docker-p Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 For most of yesterdays game there was a good atmosphere, lots of noise form the Northam and Itchen North, until Millwall leveled, and then nothing. The atmosphere from the Saints areas was as flat as a witches tit. Fridays Echo had a bit from AP saying when he used to visit SMS he never found the atmosphere intimidating. Nobody ever said that about visiting the Dell. Much of the reason for that we can't do anything about ie the architecture of the stadium and distance from the pitch. But we can continue to get behind the team when we concede goals. NB. It would also help if the puddings that sit near the opposition dug out actually made some noise and made it a little less welcoming. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J Bizzle Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 Also the fact that most of the fans only know one song. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JonnyLove Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 yeah I agree we need new songs. But I was in the Northam and I didn't think it dropped to much was still quite virbant Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davefoggy Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 i thought it was a great turnout and atmosphere for a league 1 game Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Glasgow_Saint Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 thought the crowd were really quiet yesterday, didnt help that I watched game with pc mute on. we all must do better Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docker-p Posted 9 August, 2009 Author Share Posted 9 August, 2009 i thought it was a great turnout and atmosphere for a league 1 game Don't get me wrong. I think it was a great turn out for league one, and live on TV too. It's just that after the Millwall goal the fans seemed to fall asleep. And those sitting around the tunnel have never been awake anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St. Jason Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 For most of yesterdays game there was a good atmosphere, lots of noise form the Northam and Itchen North, until Millwall leveled, and then nothing. The atmosphere from the Saints areas was as flat as a witches tit. Fridays Echo had a bit from AP saying when he used to visit SMS he never found the atmosphere intimidating. Nobody ever said that about visiting the Dell. Much of the reason for that we can't do anything about ie the architecture of the stadium and distance from the pitch. But we can continue to get behind the team when we concede goals. NB. It would also help if the puddings that sit near the opposition dug out actually made some noise and made it a little less welcoming. The club could actually help themselves in this area. Most atmospheric (imo) of the ground is/was the Itchen corner, what do we do, close it. Fans still try to get it going so what do we do, close the back 4 rows of the Itceh corner. Are we the worst treated home fans in the league?? Surely the boxes are for home fans only?? If away fans choose to buy a box they should be told that they'd be ejected if they caused any offence, but no, we'll close HOME seats and move HOME fans! Also I remember travelling to many away games and being told 'bing bong, this is a message to travelling supporters, you will be held in the ground for 10 minutes to allow home fans to leave safely' here we get 'bing bong, this is a message for HOME fans, you will not be permitted access to the north car park'! Surely it'd be safer for everyone if the club simply kept away fans in for 10 mins???? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorpe-le-Saint Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 Think we were bad? Millwall were appalling! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thorpe-le-Saint Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 The club could actually help themselves in this area. Most atmospheric (imo) of the ground is/was the Itchen corner, what do we do, close it. Fans still try to get it going so what do we do, close the back 4 rows of the Itceh corner. Are we the worst treated home fans in the league?? Surely the boxes are for home fans only?? If away fans choose to buy a box they should be told that they'd be ejected if they caused any offence, but no, we'll close HOME seats and move HOME fans! Also I remember travelling to many away games and being told 'bing bong, this is a message to travelling supporters, you will be held in the ground for 10 minutes to allow home fans to leave safely' here we get 'bing bong, this is a message for HOME fans, you will not be permitted access to the north car park'! Surely it'd be safer for everyone if the club simply kept away fans in for 10 mins???? +1! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thedelldays Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 The club could actually help themselves in this area. Most atmospheric (imo) of the ground is/was the Itchen corner, what do we do, close it. Fans still try to get it going so what do we do, close the back 4 rows of the Itceh corner. Are we the worst treated home fans in the league?? Surely the boxes are for home fans only?? If away fans choose to buy a box they should be told that they'd be ejected if they caused any offence, but no, we'll close HOME seats and move HOME fans! Also I remember travelling to many away games and being told 'bing bong, this is a message to travelling supporters, you will be held in the ground for 10 minutes to allow home fans to leave safely' here we get 'bing bong, this is a message for HOME fans, you will not be permitted access to the north car park'! Surely it'd be safer for everyone if the club simply kept away fans in for 10 mins???? the itechen corner was not that good..only those who really sit there think it is as it is "not the northam".. when all the singers sat in the northam it was quite impressive... oh, signing "we're the northam/we're the itchen" is quite ghey Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colinjb Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 The club could actually help themselves in this area. Most atmospheric (imo) of the ground is/was the Itchen corner, what do we do, close it. Fans still try to get it going so what do we do, close the back 4 rows of the Itceh corner. Are we the worst treated home fans in the league?? Surely the boxes are for home fans only?? If away fans choose to buy a box they should be told that they'd be ejected if they caused any offence, but no, we'll close HOME seats and move HOME fans! Also I remember travelling to many away games and being told 'bing bong, this is a message to travelling supporters, you will be held in the ground for 10 minutes to allow home fans to leave safely' here we get 'bing bong, this is a message for HOME fans, you will not be permitted access to the north car park'! Surely it'd be safer for everyone if the club simply kept away fans in for 10 mins???? Totally agree! We are far too hospitable and welcoming. Well, frankly, f**k that, it's our club, our stadium, when you get here abide by OUR rules and if you don't like it f**king LUMP IT. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
the_barmy_saints_army Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 kingsland north was louder than itchen north Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St. Jason Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 the itechen corner was not that good..only those who really sit there think it is as it is "not the northam".. when all the singers sat in the northam it was quite impressive... oh, signing "we're the northam/we're the itchen" is quite ghey what's 'quite ghey'??? Your not addressing the point though mate are you?? THe club and Pardew are asking for more atmosphere yet close the Itchen corner!!! Before people say that the 'singers' from said corner can simply relocate it's not that simple, it's the actual location that generates the atmosphere! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brianoneils slidingtackle Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 Agree with most of whats been said, I was sitting with my thermos and tarten rug across my knees in the Chapel yesterday, quite surprised that there was a bit of noise coming from us, Millwall fans sounded a bit pathetic for the numbers that they came with, the "no on likes us" chant is a bit dated and not very accurate. But Saints fans in the Northam and Kingsland were good :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
St. Jason Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 kingsland north was louder than itchen north You could well be right my friend, could that be because we've closed the Itchen corner and now closed the back 4 row's too??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rick1976.4.38 Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 kingsland north was louder than itchen north have to agree with you on that one, also i was stood in the northam and WE REALLY DO NEED SOME NEW SONGS don't get me wrong i love OWTS but it really does bore me when we sing it time after time after time, any suggestions ??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
J Bizzle Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 We used to sing a load of different songs, but now it's just the one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott_saints Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 have to agree with you on that one, also i was stood in the northam and WE REALLY DO NEED SOME NEW SONGS don't get me wrong i love OWTS but it really does bore me when we sing it time after time after time, any suggestions ??? Woolston ferry. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ponto1963 Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 have to agree with you on that one, also i was stood in the northam and WE REALLY DO NEED SOME NEW SONGS don't get me wrong i love OWTS but it really does bore me when we sing it time after time after time, any suggestions ??? Our songs certainly better than the Millwall's "Milwall, Milwall Milwaall" :smt040 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RonManager Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 We used to sing a load of different songs, but now it's just the one. We could fill in the gaps by using the Millwall technique. When not singing their 'everyone hates us etc etc' ditty, they seemed to just go 'Moooooo' for most of the match. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmthred Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 the puddings as you call them behind the opposition dug out are mostly staff and their families from both clubs, so to suggest they make it intimidating for the opposition staff is expectting a bit much! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hamster Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 I have long been of the opinion that they should move the visiting supporters to Itchen North, and we should have the whole of the whole of the Norham to ourselves. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
samski saint Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 Should move the away fans to the Chapel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Amesbury Saint Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 Should move the away fans to the Chapel. never understand the logic of these types of posts. The club would do better to open block 36/37 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griffo Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 Kingsland North was very good yesterday. Apart from some little **** kept banging the backboard to the same tune which made us end up singing the same song every ****ing time. "do do do do do, do do do, the saints!" got a bit tedious after the 50th time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70's Mike Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 The club could actually help themselves in this area. Most atmospheric (imo) of the ground is/was the Itchen corner, what do we do, close it. Fans still try to get it going so what do we do, close the back 4 rows of the Itceh corner. Are we the worst treated home fans in the league?? Surely the boxes are for home fans only?? If away fans choose to buy a box they should be told that they'd be ejected if they caused any offence, but no, we'll close HOME seats and move HOME fans! Also I remember travelling to many away games and being told 'bing bong, this is a message to travelling supporters, you will be held in the ground for 10 minutes to allow home fans to leave safely' here we get 'bing bong, this is a message for HOME fans, you will not be permitted access to the north car park'! Surely it'd be safer for everyone if the club simply kept away fans in for 10 mins???? Totally agree. and virtually ever box is empty these days also agree about the away fans keep them in for 10 mins Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70's Mike Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 Should move the away fans to the Chapel. and gain what, the Itchen would just change ends. it is being near the away fans that adds to the atmosphere not where they sit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
aqbadger Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 I watched a bit of the Middlesbrough game on tv on Friday. Now that was a shocking atmosphere. First game of the season and it was like a morgue Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevegrant Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 The club could actually help themselves in this area. Most atmospheric (imo) of the ground is/was the Itchen corner, what do we do, close it. Fans still try to get it going so what do we do, close the back 4 rows of the Itceh corner. Write to the club and tell them you'll pay the extra stewarding and policing costs of having blocks 1-3 fully open - they'll be delighted with the kind offer. Also I remember travelling to many away games and being told 'bing bong, this is a message to travelling supporters, you will be held in the ground for 10 minutes to allow home fans to leave safely' here we get 'bing bong, this is a message for HOME fans, you will not be permitted access to the north car park'! Surely it'd be safer for everyone if the club simply kept away fans in for 10 mins???? Do agree with that - rather than let the majority disperse, they inadvertently create a much bigger potential flashpoint by the entrance to the North car park. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
70's Mike Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 Write to the club and tell them you'll pay the extra stewarding and policing costs of having blocks 1-3 fully open - they'll be delighted with the kind offer. Do agree with that - rather than let the majority disperse, they inadvertently create a much bigger potential flashpoint by the entrance to the North car park. think there is a huge assumption that away fans all come by coach and will go down Britannia road , problem is that is not the case with London based clubs Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
speculator Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 The club could actually help themselves in this area. Most atmospheric (imo) of the ground is/was the Itchen corner, what do we do, close it. Fans still try to get it going so what do we do, close the back 4 rows of the Itceh corner. Are we the worst treated home fans in the league?? Surely the boxes are for home fans only?? If away fans choose to buy a box they should be told that they'd be ejected if they caused any offence, but no, we'll close HOME seats and move HOME fans! Also I remember travelling to many away games and being told 'bing bong, this is a message to travelling supporters, you will be held in the ground for 10 minutes to allow home fans to leave safely' here we get 'bing bong, this is a message for HOME fans, you will not be permitted access to the north car park'! Surely it'd be safer for everyone if the club simply kept away fans in for 10 mins???? I totally agree to the point you make in your last paragraph and has IMO always smacked of the club avoiding trouble on their premises only to allow trouble to occur up the Britannia Road around the away coaches. Let the home crowd disperse and then release those teams with the travelling thugs under police escort to their transport. The club have a responsibility to those of us inside the ground and to the general public and local businesses to ensure a peaceful disbursement after a match. Restricting access to the north car park doesn't cut it IMO and maybe the new regime will be able to address this problem going forward. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rick1976.4.38 Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 Kingsland North was very good yesterday. Apart from some little **** kept banging the backboard to the same tune which made us end up singing the same song every ****ing time. "do do do do do, do do do, the saints!" got a bit tedious after the 50th time. exactly what i mean by us needing knew songs, it was posted on another thread about a hearts song that someone changed the words to suit us which looked quite good but it would be hard to start it going as only people on this forum would know it !!! COYR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DS Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 Woolston ferry. +1 If you're ever up in Sholing... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griffo Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 +1 If you're ever up in Sholing... and you want to go to town.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scott_saints Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 +1 If you're ever up in Sholing... Tbf, I don't expect people to learn the whole song but even a repeat of the chorus would be good. And it's unique to us! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DS Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 Tbf, I don't expect people to learn the whole song but even a repeat of the chorus would be good. And it's unique to us! The whole thing (including intro to the tune of swing low) would never happen, but it would be amazing if it did. I reckon first verse plus chorus would be good. Still highly unlikely to get it going though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RedAndWhite91 Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 St. Mary's will never be massively intimidating for a number of reasons; the size of the stadium, the fact that we only have one stand who like to sing and shout and stand, Southampton being a 'family club' with lots of children and old people attending games, and also the fact we don't have that many intimidating fans. That said, it wouldn't hurt for the Chapel to get involved a bit for example, or as someone said earlier, the people who sit around the away dugout. Maybe open up the corners and extend the Northam mentality around the ground a bit. Or perhaps condone more yoof behaviour... I agree with Colinjb, we are far too welcoming. It's about time we made St. Mary's a fortress, but everbody needs to do their bit. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harwellsaint Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 St. Mary's will never be massively intimidating for a number of reasons; the size of the stadium, the fact that we only have one stand who like to sing and shout and stand, Southampton being a 'family club' with lots of children and old people attending games, and also the fact we don't have that many intimidating fans. That said, it wouldn't hurt for the Chapel to get involved a bit for example, or as someone said earlier, the people who sit around the away dugout. Maybe open up the corners and extend the Northam mentality around the ground a bit. Or perhaps condone more yoof behaviour... I agree with Colinjb, we are far too welcoming. It's about time we made St. Mary's a fortress, but everbody needs to do their bit. i cant read and i cant write ......top saints song Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rick1976.4.38 Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 i cant read and i cant write ......top saints song love that song, i remember singing it charlton away last season in the pub by the train station can't remember the name of it though !!! COYR Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissyboy31 Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 i cant read and i cant write ......top saints song Sh!t song and NOT a Saints song. It's a Norwich/Ipswich song. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griffo Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 love that song, i remember singing it charlton away last season in the pub by the train station can't remember the name of it though !!! COYR 'Antigallican' something or other? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harwellsaint Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 Sh!t song and NOT a Saints song. It's a Norwich/Ipswich song. says who, followed saints home and away since 19 77 always here it away, but i doth my cap if wrong Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docker-p Posted 9 August, 2009 Author Share Posted 9 August, 2009 St. Mary's will never be massively intimidating for a number of reasons; the size of the stadium, the fact that we only have one stand who like to sing and shout and stand, Southampton being a 'family club' with lots of children and old people attending games, and also the fact we don't have that many intimidating fans. That said, it wouldn't hurt for the Chapel to get involved a bit for example, or as someone said earlier, the people who sit around the away dugout. Maybe open up the corners and extend the Northam mentality around the ground a bit. Or perhaps condone more yoof behaviour... I agree with Colinjb, we are far too welcoming. It's about time we made St. Mary's a fortress, but everbody needs to do their bit. It's the distance from stand to pitch not the size of SMS thats the problem. And I think our one standing /singing stand is one more than 95% of grounds around the country. I can't think of a ground with two. And as for your assertion that we're a 'family club' that idea went out for good when we became a Cat C policing issue. Not that thats anything to be proud of. The Dell was an intimidating atmosphere, many players including David Beckham cite it as being their least favorite ground to visit for that reason. We ought to be able to do the same at SMS despite the architecture. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
docker-p Posted 9 August, 2009 Author Share Posted 9 August, 2009 i cant read and i cant write ......top saints song I fookin hate that song. I can read and write and I can't drive a bloody tractor and have no desire to do so. You might as well just chant "I'm a village idiot" over and over. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
squiggly_dan Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 Right, we desperately need to get our sh!t organised! I have been dwelling on this for a while, and it was brought home after sitting in block 11 yesterday where people were actually turning in their seats with apparent disgust to see who was singing! There were only about three groups/individuals within 5 blocks of me who bothered to join in with or start any songs, apart from a couple of verses of OWTSGMI after our goal. After sitting in various places at the other end of the stadium over the last couple of seasons this was quite a shock – it is always difficult to work out what is going on in other stands, but I didn't realise it was this bad! I realise that most of our matches this season (barring an unlikely cup run) are much less significant than previous years, but we all still celebrate goals the same as ever, so why not the rest of the match? I am certain that there are a large number of fans located towards the Chapel who want to make more noise, but feel self-conscious doing so unless enough others start the song. I would expect that non-season ticket holders will gradually disperse to more atmospheric areas of the ground as the season gets going, but this is not helpful for those left behind! I think it would be beneficial if we could organise an ongoing series of threads here with song suggestions, ticket buying organisation, and even recommendations to take to the club. I am not suggesting a group of “Badboysaint ultras”, but a group of like-minded fans who want to get more involved. During the game Sing our songs properly: It makes me angry that Spurs sing OWTSGMI much better than the team it belongs to! Over the past few seasons there has been at least one semi-organised attempt to start a slow version of the song, but it is always spoiled by the over-enthusiastic yoof starting to clap the fast version half way through. All it would need is a group of 50+ organised fans to start at a certain time in the game (would not even need to be sat next to each other), with a few at the back banging the timing on the back boards. If anybody tried to start the fast version before the second run through, a loud “shhhh” should get the point across. I know that many don't like this version, but I think it would be perfect before the start of each half, and if we hold a 2 goal plus lead (wishful thinking!). Sing when your winning: The Millwall lot were perfectly entitled to let us know that “our support is sh!t”, and it made me think about the amount of times we would drown out away fan goal celebrations with a “come on you reds” while we were in the Premiership. This is a great way to silence the opposition, as it makes us appear as though we expect to score next, and makes it difficult for them to formulate any songs. I know it is a painful memory, but try to remember the 2005 Leeds game – they were singing from half time (at three nil down) all the way to the end, and we all remember what happened! Mix it up: The reason we don't have any variety is that many of our previous songs have been about players that have subsequently left – when our top strikers inevitably leave, we will be left with “super Kelvin Davis”! Fans need to be taught new songs, and Northam apart, not many will start any for fear of looking like a plonker when nobody joins in! Woolston Ferry, Auld Lang Syne version of “come on you reds”, and normal “come on you reds” at corners/free kicks are some I would like to see return. Organised ticket buying: I noticed that although the corners were not sold on Saturday, the stewards did not object to people moving to these areas, although the two Northam corners were netted. If enough interested supporters could buy tickets in the same stand, it would be easy for a group to form in one of these corners, and generate some noise. I would suggest the Chapel/Itchen corner as needing urgent attention – you never know, it might stop some of the older fans getting their sleep and get them involved! In my opinion it was the Chapel end that was initially noisiest when SMS opened, but migration of the vocal fans to the Northam did not take long. The problem now is that all noise spreads out to the pitch, but you cannot hear what is happening in the same stand. This goes some way to explaining why the Northamites usually think all away support is rubbish! From the rest of the ground, the noise and sight of singing, clapping, scarf waving fans in the Northam looks good, but the away fans are not intimidated by it. Things were better when blocks 1-4 were open, but I don't think we will be able to convince the club about this just yet (I personally think the Chapel should be closed with advertising on netting across the seats). In the concourses / pre-match Beer and food: I may have missed the discussions amongst the bullsh1t being “discussed” on here in the last couple of years, but if we were to canvass opinion (not just on here), we could present recommendations to the club concerning real ales, Pukka Pies etc. I think we are having trouble adjusting from Lowe's reign of terror, and cannot take the new owner seriously when he says he wants the club to “re-engage with the fans and the local community”. At least we would be able to find out what catering contracts are in place, and make our views known! Facilities: It always appears as though the concourses are as packed as ever at half time despite the smoking ban, but I think this is because almost everybody is in a queue for the first 10 minutes! If service times could be improved (even to have bottled beer/cider vending machines) many non-drinkers would be able return to their seats with their hot dog and leave more space. This would allow the possibility of seating areas, which would attract more people to the ground before the game. A return to showing sky sports and highlights (especially highlights of the first half) would also achieve this. It appears to me that up to now the club has not been benefiting from money flowing through the tills in the concourses, so they have not focused on attracting fans to the ground before the game or looking after us during half time. Building atmosphere: Any changes from the above would hopefully result in more fans in the ground before the match, so there would be the opportunity to get a few songs going. The current pre-match routine on the tannoy appears poorly planned and is essentially useless. Who can remember a single thing that was said before the game yesterday? Although tacky, Mike Osman did engage with the fans, and allowed us to create an intimidating atmosphere, but all we get now is the away fans singing over the generic announcements and news. I have been waiting for somebody to put together a classy Saints audio-visual mix to be played before the game, and after a good start, the club's effort just promotes Saints in the community, catering, corporates etc. – not very inspiring! Entertainment Half time: Already discussed to death on here, but nothing has changed – win a shirt, ticket news, penalties, mascots p!ssing about, players come back out. I was impressed by the effort of Trousers' friends Coast with their Saints Aid effort, and would like to see them perform on the pitch. Although the verses are a bit cringe-worthy because of the lyrics, the guitar solo is amazing, and sends a chill down my spine every time (very Mark Knopfler)! If they could edit an instrumental version of the Chorus, I'm sure it would catch on if played over the tannoy. Live music is the way forward for me, but only if relevant (not a Bee Gees tribute), and I think that this group deserve an outing just because of their history with the club: http://cosab.org.uk/about-us/ Additionally, I cannot understand why the club do not often invite kiddies 5 a side teams – surely one of the best ways to get new young fans is to give them a chance to play on the pitch? Using the contacts available to people on this forum, I'm sure we would be able to put together a list of acts that would cost the club next to nothing, but provide us with some form of entertainment (judging by last season, it may be the only available ). Saints Aid showed how many performing Saints fans will do something for nothing, and smaller bands would be getting exposure otherwise unavailable to them. This is becoming a boringly long first post, so I would welcome your comments, and if any subscribing members think anything here would warrant a new thread, please feel free to copy and paste! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
krissyboy31 Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 says who, followed saints home and away since 19 77 always here it away, but i doth my cap if wrong Ipswich used to sign it early '70's as some sort of regional statement, in the same way that the Brizzle teams sang the 'drink up thee zider' Worzel type songs. For some reason in the mid-seventies we adopted the song as our own, trying to be a bunch of carrot-crunching imbeciles. Well I don't know about you but I am not a carrot-cruncher nor an imbecile. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Griffo Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 Right, we desperately need to get our sh!t organised! I have been dwelling on this for a while, and it was brought home after sitting in block 11 yesterday where people were actually turning in their seats with apparent disgust to see who was singing! There were only about three groups/individuals within 5 blocks of me who bothered to join in with or start any songs, apart from a couple of verses of OWTSGMI after our goal. After sitting in various places at the other end of the stadium over the last couple of seasons this was quite a shock – it is always difficult to work out what is going on in other stands, but I didn't realise it was this bad! I realise that most of our matches this season (barring an unlikely cup run) are much less significant than previous years, but we all still celebrate goals the same as ever, so why not the rest of the match? I am certain that there are a large number of fans located towards the Chapel who want to make more noise, but feel self-conscious doing so unless enough others start the song. I would expect that non-season ticket holders will gradually disperse to more atmospheric areas of the ground as the season gets going, but this is not helpful for those left behind! I think it would be beneficial if we could organise an ongoing series of threads here with song suggestions, ticket buying organisation, and even recommendations to take to the club. I am not suggesting a group of “Badboysaint ultras”, but a group of like-minded fans who want to get more involved. During the game Sing our songs properly: It makes me angry that Spurs sing OWTSGMI much better than the team it belongs to! Over the past few seasons there has been at least one semi-organised attempt to start a slow version of the song, but it is always spoiled by the over-enthusiastic yoof starting to clap the fast version half way through. All it would need is a group of 50+ organised fans to start at a certain time in the game (would not even need to be sat next to each other), with a few at the back banging the timing on the back boards. If anybody tried to start the fast version before the second run through, a loud “shhhh” should get the point across. I know that many don't like this version, but I think it would be perfect before the start of each half, and if we hold a 2 goal plus lead (wishful thinking!). Sing when your winning: The Millwall lot were perfectly entitled to let us know that “our support is sh!t”, and it made me think about the amount of times we would drown out away fan goal celebrations with a “come on you reds” while we were in the Premiership. This is a great way to silence the opposition, as it makes us appear as though we expect to score next, and makes it difficult for them to formulate any songs. I know it is a painful memory, but try to remember the 2005 Leeds game – they were singing from half time (at three nil down) all the way to the end, and we all remember what happened! Mix it up: The reason we don't have any variety is that many of our previous songs have been about players that have subsequently left – when our top strikers inevitably leave, we will be left with “super Kelvin Davis”! Fans need to be taught new songs, and Northam apart, not many will start any for fear of looking like a plonker when nobody joins in! Woolston Ferry, Auld Lang Syne version of “come on you reds”, and normal “come on you reds” at corners/free kicks are some I would like to see return. Organised ticket buying: I noticed that although the corners were not sold on Saturday, the stewards did not object to people moving to these areas, although the two Northam corners were netted. If enough interested supporters could buy tickets in the same stand, it would be easy for a group to form in one of these corners, and generate some noise. I would suggest the Chapel/Itchen corner as needing urgent attention – you never know, it might stop some of the older fans getting their sleep and get them involved! In my opinion it was the Chapel end that was initially noisiest when SMS opened, but migration of the vocal fans to the Northam did not take long. The problem now is that all noise spreads out to the pitch, but you cannot hear what is happening in the same stand. This goes some way to explaining why the Northamites usually think all away support is rubbish! From the rest of the ground, the noise and sight of singing, clapping, scarf waving fans in the Northam looks good, but the away fans are not intimidated by it. Things were better when blocks 1-4 were open, but I don't think we will be able to convince the club about this just yet (I personally think the Chapel should be closed with advertising on netting across the seats). In the concourses / pre-match Beer and food: I may have missed the discussions amongst the bullsh1t being “discussed” on here in the last couple of years, but if we were to canvass opinion (not just on here), we could present recommendations to the club concerning real ales, Pukka Pies etc. I think we are having trouble adjusting from Lowe's reign of terror, and cannot take the new owner seriously when he says he wants the club to “re-engage with the fans and the local community”. At least we would be able to find out what catering contracts are in place, and make our views known! Facilities: It always appears as though the concourses are as packed as ever at half time despite the smoking ban, but I think this is because almost everybody is in a queue for the first 10 minutes! If service times could be improved (even to have bottled beer/cider vending machines) many non-drinkers would be able return to their seats with their hot dog and leave more space. This would allow the possibility of seating areas, which would attract more people to the ground before the game. A return to showing sky sports and highlights (especially highlights of the first half) would also achieve this. It appears to me that up to now the club has not been benefiting from money flowing through the tills in the concourses, so they have not focused on attracting fans to the ground before the game or looking after us during half time. Building atmosphere: Any changes from the above would hopefully result in more fans in the ground before the match, so there would be the opportunity to get a few songs going. The current pre-match routine on the tannoy appears poorly planned and is essentially useless. Who can remember a single thing that was said before the game yesterday? Although tacky, Mike Osman did engage with the fans, and allowed us to create an intimidating atmosphere, but all we get now is the away fans singing over the generic announcements and news. I have been waiting for somebody to put together a classy Saints audio-visual mix to be played before the game, and after a good start, the club's effort just promotes Saints in the community, catering, corporates etc. – not very inspiring! Entertainment Half time: Already discussed to death on here, but nothing has changed – win a shirt, ticket news, penalties, mascots p!ssing about, players come back out. I was impressed by the effort of Trousers' friends Coast with their Saints Aid effort, and would like to see them perform on the pitch. Although the verses are a bit cringe-worthy because of the lyrics, the guitar solo is amazing, and sends a chill down my spine every time (very Mark Knopfler)! If they could edit an instrumental version of the Chorus, I'm sure it would catch on if played over the tannoy. Live music is the way forward for me, but only if relevant (not a Bee Gees tribute), and I think that this group deserve an outing just because of their history with the club: http://cosab.org.uk/about-us/ Additionally, I cannot understand why the club do not often invite kiddies 5 a side teams – surely one of the best ways to get new young fans is to give them a chance to play on the pitch? Using the contacts available to people on this forum, I'm sure we would be able to put together a list of acts that would cost the club next to nothing, but provide us with some form of entertainment (judging by last season, it may be the only available ). Saints Aid showed how many performing Saints fans will do something for nothing, and smaller bands would be getting exposure otherwise unavailable to them. This is becoming a boringly long first post, so I would welcome your comments, and if any subscribing members think anything here would warrant a new thread, please feel free to copy and paste! Good effort mate. Kingsland North was very good on Saturday, but it was ruined by a little **** banging the backboard to the same tune every time. So the same song kept getting sung over and over. The 'we're the Northam/Itchen/Kingsland' song always goes Northam first, then Itchen and Kingsland both sing at the same time. It should be Northam, Itchen, Northam, Kingsland, Northam, Itchen, Northam, Kingsland, or Northam Itchen Kingsland Northam Itchen Kingsland.. otherwise it's ridiculous.. The slow version of OWTS should be two verses of slow, then into our usual fast version. I also agree that when we had two big groups of vocal supporters either side of away fans, it seemed to nullify the away support and drowned them out a lot more, which was also very good for banter when we were in the Itchen North.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rebel Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 Openning the Itchen Northam Corner would be a start - or at least blocks 2 and 3! The Kingsland is getting louder though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
red&white56 Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 For most of yesterdays game there was a good atmosphere, lots of noise form the Northam and Itchen North, until Millwall leveled, and then nothing. The atmosphere from the Saints areas was as flat as a witches tit. Fridays Echo had a bit from AP saying when he used to visit SMS he never found the atmosphere intimidating. Nobody ever said that about visiting the Dell. Much of the reason for that we can't do anything about ie the architecture of the stadium and distance from the pitch. But we can continue to get behind the team when we concede goals. NB. It would also help if the puddings that sit near the opposition dug out actually made some noise and made it a little less welcoming. I was in the Northam and I don't think you can say "nothing" came out of there after they levelled. Yes, the mood went down for 5 - 10 mins or so as people tried to figure out if this was the Saints of the past few seasons, who were going to capitulate and lose or the new era Saints who would fight back. The N.end did start singing again - at least where I was standing. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
latter day saint Posted 9 August, 2009 Share Posted 9 August, 2009 thought the atmosphere was good as usual in the Northam & was nicely surprised by the amount of noise coming from the Kingsland :cool: nearly fainted though when i saw a few brave souls standing up in the Chapel & try to get things going there. good work fella's=D> only disapointment was we only had one "disco!" & that it was a bit of a weak effort. would be great if we could get the whole Northam bouncing about to it . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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