Why is the atmosphere so flat…

[PFree]

We were debating this earlier, and why after four wins and a draw at home, the atmosphere is just so poor.

What are your thoughts…

Is it not having the singing section behind the goals?

Are people bored of Manningball, which let’s be honest can be a hard, tedious watch?

Is it that our football often tends to be negative and defensive based, and because we lack the sort of quality attacking footballers that regularly get you off your seat?

Are some fans still feeling disconnected with the club after the NP debacle?

Do fans feel lied to by our current, poorly qualified leadership team, has all trust in the strategy and people gone?

Is it our lack of ambition and feeling that we will always be a nearly, mid table, Championship side?

Are some of us simply awaiting the news of new ownership, investment and ambition?

Is the club not communicating well with the fans hence why as an example, the BT ‘story’ started and why we speculate so frequently as fans?

For me, it’s a combination of many of those points - even today, I just felt bored, and when I did join in the singing, nobody around me in S22 joined in. Okay, we had four or five good quality attacks, but once Fally came on, and we tried to see the game out, lets be honest, it was an awful watch.

Finally, I am a ST holder for a few decades, I will always support City but I seldom look forward to coming to the Gate nowadays and can be ambivalent towards games and results. That play off final at Wembley seems a distant memory now.

[Kodjias Wrist]

The playoff final was 15ish years ago so yeah it is a distant memory. I think as you said though it’s an amalgamation of the points above. I think the fans base is just waiting for it to fall on its ass and Lansdowns appoint Hogg.

[PortInTheMorning]

Just now, PFree said:

Is it not having the singing section behind the goals?

In my opinion it's mainly to do with the lack of proximity of our singing section to the away fans - this is what creates an atmosphere.

But this topic has been discussed a lot recently

[cotswoldred2]

Probably because it was bloody freezing, if you are not content I don't know what to say.

Maybe start singing?

 

[wheretheheartis]

1 minute ago, PortInTheMorning said:

In my opinion it's mainly to do with the lack of proximity of our singing section to the away fans - this is what creates an atmosphere.

But this topic has been discussed a lot recently

This and bring back tackling, when a big tackle goes flying in, that gets the whole ground up off their feet.

[Alan Dicks]

Almost every game we get outsung by the away fans, it’s embarrassing.

[cotswoldred2]

2 minutes ago, Kodjias Wrist said:

The playoff final was 15ish years ago so yeah it is a distant memory. I think as you said though it’s an amalgamation of the points above. I think the fans base is just waiting for it to fall on its ass and Lansdowns appoint Hogg.

Ahh that's the spirit, lets hope the 'fan' base turns on Manning then.

THIS is why we are so beige ..

[fly in the air]

one quality striker signing would lift the crowd. we are in a good position and someone to help wells would give the club a massive lift and possibly push us on. 

[Phantom]

4 minutes ago, PortInTheMorning said:

In my opinion it's mainly to do with the lack of proximity of our singing section to the away fans - this is what creates an atmosphere.

But this topic has been discussed a lot recently

Doesn't explain why about 150 in the corner are the only ones making regular noise 

It's just excuse after excuse, for whatever reason we've just not got a vocal home crowd

I guess part of the problem, apart from the very odd game scattered over many years we've not had much to get behind 

1 minute ago, Alan Dicks said:

Almost every game we get outsung by the away fans, it’s embarrassing.

That's a frequent thing at many grounds and not unique to City 

[cotswoldred2]

Just now, Alan Dicks said:

Almost every game we get outsung by the away fans, it’s embarrassing.

 

3 minutes ago, wheretheheartis said:

This and bring back tackling, when a big tackle goes flying in, that gets the whole ground up off their feet.

''Ten Minutes of Rough'', that was the old East End cry when we needed to get back in the game.

Or hold a lead.

[redkev]

3 minutes ago, Alan Dicks said:

Almost every game we get outsung by the away fans, it’s embarrassing.

As our fans do to home crowds when we are away - swings and roundabouts 

[Jackson Lamb]

I imagine most home grounds are the same.

Modern day football 

[PortInTheMorning]

Just now, redkev said:

As our fans do to home crowds when we are away - swings and roundabouts 

Yea that's exactly right mate - why are so many people miserable tonight?

[Mr Popodopolous]

7 minutes ago, redkev said:

As our fans do to home crowds when we are away - swings and roundabouts 

What does make it frustrating for me though is we were one of the first with some sort of Safe Standing area or permission anyway whatever..We were pioneers in 2013-14 one game.

Now we just seem content with a small number in the corner. They are good but too small in number and too tucked away, not their fault.

Edited January 4 by Mr Popodopolous

[PortInTheMorning]

1 minute ago, Jackson Lamb said:

I imagine most home grounds are the same.

Modern day football 

This too

[redkev]

3 minutes ago, fly in the air said:

one quality striker signing would lift the crowd. we are in a good position and someone to help wells would give the club a massive lift and possibly push us on. 

Agree , no matter how optimistic we try to get I think we are all waiting to slip straight back down to 11th

agree get a couple of wins in our next 2 away games a sign a decent proven striker the place would be buzzing and a near sell out for Blackburn at home - 

[Street red]

4 minutes ago, Phantom said:

Doesn't explain why about 150 in the corner are the only ones making regular noise 

It's just excuse after excuse, for whatever reason we've just not got a vocal home crowd

I guess part of the problem, apart from the very odd game scattered over many years we've not had much to get behind 

That's a frequent thing at many grounds and not unique to City 

I personally think it's the way the games played now it doesnt get you up off your seat and people are just bored,I must admit it doesn't feel the same anymore even if you win,Plus you get people turn up at games and spend the entire game on there phones!! A women in front me is constantly on eBay or Amazon etc Honestly why pay money for a ticket. 

[Bar BS3]

11 minutes ago, PortInTheMorning said:

In my opinion it's mainly to do with the lack of proximity of our singing section to the away fans - this is what creates an atmosphere.

But this topic has been discussed a lot recently

I disagree.

When the atmosphere is good, it's really good.

That doesn't change with any difference proximity to the away fans - it's because something clicks & everyone is up for it.

Today was arguably the worst it's been that I can remember. Not even a spell of decent atmosphere.

I get that the S82 lot try - but seriously, the absolute dirge that they drone in with most of the time is genuinely what I think kills the rest of the grounds atmosphere. So many of the songs are just a bit of half hearted murmurings- nothing inspiring or motivating out rousing.

Stick to the clear, supportive, oldsl school stuff & it's so much better than the nothing noise that is just so tediously dull. Then that helps get the rest of the ground involved.

 

[east sussex red]

We are not a passionate footballing city, which has come from the fact we have massively underachieved for years.

We have the odd game where the excitement levels rise, but then they get back to normal soon after. 

We do need some long term success to get us all excited.

[Bar BS3]

3 minutes ago, Street red said:

I personally think it's the way the games played now it doesnt get you up off your seat and people are just bored,I must admit it doesn't feel the same anymore even if you win,Plus you get people turn up at games and spend the entire game on there phones!! A women in front me is constantly on eBay or Amazon etc Honestly why pay money for a ticket. 

Why let what the woman infront of you is doing bother you.?!

That's almost as odd as her coming to football to shop on Ebay.! 

 

[Kodjias Wrist]

17 minutes ago, cotswoldred2 said:

Ahh that's the spirit, lets hope the 'fan' base turns on Manning then.

THIS is why we are so beige ..

What’s the spirit? And why did you put ‘fan’ ? insinuating fans aren’t allowed to feel a certain way? Because that doesn’t make them a true fan? 

Edited January 4 by Kodjias Wrist

[PortInTheMorning]

8 minutes ago, Bar BS3 said:

I disagree.

When the atmosphere is good, it's really good.

That doesn't change with any difference proximity to the away fans - it's because something clicks & everyone is up for it.

Today was arguably the worst it's been that I can remember. Not even a spell of decent atmosphere.

I get that the S82 lot try - but seriously, the absolute dirge that they drone in with most of the time is genuinely what I think kills the rest of the grounds atmosphere. So many of the songs are just a bit of half hearted murmurings- nothing inspiring or motivating out rousing.

Stick to the clear, supportive, oldsl school stuff & it's so much better than the nothing noise that is just so tediously dull. Then that helps get the rest of the ground involved.

 

Fair enough mate. We'll agree to disagree.

Let me ask you this though:

if today we had the old east end set up do you honestly believe the atmosphere would have been the same or worse?

I think it undoubtedly would have been better due to both fans egging each other on - the tribal and more boisterous nature tends to come out when football fans are closer together. Like dogs   

I get that it is no excuse for the rest of the ground to not sing as @Phantom said - but it is very typical elsewhere too

 

Edited January 4 by PortInTheMorning

[Street red]

1 minute ago, Bar BS3 said:

Why let what the woman infront of you is doing bother you.?!

That's almost as odd as her coming to football to shop on Ebay.! 

 

It doesn't bother me I'm just putting across a point if she wants to waste her money then fine but that's one reason why the atmosphere at the gate is shite. If you have people like her all over the ground then how are they contributing to the atmosphere? Stone silence.

[W-S-M Seagull]

7 minutes ago, Street red said:

I personally think it's the way the games played now it doesnt get you up off your seat and people are just bored,I must admit it doesn't feel the same anymore even if you win,Plus you get people turn up at games and spend the entire game on there phones!! A women in front me is constantly on eBay or Amazon etc Honestly why pay money for a ticket. 

But then you also get people that will watch the entire game in the concourse whilst drinking. 

If people pay their money then what they choose to do is irrelevant really. 

[Street red]

Just now, W-S-M Seagull said:

But then you also get people that will watch the entire game in the concourse whilst drinking. 

If people pay their money then what they choose to do is irrelevant really. 

Then that's where the game has changed and that's why the atmosphere is the way it is. True they pay the money thats up to them but people say the atmosphere is crap then that's why all contributes to it.

[Big C]

Just now, Street red said:

Then that's where the game has changed and that's why the atmosphere is the way it is. True they pay the money thats up to them but people say the atmosphere is crap then that's why all contributes to it.

maybe people are watching people on their phones rather than the game?

[BITW]

I think the Derby fans cheer when the attendance was announced sums it up. It’s not necessarily a slight on the club but as a season ticket holder I don’t think I’ve ever missed more games in a season and it’s only January. It’s just not as enjoyable as it used to be. That said 10 points from 12 and touching distance from the play offs? Strange times to be a city fan. 

Edited January 4 by BITW

[Street red]

4 minutes ago, Big C said:

maybe people are watching people on their phones rather than the game?

I am watching the game and my phone doesn't come out my pocket but like I said how are they supporting the team?  

Edited January 4 by Street red

[Mendip Broadwalk]

30 minutes ago, PFree said:

We were debating this earlier, and why after four wins and a draw at home, the atmosphere is just so poor.

What are your thoughts…

Is it not having the singing section behind the goals?

Are people bored of Manningball, which let’s be honest can be a hard, tedious watch?

Is it that our football often tends to be negative and defensive based, and because we lack the sort of quality attacking footballers that regularly get you off your seat?

Are some fans still feeling disconnected with the club after the NP debacle?

Do fans feel lied to by our current, poorly qualified leadership team, has all trust in the strategy and people gone?

Is it our lack of ambition and feeling that we will always be a nearly, mid table, Championship side?

Are some of us simply awaiting the news of new ownership, investment and ambition?

Is the club not communicating well with the fans hence why as an example, the BT ‘story’ started and why we speculate so frequently as fans?

For me, it’s a combination of many of those points - even today, I just felt bored, and when I did join in the singing, nobody around me in S22 joined in. Okay, we had four or five good quality attacks, but once Fally came on, and we tried to see the game out, lets be honest, it was an awful watch.

Finally, I am a ST holder for a few decades, I will always support City but I seldom look forward to coming to the Gate nowadays and can be ambivalent towards games and results. That play off final at Wembley seems a distant memory now.

Grounds been gentrified. Fan culture controlled. 

[beaverface]

3 minutes ago, Bar BS3 said:

I disagree.

When the atmosphere is good, it's really good.

That doesn't change with any difference proximity to the away fans - it's because something clicks & everyone is up for it.

Today was arguably the worst it's been that I can remember. Not even a spell of decent atmosphere.

I get that the S82 lot try - but seriously, the absolute dirge that they drone in with most of the time is genuinely what I think kills the rest of the grounds atmosphere. So many of the songs are just a bit of half hearted murmurings- nothing inspiring or motivating out rousing.

Stick to the clear, supportive, oldsl school stuff & it's so much better than the nothing noise that is just so tediously dull. Then that helps get the rest of the ground involved.

 

I also sit in block s22, and I concur. S82 try hard, and give them their due, they're pretty good throughout the game.

However as mentioned above, the songs are just too long, complicated, and quite frankly depressing sounding for the rest of us to join in.

I too have tried to start songs in s22, but hardly anyone ever joins in, and a lot the times I've heard songs started block 21, 22, or 23, they've been drowned out by s82.

I suspect if S82 was next to the away fans it would allow the South Stand to organically grow an atmosphere.

Finally, I think the good old fashioned very simplistic songs are the ones that the rest of the south stand would join in. Quite recently the RedArmy chants has had most fans joining in, however it's very rare these days to hear Come on you reds very often, or even the good old Baaaaristol clap clap clap.

Unreserved seating would help too, but tbh, I wouldn't want to give up my seat, but do think Unreserved would help.

[Big C]

1 minute ago, Street red said:

I am watching the game but like I said how are they supporting the team? 

If you are watching the game how do you know she's on her phone all game?

[Big C]

5 minutes ago, BITW said:

I think the Derby fans cheer when the attendance was announced sums it up. It’s not necessarily a slight on the club but as a season ticket holder I don’t I’ve ever missed more games in a season and it’s only January. It’s just not as enjoyable as it used to be. That said 10 points from 12 and touching distance from the play offs? Strange times to be a city fan. 

Well seeing Derby's average attendance is bigger than our capacity, we can't compete with that

[Street red]

1 minute ago, Big C said:

If you are watching the game how do you know she's on her phone all game?

Because it bloody obvious  

[Phileas Fogg]

27 minutes ago, Phantom said:

Doesn't explain why about 150 in the corner are the only ones making regular noise 

It's just excuse after excuse, for whatever reason we've just not got a vocal home crowd

I guess part of the problem, apart from the very odd game scattered over many years we've not had much to get behind 

That's a frequent thing at many grounds and not unique to City 

It takes a club to endorse a culture conducive to atmosphere though. I guarantee if they gave the Atyeo to home fans and put away support in adjacent blocks in Williams/Dolman (and this had been the case for a few years) it would be unrecognisable. 

The club, under its current ownership, have always associated noise with trouble hence dragging their feet constantly. 

[BITW]

Just now, Big C said:

Well seeing Derby's average attendance is bigger than our capacity, we can't compete with that

Yeah thats fair. My point was leaning towards 22,000 today being relatively poor but also very understandable for a team who pretty much sum up ‘average’.

[Bar BS3]

12 minutes ago, PortInTheMorning said:

Fair enough mate. We'll agree to disagree.

Let me ask you this though:

if today we had the old east end set up do you honestly believe the atmosphere would have been the same or worse?

I think it undoubtedly would have been better due to both fans egging each other on - the tribal and more boisterous nature tends to come out when football fans are closer together. Like dogs   

I get that it is no excuse for the rest of the ground to not sing as @Phantom said - but it is very typical elsewhere too

 

Yes, possibly - but if it was back in the old east end days, we'd probably have had about 12k in the ground.

[Sleepy1968]

3 minutes ago, beaverface said:

I also sit in block s22, and I concur. S82 try hard, and give them their due, they're pretty good throughout the game.

However as mentioned above, the songs are just too long, complicated, and quite frankly depressing sounding for the rest of us to join in.

I too have tried to start songs in s22, but hardly anyone ever joins in, and a lot the times I've heard songs started block 21, 22, or 23, they've been drowned out by s82.

I suspect if S82 was next to the away fans it would allow the South Stand to organically grow an atmosphere.

Finally, I think the good old fashioned very simplistic songs are the ones that the rest of the south stand would join in. Quite recently the RedArmy chants has had most fans joining in, however it's very rare these days to hear Come on you reds very often, or even the good old Baaaaristol clap clap clap.

Unreserved seating would help too, but tbh, I wouldn't want to give up my seat, but do think Unreserved would help.

I don't hear much from s82, sat in the middle of the Dolma. I try to join in when I hear something reasonable.

'Come on you reds' should be sung more often.

[Mr Popodopolous]

Just now, Sleepy1968 said:

I don't hear much from s82, sat in the middle of the Dolma. I try to join in when I hear something reasonable.

'Come on you reds' should be sung more often.

Don't think sound travels that well around the ground but it isn't exactly a cauldron in any case most of the time.

[pongo88]

Where you put the standing section is irrelevant. Have exciting football and you  have a good atmosphere. Have matches like we have this season and it’s bound to be flat. 

[ZiderEyed]

Personal obsession of mine is the built environment and what it produces in human behaviours.

Ashton Gate was rebuilt with ZERO interest in producing atmosphere. That’s fine, money rolls in, lovely food stands, nice toilets, nice concourse, I can appreciate all that.

Nothing about the stadium as it is is designed to produce an atmosphere. We’re no different to other football fans, broadly all supporters of football clubs act in the same way. We have a bottom half mid table atmosphere at home in my experience.

For me, the difference is in the fine points, the rake of the stands, the view from the stadium, the shape, it doesn’t compel you to be noisy. I disagree that moving to the Atyeo would change a thing, what is needed is a behind the goal standing section, encouraged by the club, and the engendering of a culture within that space. Everyone needs the anonymity of the crowd to shed the anxiety and insularity, be capable of joining and starting chants. If the club were serious about the ‘fine margins’ then more care would’ve gone into South Stand and the development of it as a home end. 

[Puckle_red]

12 minutes ago, beaverface said:

I also sit in block s22, and I concur. S82 try hard, and give them their due, they're pretty good throughout the game.

However as mentioned above, the songs are just too long, complicated, and quite frankly depressing sounding for the rest of us to join in.

I too have tried to start songs in s22, but hardly anyone ever joins in, and a lot the times I've heard songs started block 21, 22, or 23, they've been drowned out by s82.

I suspect if S82 was next to the away fans it would allow the South Stand to organically grow an atmosphere.

Finally, I think the good old fashioned very simplistic songs are the ones that the rest of the south stand would join in. Quite recently the RedArmy chants has had most fans joining in, however it's very rare these days to hear Come on you reds very often, or even the good old Baaaaristol clap clap clap.

Unreserved seating would help too, but tbh, I wouldn't want to give up my seat, but do think Unreserved would help.

Agree, I'm in the corner not far from the S82 group and for about 8 minutes during the game 4 people were singing another one of those repetitive dreary songs. Nobody else knew or wanted to join in, it kills it and happens a lot.

I sometimes feel it's controlled too much as fans will organically get behind the team particularly in that section and don't need to be lead by a drum or somebody on a Megaphone all of the time. Not everybody is in to the 'Euro Ultras' vibe.

Traditional songs with the odd new one is more sensible, but it's every week a new song that sounds the same as all of their other songs comes about. 

Also being closer to away fans would help, as I rarely hear them and it seems they rarely hear us. Portsmouth were loud for 5 minutes the other day to be fair.

Edited January 4 by Puckle_red
Editing

[spudski]

I think it's more the fact we are now seen, and definitely feels like, a mid table team. 

Supporting mid table isn't inspiring. 

Fans get excited, when it's a big team in town. 

Or when we are in the last minutes of a game and going for a win. 

Why would anyone get excited about playing anyone in this league?

Leeds are probably the only team that would feel like an exciting game to go to. 

It's now become the norm in this league. 

If we were in with a chance of promotion, imo, it would get louder. 

If fighting relegation, it would get louder. 

If we had a top team in the Cup it would be loud.

I'm not a singer...I'm a watcher, as are many. 

Last time I ever sang or chanted or actually felt some emotion was against Man Utd and Man City in the Cup games home and away. 

It's just not exciting on a weekly basis. 

[Phileas Fogg]

1 minute ago, ZiderEyed said:

Personal obsession of mine is the built environment and what it produces in human behaviours.

Ashton Gate was rebuilt with ZERO interest in producing atmosphere. That’s fine, money rolls in, lovely food stands, nice toilets, nice concourse, I can appreciate all that.

Nothing about the stadium as it is is designed to produce an atmosphere. We’re no different to other football fans, broadly all supporters of football clubs act in the same way. We have a bottom half mid table atmosphere at home in my experience.

For me, the difference is in the fine points, the rake of the stands, the view from the stadium, the shape, it doesn’t compel you to be noisy. I disagree that moving to the Atyeo would change a thing, what is needed is a behind the goal standing section, encouraged by the club, and the engendering of a culture within that space. Everyone needs the anonymity of the crowd to shed the anxiety and insularity, be capable of joining and starting chants. If the club were serious about the ‘fine margins’ then more care would’ve gone into South Stand and the development of it as a home end. 

This is a good post. Agree with all apart from the Atyeo point. The ground has been built to generate income ahead of atmosphere. Annoyingly I think they could’ve done both. 

[glynriley]

41 minutes ago, PFree said:

We were debating this earlier, and why after four wins and a draw at home, the atmosphere is just so poor.

What are your thoughts…

Is it not having the singing section behind the goals?

Are people bored of Manningball, which let’s be honest can be a hard, tedious watch?

Is it that our football often tends to be negative and defensive based, and because we lack the sort of quality attacking footballers that regularly get you off your seat?

Are some fans still feeling disconnected with the club after the NP debacle?

Do fans feel lied to by our current, poorly qualified leadership team, has all trust in the strategy and people gone?

Is it our lack of ambition and feeling that we will always be a nearly, mid table, Championship side?

Are some of us simply awaiting the news of new ownership, investment and ambition?

Is the club not communicating well with the fans hence why as an example, the BT ‘story’ started and why we speculate so frequently as fans?

For me, it’s a combination of many of those points - even today, I just felt bored, and when I did join in the singing, nobody around me in S22 joined in. Okay, we had four or five good quality attacks, but once Fally came on, and we tried to see the game out, lets be honest, it was an awful watch.

Finally, I am a ST holder for a few decades, I will always support City but I seldom look forward to coming to the Gate nowadays and can be ambivalent towards games and results. That play off final at Wembley seems a distant memory now.

Pretty much all of the above. The football on offer has been pretty dull since pre Covid times. Their hasn’t been a lot of excitement other than the odd cup game and the club just seems to be drifting along in a ‘happy to be mid table’ sort of way. 
 

That’s why people leave early (in reference to your other thread)

[Sleepy1968]

Just now, pongo88 said:

Where you put the standing section is irrelevant. Have exciting football and you  have a good atmosphere. Have matches like we have this season and it’s bound to be flat. 

If we think back to that Man United game , I expect 80% of today's home supporters over 15 would have been there.

And I bet most of them were singing most of the game.

So we can do it, but mainly don't, unless it's something extraordinary.

[Smith]

Most people I have spoken to have little faith in either us sustaining this form or the owners digging deeper in there pockets to get a few goal scorers for a serious push.

[BCFCGav]

I honestly think it was just because it was so bloody cold. I’m usually very vocal (I’m pretty sure the people around me hate me) but I was quieter today, more focused on trying not to succumb to the weather

[ZiderEyed]

Just now, Phileas Fogg said:

This is a good post. Agree with all apart from the Atyeo point. The ground has been built to generate income ahead of atmosphere. Annoyingly I think they could’ve done both. 

Absolutely, it could’ve, I know it isn’t necessarily like for like but I recall the new Spurs stadium having in mind the idea of creating a huge home end, with a more than cursory idea of atmosphere taken into account.

I do just think the Atyeo move idea would be a sticking plaster, there’s still a physical separation from the away fans; logistical nightmares aside. It would be temporary, in 2060, when the South Stand is still there, would it not be better to have a long established culture that has percolated down generations? Safe standing in the lower sections, same encouragement of S82, and that culture can spread across a new home end for us.

[IAmNick]

Like it or not the simple songs (Come on you reds, Red army, City till I die, dare I say it... even We always believe) are the ones that get sung around the ground and make a decent noise. A 17 verse epic set to Eine Kleine Nachtmusik while lovely just isn't ever going to gain much traction outside a few in the corner.

I also think the atmosphere reflects what's happening on the pitch, and we don't (or haven't) played at a high tempo recently, and we also haven't been doing much that's exciting in the table and the atmosphere has follow suit broadly. Even after a win it often feels like a lot trudge back to the car rather than celebrate when I look around... myself included.

Not sure I personally buy the "the club hate singers" thing though, they still allow standing, flags, installed the barriers, engage for the displays and so on. They could definitely do more. Hopefully they will. It's definitely not perfect but it is something.

I remember back when the EE was open we had endless threads on here about how crap the acoustics were in there (the roof reflected all the noise back!), the drama with the dummer and his sticks, the "netters" singing too fast and ruining all the songs, the "let's pretend we scored a goal" drama, and so on. Magically brining that back wouldn't change too much imo, lots of fans can create a great atmosphere in all kinds of grounds and stands.

I think if we're challenging in the division, and if we keep up this slightly higher tempo/moving fast up the pitch football then the atmosphere will pick up over time.

[Kid in the Riot]

The only season's there has consistently been a great atmosphere at AG in recent memory are 2006 - 2008 and 2014/15. 

I'm sure everyone can join the dots. 

[City37]

20 minutes ago, ZiderEyed said:

Absolutely, it could’ve, I know it isn’t necessarily like for like but I recall the new Spurs stadium having in mind the idea of creating a huge home end, with a more than cursory idea of atmosphere taken into account.

I do just think the Atyeo move idea would be a sticking plaster, there’s still a physical separation from the away fans; logistical nightmares aside. It would be temporary, in 2060, when the South Stand is still there, would it not be better to have a long established culture that has percolated down generations? Safe standing in the lower sections, same encouragement of S82, and that culture can spread across a new home end for us.

Jeez-  in 2060 we won't be allowed to sing, point or make gestures.

Will all be deemed too offensive / aggressive.

[ZiderEyed]

1 minute ago, City37 said:

Jeez-  in 2060 we won't be allowed to sing, point or make gestures.

Will all be deemed too offensive / aggressive.

I take your point! Bring on the ESL!

I think it’ll go the other way. Sport will become the outlet for a fractious and disjointed society, and football fandom will be at the fore. We’re at the brave new world’s cowardly new nadir at present.

[ZiderMeUp]

Simple answer is because nobody other that section 82 sings!

[ZiderMeUp]

18 minutes ago, Kid in the Riot said:

The only season's there has consistently been a great atmosphere at AG in recent memory are 2006 - 2008 and 2014/15. 

I'm sure everyone can join the dots. 

Yea 100%.  People massively look back with rose tinted glasses.  I started going down as a kid in the 90’s.  Used to be about 25 people at the back of the atyeo singing!   People moaning about the awful acoustics in the atyeo. Fast forward 30 years the atyeo is now the best for sound in the world! 

[Kid in the Riot]

1 minute ago, ZiderMeUp said:

Yea 100%.  People massively look back with rose tinted glasses.  I started going down as a kid in the 90’s.  Used to be about 25 people at the back of the atyeo singing!   People moaning about the awful acoustics in the atyeo. Fast forward 30 years the atyeo is now the best for sound in the world! 

Yep, as I wrote on the matchday thread my second game was v Derby in 1994 in front of 8,723. The atmosphere was pretty much non-existent, certainly no better than today.

[BarneyN]

Other than the old favourites, I struggle to pick out the words of the new songs - that makes audience participation challenging - if a song is going to build atmosphere people need to recognise both the tune and the lyrics.  

[Benneythered]

This debate goes round and round after most games, I think its the way football in general is heading, the life is being sucked out of it.

The people who want the singing section moved would just blame something else if it did get moved when it has no impact. 

They wont be moved and its not going to get better unless we play exciting football regularly, but like I said I think this is just how it is now.

Im not having a go cause fairplay for putting the effort in but the section is pretty empty by 35-40 mins every game and even when the area is full its not like its booming, that section does create noise but I think theyd be shocked if they came to another stand and listened to how quiet it actually is even when they are all singing.

The atmosphere is crap and unfortunately its not going to change any time soon wherever you put these 500 people.

[GrahamC]

1 hour ago, east sussex red said:

We are not a passionate footballing city, which has come from the fact we have massively underachieved for years.

We have the odd game where the excitement levels rise, but then they get back to normal soon after. 

We do need some long term success to get us all excited.

22000 paid to watch a team today that’s never been in the Prem, rarely finishes in the top half of the league.

This is such horseshit, loads of teams get poorer crowds than us.

I agree with the poster who said it was freezing BTW, absolutely bitter today.

[RedM]

1 hour ago, Alan Dicks said:

Almost every game we get outsung by the away fans, it’s embarrassing.

And when we are away we out sing the home fans.

[Robbored]

LJ used to regularly complain about the lack of atmosphere within AG conveniently forgetting that fans react to what they see on the pitch and the stuff he served up was pretty dire but that was lost him………

That said - it’s due in large parts to the location of home and away fans with the away fans getting the Atyeo stand which has the best acoustics to generate sound out into the stadium and exactly why a relatively few number can generate so many decibels.

This has been discussed/debated numerous times but unless the police change their safety procedures for AG Athena nothing will change.

[COYR's]

1 hour ago, beaverface said:

I also sit in block s22, and I concur. S82 try hard, and give them their due, they're pretty good throughout the game.

However as mentioned above, the songs are just too long, complicated, and quite frankly depressing sounding for the rest of us to join in.

I too have tried to start songs in s22, but hardly anyone ever joins in, and a lot the times I've heard songs started block 21, 22, or 23, they've been drowned out by s82.

I suspect if S82 was next to the away fans it would allow the South Stand to organically grow an atmosphere.

Finally, I think the good old fashioned very simplistic songs are the ones that the rest of the south stand would join in. Quite recently the RedArmy chants has had most fans joining in, however it's very rare these days to hear Come on you reds very often, or even the good old Baaaaristol clap clap clap.

Unreserved seating would help too, but tbh, I wouldn't want to give up my seat, but do think Unreserved would help.

Your last paragraph sums up the problem in S22. No one wants to give up their prime seat in the middle. Most of the fans in there look on deaths door these days and aren’t remotely interested in creating an atmosphere. This, of course, is their prerogative but when they have the seats behind the goal this should be where the best atmosphere is and where the safe standing should be.

[Rob k]

Best home atmospheres I’ve seen in recent years were Birmingham, Coventry and Derby. And there ‘singers’ were all right next to the away fans

[RedM]

1 hour ago, glynriley said:

Pretty much all of the above. The football on offer has been pretty dull since pre Covid times. Their hasn’t been a lot of excitement other than the odd cup game and the club just seems to be drifting along in a ‘happy to be mid table’ sort of way. 
 

That’s why people leave early (in reference to your other thread)

I think people have lost a bit of belief. We have already accepted our season is all but over as far a promotion is concerned, and we are safe from relegation.

We have got points recently which has seen us climb the table, but it just doesn't feel like it. The football largely isn't entertaining.

We still don't have the belief we can kill games off or can hang on for a point or three at times.

The management, owners and even the players feel distant to me.

I feel like a customer, not a fan. and not a particularly valued one either as I'm not interested in hospitality or mascot packages etc

[Mr Popodopolous]

14 minutes ago, Robbored said:

LJ used to regularly complain about the lack of atmosphere within AG conveniently forgetting that fans react to what they see on the pitch and the stuff he served up was pretty dire but that was lost him………

That said - it’s due in large parts to the location of home and away fans with the away fans getting the Atyeo stand which has the best acoustics to generate sound out into the stadium and exactly why a relatively few number can generate so many decibels.

This has been discussed/debated numerous times but unless the police change their safety procedures for AG Athena nothing will change.

Robbored, unless it has materially changed post 2016-17, as I pointed out a few days ago, there were SOME Home Fans in the Atyeo until the Lansdown was completed.

More like the Club don't want to pay the policing and Stewarding costs IMO, although that said Home and Away Fans at a range of clubs are often separated by some segregation, some lines of Stewards and if applicable some Police too.

If it was fine in May 2017, what has substantially changed since then.

[east sussex red]

33 minutes ago, GrahamC said:

22000 paid to watch a team today that’s never been in the Prem, rarely finishes in the top half of the league.

This is such horseshit, loads of teams get poorer crowds than us.

I agree with the poster who said it was freezing BTW, absolutely bitter today.

I think the op was referring to the atmosphere rather than the size of the crowd

[The Nest Egg]

It had to be the South Stand really, but won't happen now as people are settled in the seats. I'd offer them all seats in the Lansdown at South Stand prices, with some extra incentives. We would deeply appreciate the sacrifice of their seats for the greater good!

I noted at Argyle that the Devonport End was structured like that and it was effective. Their chants spread pretty well even though it's a smaller and differently designed ground. The Janner Song at the beginning really got people into it too, was impressed by that.

More people than Section 82 want to sing, I've had many chats at games with people about it, but nobody wants to be that lone idiot trying to get something going. 

That being said, it isn't a problem unique to us. The atmosphere at Vicarage Road this season was pants!

Edited January 4 by The Nest Egg

[Robbored]

3 minutes ago, Mr Popodopolous said:

Robbored, unless it has materially changed post 2016-17, as I pointed out a few days ago, there were SOME Home Fans in the Atyeo until the Lansdown was completed.

More like the Club don't want to pay the policing and Stewarding costs IMO, although that said Home and Away Fans at a range of clubs are often separated by some segregation, some lines of Stewards and if applicable some Police too.

If it was fine in May 2017, what has substantially changed since then.

We’re going around in circles here Mr Pop.

Whatever happened in the past certainly doesn’t apply these days - now it was decided by A&S police to locate away fans solely in the Atyeo for the reasons already described.

However…the possibility of having the Atyeo dived into home and away fans (as the open ended used be) would involve the police and stewards which is not an expense that the club would want to face - swings and roundabouts.

[Full nelson]

2 hours ago, fly in the air said:

one quality striker signing would lift the crowd. we are in a good position and someone to help wells would give the club a massive lift and possibly push us on. 

              Manning household

"Can you get the door love"

Door opens....

"Who is it"?

Silence........."think you should come here"

Colour drains from face! "It's our lord and saviour"

BT "found you a good lad who can play up top in a 2 or on his own"

Door shuts!!

 

 

[Redtucks]

2 hours ago, PortInTheMorning said:

Yea that's exactly right mate - why are so many people miserable tonight?

Nothing to moan about???

 

[Full nelson]

30 minutes ago, RedM said:

I think people have lost a bit of belief. We have already accepted our season is all but over as far a promotion is concerned, and we are safe from relegation.

We have got points recently which has seen us climb the table, but it just doesn't feel like it. The football largely isn't entertaining.

We still don't have the belief we can kill games off or can hang on for a point or three at times.

The management, owners and even the players feel distant to me.

I feel like a customer, not a fan. and not a particularly valued one either as I'm not interested in hospitality or mascot packages etc

Will be on a 7 game winless run soon.