Skates Away 25th Jan

[EssEffCee]

1 hour ago, Football Special said:

Don't forget to book your breakfast buffet at The Dell 🤣

You just know that's a big part of having to be there an hour before. Big earner for the club.

8:30 coach for me so have to be there 7:30.

I think it's a complete shambles and won't bother next season.

Edited Monday at 19:11 by EssEffCee

[EssEffCee]

1 hour ago, franniesTache said:

I haven't missed a game against them since the 90s but if the bubble stays next season (and they stay up) i'm not going. It's an absolute fucking piss take and completely over the top, getting to St Mary's for a bus that leaves at 08:30 to do a 17mile trip that takes less than 40mins for a game that kicks off at midday, to have to provide ID like a passport to get tickets and not be able to take food or drink on the bus is beyond fucking stupid.

Plus we have to pay extra for the coaches which they're forcing us to use, and more than you'd pay for the train too.

I swear the set up is a scam to rip fans off and completely unnecessary too, there were barely any arrests or trouble last time round in the cup for a night game with no bubble.

I'm actually half tempted to contact the football supporters association i'm so annoyed.

I have contacted the FSA. I think everyone who's angry about it should do so.

The more they get the more likely they'll try make something of it and the stronger their argument would be.

[Graffito]

I was contacted by the FSA after I posted my opposition prior to the first bubble at FP. They asked whether I’d be willing to challenge it in court, to which I responded I would if they were willing to fund it. That was the last I heard from them.

[The Wyvern]

2 hours ago, EssEffCee said:

I have contacted the FSA. I think everyone who's angry about it should do so.

The more they get the more likely they'll try make something of it and the stronger their argument would be.

What have the fsa said?

[Turkish]

I’m not really surprised at these measures. The police will need to protect the skates and the best way would be to get the thousands of scummers inside the ground so the skates can walk around their own city safely. Don’t blame the club as my sources tell me that Pompeys firm leaders contacted the police anonymously asking for them to give the travelling saints fans the most stringent travel measures possible so they could be protected to avoid any further humiliation yet also gob off about what they would have done had they been got the chance. It’s a tough on saints fans but I guess keep them safe in their own city is of the upmost importance. 

[EssEffCee]

24 minutes ago, The Wyvern said:

What have the fsa said?

Nothing yet I only sent it about 8 minute after the email dropped 😅

[richie]

I went to Fratton Park for both premier league games in the 2000's. 

Ive never had a season ticket so it must have to got to members or whatever system we had then. 

Never had the bubble then. So what's changed? 

Was the bubble in place for the league cup the other year?

 

Edited Monday at 22:20 by richie

[Pat from Poole]

No bubble last time.

But that was nigh on impossible for an evening game.

[Pat from Poole]

27 minutes ago, richie said:

I went to Fratton Park for both premier league games in the 2000's. 

Ive never had a season ticket so it must have to got to members or whatever system we had then. 

Never had the bubble then. So what's changed? 

Was the bubble in place for the league cup the other year?

 

There was a bubble for the League game there in 2011.

[EssEffCee]

I was bored earlier so had a look at the fans advisory board section on the website. Apparently the membership is done on a "rotation basis" but there's no information on the timescale for this.

Apparently new members are voted on by season tickets and members but I don't recall receiving anything in recent seasons relating to voting in new members.

Also found some meeting minutes from June last year which included discussion about this fixture:

Andy Darbyshire, Event Safety Officer & Head of Security at SFC, joined 
the meeting at 18:40 to discuss the plans for Portsmouth Fixtures.
MS said that FAB had discussed this, and are supportive of the proposed 
plans from SFC. Discussions continued around this and further questions 
from FAB.
• AD detailed he is holding an in-person meeting in Netley in July 
with a number of Portsmouth & Southampton Fans to ensure the 
best experience can be created for fans and the police.
• MS asked if the coach will be able to offer pick-ups & drop-offs in
key locations. AD stated yes and we could collate this information 
through the FAB. Suggested locations including Eastleigh & 
Winchester.
• No parking at the Stadium due to number of coaches.
• AD also stated we can do special requests for those with mobility 
issues, but this will be reviewed case by case.
• RR asked surrounding the Season Ticket transfer option for this 
game, GB stated he will come back to the FAB with an answer.
• GB detailed a process is in place to ensure only Southampton Fans 
will be able to buy tickets to the match.
• 2,700 away tickets have been agreed by both Clubs.
• AD stated that any Hampshire police have the authority to remove 
any away fans that turn up without tickets.
• AD to confirm area of away disability seating in Fratton Park.

 

Two bold bits are the interesting parts for me. Why did the different pickup points never materialise?

Also regarding the FAB being 'supportive of the proposed plans from SFC' - was any consultation done with the wider fan base regarding this or was it the opinion of the FAB members only?

Also with it specifically mentioning the club proposals, does this confirm that this indeed was mainly decided by SFC & PFC rather than by the police or am I reading too much into it?

[EssEffCee]

Although having said that bit about new members being voted in (which is on the club website ) I've just spotted this in the minutes for the same meeting about FAB  membership:

MS asked the Club for their comments on FAB new member’s process. 
• KA detailed the possibility of creating a FAB member job 
description and then these can be personalised e.g., Comms role 
or Age specific. 
• GB suggested FAB to vet anyone who joins, does not believe a 
public vote is necessary.
• KA detailed Jacqui Campbell has been newly appointed as 
Supporter Liaison Officer at the Club and can assist in developing 
a recruitment tool with fan affiliated groups. 
• MS asked if the Club has a view on Tenure to FAB, noting the Terms 
of Reference state 3 years, but it may be worth avoiding a 
complete changeover at one time. GB suggested replacing 3 
members every 6 months to keep stability of the group.
Discussion continued and it was decided for FAB to take offline what 3 
members may not continue beyond Christmas. 
 

So which is it? Presumably there's no longer public votes since Christmas has passed and there's been no mention of new members. So why does the OS still state that season ticket holders and members get a vote?

It's situations like this where we really suffer from having no independent fan representation. In my view fan representation directly linked to the club is not real representation whatsoever and it must make us pretty unique among clubs of our size.

[IFHP]

1 hour ago, EssEffCee said:

Also regarding the FAB being 'supportive of the proposed plans from SFC' - was any consultation done with the wider fan base regarding this or was it the opinion of the FAB members only?

Also with it specifically mentioning the club proposals, does this confirm that this indeed was mainly decided by SFC & PFC rather than by the police or am I reading too much into it?

Of course not, just like any other meeting they have. no one from FAB asks what the wider fan base thinks.

Nothing on Facebook, instagram, twitter ( x now ) on any of the 3 saints forums I’m aware of. 
 

What ever they want to bring up it’s just this small groups opinions and not the wider fan base. 
 

I seem to remember when this FAB crap came out those that got onto the board reckoned they represented various fans. What bullshit that turned out to be. 

[Turkish]

11 minutes ago, IFHP said:

Of course not, just like any other meeting they have. no one from FAB asks what the wider fan base thinks.

Nothing on Facebook, instagram, twitter ( x now ) on any of the 3 saints forums I’m aware of. 
 

What ever they want to bring up it’s just this small groups opinions and not the wider fan base. 
 

I seem to remember when this FAB crap came out those that got onto the board reckoned they represented various fans. What bullshit that turned out to be. 

The FAB don’t need to ask. their figure is on the pulse as to what our fans need. They’ve all been fans for ages and represent all sections of our fan base. We are lucky to have these selfless people represent us, asking the hard hitting questions and deal with all the important issues

[DJ_TOAST]

Just checking my junk emails and come by the Coach information email sent yesterday.

So coach boarding time is 8am, and coach leaving time is 9am. Why do we have to sit still on a coach for an hour ffs. 

and I would like to know their reason for no food or drink. Is the no food thing so they can try to force us to buy their food at St Marys prior to boarding, I certainly won't be. And then I guess they are presuming we have to buy our lunch from the skates shit hole. My friend coming is a diabetic and should be allowed to bring some stuff if he wants for medical reasons.  And god forbid we take some water with us. It's not difficult to see if a bottle has been tampered with and has alcohol in if that's their reason. 
They best have alcohol on sale at the skates place after all this faff. 

[sledger]

1 hour ago, DJ_TOAST said:

Just checking my junk emails and come by the Coach information email sent yesterday.

So coach boarding time is 8am, and coach leaving time is 9am. Why do we have to sit still on a coach for an hour ffs. 

and I would like to know their reason for no food or drink. Is the no food thing so they can try to force us to buy their food at St Marys prior to boarding, I certainly won't be. And then I guess they are presuming we have to buy our lunch from the skates shit hole. My friend coming is a diabetic and should be allowed to bring some stuff if he wants for medical reasons.  And god forbid we take some water with us. It's not difficult to see if a bottle has been tampered with and has alcohol in if that's their reason. 
They best have alcohol on sale at the skates place after all this faff. 

you probably be standing in the p+ssing rain  waiting to board youre coach while they search and id everyone

[franniesTache]

Got a response back from the FSA, which seems to suggest that the people who should be challenging this are the FAB, but as we know our FAB are a closed shop who don't represent the wider fanbase and don't consult with them either.

If you add in the fact that those on there are responsible for also vetting who joins it seems we are largely stuck with this situation going forward.

This is the response in full from the FSA

Quote

The Portsmouth / Southampton fixture is the only bubble game in the EFL or Premier League this season.  

As a Sunderland fan, I have experienced bubble matches in games against Newcastle.  However, after a joint campaign by fans of both clubs, these were ended. On the return of the derby this season supporter groups at the clubs actively worked with staff, police and the Sunderland Safety Advisory Group to ensure that fans could be treated with respect and be allowed to travel independently to the game if they wished; showing the importance of effective engagement between fans, clubs and other stakeholders. The recent game at the Stadium of Light passed without significant incident off the pitch and is hopefully the blueprint for future games.

Southampton's Fan Advisory Board is there to hold the club to account.  If this has not already been discussed by the FAB, I would suggest that it is a significant issue affecting fans' matchday experience and should be discussed and the club's response minute'd. Portsmouth has an extensive fan engagement structure in place, their fans can also raise this with their club.

It is not an all or nothing choice.  It does not have to be a bubble game or completely independent travel.  Fans should be able to choose the most appropriate way to safely attend the game and it is incumbent on clubs, police authorities and fans to work together on this.

 If fans come together a change can be affected. Otherwise, I fear a similar scenario will be seen next season.

 

[Mattio]

4 minutes ago, franniesTache said:

Got a response back from the FSA, which seems to suggest that the people who should be challenging this are the FAB, but as we know our FAB are a closed shop who don't represent the wider fanbase and don't consult with them either.

If you add in the fact that those on there are responsible for also vetting who joins it seems we are largely stuck with this situation going forward.

This is the response in full from the FSA

 

If they've got their own version of the FAB (FSH?) it seems like they both need to approach both clubs/police together with a case.

Edited 10 hours ago by Mattio

[EssEffCee]

I got the same. Am emailing the FAB now querying why no consultation was done around this and for clarification around new members.

I note they point out how the skates have an extensive fan engagement structure in place, the implication being we do not as I alluded to last night.

Does seem like both sets of fans will have to come together to try and achieve this.

[EssEffCee]

9 minutes ago, Mattio said:

If they've got their own version of the FAB (FSH?) it seems like they both need to approach both clubs/police together with a case.

They've got an independent supporters Trust, we don't and the FAB is directly linked to the club.

The FAB supported it too.

[Football Special]

On 12/01/2026 at 19:10, EssEffCee said:

You just know that's a big part of having to be there an hour before. Big earner for the club.

8:30 coach for me so have to be there 7:30.

I think it's a complete shambles and won't bother next season.

I can see the commercial plan from the club, collect 2700 away fans for an hour and sell them as much as possible before loading them onto buses, then fill the fan zones with supporters who want to watch it at St Mary's! 

https://www.southamptonfc.com/en/news/article/derby-day-your-way-at-st-marys?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paid&utm_campaign=tic-portsmouth-a-2526&utm_term=last-chance&utm_content=link&fbclid=IwdGRjcAPURsJleHRuA2FlbQEwAGFkaWQBqy0nVyAqG3NydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHpDz8riXGMKF-exE29a0_gh11270Bj4bBNxtShlW0RASis0t43NrTJ7Ibvy9_aem_pJxqIh7klq0MxQRyDjiNog&utm_id=120238342604980299

This made me laugh:

Northam Fan Zone and The Dell

In partnership with Asahi 0.0% and Pukka, we’re bringing the buzz of an away matchday to the Northam Fan Zone.

Tickets cost just £8 and will include both a Pukka Pie and your choice of a pint of Asahi Super Dry or Meantime Anytime IPA, or a can of Asahi Super Dry 0.0%. Fans will be able to experience the lively atmosphere of the Northam Fan Zone from 10.30am as we build up with live music, interviews on stage with Saints legends and more.

[Football Special]

4 minutes ago, EssEffCee said:

They've got an independent supporters Trust, we don't and the FAB is directly linked to the club.

The FAB supported it too.

FAB is a club orchestrated stitch up, they selected certain people to basically agree with them but make it look like a "fan lead" decision process. 

Can see right through it

 

[franniesTache]

9 minutes ago, EssEffCee said:

I got the same. Am emailing the FAB now querying why no consultation was done around this and for clarification around new members.

I note they point out how the skates have an extensive fan engagement structure in place, the implication being we do not as I alluded to last night.

Does seem like both sets of fans will have to come together to try and achieve this.

I responded with quotes direct from the minutes of our FAB that showed that not only were they complicit and supportive in the decision, but also that the FAB is a closed shop and the current members "vet" new members, meaning that the wider fanbase isn't represented.

I also pointed out that the FAB do not consult with, engage with, or listen to the wider fanbase, which when combined with the fact that they don't represent the majority of those who travel away means no change is ever likely to take place.

[Turkish]

5 minutes ago, Football Special said:

FAB is a club orchestrated stitch up, they selected certain people to basically agree with them but make it look like a "fan lead" decision process. 

Can see right through it

 

If you look at the minutes from the FAB meeting they supported the bubble. They're not holding anyone to account, they're nodding dogs.

[Wurzel]

On 12/01/2026 at 17:33, LGTL said:

8.30am departure time for 12pm kick off. It really is a disgrace 😂

Ridiculous.

Putting that in perspective I once took part in a sponsored walk from FP to SMS. Under 6 hours including 2 pub stops. (although to be fair if it was both ways I'd have been grateful for the coach back again)

[franniesTache]

24 minutes ago, Turkish said:

If you look at the minutes from the FAB meeting they supported the bubble. They're not holding anyone to account, they're nodding dogs.

The thing with the FAB is that half of them don't go to away games, and the other half use the bingo buses, of course they're going to be fine with a bubble as it's what they would've done anyway.

Given FAB are affiliated to the club it would've been a peace of piss for them to send out a survey to say the top 3000 away supporters in our fanbase asking about travel preferences for the game, and then advocated for the actual fans who go, and not just for themselves.

Mind you given for the league cup game the same FAB were more interested in grassing up our own fans on social media than anything else it's hardly a surprise they bend the knee to the police and club about the bubble.

Still at least they'll cover the important stuff like the women's game and chips in the ground.

[EssEffCee]

While writing my email I've realised something which makes it even worse. 

GB was the initials who made the suggestion that a public vote is not necessary and there is nobody with those initials being listed as on the board.

Which means one of two things:

- That person was a FAB member but has since left, confirming changes have happened without the vote the OS mentions.

- That person was never part of the FAB, and instead it is a club employee suggesting that the wider fanbase shouldn't be consulted.

I've asked questions both about the bubble and the FAB membership process and will paste any reply here.

Expect that line on the OS about season ticket holders and members voting to disappear in the next couple of days.

[Pamplemousse]

Get someone from here on the FAB. They'd be far more representative. 

Even if you don't agree with everyone's views, someone can at least clearly state what the general consensus is about any given point.

I had a look at the FAB members on the club website and I don't recognise a single person. I know most of the same faces that go to all the away games but not these lot.

Edited 6 hours ago by Pamplemousse

[Chez]

2 hours ago, Pamplemousse said:

Get someone from here on the FAB. They'd be far more representative. 

Even if you don't agree with everyone's views, someone can at least clearly state what the general consensus is about any given point.

I had a look at the FAB members on the club website and I don't recognise a single person. I know most of the same faces that go to all the away games but not these lot.

Well volunteered. 

[LGTL]

Well done lads for trying to do something. I have emailed similar. 

The FAB are not independent as we all know, so they’ll agree to whatever the club wants them to agree to. There’s no way in hell Saints want any of us on it, and the ones chosen were no doubt heavily vetted beforehand. 

I’m almost sure the Police didn’t think it necessary after the league cup game passed without too much incident. It was wholly a decision taken by the clubs, with our lot taking a star role. As much as I fucking hate that lot, their supporters trust at least tried to help a bit (multiple pick up points, pushing for cheaper ticket prices etc) and I’m not sure they were fully supportive of the bubble, but you couldn’t do one without the other and the clubs/OB took the route of least resistance. 

But if a bubble is deemed neccessary, Saints have showed exactly how not to do it. Ridiculously early, ridiculously expensive, ridiculously restrictive, and with one pick up point, meaning anyone who doesn’t live in walking distance of St Mary’s have to try organise lifts at fucking 7am on a Sunday. The whole thing is a complete joke and ruined the fixture. Oh how I’d love a conversation with the ‘FAB’. 

[Football Special]

53 minutes ago, LGTL said:

Well done lads for trying to do something. I have emailed similar. 

The FAB are not independent as we all know, so they’ll agree to whatever the club wants them to agree to. There’s no way in hell Saints want any of us on it, and the ones chosen were no doubt heavily vetted beforehand. 

I’m almost sure the Police didn’t think it necessary after the league cup game passed without too much incident. It was wholly a decision taken by the clubs, with our lot taking a star role. As much as I fucking hate that lot, their supporters trust at least tried to help a bit (multiple pick up points, pushing for cheaper ticket prices etc) and I’m not sure they were fully supportive of the bubble, but you couldn’t do one without the other and the clubs/OB took the route of least resistance. 

But if a bubble is deemed neccessary, Saints have showed exactly how not to do it. Ridiculously early, ridiculously expensive, ridiculously restrictive, and with one pick up point, meaning anyone who doesn’t live in walking distance of St Mary’s have to try organise lifts at fucking 7am on a Sunday. The whole thing is a complete joke and ruined the fixture. Oh how I’d love a conversation with the ‘FAB’. 

The old bill get the best of both worlds,  loads of overtime and easiest shift they'll ever do. Will be itching for someone to step out of line for an easy nicking to justify their match expenses