Albion blog: Time to make a stand
For too long we have had to endure the rather sterile and insipid means of supporting our team. Modern day stadiums are devoid of atmosphere and real passion...writes Albion blogger Duncan Hodgkiss
To that end, it's high time we introduced safe standing areas at The Hawthorns.
Surely clubs are aware that fans are becoming increasingly disgruntled with current arrangements. Recent polls incontrovertibly show unanimous support for safe standing areas. Yet it is an issue not currently under consideration at B71.
The subject was raised at the recently formed Albion Assembly in May. Mark Miles (Head of Facility Operations and Development) stated that "It's illegal, it's not allowed in this country by government." Yet it is practised at grounds such as Cardiff City Stadium, Selhurst Park, Old Trafford and even in our Smethwick End by both home and away fans.
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Cardiff have in fact specifically designated standing areas behind the goal. Their spokesperson Tim Hartley stated "It's in breach of the regulations, but not the law. But, the club has interpreted the regulations to say if you want to stand then it is a customer service issue."
Following this successful 'mini trial' the club have reported no incidents, the atmosphere has audibly improved, and everyone polled at the club is very much in favour. Much the same can be said of Crystal Palace, however an early Morrison goal and a Gardner howitzer put paid to that last season.
We are now reading about the very serious consideration Wolves are giving to reintroducing safe standing areas at their ground. Villa have already sanctioned trials, should they be given clearance. Our objections appear to be on the logistical challenges we would face in upgrading our current arrangements.
What saddens me about modern day football is that generations of fans have missed out on that packed terrace experience. Even the less than half full one, as was the case for much of the 80's. I realise it's something that will never return. A vital part of football has been taken away, leading to a more mundane event.
Who could forget the thrill of crowd surges, terrace 'gallows humour', the inexplicable joy of hugging some random person next to you upon scoring, losing your mates for 20 minutes and ending up halfway down the terrace whilst others around you celebrated wildly, the atmosphere and seemingly perpetual chanting?
Even the corrugated sheets at the back of Brummie Road End were used to good effect, providing a unique rhythm to the singing.
Football was once sold to us on that basis. I remember the classic encounters between Walsall and Watford in that thrilling FA Cup marathon. The footage of the crowd flying forward in that 4-4 game. 101 Great Goals used to feature packed terraces wildly celebrating important goals. It was part and parcel of the experience.
Old style terraces will never return. We do now have a viable alternative in rail seating. Bristol City's ground has them, albeit for Rugby matches only at present. Celtic are trialling them. Numerous Bundesliga clubs have them in operation. Games in Germany are synonymous with vociferous support, great atmospheres and thus a more immersive experience.
If designed correctly, safe standing will increase capacity producing more revenue. The games will be more affordable and accessible to all. This in turn will increase exposure to marketing and corporate brands. It really is a 'win win' situation for all concerned.
Inevitably there will be objections from certain quarters following the Hillsborough tragedy. It is important to be considerate of the sensitivities surrounding the topic. It is equally important to accept that standing did not cause the tragedy, catastrophic human error did. For the one disastrous game that changed football forever, there were thousands upon thousands of others, with packed terraces, that were enjoyed and went by without incident.
Recently, we spent £10 Million on a forward we sold for £4 Million the following season. We spent £6 Million on a forward that is likely to be loaned out to a Championship side in the January window. Research and investment into the logistical possibilities of generating safe standing areas would not cost that much.
Tony Pulis is fully behind the idea. Our fans are fully behind the idea. Football fans in general are fully behind the idea. Let's not be left behind in the dawn of a new era, and look more seriously at what can be done and where.
