn't see the third goal at all so thanks for your very kind consideration especially as my lad wears number 14 on his shirt.

Fortunately there is FLS & he managed to see his hero score the crucial & best goal of the game. We look forward to next weekend when normal service is resumed & they can see all of the goals from the comfort of their seats.

[Timon]

In fairness, stadiums were a lot different back then, alexmick. We all now know that there were a lot of other factors involved, that caused the Hillsborough tragedy. Whilst the Taylor Report definitely helped to improve safety at football grounds, a lot of its content isn't particularly relevant to modern day stadia. Also a lot of it is old tosh, used to help cover up the atrocities that were committed by civil servants on and following that dark day back in 1989.

Every football club's fans stand at away games nowadays. It is perfectly safe in seated areas. Now even stewards have been told to allow it, rather than cracking down like they used too.

Couldn't disagree more with that final paragraph :blue:

[TwiceInABlueMoon]

Which part of that paragraph, Timon?

The fact that, every football club has fans that stand at away games? Just watch the FLS or MOTD, or look at the Popside when you're next at Gresty Road to see this.

The point that, it is perfectly safe to stand in seated areas? Show me evidence to suggest otherwise?

Or, the fact that stewards have clearly become less focused on getting fans to sit at games, in the last few seasons.

I can't really see a point to disagree on there?

I can understand your frustration re. your son not being able to see the game and that is why it makes so much sense to have designated standing / seating areas. Such as what you see in Germany (which, I must add, is one of the most Health and Safety conscious countries in the world). That way, those who wish to sit can do so, happily and those that want to stand can do so, happily.

[GSMITH]

hahahaha oh dear! How are they morons for standing up on an away day at your local rivals?

Suppose we all sat down and didint have that amazing vocal support we had yesterday...

My lad & his 3 mates are 9yo & about 4' 6". They didn't see the third goal at all so thanks for your very kind consideration especially as my lad wears number 14 on his shirt.

Fortunately there is FLS & he managed to see his hero score the crucial & best goal of the game. We look forward to next weekend when normal service is resumed & they can see all of the goals from the comfort of their seats.[/quote]


Im actually stunned at some of our fans. Suppose we all sat down and made mo noise, would that be better?

There were plenty seats on the side near the half built stand you could of SAT ON.

What do you think the lads would of thought if we all sat down and gave them a nice clap every now and again instead of

[Timon]

hahahaha oh dear! How are they morons for standing up on an away day at your local rivals?

Suppose we all sat down and didint have that amazing vocal support we had yesterday...

My lad & his 3 mates are 9yo & about 4' 6". They didn't see the third goal at all so thanks for your very kind consideration especially as my lad wears number 14 on his shirt.

Fortunately there is FLS & he managed to see his hero score the crucial & best goal of the game. We look forward to next weekend when normal service is resumed & they can see all of the goals from the comfort of their seats.[/quote]


Im actually stunned at some of our fans. Suppose we all sat down and made mo noise, would that be better?

There were plenty seats on the side near the half built stand you could of SAT ON.

What do you think the lads would of thought if we all sat down and gave them

[Timon]

Which part of that paragraph, Timon?

The fact that, every football club has fans that stand at away games? Just watch the FLS or MOTD, or look at the Popside when you're next at Gresty Road to see this.

The point that, it is perfectly safe to stand in seated areas? Show me evidence to suggest otherwise?

Or, the fact that stewards have clearly become less focused on getting fans to sit at games, in the last few seasons.

I can't really see a point to disagree on there?

I can understand your frustration re. your son not being able to see the game and that is why it makes so much sense to have designated standing / seating areas. Such as what you see in Germany (which, I must add, is one of the most Health and Safety conscious countries in the world). That way, those who wish to sit can do so, happily and those that want to stand can do so, happily.

Perfectly safe to stand in the middle of the road too, until the traffic a

[Alexmaverick]

[quote="alexmick"? If seats are in place, for the sake of safety, then surely spectators should remain seated.[/quote]
The Taylor report unnecessarily advised all-seater stadia.Let's get the seats out the GRE and The Pop.

[whosbrianwilson]

Totally amazed at the thread.

As one of the "morons" who had the temerirty to stand and roar the Reds on to victory, it was very obvious that there were two distinct blocks of fans. One was immediately behind the goal where everyone was standing, and another separate block alongside where all the fans were seated.

Just take your pick - simples!

[AstonAlex]

I think you're missing the original point of the post, that is the sensible stewarding and policing by the Vale stewards and Staffs police. If the stand is big enough, and the crowd small enough, then people can be moved to the unofficial standing area or that part of the stand where people are primarily seated.

How would that work at Gresty Road when the bigger clubs (Sheffield, Wolves, even the Vale travelling support) fill the Pop Side and spill into the Railway End? Answer - bloody chaos.

Those that prefer to sit mostly stand when we score, or come close to it, then take our seats again and nobody is complaining about that. The irritation comes if we, or our children or others of restricted height, have the view THAT WE HAVE PAID FOR obscured by persistent standing when there is no alternative place to sit.

Sounds like common sense prevailed at Vale Park, although that is as a consequence of us not taking huge numbers away from home. In my personal experience, thank god it w

[alexmick]

[quote="AstonAlex"]I think you're missing the original point of the post, that is the sensible stewarding and policing by the Vale stewards and Staffs police. If the stand is big enough, and the crowd small enough, then people can be moved to the unofficial standing area or that part of the stand where people are primarily seated.

How would that work at Gresty Road when the bigger clubs (Sheffield, Wolves, even the Vale travelling support) fill the Pop Side and spill into the Railway End? Answer - bloody chaos.

Those that prefer to sit mostly stand when we score, or come close to it, then take our seats again and nobody is complaining about that. The irritation comes if we, or our children or others of restricted height, have the view THAT WE HAVE PAID FOR obscured by persistent standing when there is no alternative place to sit.

Sounds like common sense prevailed at Vale Park, although that is as a consequence of us not taking huge numbers away from h

[Timon]

Totally amazed at the thread.

As one of the "morons" who had the temerirty to stand and roar the Reds on to victory, it was very obvious that there were two distinct blocks of fans. One was immediately behind the goal where everyone was standing, and another separate block alongside where all the fans were seated.

Just take your pick - simples!

Silly me, I should have turned up moments before kick off to assess exactly the appropriate areas where we could sit rather than turn up early to pick what was though to be a sensible spot for the lad & his 71 year old grandad. That way our choice would be made without inconveniencing all those that wish to stand and flaunt the football ground regulations.

[crewemoon85]

What do you suggest then? Everybody is forced to sit down?

It's clear from this thread that some people like to stand, some like to sit. This can be quite easily catered for and is usually done informally between fans (particularly when we don't travel in large numbers). The difficulty only arises when there are larger numbers than usual (i.e. Vale) and people who want to sit (like your three generations) struggle to find an area where people are sitting. In fairness, on Saturday, virtually the whole right hand side around me was seated and there were plenty of empty seats.

Given this "informal" arrangement didn't work on Saturday for you the question is; what do we do? Some posters have suggested formalised, separate seating and (safe) standing areas, which you have rejected. From what I am reading you are suggesting that everyone be forced to sit, which rather smacks of the same sort of "my way or the highway" selfishness you deride further above.

The only sensible way to find a s

[crewedaft]

What a ridiculous mess this country got into with football grounds. Before Hillsborough I would estimate that 80% (at least) of fans going to the Alex chose to stand. Therefore when we go to an all-seater stadium (which is the norm these days) 80% are being made to pay for a seat when they would rather stand up. What a daft state of affairs! We allowed ourselves to be pushed down the all-seater route out of guilt over Hillsborough, when the best solution would have been to build SAFE standing. Standing areas are not inherently dangerous - only when they are badly designed and policed. The clubs took full advantage too seeing it as a way of charging fans more.

Good luck to the clubs who are keen to trial safe standing. I would love to be able to stand at Gresty Road again!

[Alexmaverick]

What a ridiculous mess this country got into with football grounds. Before Hillsborough I would estimate that 80% (at least) of fans going to the Alex chose to stand. Therefore when we go to an all-seater stadium (which is the norm these days) 80% are being made to pay for a seat when they would rather stand up. What a daft state of affairs! We allowed ourselves to be pushed down the all-seater route out of guilt over Hillsborough, when the best solution would have been to build SAFE standing. Standing areas are not inherently dangerous - only when they are badly designed and policed. The clubs took full advantage too seeing it as a way of charging fans more.

Good luck to the clubs who are keen to trial safe standing. I would love to be able to stand at Gresty Road again!
Well said.

[RenegadeDS]

It was a refreshing change to be able to stand for the entire 90 minutes on Saturday - a welcome return to the memories of standing in the Paddock when I could barely see over the front. Not only that but the atmosphere was excellent and much preferred. It speaks volumes that some of my favourite away grounds are ones with terracing rather than seats.

That being said, as a 6 foot 4 supporter I did make sure that I wasn't blocking anybody's view behind me. I'd like to think that we didn't cause anyone to suffer, especially since everyone was standing when we got there. It was quite clear that there was a section where supporters wanted to stand and a section where they wanted to sit, which seemed to work well.

[AlexLeicester]

As stated, there are differing views on this matter - as there should be really. The only problem I have had was at our first trip to the new Wembley, where banners were unfurled as well as people standing two or three rows in front. This successfully ruined the spectacle for the youngsters directly in front of.

However, there needs to be some maturity and self-restraint among those standing. The chants ref. Cornwall aimed at our goalkeeper earlier in the season should have been nipped in the bud, and the little children who thought it fun to light flares at Rotherham a few weeks ago should have been dealt with by the adults around them.

Personally I get a better view sitting to the side, if we are corralled into the away 'end', and this tends to be further away from that &*$$* drum :-D as well as the standing chanters and singers.
A clearly marked and stewarded standing terrace area would simply make things easier for people like me.

[alexmick]

The bottom line is the fact that it is dangerous to stand in a seated area. Remember, the height between rows is pretty precarious and there is nothing to grab hold of, except the person alongside you or immediately in front. The possible domino effect could cause serious injury. This issue of safety is the reason why standing is not allowed.

[crewemoon85]

The bottom line is the fact that it is dangerous to stand in a seated area. Remember, the height between rows is pretty precarious and there is nothing to grab hold of, except the person alongside you or immediately in front. The possible domino effect could cause serious injury. This issue of safety is the reason why standing is not allowed.

You do seem to have a very strange view of what a "fact" is. Without getting into a philisophical debate about the inherent characteristics of a "fact", what a "fact" isn't is:

1. A hotly disputed point of contention between a number of experts.

2. Something that alexmick says on a message board and then calls a "fact"!

In a debate/discussion it is usually seen as polite to suggest what your opinion may be, rather than attempting to mask your own opinion as a "fact" to get the last word.

[Timon]

The bottom line is the fact that it is dangerous to stand in a seated area. Remember, the height between rows is pretty precarious and there is nothing to grab hold of, except the person alongside you or immediately in front. The possible domino effect could cause serious injury. This issue of safety is the reason why standing is not allowed.

You do seem to have a very strange view of what a "fact" is. Without getting into a philisophical debate about the inherent characteristics of a "fact", what a "fact" isn't is:

1. A hotly disputed point of contention between a number of experts.

2. Something that alexmick says on a message board and then calls a "fact"!

In a debate/discussion it is usually seen as polite to suggest what your opinion may be, rather than attempting to mask your own opinion as a "fact" to get the last word.[/quote]

It clearly is dangerous to stand in a seat

[crewemoon85]

The bottom line is the fact that it is dangerous to stand in a seated area. Remember, the height between rows is pretty precarious and there is nothing to grab hold of, except the person alongside you or immediately in front. The possible domino effect could cause serious injury. This issue of safety is the reason why standing is not allowed.

You do seem to have a very strange view of what a "fact" is. Without getting into a philisophical debate about the inherent characteristics of a "fact", what a "fact" isn't is:

1. A hotly disputed point of contention between a number of experts.

2. Something that alexmick says on a message board and then calls a "fact"!

In a debate/discussion it is usually seen as polite to suggest what your opinion may be, rather than attempting to mask your own opinion as a "fact" to get the last word.[/quote]

[alexmick]

The bottom line is the fact that it is dangerous to stand in a seated area. Remember, the height between rows is pretty precarious and there is nothing to grab hold of, except the person alongside you or immediately in front. The possible domino effect could cause serious injury. This issue of safety is the reason why standing is not allowed.

You do seem to have a very strange view of what a "fact" is. Without getting into a philisophical debate about the inherent characteristics of a "fact", what a "fact" isn't is:

1. A hotly disputed point of contention between a number of experts.

2. Something that alexmick says on a message board and then calls a "fact"!

In a debate/discussion it is usually seen as polite to suggest what your opinion may be, rather than attempting to mask your own opinion as a "fact" to get the last word.[/quote]

Alright, so I will apologise for my choice