|
There has been a lot of comment on the Moosenet email group and in the Antler about the future of the Abbey Stadium, especially over the issue of retaining a standing area. Here we give a few views. Let us have your comments.
Standing Room Only
by Moose Droppings...
It would be nice to think that the Club would retain terracing in the future re-development of the NRE, but with the Club harbouring dreams of returning to the promised land of Premiersh*t wannabes that is nowadays Division One, its hard to see the new stand being anything but row upon row of plastic seating
Recently, Labour MP Kate Hoey attempted to introduce debate as to the possibility of a return to controlled areas of terracing within sporting grounds. Unfortunately, this being the Great Britain, any chance of a constructive dialogue was soon torpedoed by the combined forces of the self-interested, the self-important and an un-holy alliance of the Hillsborough families and the Premiersh*t Chairman. Now before anyone chokes with indignation, let the moose just add that he isnt about to belittle the grief that is most obviously felt by those families of the bereaved, or to diminish the terrible events that occurred that afternoon.
But can we at least not discuss the matter in a sane and balanced manner?
Why is that top Bundesliga Clubs such as Borussia Dortmund and SV Hamburg can re-develop their grounds to allow for safe areas of terracing, which at the behest of UEFA sanctioned tournaments, can be readily converted to seating, yet such an idea proves to be so un-palatable here?
The moose is willing to listen to the arguments and remains to be persuaded as to the merits, but surely a regulation that appears to be in place, because as one Premiersh*t spokesman put it, Weve built all-seater stadium and were not going to change back, has to be at least challenged?
Kate Hoey hoped that a handful of clubs might like to consider a pilot scheme whereby any ground re-developments could incorporate areas of terracing Perhaps Cambridge United would like to volunteer?
------------------------------------------------------------
Fans Comments
Should The Abbey Be
All Seater?
Earlier in the year Moosenet had a discussion about the future of terraces in general and at the Abbey in particular. Some of the views are included below to help start a bigger discussion on just what the fans want at the Abbey. We know that the Newmarket Road End and the away end will be all seater but is it inevitable for the whole of the Habbin? Have you say in the Wonky Antler.
Where do I stand on all seater Stadiums ? (Ho Ho, Pun Intended)
Grounds such as Wigan and to an extent Millwall, seem to lack atmosphere, and often need the team to get them going, no longer does the crowd seem to act as a "extra man", I am therefore opposed to the Abbey stadium becoming an all seater, however, making the Allotment End seated for away fans will enable the club to legitimately charge visiting fans higher prices and thus boost our gate money!.
As I said I don't like the idea of the entire ground being all seater, I don't doubt that all seater stadium has increased safety at grounds such as Old Trafford, Anfield etc, but these are Premier League clubs who can fill their stadiums twice over. A club that is struggling to meet gates of 4'500-5000 every week surely do not need the same over cautious levels of
safety ?
By all means demolish the Newmarket road end, the entire front of our stadium is in dire need of redevelopment anyway, Corporate boxes, entertainment, Conference facilities etc, all these will give us extra revenue something we will always need (Especially with Mercenary
footballers about - Zema Abbey take a bow), Seats in the Newmarket road end would surely be a waste though ? how many people actually intend to sit
down throughout the game ? I know I probably wouldn't, and even if I did it only takes one or two people to stand and suddenly those behind need to,
and the people behind them need to, and......,.
Maybe I'm just being a miserable old sod, but I like standing at football games, long may it continue, If someone wants to sit down at the Abbey then they are catered for.
Andrew Lang
Unfortunately the Taylor report dictates that we need to have an all seater ground within three years of promotion to Division One (assuming we stayed
up). Sustainable Division One football is the board's aim and our wish so it seems to be the only way to go.
However, I do agree that standing leads to a better atmosphere. I went to Stoke last year and found it to be a lifeless concrete box with none of the quirkiness and character you find with older stadiums such as the Abbey or Filbert Street. I guess the -10 degrees C wind chill factor in Stoke's ground didn't help with maintaining life and atmosphere!!
I'm quite happy with life as a cardboard cutout standing in the Habbin. Neal Cannel
All Seater Stadiums: I have mixed feelings, as I've sort of got used to them through watching Spurs but enjoy standing, in the Habbin, when at Cambridge. but overall prefer standing as the atmosphere (especially last week in the packed Habbin for the Peterboro game). Which I presume will continue when the NRE refugees join us!
As mentioned the atmosphere is generally lacking in all seaters, but that shouldn't be the case in Euro2000 we saw the dutch fans make enough noise. My main problem is when watching Spurs I sit along the side (prefer side view hence being in the Habbin) and in the front row so get a decent seat. But travelling away cuases problems. As you are generally behind the goal,
with the obvious obstructions before you get people standing to get a better view. Which I can see as being a problem when the NRE goes all seater. Who wants to sit behind a Goal post (or cross bar, which I had the misfortune to do at the Valley this year and for £25!). Then again sitting on the side has it's problems too. Just ask anyone who has had the misfortune to side in the away section at Stamford Bridge. Only a few seats get a decent view, all for £30! So if possible I would like to remain standing (with a choice of seating). Anton Thacker
When I was first initiated into the faithful in 1990 by my good friend Dave Roberts (now in Taiwan and following the U's over the 'net), it was straight into the cauldron of the NRE and so that is my spiritual home. I know the overall 'view' is better from the sides, but I actually like the sight of a U's attack coming steaming straight towards you, followed by the almost erotic bulge in the back of the net as the ball is firmly slotted home. And of course I like being in a place where you can jump around, sing, shout, swear, blaspheme, laugh, cry and generally get involved without feeling at all self conscious. So I think I'm a stander at heart and certainly to start with I'll change to standing in the Habbin, but I'll give the new NRE a go as well and see how I like it.
Of course the final nightmare will be that a year or 2 after we go all-seater, the Taylor requirements will be modified to allow terraces again.
Justyn Medd
Personally I really hope the Habbin remains standing - it improves the atmosphere and allows choice, and there is absolutely no danger of a dangerous crowd crush in the Habbin
Nick Pomery
Two points on this:
1. Standing was only part of the cause of Hillsborough. Other major factors were: the pitch-side fences, lack of crowd control at the turnstiles (i.e. letting the gate open) and the attitude of the police at the time that all
football fans were scum, so not reacting fast enough. I think properly managed standing areas, like our own dear Habbin are perfectly safe. They're
a darn sight quicker to get out of in an emergency than the rows of seats I've been in - Stamford Bridge being the most recent example (we had to wait
for ages)..
2. Which brings me on to a point Anton made about the crap view at some parts of Chelsea. We paid £25 for a restricted view in the West Stand - the pillar holding floodlights. At least we weren't right behind it, unlike some poor sod who could probably see about a quarter of one end and nothing at all of the other end.
I think the pillar will go once the building work's finished. However I'm very tempted to return there to revel in the FA Cup drubbing of the Scum.
Andrew Ivy
|
