I've been a football fan and a Town fan ever since I was old enough to kick a ball. I make any excuse I can to take a football down the park for a kick about and love any chance I get to watch the pros in action, be it actually in the stadium or down the pub with my friends.

Now that I live on mainland Europe, it gives me a great opportunity to travel to other countries to watch European teams play, which brings me to my point nicely.

I'd like to rewind the clocks if I may back to the last home game of last season, Millwall. I was on a visit back home, and, being a massive Ipswich Town fan took the opportunity to once again grace the terraces of Portman Road, having been away for such a long time, living in Reading before moving to the continent.

I was all excited and geared up for the game, but that didn't last long. From the moment I stepped into the club shop in the Buttermarket, I honestly felt I was being treated like a consumer, not a football fan. After buying my ticket (and being charged an extra £2.50 for "buying the ticket on the day") as I walked across the car park and the mood was, well, very subdued to say the least.

Not to dampen my spirits though, I was greeted by that familiar smell of the burger van. As I munched down on the said burger, however, I felt once again ripped off for an over-priced, over-cooked synthetic cheese burger.

"Ah well," I thought, "all will be better once I get into the ground". Again, however, as I walked through the turnstiles I found the inside of the ground to be very sterile. It just lacked any character, the music being played was drab, unimaginative pop and the whole place felt extremely cold.

After queuing for ages to get a very overpriced generic beer and packet of crisps 'deal', was then told that I wasn't allowed it in the stand, I had to drink it there. Even worse, I was told in a very blunt fashion that if I wanted to leave the ground for a smoke, I would not be allowed re-admittance.

But, no matter, it was game time. After the usual roar (well, whimper) the game started and I'd found my voice. But, every five minutes (it seemed) I was being told to sit down. Every time I shouted, either at the ref, the team or in disappointment at a missed chance I was given a dodgy look, even being told at one point to "Shut up, I'm trying to watch the game".

As the game wore on, the more we were losing out, the quieter we got and the louder Millwall got. I came out feeling very cheated and out of pocket, spending at least £50 (and that was me playing it tight) and not being entertained at all.

It just seemed to me that everything was set up to extract the most amount of money out of my pocket, everything was overpriced and of an inferior quality. I honestly thought as I came out that I wouldn't be rushing back to Portman Road in a hurry next time I was home.

Fast forward to Sunday. I was visiting Germany and we decided to go to watch a team called VfL Bochum. Please bear in mind they have just been relegated from the Bundesliga and have had a terrible start to the season, only scoring four goals so far.

We took our 10 Euro tickets (which also included the train fare free with a valid ticket) and made out way to the ground. It was a very picturesque walk, with the team colours being displayed, away fans walking with the home fans and beer being chugged between them.

As we entered the ground, we were handed a free programme, the team mascot posing for pictures with the kids, friendly and helpful stewards, coupled with the smell of freshly barbecued bratwurst, oven-baked pretzels and local brew pilsner (all priced around the 3.50 Euro mark, very reasonable.)

But here's the good part, as we took our place in the terrace (an actual standing terrace) we were greeted with the sight of the whole stand waving massive flags, holding up scarves and bouncing, clapping and singing. There were people who brought a bass drum to make a beat and even two German guys sat on the fence, with a megaphone in hand, whipping up songs and getting the crowd going.

The noise was immense (remember what I told you earlier?), the singing carried on. And on. And on. The game started badly for the home side, but the singing carried on. It got even worse for the home side as they conceded a cheap goal and the atmosphere was subdued. For all of about 30 seconds! The guys on the megaphone got on it again, and the songs started again, this time louder.

Half-time came, so we went to get our obligatory beer and sausage with very little wait as there were plenty of outlets to deal with the demand and went back to the stands (oh did I mention we were allowed to drink and smoke in the stands?).

Anyway, the second half started, and out came the flags, scarves and megaphones. It made a massive difference, VFL came out all guns blazing. eventually, in the last ten minutes the equaliser came and the stadium erupted.

Even I got carried away in the excitement, shouting, screaming and (well trying to) sing along with their goal music, a German version of We're Not Gonna Take It by Twisted Sister (trust me it's as funny as it sounds). The game ended, but the singing didn't. In fact, the singing never stopped from start to finish.

So, two teams in similar positions, but two very different matchday experiences. I've followed Ipswich Town man and boy, all over the country and must have spent in the tens of thousands doing so in hours and money, but the very loud and clear message I got over the Tannoy was a very dull "Ipswich Town Football Club appreciates your support, and wishes you a safe journey home".

This for me is more than a growing concern, if the matchday experience lacks quality and value for money, the attendance will drop. Fewer people, less money for the club, less atmosphere, less chance of signing the right player, the spiral leads downwards to League One (it took the likes of Charlton, Leeds and Notts Forest years to catch up).

We are already seeing this now in low attendances and low atmosphere. Maybe it's time to take a leaf out of our German friends' book and offer a whole day's entertainment at Portman Road and not just 90 minutes of the possibly good, more than likely drab, football that's on offer and maybe, just maybe, the Churchmans Stand might even crack a song.

JimmyJazz added 09:43 - Oct 2 But here's the good part, as we took our place in the terrace (an actual standing terrace) we were greeted with the sight of the whole stand waving massive flags, holding up scarves and bouncing, clapping and singing. There were people who brought a bass drum to make a beat and even two German guys sat on the fence, with a megaphone in hand, whipping up songs and getting the crowd going. Saw this exact same thing at a game in Thailand that I went to earlier this year. (Opposing manager was Robbie Fowler). Atmosphere was amazing and friendly, drums and megaphone men never stopped for the complete 90 minutes, although they did rotate with other guys to give themselves a breather. Not sure you'd ever be able to replicate that in the UK, but it's a definite lesson to be learned. Think the key here is getting away from everyone having their own pre-determined seat. I appreciate that some people like to go to a game and sit quietly watching the proceedings, but there should be a stand/section set aside for that and the same for people who want to create some atmosphere. At the Thai game we were opposite the main modern looking stand with all mod cons and were in the unsheltered side of the ground with special posts erected for the megaphone guys. This was also the last game of the season and afterwards the team received a presentation in front of the main stand and then came over the other side to pay tribute to the fans around me who had been singing and cheering (and drinking beer) all through the past 90 minutes

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el_nino added 10:20 - Oct 2 Good blog. The atmosphere at Portman Road is embarrassing. I once sat in the home end for a game at West Ham with my wife's family and I was blown away by the noise and the passion by the fans.
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TheBoyBlue added 10:50 - Oct 2 Obviously the club can’t do anything about the smoking ban as that’s the law, but otherwise completely agree. We are led to believe the club can’t afford to bring the prices down, so what are Vfl doing differently that they can afford to bring their prices down so low?
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cooper4england added 11:12 - Oct 2 Great blog. I think you have concIsely summed up some of the issues at PR. Chucking a few cheer leaders in doesn't make it a carnival, in fact they look totally out of place and amateurish. I am sure the club and IpswIch councIl would cíte a perceived threat of hooliganism is a huge issue in Germany
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cooper4england added 11:15 - Oct 2 Oops pressed the wrong button! Was going to hooliganism is an issue in Germany too so it invalidates that excuse for not allowíng greater customer experIence. If you treat customers well and with respect this is likely to be reciprocated.
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Blue041273 added 12:09 - Oct 2 I think it's just the football mentality in England. We go to the game to watch the football and if we entertained we are happy, with a good win the icing on the cake. I have friends in the USA who go NFL American Football who cannot understand the English mentality. Over there the match day experience is so much more than just the game and lasts for hours. You get to the stadium early for the pre match entertainment and enjoy it; you eat and drink in your seat and replenish your supplies of food an drink throughout the game. Here the ground is pretty much empty until 10 mins to Kick off and currently starts emptying 10 mins before the end. Whatever the quality of the supplementary entertainment or the catering I don't think the fundamental match routines for most supporters is going to change. Good football and a successful team are the only elements required to improve the atmosphere at PR, things which have been in short supply for too many years now.

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hype313 added 13:11 - Oct 2 The price you pay for selling your soul to Sky Sports.
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Edmunds5 added 15:18 - Oct 2 Great blog, really interesting. I think obviously the decline of the club in terms of its results will naturally generate less attendance, though saying that it is a viscious circle as fans encourage good results. Much of Stoke City success is because of their stadium rocking most Saturdays that make it hostile and indimidating. Much of it as well is to do with the culture of football over here I think, over here we will do anything to criticise a club. people analyse the style of football, who is working hard on the pitch, the formations and tactics, they look at what players are wastes of money which can pressurise players too much things like that. The media is a factor aswell, negative press after losing a game and papers immediately jumping on somebodys back after a poor performance that can brainwash readers. Especially owners now coming in fans expect instant success and so there is such a level on importance now that will create a level of anxiety inside the stadium.

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allezlesbleus added 11:04 - Oct 3 Good blog and very true. I have lived in France for the last 8 years and watched many games (top flight) paying between 8 - 20 euros. For the last 2 seasons my son and I have been season ticket holders in the equivalent of the SBR Upper - paying only 278 euros for our pair of season tickets. We also get free programmes, free parking (5 minutes walk) and on several occassions free bags of crisps, free drinks and even free flags for kids. They also have an open day for season ticket holders, where each person gets a voucher for a free drink, free hot dog and a free crepe. As adamisblue states, the main stand sings throughout the entire match, regardless of results and often make large banners to cover the entire section to welcome the team onto the pitch. (although the guy on the tannoy can get on your nerves at times!) I think the main feeling is that fans are treated as such and their opinion is respected. The various supporters club at Rennes often have meetings with senior club officials and the team manager. ITFC and English football could learn a lot about respecting and appreciating their supporters from some of the foreign leagues.

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nthstd added 15:03 - Oct 3 Tragically the club has no control over the crap served outside the ground, but crap is complementing it. The cost of tickets is far too high. The extra for paying by credit car should be 1.9% of the ticket price and at 33 quid that's .63p that's what my credit card service provider charges my company. The idea that you are a fan is only valid amongst fans. I'm sure in some meeting in Portman Road they refer to us as units! If you want to stand with polite and nice stewards come to the lower Sir Bobby. You can stand all you like and you can hurl as much abuse and none will care, unless you are talking tosh in which case they will recalibrate you. I totally agree that we are robbed on the food and drink front and without a shadow of a doubt the club is missing a trick. There is a lot of mileage in servicing quality at a reasonable price in the ground. They could have people with those chiller packs on their backs selling beer at half time. At West Ham they had a guy selling hotdogs at either end of the away end a few years ago. Ah smoking, as a reformed addict of 15 years standing I understand your addiction. They should create a pen made up of temporary fencing to allow the chuffers a chance. The noise at Portman Road is subdued to say the least. I have attended many games in France in the Lower leagues and enjoyed them all. I do like the ability in Europe to drink beer whilst watching the game. They do it in rugby and they should trial it in football. In Sweden they serve a 3% beer inside football grounds

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BlackNblue added 20:06 - Oct 4 About the drum - I think that would be a good addition for us as the singing is much too fast. At the wolves game a couple of weeks ago the band in the cobbold lower were just playing a simple beat for the PJBA chant and it went well. I'm sure there's something the club could do but I wouldn't hold out much hope
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sotd78 added 12:44 - Oct 5 Some of what this blog contains is valid but then it has been written with a certain spin and an angle on it. Town have had drums at the last few home gaems. The half time entertainment is a distinct attempt at better. As is the cheerleaders and flag waving kids. the back of Britannnia (oops Co-op) is grand for pre-match meeting, drinks etc. The issue about pre-match pricing - fees on the day etc and graded games is all wrong and needs addressing. Some other issues are unique to Uk football and we should all lobby - safe standing, drinking in view of the pitch, smoking areas outside the stands...all do-able if the club, league, FA want to change it. i have suggested several times to the club about cheaper, walk up tickets to say Cobbold A block - priced to attract 16-24 age group. No set seats etc. Mr Clegg does not seem to think that a very good idea....

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MattinLondon added 15:56 - Oct 5 Portman Road is far far too expensive. I went to a Bundlesliege game a couple of years ago (Dortmund)...the tickets were only 10 Euro and the fans were generating a fantastic atmosphere...flares, masive flags and people jumping up down. It was amazing....I suppose if the clubs continues to charge silly high prices then they wil have to face the consequences of low support.

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broadside added 14:46 - Oct 7 I agree. How can it be that we are owned by a guy runs a big hospitality company and yet coming to see the team play is such a soulless experience? Anyone who went to the recent Brighton game for just one example can see how other clubs deliver way above us when it comes to giving supporters a good, all round match day experience. Portman Road has this terrible old and tired feeling about it these days. There doesn't seem to be a match day philosophy at all - to properly advertise the club and try to attract people to the ground by providing a much better all round experience. Results on the pitch obviously have an influence but employing someone with a bit of vision on how to market the club and beef up match day would certainly make a difference to the dwindling numbers coming through the turnstiles. It would certainly do alot for those of who loyally shell out for tickets week in week out. We maybe also have a bit more money we would spend at a match given a bit of incentive. If they could fix the half time catering it would be a start. The service is so SLOW. In the Bobby Robson Stand I queue for most of the break for a pint when I would have two if they gave me the time. Money like that I am willing to spend on food and drink and elswhere is just thrown away. Fix just that and I'd wager we'd easily pay for a good PR / Ents person who could light a fire under the club and totally transform the limp affair we have to put up with at the moment.

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