Never thought I would ever priase Portsmouth/Fratton Park for their ground, but the work they have done in re cladding the terrace and putting in the safe standing was great.
This is long over due in at least the Lower Covered End, but for a variety of reasons we seem to be long way from it
To my mind one of the best grounds in the league, and improving all the time. Classic location, historic architecture, fans close to the pitch and great atmosphere whenever we have visited.
I genuinely can’t think of an away ground I’d rather visit.
Safe standing is definitely a plus. I do think with away sections that you ideally do need some "enforced" seating areas as well, where you have to sit.
Give fans the choice. Many will want to stand, but for some that's physically not possible or they're too short to see the pitch.
All the time Uncle Roland owns The Valley there will be nothing spent on it other than the bare minimum so if anyone thinks we’ll be getting safe standing anytime soon they’re sadly mistaken.
Safe standing is definitely a plus. I do think with away sections that you ideally do need some "enforced" seating areas as well, where you have to sit.
Give fans the choice. Many will want to stand, but for some that's physically not possible or they're too short to see the pitch.
This is a good point.
What % of travelling fans of a typical club do you think would want to buy seated tickets? Do you think making the front 2 or 3 rows of a safe standing block seated would be sufficient?
Not going to be an imminent issue for The Valley, alas, as @buckshee observes.
Second time safe standing yesterday after Old Trafford and definitely a fan. As others have said, there would have been ‘limbs’ (and not in a good way) if there’d been normal seats. The surges on the terraces back in the 70s and 80s were good but, at my age, I’m not sure if I could stand it now - pun intended. I like to stand at aways and I think these rail seats are excellent
Second time safe standing yesterday after Old Trafford and definitely a fan. As others have said, there would have been ‘limbs’ (and not in a good way) if there’d been normal seats. The surges on the terraces back in the 70s and 80s were good but, at my age, I’m not sure if I could stand it now - pun intended. I like to stand at aways and I think these rail seats are excellent
The legroom at OT was seriously poor where I was, it would have been a struggle to sit there, even if I had wanted to!
I believe it is still the rules that tier 3 and 4 clubs can have the old style terracing with crush barriers. As we are now an established division 3 team, we should feel confident in safely removing the seats from the lower Covered End and going for a bit of a retro feel.
To add some authenticity, we could then build into the contracts of all first team players that they must have robust porn star moustaches.
Second time safe standing yesterday after Old Trafford and definitely a fan. As others have said, there would have been ‘limbs’ (and not in a good way) if there’d been normal seats. The surges on the terraces back in the 70s and 80s were good but, at my age, I’m not sure if I could stand it now - pun intended. I like to stand at aways and I think these rail seats are excellent
The legroom at OT was seriously poor where I was, it would have been a struggle to sit there, even if I had wanted to!
TBH I never tried sitting down at either ground :-) I just like the rail that I can lean against to rest my weary body…
I really liked the safe standing, if I am to have a moan though, I don't like people not going to their allocated seat.
Where I was it was way too cramped, Fred was having to stand Infront of me and George and there wasn't much wiggle room. Wouldn't be an issue if people went to their seats.
No denying it's quite fun but I'd be lying if I said it was comfortable.
Never thought I would ever priase Portsmouth/Fratton Park for their ground, but the work they have done in re cladding the terrace and putting in the safe standing was great.
This is long over due in at least the Lower Covered End, but for a variety of reasons we seem to be long way from it
The lower tier of the North Stand should be made a safe standing area asap. Both our goals yesterday were wildly celebrated and in other times, without those barriers, less enthusiastic celebratory scenes would have resulted in fans falling over the seats in front.
That still happened yesterday.
Being in the bottom right, with both goals coming from the left hand side of the goal me and my lad never actually saw either of them
I really liked the safe standing, if I am to have a moan though, I don't like people not going to their allocated seat.
Where I was it was way too cramped, Fred was having to stand Infront of me and George and there wasn't much wiggle room. Wouldn't be an issue if people went to their seats.
No denying it's quite fun but I'd be lying if I said it was comfortable.
I always go to the back behind the goal because that’s the best for atmosphere and view, I don’t even check my ticket to see where I’m supposed to be sat and I don’t think many do.
Surely in this day and age you should be able to select your seat for an away game when buying, like you do a home game. And that would mean this is less of an issue
I really liked the safe standing, if I am to have a moan though, I don't like people not going to their allocated seat.
Where I was it was way too cramped, Fred was having to stand Infront of me and George and there wasn't much wiggle room. Wouldn't be an issue if people went to their seats.
No denying it's quite fun but I'd be lying if I said it was comfortable.
I always go to the back behind the goal because that’s the best for atmosphere and view, I don’t even check my ticket to see where I’m supposed to be sat and I don’t think many do.
Surely in this day and age you should be able to select your seat for an away game when buying, like you do a home game. And that would mean this is less of an issue
You should be able to select but what actually happens is, people buy their tickets at separate dates and then just cram in with their mates.
I am trying not to be a grouch about it cause part of me loves the atmosphere of a crammed up away day, I just wish it was a bit more organised. Sitting where you want when it's not a sell out doesn't bother me at all on the other hand.
Maybe it was just my lower back being a nightmare on the day, never felt that uncomfortable before and it's now made me realise the issue for people with consistent issues.
I really liked the safe standing, if I am to have a moan though, I don't like people not going to their allocated seat.
Where I was it was way too cramped, Fred was having to stand Infront of me and George and there wasn't much wiggle room. Wouldn't be an issue if people went to their seats.
No denying it's quite fun but I'd be lying if I said it was comfortable.
I always go to the back behind the goal because that’s the best for atmosphere and view, I don’t even check my ticket to see where I’m supposed to be sat and I don’t think many do.
Surely in this day and age you should be able to select your seat for an away game when buying, like you do a home game. And that would mean this is less of an issue
You should be able to select but what actually happens is, people buy their tickets at separate dates and then just cram in with their mates.
I am trying not to be a grouch about it cause part of me loves the atmosphere of a crammed up away day, I just wish it was a bit more organised. Sitting where you want when it's not a sell out doesn't bother me at all on the other hand.
Maybe it was just my lower back being a nightmare on the day, never felt that uncomfortable before and it's now made me realise the issue for people with consistent issues.
The whole justification for safe standing being safer than traditional terracing, is that people are spread out one per allotted space, avoiding crush problems. It will be interesting if the authorities are monitoring this, as safe standing is basically a trial at the moment?
I really liked the safe standing, if I am to have a moan though, I don't like people not going to their allocated seat.
Where I was it was way too cramped, Fred was having to stand Infront of me and George and there wasn't much wiggle room. Wouldn't be an issue if people went to their seats.
No denying it's quite fun but I'd be lying if I said it was comfortable.
I think the problem is caused by the fact you have a mix of people going where they like and then people who want their allocated seat. I've moved from my own seat a few times only to then be moved from wherever I've moved to because someone wanted to be where there ticket was. If every away end was simply 'go where you like' it would remove this problem.
I really liked the safe standing, if I am to have a moan though, I don't like people not going to their allocated seat.
Where I was it was way too cramped, Fred was having to stand Infront of me and George and there wasn't much wiggle room. Wouldn't be an issue if people went to their seats.
No denying it's quite fun but I'd be lying if I said it was comfortable.
I always go to the back behind the goal because that’s the best for atmosphere and view, I don’t even check my ticket to see where I’m supposed to be sat and I don’t think many do.
Surely in this day and age you should be able to select your seat for an away game when buying, like you do a home game. And that would mean this is less of an issue
You should be able to select but what actually happens is, people buy their tickets at separate dates and then just cram in with their mates.
I am trying not to be a grouch about it cause part of me loves the atmosphere of a crammed up away day, I just wish it was a bit more organised. Sitting where you want when it's not a sell out doesn't bother me at all on the other hand.
Maybe it was just my lower back being a nightmare on the day, never felt that uncomfortable before and it's now made me realise the issue for people with consistent issues.
The whole justification for safe standing being safer than traditional terracing, is that people are spread out one per allotted space, avoiding crush problems. It will be interesting if the authorities are monitoring this, as safe standing is basically a trial at the moment?
I think the "true" justification for safe standing compared to unsafe seating is the barrier between each row. This means that people cannot tumble forward and injure the people in front.
Like the idiot celebrating a goal who fell onto me and my pregnant wife all those years ago during that memorable game at Villa. Fortunately no harm done but a memory which still gives me shudders.
I really liked the safe standing, if I am to have a moan though, I don't like people not going to their allocated seat.
Where I was it was way too cramped, Fred was having to stand Infront of me and George and there wasn't much wiggle room. Wouldn't be an issue if people went to their seats.
No denying it's quite fun but I'd be lying if I said it was comfortable.
I think the problem is caused by the fact you have a mix of people going where they like and then people who want their allocated seat. I've moved from my own seat a few times only to then be moved from wherever I've moved to because someone wanted to be where there ticket was. If every away end was simply 'go where you like' it would remove this problem.
Good point but what if you have a ticket bang in the middle and when you get there all the middle has been occupied and all that's left is seats towards the far left and right sides?
Could argue to get there earlier but then even if you did, the groups who like to cram in together would probably still do so anyway..
Tricky one, just gotta get on with it I suppose, as I said I don't really mind deep down, just thinking of others as I had a particular issue on that day.
I really liked the safe standing, if I am to have a moan though, I don't like people not going to their allocated seat.
Where I was it was way too cramped, Fred was having to stand Infront of me and George and there wasn't much wiggle room. Wouldn't be an issue if people went to their seats.
No denying it's quite fun but I'd be lying if I said it was comfortable.
I always go to the back behind the goal because that’s the best for atmosphere and view, I don’t even check my ticket to see where I’m supposed to be sat and I don’t think many do.
Surely in this day and age you should be able to select your seat for an away game when buying, like you do a home game. And that would mean this is less of an issue
You should be able to select but what actually happens is, people buy their tickets at separate dates and then just cram in with their mates.
I am trying not to be a grouch about it cause part of me loves the atmosphere of a crammed up away day, I just wish it was a bit more organised. Sitting where you want when it's not a sell out doesn't bother me at all on the other hand.
Maybe it was just my lower back being a nightmare on the day, never felt that uncomfortable before and it's now made me realise the issue for people with consistent issues.
The whole justification for safe standing being safer than traditional terracing, is that people are spread out one per allotted space, avoiding crush problems. It will be interesting if the authorities are monitoring this, as safe standing is basically a trial at the moment?
I would be surprised if they are monitoring it efficiently, might just take notice if an accident occurs but that's about it.
The stewards were useless and despite saying allocated didn't seem bothered by where people went.
I think it's a great idea just think there needs to be a bit more room, as a bigger bloke I always find most places a bit cramped anyway. Might be time to drop a few stones again 😂
Fratton Park is a good ground - old school, carefully brought a little up to date
But, blue football grounds don’t do it for me - red stadiums feel so much more welcoming (genuinely - not biased)
That said, the safe standing at Fratton was really good
But as said above, we ain’t seeing it at The Valley all the while the club don’t own the ground - end of
I sit lower Covered End, and being a short arse, when we have a decent attack to that goal, everyone stands up, and I see fuck all, unless I stand on my seat
What's the deal in Block F of the covered end? Bought tickets for me and my 12 yo a few weeks ago and everyone at the far end stands. Fair enough but it isn't designated is it? Because I had my boy with me he would have been staring at someone's backside for the whole game had we stayed there. So we just moved into the centre of the block where there were empty seats. If the stand had been full I would have had to have words and either get them to sit down or ask to be moved to another block which is not really fair when you've paid for seats.
I dont like sitting at football, never have, but the Taylor Reforms brought about all seater stadiums so today I choose my ST in a fairly empty part of the Covered End where I can stand, its also one where everyone else around me does. If someone is sitting behind I offer to swap so I am not blocking their view, if they decline as they have paid for that seat, I am happy to move and stand a few rows behind them there is more than enough space for all.
Away games generally police themselves with people sitting towards the front and those standing towards the back. On saturday I heard one of the stewards asking a supervisor 'how are we going to get them to all sit down' and the response was 'we won't, they seem happy enough' the steward stormed off and I next saw him on social media throwing someone out for no apperent reason.
Courtesy among supporters and common sense among stewarding are the way forward until safe seating does arrive.
What's the deal in Block F of the covered end? Bought tickets for me and my 12 yo a few weeks ago and everyone at the far end stands. Fair enough but it isn't designated is it? Because I had my boy with me he would have been staring at someone's backside for the whole game had we stayed there. So we just moved into the centre of the block where there were empty seats. If the stand had been full I would have had to have words and either get them to sit down or ask to be moved to another block which is not really fair when you've paid for seats.
There aren't any designated standing areas at Charlton, but I think Block F is the lower's equivalent of H & G in the upper with most standing each week.
Safe standing areas in home and away ends are the future, I enjoy standing every home match in the upper covered end, as do 90% of the people in my block.
If I was forced to sit down at football I would seriously consider not going, as first it is just not as comfortable as leg room is not good enough for anyone even average height and second it spoils the atmosphere but then I have realised in recent years I enjoy football fandom more then the actual game as I barely ever watch any matches on TV.
What's the deal in Block F of the covered end? Bought tickets for me and my 12 yo a few weeks ago and everyone at the far end stands. Fair enough but it isn't designated is it? Because I had my boy with me he would have been staring at someone's backside for the whole game had we stayed there. So we just moved into the centre of the block where there were empty seats. If the stand had been full I would have had to have words and either get them to sit down or ask to be moved to another block which is not really fair when you've paid for seats.
Maybe you should go in the family stand if you're with your 12 year old.
Alternatively, everyone sits in the Curbs and West stands.
Comments
Give fans the choice. Many will want to stand, but for some that's physically not possible or they're too short to see the pitch.
Another fan of safe standing here as well.
What % of travelling fans of a typical club do you think would want to buy seated tickets? Do you think making the front 2 or 3 rows of a safe standing block seated would be sufficient?
Not going to be an imminent issue for The Valley, alas, as @buckshee observes.
I like to stand at aways and I think these rail seats are excellent
To add some authenticity, we could then build into the contracts of all first team players that they must have robust porn star moustaches.
Where I was it was way too cramped, Fred was having to stand Infront of me and George and there wasn't much wiggle room. Wouldn't be an issue if people went to their seats.
No denying it's quite fun but I'd be lying if I said it was comfortable.
I am trying not to be a grouch about it cause part of me loves the atmosphere of a crammed up away day, I just wish it was a bit more organised. Sitting where you want when it's not a sell out doesn't bother me at all on the other hand.
Maybe it was just my lower back being a nightmare on the day, never felt that uncomfortable before and it's now made me realise the issue for people with consistent issues.
Like the idiot celebrating a goal who fell onto me and my pregnant wife all those years ago during that memorable game at Villa. Fortunately no harm done but a memory which still gives me shudders.
Could argue to get there earlier but then even if you did, the groups who like to cram in together would probably still do so anyway..
Tricky one, just gotta get on with it I suppose, as I said I don't really mind deep down, just thinking of others as I had a particular issue on that day.
The stewards were useless and despite saying allocated didn't seem bothered by where people went.
I think it's a great idea just think there needs to be a bit more room, as a bigger bloke I always find most places a bit cramped anyway. Might be time to drop a few stones again 😂
But, blue football grounds don’t do it for me - red stadiums feel so much more welcoming (genuinely - not biased)
That said, the safe standing at Fratton was really good
But as said above, we ain’t seeing it at The Valley all the while the club don’t own the ground - end of
I sit lower Covered End, and being a short arse, when we have a decent attack to that goal, everyone stands up, and I see fuck all, unless I stand on my seat
Bought tickets for me and my 12 yo a few weeks ago and everyone at the far end stands. Fair enough but it isn't designated is it?
Because I had my boy with me he would have been staring at someone's backside for the whole game had we stayed there. So we just moved into the centre of the block where there were empty seats.
If the stand had been full I would have had to have words and either get them to sit down or ask to be moved to another block which is not really fair when you've paid for seats.
Away games generally police themselves with people sitting towards the front and those standing towards the back. On saturday I heard one of the stewards asking a supervisor 'how are we going to get them to all sit down' and the response was 'we won't, they seem happy enough' the steward stormed off and I next saw him on social media throwing someone out for no apperent reason.
Courtesy among supporters and common sense among stewarding are the way forward until safe seating does arrive.
If I was forced to sit down at football I would seriously consider not going, as first it is just not as comfortable as leg room is not good enough for anyone even average height and second it spoils the atmosphere but then I have realised in recent years I enjoy football fandom more then the actual game as I barely ever watch any matches on TV.
Alternatively, everyone sits in the Curbs and West stands.
https://www.charltonafc.com/news/safe-standing-valley-202425