| ITFC attitude to Blue Action 13:13 - Jan 17 with 11476 views | Zx1988 |
It's been interesting to read the comments on recent BA threads, that suggest that there is a real difference between the club's public messaging regarding creating an atmosphere, and the way in which they treat BA's attempts to create said atmosphere.
When I was reading up on the English Ultra scene yesterday, I noted that the Holmesdale Fanatics took 'strike' action against the lack of assistance/cooperation that they received from Crystal Palace.
Is this something that BA might consider if the club, as it seems, continue to refuse to work with them in a constructive manner and, instead, pay lip service to trying to keep them onside? |  |
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| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 14:40 - Jan 17 with 2108 views | FrimleyBlue |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 14:35 - Jan 17 by Zx1988 |
At what point did I say that BA should take strike action if the club doesn't turn Section 5 over to them? |
I said seeing thinks like strike action If the club don't help. Didn't say strike action over section 5. |  |
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| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 14:41 - Jan 17 with 2113 views | BtreeBlueBlood |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 14:20 - Jan 17 by homer_123 |
I think a move to the Cobbold Stand by BA is the right one.
The North Stand used to work because....well, it's obvious right? You'd be having a little banter with the supporters next door?
If BA move and the noise, chanting etc. is next to oppo fans, that's a good thing right. Bouncing off each other, likely drive up some noise elsewhere?
That won't detract from the North Stand being vocal but I think it's a smart move and one worth trying.
Oh, I appreciate that wasn't the point of your OP.
EDIT: and I could have easily contributed the above to the actual thread that is on this very subject! [Post edited 17 Jan 2023 14:22]
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There are still going to be people who sit in section A who want to sit. ( just saying) |  | | |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 14:42 - Jan 17 with 2110 views | sotd78 |
BA should collect together a folder of eveidence - times when the manager has suggested we need to build the stmosphere. McKenna has alluded to it several times.
Then lobby consistently and many times on "unreserved rail seating"
That's the way to winkle away at the club. |  |
| Blue shirts/white shorts - sotd78 |
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| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 14:49 - Jan 17 with 2058 views | Zx1988 |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 14:40 - Jan 17 by FrimleyBlue |
I said seeing thinks like strike action If the club don't help. Didn't say strike action over section 5. |
I think, based on the posts from BA members, it would be a perfectly suitable way to highlight the issues if the club continues to act in the way it is. The club cannot make all the noise that it does regarding atmosphere, and then refuse to work constructively with the main group responsible for trying to create the atmosphere.
The club says 'we want a fantastic atmosphere'. BA approach the club with constructive ideas, that seem feasible and in-line with stadium regulations. The club then obfuscates and essentially gives the impression that it is fishing for excuses as to why things can't happen.
If I was involved with BA, I would feel very much as if my support and noise was taken for granted by the club. A game or two with BA either not in attendance, or making a concerted effort to not make any noise, would surely make it plain to the club the benefits that BA bring. [Post edited 17 Jan 2023 14:54]
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| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 14:53 - Jan 17 with 2033 views | homer_123 |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 14:41 - Jan 17 by BtreeBlueBlood |
There are still going to be people who sit in section A who want to sit. ( just saying) |
No doubt.
Just think that bouncing off the away supporters might just add a bit of spice. |  |
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| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 14:55 - Jan 17 with 2029 views | gringoblue |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 14:49 - Jan 17 by Zx1988 |
I think, based on the posts from BA members, it would be a perfectly suitable way to highlight the issues if the club continues to act in the way it is. The club cannot make all the noise that it does regarding atmosphere, and then refuse to work constructively with the main group responsible for trying to create the atmosphere.
The club says 'we want a fantastic atmosphere'. BA approach the club with constructive ideas, that seem feasible and in-line with stadium regulations. The club then obfuscates and essentially gives the impression that it is fishing for excuses as to why things can't happen.
If I was involved with BA, I would feel very much as if my support and noise was taken for granted by the club. A game or two with BA either not in attendance, or making a concerted effort to not make any noise, would surely make it plain to the club the benefits that BA bring. [Post edited 17 Jan 2023 14:54]
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yeah it is also incredibly obvious that the players love it and appreciate it - ever noticed where they always run to when a goal is scored at NS end? |  | | |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 14:56 - Jan 17 with 2026 views | bluelagos |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 14:28 - Jan 17 by sotd78 |
As an old codger I remember being like the BA group when I was younger. Of course, in those days you went and stood in or amongst the singing groups - the North if you could cope with the "aggro" and Churchman's if you wanted to be "sensible". Both ends sang - lots at times. And when the then old codgers got going Churchman's was worth a goal to the team at times.
The real answer to all this predicament is to put in unreserved rail seating behind one of the goals. Upper deck North if " 'elf and safety" allows. That would put the whole situation back to the pre-all seater stadium days when to get the "best" spot you turned up early.
Done properly we could have places for capo's (if I understood that correctly)
That can all be done without confronting "this is my seat" situations. The club has no excuse now not to engage in this. |
Wherever you put the safe standing, some people will moan. We are a nation of proper miserable fckers sometimes and anything new some people will find something to whinge about.
Sometimes you just have to take the lead, make the changes and do what you can to placate those who feel they have a god given right to sit in the same seat, in the same way as they have for the past 20 years.
So be nice, maybe offer them a seat in the upper stand at lower prices for 2 seasons? Give them something to ease the pain of change and trauma they feel for having to sit somewhere else. But do it, do it for the greater good of the stadium/atmosphere/match day experience.
And if they still don't like it, comes a time when you just tell them where to go (This is why I'd never last long in a PR role :-) and then get on with it. Would you rather sit in a bouncing stadium or a quiet one?
And how many BAs have we actually got? 500 or so? Can't be beyond the wit of man to squeeze them into S5 and move a few (still in the North lower or upstairs?) to facilitate the move and improved atmosphere. |  |
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| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 15:01 - Jan 17 with 1994 views | hoppy |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 14:53 - Jan 17 by homer_123 |
No doubt.
Just think that bouncing off the away supporters might just add a bit of spice. |
I may be being a bit dim here, but how will that work, in terms of being at the far end of the same stand the away fans are, as opposed to being more in sightline with them? Is it purely the acoustics carrying along the same stand? |  |
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| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 15:04 - Jan 17 with 1977 views | hoppy |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 14:56 - Jan 17 by bluelagos |
Wherever you put the safe standing, some people will moan. We are a nation of proper miserable fckers sometimes and anything new some people will find something to whinge about.
Sometimes you just have to take the lead, make the changes and do what you can to placate those who feel they have a god given right to sit in the same seat, in the same way as they have for the past 20 years.
So be nice, maybe offer them a seat in the upper stand at lower prices for 2 seasons? Give them something to ease the pain of change and trauma they feel for having to sit somewhere else. But do it, do it for the greater good of the stadium/atmosphere/match day experience.
And if they still don't like it, comes a time when you just tell them where to go (This is why I'd never last long in a PR role :-) and then get on with it. Would you rather sit in a bouncing stadium or a quiet one?
And how many BAs have we actually got? 500 or so? Can't be beyond the wit of man to squeeze them into S5 and move a few (still in the North lower or upstairs?) to facilitate the move and improved atmosphere. |
(This is why I'd never last long in a PR role :-)
- just that reason? | |
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| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 15:06 - Jan 17 with 1963 views | homer_123 |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 15:01 - Jan 17 by hoppy |
I may be being a bit dim here, but how will that work, in terms of being at the far end of the same stand the away fans are, as opposed to being more in sightline with them? Is it purely the acoustics carrying along the same stand? |
I guess I was thinking more proximity.
back in the day, being next to the away fans created an 'atmos' that I think has been missing at PR for so long. | |
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| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 15:16 - Jan 17 with 1920 views | ITFC_Forever |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 14:56 - Jan 17 by bluelagos |
Wherever you put the safe standing, some people will moan. We are a nation of proper miserable fckers sometimes and anything new some people will find something to whinge about.
Sometimes you just have to take the lead, make the changes and do what you can to placate those who feel they have a god given right to sit in the same seat, in the same way as they have for the past 20 years.
So be nice, maybe offer them a seat in the upper stand at lower prices for 2 seasons? Give them something to ease the pain of change and trauma they feel for having to sit somewhere else. But do it, do it for the greater good of the stadium/atmosphere/match day experience.
And if they still don't like it, comes a time when you just tell them where to go (This is why I'd never last long in a PR role :-) and then get on with it. Would you rather sit in a bouncing stadium or a quiet one?
And how many BAs have we actually got? 500 or so? Can't be beyond the wit of man to squeeze them into S5 and move a few (still in the North lower or upstairs?) to facilitate the move and improved atmosphere. |
For the whole BA moving to Section 5 thing, other than what will happen to displaced S5 fans, what about current S5 ST holders who already regularly contribute to the atmosphere in the SBRL already and want to stay to continue and work with BA?
How does the club identify who is who? |  |
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| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 15:19 - Jan 17 with 1908 views | noggin |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 14:21 - Jan 17 by SheffordBlue |
I like what BA are trying to do but I'm not sure it's clear cut.
They are a small subset of the fans who attend games and don't represent all of the other groups. E.g families, people who are more intersted in watching the football than the atmosphere. The club want to appeal to as many of the groups as possible without alienating any of them - not an easy balance at times I suspect.
There is already an Official Supporters Club that the Club formally meet with. There is a limit to the number of groups that the club will want to formally meet with due to time constraints, etc. I don't know how much BA have tried to engage with the official supporters group but that might be an avenue for communication.
There may well be longer term plans for stadium development that the club are unwilling to release or discuss but would cause problems for them if they implemented some of BAs requests. E.g If they know they will have to shift a proportion of season tickets holders relatively soon for infrastructure works they may well not want to annoy another group of season ticket holders by moving them for games. |
"people who are more interested in watching the football than the atmosphere."
Surely the view is much better, pretty much anywhere in the ground? |  |
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| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 15:36 - Jan 17 with 1862 views | bluelagos |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 15:04 - Jan 17 by hoppy |
(This is why I'd never last long in a PR role :-)
- just that reason? |
You suggesting diplomacy isn't one of my strong points Hoppy? | |
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| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 15:42 - Jan 17 with 1845 views | sotd78 |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 14:56 - Jan 17 by bluelagos |
Wherever you put the safe standing, some people will moan. We are a nation of proper miserable fckers sometimes and anything new some people will find something to whinge about.
Sometimes you just have to take the lead, make the changes and do what you can to placate those who feel they have a god given right to sit in the same seat, in the same way as they have for the past 20 years.
So be nice, maybe offer them a seat in the upper stand at lower prices for 2 seasons? Give them something to ease the pain of change and trauma they feel for having to sit somewhere else. But do it, do it for the greater good of the stadium/atmosphere/match day experience.
And if they still don't like it, comes a time when you just tell them where to go (This is why I'd never last long in a PR role :-) and then get on with it. Would you rather sit in a bouncing stadium or a quiet one?
And how many BAs have we actually got? 500 or so? Can't be beyond the wit of man to squeeze them into S5 and move a few (still in the North lower or upstairs?) to facilitate the move and improved atmosphere. |
Everyone who says allow BA into S5 and move the existing long-term fan is missing a point. The existence of fixed seats with a Season Ticket attached to it is the obstacle. How long before our energetic S6BA become a new but too old S5
Go read the articles about USA capos and how they are burned out by aged 30.
The answer lies in unreserved rail seats. Focus on that. Wherever in the ground it can be allowed. | |
| Blue shirts/white shorts - sotd78 |
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| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 15:42 - Jan 17 with 1840 views | bluelagos |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 15:16 - Jan 17 by ITFC_Forever |
For the whole BA moving to Section 5 thing, other than what will happen to displaced S5 fans, what about current S5 ST holders who already regularly contribute to the atmosphere in the SBRL already and want to stay to continue and work with BA?
How does the club identify who is who? |
Presumably they ask them?
"We are introducing a singing/standing/flag waving section to accommodate the BA section of fans, where we are encouraging young fans to congregate to coordinate singing/noise etc.
We understand some fans may prefer a quieter, less intensive experience and will be happy to offer them a move blah blah blah" | |
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| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 16:01 - Jan 17 with 1788 views | BlueDove |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 15:42 - Jan 17 by sotd78 |
Everyone who says allow BA into S5 and move the existing long-term fan is missing a point. The existence of fixed seats with a Season Ticket attached to it is the obstacle. How long before our energetic S6BA become a new but too old S5
Go read the articles about USA capos and how they are burned out by aged 30.
The answer lies in unreserved rail seats. Focus on that. Wherever in the ground it can be allowed. |
I might be wrong here, but I thought you weren't allowed to have unreserved seating with safe standing? From what I understood you need to have a designated 'seat' in a safe standing terrace. | | | |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 16:03 - Jan 17 with 1767 views | WilbrahamBlue |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 13:44 - Jan 17 by bluelagos |
One for BA guys I guess. But like you, am sensing the club is being far from helpful.
People who sat in seats for years won't appreciate it, but they don't "own" their seat, and they have no divine right to sit there. Previously the club has pull down stands and of course it's sad for those who cling to the past, but things do change.
But for them to stand in the way of a group of young fans, seeking to make some noise and some colour, in the very stand that traditionally had lots of noise...does feel like a classic case of entitlement from older fans who would do well to just move to another part of the ground.
I did exactly that when I left the North stand a few years ago, recognised standing for extended periods wasn't for me anymore so rather than moan at those who do, I changed where I sat.
Think the BA guys should be encouraged and anyone who has a problem with a flag being waved occasionally can quite easily move their seat. |
I think this is a really basic way of reading the situation and how it presents itself. For the club to usurp an entire section of our most popular stand would be plain awful PR and is far from the only viable solution. The 'treatment' of Blue Action by the club sounds pretty consistent with how other clubs interact with these types of passionate, independent groups. Sometimes the comments on here from BA are on the emotional side, but what with them being a passionate bunch its par for the course.
For what its worth I am Pro BA, sit relatively near them and want to keep my seat as i enjoy the view..... | | | |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 16:15 - Jan 17 with 1708 views | blueislander |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 16:03 - Jan 17 by WilbrahamBlue |
I think this is a really basic way of reading the situation and how it presents itself. For the club to usurp an entire section of our most popular stand would be plain awful PR and is far from the only viable solution. The 'treatment' of Blue Action by the club sounds pretty consistent with how other clubs interact with these types of passionate, independent groups. Sometimes the comments on here from BA are on the emotional side, but what with them being a passionate bunch its par for the course.
For what its worth I am Pro BA, sit relatively near them and want to keep my seat as i enjoy the view..... |
Pardon my ignorance but how many BA members are there? Also I guess there will be some younger supporters who would like to be with BA | | | |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 16:31 - Jan 17 with 1640 views | Pinewoodblue |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 15:01 - Jan 17 by hoppy |
I may be being a bit dim here, but how will that work, in terms of being at the far end of the same stand the away fans are, as opposed to being more in sightline with them? Is it purely the acoustics carrying along the same stand? |
Presumably they think you can put something on the roof of West stand, and bounce the sound off. it. |  |
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| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 17:18 - Jan 17 with 1531 views | hoppy |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 15:36 - Jan 17 by bluelagos |
You suggesting diplomacy isn't one of my strong points Hoppy? |
I'll maintain a diplomatic silence here, I think.
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| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 17:31 - Jan 17 with 1520 views | ElephantintheRoom |
There are 29,000 supporters of varied ages - how many Blue Action attention seekers are there?
The right-on American owners have made no secret of making Portman Road a ‘customer experience’ with lots of dosh to be made if people can be persuaded to come early - and perhaps stick around after the game. Alienating hundreds of supporters who understandably feel attached to their seats and might even sit in them is not good business really. I have a certain sympathy with them leaning towards the majority. | |
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| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 17:38 - Jan 17 with 1494 views | MattinLondon |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 17:31 - Jan 17 by ElephantintheRoom |
There are 29,000 supporters of varied ages - how many Blue Action attention seekers are there?
The right-on American owners have made no secret of making Portman Road a ‘customer experience’ with lots of dosh to be made if people can be persuaded to come early - and perhaps stick around after the game. Alienating hundreds of supporters who understandably feel attached to their seats and might even sit in them is not good business really. I have a certain sympathy with them leaning towards the majority. |
So you’re saying all 29k supporters wish to seat in the that part of the Lower SBR stand? |  | | |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 17:40 - Jan 17 with 1486 views | Funge |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 14:33 - Jan 17 by FrimleyBlue |
I have a family member in the stand you're trying to kick out. So I'll continue to have input ta.
A group put together in the last few years trying to oust people who've been going to PR for 40 odd years and then seeing thinks like strike action if the club don't help. It's crazy.
So yes I will carry on getting involved ta. Joys of a public forum. |
You contribute on every thread, despite never going to Portman Road.
As such, your input right here, with regards to a post about improving the atmosphere within the ground on a matchday, is wholly redundant.
As for Blue Action - keep at it. |  | | |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 17:56 - Jan 17 with 1428 views | ibbleobble |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 13:56 - Jan 17 by J2BLUE |
I don't know the full story but I think this is unfair.
BA have now provided a solution and if the club still push back this would be a fair point but up until now the club have had to either say no or disrupt other fans who may have been sitting there for years.
The club have zero reason to oppose BA in any way. |
Agree. Any negativity toward BA would s from a real minority who moan and offer nothing up in return. BA are and have a solid attempt at improving the atmosphere so I’m sure it has the club’s backing as should it from us all. | | | |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 18:07 - Jan 17 with 1390 views | xrayspecs |
| ITFC attitude to Blue Action on 14:49 - Jan 17 by Zx1988 |
I think, based on the posts from BA members, it would be a perfectly suitable way to highlight the issues if the club continues to act in the way it is. The club cannot make all the noise that it does regarding atmosphere, and then refuse to work constructively with the main group responsible for trying to create the atmosphere.
The club says 'we want a fantastic atmosphere'. BA approach the club with constructive ideas, that seem feasible and in-line with stadium regulations. The club then obfuscates and essentially gives the impression that it is fishing for excuses as to why things can't happen.
If I was involved with BA, I would feel very much as if my support and noise was taken for granted by the club. A game or two with BA either not in attendance, or making a concerted effort to not make any noise, would surely make it plain to the club the benefits that BA bring. [Post edited 17 Jan 2023 14:54]
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Supportive of BA efforts etc.
Two points.
BA are a tiny minority of those who attend each week, so will be just one of a number of voices the club will listen to regarding improving the atmosphere. The club can not accommodate every request.
BA do not have a monopoly on creating the atmosphere and imv would not be missed much if they did go on strike. I am sure the rest of the NS would get on just fine without them. | | | |
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