1960maaan Posted November 12, 2019 Report Share Posted November 12, 2019 They make an interesting contrast to the ones I've borrowed of the new look. The old place has come a long way. First one the Lansdown , and the Williams as it was having seats fitted. Second the East end seated, and the South stand. This last one is from the old Football League Review, that used to come free in the Program. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rossi the Robin Posted November 12, 2019 Report Share Posted November 12, 2019 I love the new ground for facilities and modernisation but god I loved the old gate when it had all the terraces- proper ground Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
A Horse With No Name Posted November 12, 2019 Report Share Posted November 12, 2019 What strikes me is the statement that Ashton Gate had a capacity of 39,000, which of course we knew, but it just brings it home how our new state of the art stadium , and all seaters in general have reduced capacities. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steviestevieneville Posted November 12, 2019 Report Share Posted November 12, 2019 Always remember being excited when the new roof went on the Williams , but loved the terracing in the enclosure probably more than the east end. Even though I spent most games in there growing up. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greville Smythe Posted November 12, 2019 Report Share Posted November 12, 2019 Anyone know what year they did that work on the Williams? And when they extended the roof, was that when they also put the seats on the terracing? I've never been able to work out my first match - think it was about 1991 or 1992 - but the Williams still had its smaller grey roof. Love the picture of the old open end. Remember as a kid running down to the gate in the bottom left of the photo to get a closer view. The steward there always faced the crowd and me, as a kid, asked him if he didn't mind missing the match. He said he didn't need to, he could tell what was going on by watching the crowds faces. Also remember them driving the Thorn Security vans round the edge of the pitch, and at one match (guessing near the end of the season) they were throwing Easter Eggs into the crowd. Any ideas which season this was? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steviestevieneville Posted November 12, 2019 Report Share Posted November 12, 2019 2 minutes ago, Greville Smythe said: Anyone know what year they did that work on the Williams? And when they extended the roof, was that when they also put the seats on the terracing? I've never been able to work out my first match - think it was about 1991 or 1992 - but the Williams still had its smaller grey roof. Love the picture of the old open end. Remember as a kid running down to the gate in the bottom left of the photo to get a closer view. The steward there always faced the crowd and me, as a kid, asked him if he didn't mind missing the match. He said he didn't need to, he could tell what was going on by watching the crowds faces. Also remember them driving the Thorn Security vans round the edge of the pitch, and at one match (guessing near the end of the season) they were throwing Easter Eggs into the crowd. Any ideas which season this was? The club acted pretty quick after the Taylor report came out . So yes about 91-92 I think Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted November 12, 2019 Report Share Posted November 12, 2019 30 minutes ago, The Horse With No Name said: What strikes me is the statement that Ashton Gate had a capacity of 39,000, which of course we knew, but it just brings it home how our new state of the art stadium , and all seaters in general have reduced capacities. This reminds me of a disagreement I had with I think NickJ about our capacity. This picture was when we'd just returned to the top flight and was before the additional terracing was added to the front of the Dolman increasing the capacity still further. Obviously over the years and quite rapidly the capacity was reduced for safety reasons, one major reason being the means of escape on the Dolman side of the ground, as there was no direct exit. Evidently, the club had tried to negotiate with the bowls club, but, to no avail. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 12, 2019 Report Share Posted November 12, 2019 14 minutes ago, steviestevieneville said: The club acted pretty quick after the Taylor report came out . So yes about 91-92 I think Defo 91-92 season. I think clubs all got allocated a fair whack of money to add seats - something like £2m maybe? Pretty sure it paid for a lot of the Atyeo Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Posted November 12, 2019 Report Share Posted November 12, 2019 Just now, TomF said: Defo 91-92 season. I think clubs all got allocated a fair whack of money to add seats - something like £2m maybe? Pretty sure it paid for a lot of the Atyeo Football grants were available I believe. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ronnie Sinclair Posted November 12, 2019 Report Share Posted November 12, 2019 even the old stands are better than anything that other lot have TODAY Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
City oz Posted November 12, 2019 Report Share Posted November 12, 2019 31 minutes ago, steviestevieneville said: Always remember being excited when the new roof went on the Williams , but loved the terracing in the enclosure probably more than the east end. Even though I spent most games in there growing up. A good Spot was the enclosure on the right hand side looking at the pitch just in front of the grandstand. If it rained you could stand at the back and not get wet, just in front of the grand stand, with the East End on your right. Early 1970s this was my prefeered Spot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kingswood Robin Posted November 12, 2019 Report Share Posted November 12, 2019 2 hours ago, Greville Smythe said: Anyone know what year they did that work on the Williams? And when they extended the roof, was that when they also put the seats on the terracing? I've never been able to work out my first match - think it was about 1991 or 1992 - but the Williams still had its smaller grey roof. Love the picture of the old open end. Remember as a kid running down to the gate in the bottom left of the photo to get a closer view. The steward there always faced the crowd and me, as a kid, asked him if he didn't mind missing the match. He said he didn't need to, he could tell what was going on by watching the crowds faces. Also remember them driving the Thorn Security vans round the edge of the pitch, and at one match (guessing near the end of the season) they were throwing Easter Eggs into the crowd. Any ideas which season this was? Those pictures were taken in the summer of 1991. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wendyredredrobin Posted November 13, 2019 Report Share Posted November 13, 2019 Capacity was a bit of a joke back in the day. Whilst I've been in 32k, 37k and 38k crowds, I'm told that back in the 50s, 42k got in for one game. of course, you can get more in standing than seating, but I look forward to the day when we are in the Prem, build the South Stand into a double decker, redevelop the Atyeo and fill in the corners to fully maximise space and income. Nothing like a big crowd to create atmosphere. Even better when we can make the most of of the away fans maximising our income. It really pains me to see half of the Atyeo closed off. I don't even care whether its pillocks from Leeds or Villa so long as they pay us their money. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KevP Posted November 13, 2019 Report Share Posted November 13, 2019 Started off in the Schoolboy Enclosure mid 70s......was about 50p entrance IIRC......god the memories..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Offside Posted November 13, 2019 Report Share Posted November 13, 2019 For me, the ground lost some of its aura when it was made all seater - things like the loss of the distinctive floodlights and the way the shape of roof of the Williams changed when it was extended (and the removal of the old advertising hoardings hanging from the roof). I ‘m really pleased with how AG has been redeveloped and couldn’t be happier that we stayed in our spiritual home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ashton_fan Posted November 13, 2019 Report Share Posted November 13, 2019 When City were in Div 1 I watched the games from the East End and the atmosphere was something else on a different level to anything you get today, 37000 playing against Liverpool for example! However people today wouldn't put up with the lack of facilities of those days, when it was a big game there was no way you could even get to the toilets let alone get anything to eat or drink. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhistleHappy Posted November 13, 2019 Report Share Posted November 13, 2019 10 hours ago, wendyredredrobin said: Capacity was a bit of a joke back in the day. Whilst I've been in 32k, 37k and 38k crowds, I'm told that back in the 50s, 42k got in for one game. of course, you can get more in standing than seating, but I look forward to the day when we are in the Prem, build the South Stand into a double decker, redevelop the Atyeo and fill in the corners to fully maximise space and income. Nothing like a big crowd to create atmosphere. Even better when we can make the most of of the away fans maximising our income. It really pains me to see half of the Atyeo closed off. I don't even care whether its pillocks from Leeds or Villa so long as they pay us their money. You've obviously been heavily influenced by the state of the art stadium up the road in Horfield, understandably like many of us your head has been turned slightly by the experience, but envy is an ugly thing, we really should not covet our neighbours ox. Lets just make the most of what we have and be content with that for now, as poor and lacking as the current Ashton Gate may be it is what it is... Keeping up with the Joneses is a pointless pursuit as is our wishing to keep up with The Gas. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steviestevieneville Posted November 13, 2019 Report Share Posted November 13, 2019 6 hours ago, Offside said: For me, the ground lost some of its aura when it was made all seater - things like the loss of the distinctive floodlights and the way the shape of roof of the Williams changed when it was extended (and the removal of the old advertising hoardings hanging from the roof). I ‘m really pleased with how AG has been redeveloped and couldn’t be happier that we stayed in our spiritual home. Ah the floodlights, loved them especially on night matches. Really gave it a special atmosphere as a kid Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
22A Posted November 13, 2019 Report Share Posted November 13, 2019 17 hours ago, The Horse With No Name said: What strikes me is the statement that Ashton Gate had a capacity of 39,000, which of course we knew, but it just brings it home how our new state of the art stadium , and all seaters in general have reduced capacities. Resulting in the fewer attendees having to pay more. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
22A Posted November 13, 2019 Report Share Posted November 13, 2019 16 hours ago, Ronnie Sinclair said: even the old stands are better than anything that other lot have TODAY ever had Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sir Geoff Posted November 13, 2019 Report Share Posted November 13, 2019 So, what exactly have the Lansdowns ever done for us ? The picture from the Football League review was taken from almost the exact spot I was standing for the Leeds cup game. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Major Isewater Posted November 13, 2019 Report Share Posted November 13, 2019 17 hours ago, Greville Smythe said: Anyone know what year they did that work on the Williams? And when they extended the roof, was that when they also put the seats on the terracing? I've never been able to work out my first match - think it was about 1991 or 1992 - but the Williams still had its smaller grey roof. Love the picture of the old open end. Remember as a kid running down to the gate in the bottom left of the photo to get a closer view. The steward there always faced the crowd and me, as a kid, asked him if he didn't mind missing the match. He said he didn't need to, he could tell what was going on by watching the crowds faces. Also remember them driving the Thorn Security vans round the edge of the pitch, and at one match (guessing near the end of the season) they were throwing Easter Eggs into the crowd. Any ideas which season this was? Easter. Don’t thank me . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norn Iron Posted November 13, 2019 Report Share Posted November 13, 2019 23 minutes ago, steviestevieneville said: Ah the floodlights, loved them especially on night matches. Really gave it a special atmosphere as a kid And the fizzing sound they made if you were already in the ground when they were switched on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Major Isewater Posted November 13, 2019 Report Share Posted November 13, 2019 3 hours ago, ashton_fan said: When City were in Div 1 I watched the games from the East End and the atmosphere was something else on a different level to anything you get today, 37000 playing against Liverpool for example! However people today wouldn't put up with the lack of facilities of those days, when it was a big game there was no way you could even get to the toilets let alone get anything to eat or drink. In those days the match was first , not letting opposition fans take your ‘ end ‘ was second . Wading through piss at half time having experienced something lava like in a melting plastic cup thinly disguised as tea was the norm . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Norn Iron Posted November 13, 2019 Report Share Posted November 13, 2019 5 minutes ago, Major Isewater said: they were throwing Easter Eggs into the crowd. Any ideas which season this was? Nope but still not as funny when Bowyers did something similar in the old first division days but with pork pies. They were thrown back trying to hit their van. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marmite Posted November 13, 2019 Report Share Posted November 13, 2019 3 hours ago, ashton_fan said: When City were in Div 1 I watched the games from the East End and the atmosphere was something else on a different level to anything you get today, 37000 playing against Liverpool for example! However people today wouldn't put up with the lack of facilities of those days, when it was a big game there was no way you could even get to the toilets let alone get anything to eat or drink. Those were great days but the facilities were rank. Toilets, if you could get to them, were just tin shelving hanging at an angle, and you didn't want to be downstream! Drinks were cheap but you couldn't tell Bovril from tea. Muddy walkways and dripping roofs. It was awful but we bloody loved it. Better facilities by far today but the game has changed as much as the stadiums. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1960maaan Posted November 13, 2019 Author Report Share Posted November 13, 2019 Funny, although I've stood/sat in every part of the ground, I think if you're of a certain age you started on the old East End, that's just the way it was. I know it was pretty grim around the toilets, they even had their own tide. ! and open air ! But It was special. I started just to the left of the centre as you looked out, and people stood in the same spot each week. Strangely we stood behind the barrier so got crushed at ever goal or near miss. In the old First division days we moved to the open end, and at different times were in Dolman A block , Williams enclosure , Williams A block and now Lowe Lansdown. Yes the ground and facilities are a million times better, but I'm glad I'm an old git and had the chance to live through those great atmospheres . One thing on attendance, I think the Evening Post gave one, maybe 2 figures of around 40k , estimated. As the gates at the back of the Open end were kicked open a couple of times, used to have the clipping, sadly long gone now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wendyredredrobin Posted November 13, 2019 Report Share Posted November 13, 2019 3 hours ago, steviestevieneville said: Ah the floodlights, loved them especially on night matches. Really gave it a special atmosphere as a kid I wouldn't mind all games being played at night. Still think it provides a better atmosphere whatever the floodlights. I really enjoy games under the lights. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
marmite Posted November 13, 2019 Report Share Posted November 13, 2019 23 minutes ago, 1960maaan said: Funny, although I've stood/sat in every part of the ground, I think if you're of a certain age you started on the old East End, that's just the way it was. I know it was pretty grim around the toilets, they even had their own tide. ! and open air ! But It was special. I started just to the left of the centre as you looked out, and people stood in the same spot each week. Strangely we stood behind the barrier so got crushed at ever goal or near miss. In the old First division days we moved to the open end, and at different times were in Dolman A block , Williams enclosure , Williams A block and now Lowe Lansdown. Yes the ground and facilities are a million times better, but I'm glad I'm an old git and had the chance to live through those great atmospheres . One thing on attendance, I think the Evening Post gave one, maybe 2 figures of around 40k , estimated. As the gates at the back of the Open end were kicked open a couple of times, used to have the clipping, sadly long gone now. Like you I've been all around the ground but started my days as a kid in crackers corner What an introduction to the English language that was. Some of those characters could have made a living as a comedian. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bristol Oil Services Posted November 13, 2019 Report Share Posted November 13, 2019 21 hours ago, Greville Smythe said: Anyone know what year they did that work on the Williams? And when they extended the roof, was that when they also put the seats on the terracing? I've never been able to work out my first match - think it was about 1991 or 1992 - but the Williams still had its smaller grey roof. Love the picture of the old open end. Remember as a kid running down to the gate in the bottom left of the photo to get a closer view. The steward there always faced the crowd and me, as a kid, asked him if he didn't mind missing the match. He said he didn't need to, he could tell what was going on by watching the crowds faces. Also remember them driving the Thorn Security vans round the edge of the pitch, and at one match (guessing near the end of the season) they were throwing Easter Eggs into the crowd. Any ideas which season this was? That might've been Notts County 90/91 season, first season back in the old second division. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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