Atmosphere at the ground

[Prando]

I see myself as always trying to see the glass half full and endeavouring to accentuate the positive and avoid the negative …
The atmosphere at last match was dreadful and certainly amongst the worst I’ve experienced. (My first match was 1961/2 season) We have had season tickets most years that we have lived in the Midlands and sat in the BRE and East Stand, so I consider I speak with some experience.

In previous years when ‘we were doomed’ there was still a jovial atmosphere. Clearly we believed we were not good enough and chanted accordingly! Relegation was certainly not wanted, but accepted in good spirit. Indeed I nave memories of humorous chants directed to our disappointing relegation…a sad but supportive response from us fans.

It doesn’t seem that long ago that there was a specific supportive chant for most of the individuals in the team. (McCauley, Brunt, Morrison, Robinson, Lukako, Kanu, etc., etc., etc., I’m struggling to think of any personal chants (supportive!) directed to any of our 1st team squad?

Such a shame to see that there is a rotten core within our players, inevitably picked up by us fans. We may blame the owner, Manager or a n other, but for me the onus of responsibility sits firmly with the players.

I’m guilty of not driving the singing, (but always a loud voice !) the last few matches have been bereft of decent vocal support, symptomatic, in my opinion, of the effect the players’ attitudes and commitment.

A major clear-out essential, but very difficult to undertake given the contracts and wages. Which club would take them ?

[SwedishBaggie]

I see myself as always trying to see the glass half full and endeavouring to accentuate the positive and avoid the negative …
The atmosphere at last match was dreadful and certainly amongst the worst I’ve experienced. (My first match was 1961/2 season) We have had season tickets most years that we have lived in the Midlands and sat in the BRE and East Stand, so I consider I speak with some experience.

In previous years when ‘we were doomed’ there was still a jovial atmosphere. Clearly we believed we were not good enough and chanted accordingly! Relegation was certainly not wanted, but accepted in good spirit. Indeed I nave memories of humorous chants directed to our disappointing relegation…a sad but supportive response from us fans.

It doesn’t seem that long ago that there was a specific supportive chant for most of the individuals in the team. (McCauley, Brunt, Morrison, Robinson, Lukako, Kanu, etc., etc., etc., I’m struggling to think of any personal chants (supportive!) directed to any of our 1st team squad?

Such a shame to see that there is a rotten core within our players, inevitably picked up by us fans. We may blame the owner, Manager or a n other, but for me the onus of responsibility sits firmly with the players.

I’m guilty of not driving the singing, (but always a loud voice !) the last few matches have been bereft of decent vocal support, symptomatic, in my opinion, of the effect the players’ attitudes and commitment.

A major clear-out essential, but very difficult to undertake given the contracts and wages. Which club would take them ?

Very sad to hear it mate, but thanks for your input, which really is one to take seriously given your vast experience of watching the Albion (from before I was born).

I too really think there seems to be ”a rotten core” within the squad (picked up from some distance), and that a major clear out is imperative.

[Dubbag]

Just not sure that Bruce is the person to do the clearing out.
He would be one of my first choices to move out the door.

[Leicesterbaggie]

Just not sure that Bruce is the person to do the clearing out.
He would be one of my first choices to move out the door.

Have to agree. A definite clear out is needed but, as you say, is Bruce the right man to be doing it? Personally, would like a young, up and coming manager from the lower divisions. Who that is, I haven't a clue!

[mickd1961]

The atmosphere has been awful for years.

The Brummie Rd atmosphere died when it became all seated.

If it wasn’t for the Smethwick Enders there would be zero singing.

In the 70’s the Brummie was epic on match day.

[Yarmbaggie]

The atmosphere has been awful for years.

The Brummie Rd atmosphere died when it became all seated.

If it wasn’t for the Smethwick Enders there would be zero singing.

In the 70’s the Brummie was epic on match day.

Just the point I was going to make.

Admittedly in the last 35 years since I moved to the NE most games I have seen have been away but I have really noticed a deterioration in the atmosphere at our ground for some considerable time now. I think, like a member of the family if you only see them occasionally you really noticed how they change. If you see them every week, or very regularly the changes are not so apparent.

Not unique to us by the way, the atmosphere at most grounds has deteriorated in my opinion. Needed to by the way because of course there is a reason why grounds went all seater and we don’t want to go back there. Safe standing etc needed now me thinks but atmosphere starts from the pitch and there just isn’t the same passion from the multi millionaire players at our level and often not even above our level.

[stargazer1962]

Prando.
I didn't think the atmosphere was the worst on Sat against Coventry.
There were some efforts during the game to get behind the team, but it soon falls flat.
However some of the night matches over the winter have been awful, a lot of negativity (understandably).
One home match to go against the bottom team.
Albion need to pull out the stops and try and finish the season with a good win to at least give us fans something to hold onto.

[Dubbag]

Croke Park here in Dublin is a capacity ground of 92,400.
Hill 16 at one end of the ground was left terraced under the redevelopment a number of years back.
It holds approximately 10,000 but it is where I mostly go on match days.

It is extremely safe and well marshalled with plenty of facilities. Cracking atmosphere and colour and frequency mixed supporters mingle. The tickets are cheaper then the stands....but still a fantastic atmosphere...
Terraces work....as long as not made for sardines...

[Prando]

I’ve experienced great singing, chanting and atmosphere at games during recent years. Yes, in the East Stand ! Goals always celebrated with boinging, Psalm 23 etc etc. Maybe the Rainbow we’re usually quieter.
Pre match excitement in the concourse accompanied by singing etc., enjoying watching the screens with rivals losing ! Overall providing for a good match day experience.
Indeed, the initial success we enjoyed with Val was reflected in the atmosphere and joined by him with his touchline celebration runs !
The last few games have been the worst in my view. No support to the Liquidator, no boinging, no player chanting and Psalm 23 kept for RIP memorials.

[stargazer1962]

I’ve experienced great singing, chanting and atmosphere at games during recent years. Yes, in the East Stand ! Goals always celebrated with boinging, Psalm 23 etc etc. Maybe the Rainbow we’re usually quieter.
Pre match excitement in the concourse accompanied by singing etc., enjoying watching the screens with rivals losing ! Overall providing for a good match day experience.
Indeed, the initial success we enjoyed with Val was reflected in the atmosphere and joined by him with his touchline celebration runs !
The last few games have been the worst in my view. No support to the Liquidator, no boinging, no player chanting and Psalm 23 kept for RIP memorials.

Prando.
I agree that the liquidator this season has died a death as the crowd know it will make no difference. No player chanting, who would you chant for. very little boinging, but very few goals in the Smethwick end, its been a complete drought until the last couple of games.