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25% => The Boardroom => Topic started by: Johnny Spesh on Sunday, February 26, 2012, 16:26:37



Title: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Johnny Spesh on Sunday, February 26, 2012, 16:26:37
Seeing as the season tickets have been priced for next season, I take it that there is gonna be no plans to redevelop the County Ground for yet another year at least ?. I am beginning to wonder if this is ever gonna happen or is it just talk and false promises like it has been from previous boards. I thought they had the go ahead to start work on the Town End but was put back a year because of relegation to league 2 ?. But as it looks like we are certain to bounce back up I would of thought work would of started this summer , but seeing as they are selling Town End tickets and not a word has been mentioned about redevelopment for months , I take it once again nothing is gonna come of it, and while more or less every other club are playing in brand new stadiums or redeveloped ones , we are gonna continue to carry on in an ageing County Ground.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: OOH! SHAUN TAYLOR on Sunday, February 26, 2012, 16:31:34
Seeing as the season tickets have been priced for next season, I take it that there is gonna be no plans to redevelop the County Ground for yet another year at least ?. I am beginning to wonder if this is ever gonna happen or is it just talk and false promises like it has been from previous boards. I thought they had the go ahead to start work on the Town End but was put back a year because of relegation to league 2 ?. But as it looks like we are certain to bounce back up I would of thought work would of started this summer , but seeing as they are selling Town End tickets and not a word has been mentioned about redevelopment for months , I take it once again nothing is gonna come of it, and while more or less every other club are playing in brand new stadiums or redeveloped ones , we are gonna continue to carry on in an ageing County Ground.
Yep, all talk and false promises - sums up this Board in a nut shell  :nod:


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Swindon Please Win on Sunday, February 26, 2012, 16:37:39
http://www.thisisswindontownfc.co.uk/news/9428374.Town_in_talks_with_council_over_County_Ground_plans/?action=complain&cid=9929836

From December..


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: tans on Sunday, February 26, 2012, 16:39:34
You wait till they tell us all we are merging with Oxford ;)


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: ahounsell on Sunday, February 26, 2012, 16:44:12
Given the existing lease expires in just over a year there will need to be something agreed betwen the Club and the Council within the next 12 months even if its just an extension of the existing arrangement.

The Season ticket announcement is irrelevant, for work to be starting this summer there would have to be a planning application underway by now and there isnt. The board are in a diificult position as they have shown they are keen to keep fans informed but at the same time we dont want another Shaw Tip scenario where the club announces a grandiose scheme before there are any agreements in place for it to actually go ahead.

Relegation probably moved the issue down the priority list for the board but if they want to make the club more self sufficient, a redevelopment of some kind is a must in the long term.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Spud on Sunday, February 26, 2012, 16:45:24
Thames Valley FC will soon be announced.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Ralphy on Sunday, February 26, 2012, 19:54:49
Had a look round Blackpool's ground this weekend, very smart.

3 sides are completely rebuilt and enclosed with a temp stand on the remaining 1 side.

I just hope we have something unique and not your standard 4 stands of equal size like Shrewsbury, Chesterfield etc.

Something like Preston's would be good with about an 18,000 capacity.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Benzel on Sunday, February 26, 2012, 19:56:18
Spesh.

Apt.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Spencer_White on Sunday, February 26, 2012, 20:02:21
Ive had a dream, a frontage a bit like the old main stand at Highbury. Imagine walking out of the terraced streets and seeing the Town End look like that? Big red neon lights 'SWINDON TOWN FC 1879' on the top booming out over the Swindon skyline every night.

If I was a billionaire.....


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: OOH! SHAUN TAYLOR on Sunday, February 26, 2012, 20:58:28
Had a look round Blackpool's ground this weekend, very smart.

3 sides are completely rebuilt and enclosed with a temp stand on the remaining 1 side.

I just hope we have something unique and not your standard 4 stands of equal size like Shrewsbury, Chesterfield etc.

Something like Preston's would be good with about an 18,000 capacity.
That was what was mentioned the last time it was reported at any length. Three of the four sides getting knocked down with the DRS being incorporated into the new design. That would be excellent, although I would round up the capacity to 20,000 with the potential to take it up to 25,000.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Spencer_White on Sunday, February 26, 2012, 21:03:59
I think the stands at Preston, and the DRS are too steep for football. Especially for stands behind the goals (it doesnt encourage standing up!).


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Ralphy on Sunday, February 26, 2012, 21:08:18
I've mentioned it before but I like Hearts ground.....

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c5/Tynecastle_Stadium_2007.jpg




Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Arriba on Sunday, February 26, 2012, 21:08:30
Considering the council are prepared to spunk off money to wankers like Pricky cunt on wifi schemes they should give the county ground site to the club.
The area around the ground has become an utter shit hole in recent years,so as long as the club can offer a spruce up the area it shouldn't be an issue.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: janaage on Sunday, February 26, 2012, 21:16:09
I've mentioned it before but I like Hearts ground.....

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/c/c5/Tynecastle_Stadium_2007.jpg




Is that 'Tynecastle by night' Ralphy?


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Spencer_White on Sunday, February 26, 2012, 21:21:23
Considering the council are prepared to spunk off money to wankers like Pricky cunt on wifi schemes they should give the county ground site to the club.
The area around the ground has become an utter shit hole in recent years,so as long as the club can offer a spruce up of the area it shouldn't be an issue.

Its taken 20 years but I think some of the council have at last realised that the club is one of the only things in the Town that

1) Puts Swindon on the map.
2) Brings people to the Town who wouldnt usually come (even if we are only talking people from Cirencester/Chippenham/Faringdon etc).

If STFC left the Town centre it would be an utter disaster for SBC. Some councillors will always be too incompetant to see it though.

Re Tynecastle - definately too steep, UEFA have declared it unsafe for Euro competitions! And those seats without backs are death traps.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Dozno9 on Sunday, February 26, 2012, 21:24:42
Re Tynecastle - definately too steep, UEFA have declared it unsafe for Euro competitions! And those seats without backs are death traps.

I never remember that the seats have no backs at Shitty, always go a good 'un.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Costanza on Sunday, February 26, 2012, 21:29:07
It's probably sensible to push the council while the feel good factor surrounds the club.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Ardiles on Sunday, February 26, 2012, 21:29:35
Completely agree with that, Spence.  There is certainly an irony that while Swindon's town centre has been allowed to deteriorate and fester to a greater extent than those of its neighbours through lack of investment over a period of decades, we are still lucky enough to have a town centre football club.  If Swindon BC does not grasp the opportunity to place STFC at the heart of its regeneration plans for the east side of the town centre, then it will not deserve another one.  As someone who has not lived in Swindon for a long time now, I never cease to be amazed by just how dilapidated the centre of town has become since I left.  (OK...it wasn't great while I was there.)  But work with the club, and you could do something worthwhile here.  Only one piece of the jigsaw, but worth doing.  Anything to arrest the decline.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: janaage on Sunday, February 26, 2012, 21:31:29
Its taken 20 years but I think some of the council have at last realised that the club is one of the only things in the Town that

1) Puts Swindon on the map.
2) Brings people to the Town who wouldnt usually come (even if we are only talking people from Cirencester/Chippenham/Faringdon etc).

If STFC left the Town centre it would be an utter disaster for SBC. Some councillors will always be too incompetant to see it though.

Re Tynecastle - definately too steep, UEFA have declared it unsafe for Euro competitions! And those seats without backs are death traps.

I thought the only objection UEFA had with Tynecastle was the distance between the stands and the pitch, i.e. it's too close. Wasn't aware they were concerned with the stands being too steep. Learn soemthing new...


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Batch on Sunday, February 26, 2012, 21:33:21
Agreed Ardiles, though  I'm not sure the centre declined as such. It has hardly changed at all. And that isn't a compliment.

To exclude or obstruct the club from redevelopment planning would be another case of the council failing the Town, again. Maybe this council has finally learned from the failures of the past.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Not that Nice If I'm Honest on Sunday, February 26, 2012, 21:43:52
I thought the only objection UEFA had with Tynecastle was the distance between the stands and the pitch, i.e. it's too close. Wasn't aware they were concerned with the stands being too steep. Learn soemthing new...

You're on a steep learning curve


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: ChalkyWhiteIsGod on Sunday, February 26, 2012, 23:40:39
Tynecastle does look epic though, well apart from that shitty other stand. Something like that stand would be quality...but just not quite so steep. I think one of the big reasons Wembley is such a shit atmosphere is because it's too gradual with the rise, they were more concerned with giving fans extra leg room that they don't need.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Simon Pieman on Monday, February 27, 2012, 00:03:21
Redevelopment does make sense for the town/council. They're going to be doing a lot with the old police station site, the other side of fleming way too including Carfax street, the bus and train station.



Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: skay on Monday, February 27, 2012, 00:31:28
gotta keep the floodlight pylons though.. i love seeing them lit up on my way to the ground. something old school a lot of other ground do no have


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Bob's Orange on Monday, February 27, 2012, 09:42:05
Tynecastle does look epic though, well apart from that shitty other stand. Something like that stand would be quality...but just not quite so steep. I think one of the big reasons Wembley is such a shit atmosphere is because it's too gradual with the rise, they were more concerned with giving fans extra leg room that they don't need.

I am sure Jan will disagree, but the atmopshere at Tynecastle can be really good. The location is brilliant as well, in close locations to plenty of pubs and eateries.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Ralphy on Monday, February 27, 2012, 13:49:03
Close to the pitch = better atmosphere.

Loftus Road and the Den are good examples.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Barry Scott on Monday, February 27, 2012, 13:52:53
Close to the pitch = better atmosphere.

Loftus Road and the Den are good examples.

:nod: I love Loftus Road.



Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Flashheart on Monday, February 27, 2012, 13:54:21
I've been to Loftus Road once, I remember it well. Great atmosphere, the crowd seems right on top of you.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Ralphy on Monday, February 27, 2012, 14:01:31
I went during in the 03/04 play off season, we took 3,000 there.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: nochee on Monday, February 27, 2012, 15:08:41
gotta keep the floodlight pylons though.. i love seeing them lit up on my way to the ground. something old school a lot of other ground do no have
I agree, a touch of the real county ground left in with the new.  I will feel quite sad If/when the redevelopment happens. As much as it is a bit flakey, it's still home and holds 25 years of great memories.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Ralphy on Monday, February 27, 2012, 15:31:40
The Stratton Bank clock must stay.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Coca Fola on Monday, February 27, 2012, 15:37:24
Just make the townend bigger and put a roof on the stratton bank. The 2 side stands are adequate.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: [email protected] on Monday, February 27, 2012, 16:10:21
The Stratton Bank clock must stay.

It was the only Rolex clock in a football stadium worldwide.  Not sure if it still is though.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Ralphy on Monday, February 27, 2012, 16:14:00
Just make the townend bigger and put a roof on the stratton bank. The 2 side stands are adequate.

The Arkells is old fashioned and looks run down now.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Batch on Monday, February 27, 2012, 16:14:26
The 2 side stands are adequate.

Adequate for football for the general fan. But the purpose of redevelopment isn't to add more seats for the general fan.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Peter Venkman on Monday, February 27, 2012, 16:41:53

Re Tynecastle - definately too steep, UEFA have declared it unsafe for Euro competitions! And those seats without backs are death traps.

UEFA banned Hearts for the pitch being too small, it had nothing to do with the terracing.

Quote
"The club’s first option would be to apply for an exemption to play European games at Tynecastle," said the spokesman. "If UEFA insisted that the pitch must measure a minimum of 100 metres, as the guidelines state, then Hearts could play their European games at another stadium.

"If, in some parts of Europe, a club’s ground isn’t suitable, that club is allowed to play their matches at the national stadium. The same principle would apply here."

The Not Fit For Purpose document makes no mention of transferring European games to Murrayfield while remaining at Tynecastle. This option would not involve great upheaval, with Hearts having only played eight home games in Europe over the past ten years. Using Murrayfield for such occasions would also have the added advantage of accommodating a bigger attendance, with Hearts claiming that they could have sold thousands more tickets for the home match against Bordeaux if they had extra capacity.

"Changes to the pitch, if our assumptions are correct, will require minimum work. UEFA regulations show a minimum of 100 x 64 metres and we believe with relatively little adjustment we can lengthen the pitch to 100 metres. You would lift out the front two rows of the stands behind the goal which are not fixed to the ground base and move the goals back.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Coca Fola on Monday, February 27, 2012, 16:46:12
The Arkells is old fashioned and looks run down now.
It has "character" though.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: 4D on Monday, February 27, 2012, 16:48:41
If we could have a ground like Villa Park but about half the capacity, that would do for me.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Ralphy on Monday, February 27, 2012, 16:49:22
It has "character" though.

Agreed it does but if we want to progress as a football club and compete in the Championship, we need a stadium with better facilities.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Monday, February 27, 2012, 16:58:40
Agreed it does but if we want to progress as a football club and compete in the Championship, we need a stadium with better facilities.

More or less the only times ground improvements have been done at the CG, is when existing facilities have been condemned by Health and Safety....and that will probably remain the case as we've seen nothing from the present Board to suggest otherwise.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Trashbat? on Monday, February 27, 2012, 17:07:02
Can just imagine us unveiling exciting plans for the development and them all being shot down in flames by local residents within days or them finding grey crested newts living under the town end


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Ralphy on Monday, February 27, 2012, 17:12:20
Can just imagine us unveiling exciting plans for the development and them all being shot down in flames by local residents within days or them finding grey crested newts living under the town end

Squirrels under the Stratton Bank actually.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Gnasher on Monday, February 27, 2012, 17:15:24
Can just imagine us unveiling exciting plans for the development and them all being shot down in flames by local residents within days or them finding grey crested newts living under the town end

It's great crested newts  ;)


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Trashbat? on Monday, February 27, 2012, 17:21:51
It's great crested newts  ;)

shit, been calling them that for 10 years :)


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Gnasher on Monday, February 27, 2012, 17:24:06
shit, been calling them that for 10 years :)

Grey, great - sounds the same. I doubt anyone noticed!


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: donkey on Monday, February 27, 2012, 17:34:32
Grey, great - sounds the same. I doubt anyone noticed!

I guess we can all stop laughing at Trashbat behind his back now?  ;)


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: ChalkyWhiteIsGod on Tuesday, April 24, 2012, 18:34:17
May be controversial as The Town End has been the traditional home end at the county ground more often than not, but could anyone see the Stratton Bank being the logical new home end after the developments?

With only a car park behind, the Town End could realistically go as high as the other stands and big modern stands behind goals are usually pretty shit.

The bank is quite limited and I can't imagine they will be able to make it much bigger, but they should be able to get a roof on it. The bank has a very decent view and would create a decent atmosphere if it has a roof.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: leefer on Tuesday, April 24, 2012, 18:40:14
May be controversial as The Town End has been the traditional home end at the county ground more often than not, but could anyone see the Stratton Bank being the logical new home end after the developments?

With only a car park behind, the Town End could realistically go as high as the other stands and big modern stands behind goals are usually pretty shit.

The bank is quite limited and I can't imagine they will be able to make it much bigger, but they should be able to get a roof on it. The bank has a very decent view and would create a decent atmosphere if it has a roof.

Good shout.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: SwindonTartanArmy on Tuesday, April 24, 2012, 18:43:27
May be controversial as The Town End has been the traditional home end at the county ground more often than not, but could anyone see the Stratton Bank being the logical new home end after the developments?

With only a car park behind, the Town End could realistically go as high as the other stands and big modern stands behind goals are usually pretty shit.

The bank is quite limited and I can't imagine they will be able to make it much bigger, but they should be able to get a roof on it. The bank has a very decent view and would create a decent atmosphere if it has a roof.
You could get the bouncy going quite well on the bank as well.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: bigbobjoylove on Tuesday, April 24, 2012, 18:44:55
I take it we cant build a small covered terrace (which can be easily changed to seating like the big fucker in Dortmund) to replace Stratton Bank?


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: ChalkyWhiteIsGod on Tuesday, April 24, 2012, 19:18:24
I take it we cant build a small covered terrace (which can be easily changed to seating like the big fucker in Dortmund) to replace Stratton Bank?

A miniature Dortmund stand would be a dream, but unfortunately I think the best we could hope for is a decent low roof over the bank


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: leefer on Tuesday, April 24, 2012, 19:19:11
A miniature Dortmund stand would be a dream, but unfortunately I think the best we could hope for is a decent low roof over the bank

Which would more than suffice.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: leftside on Wednesday, April 25, 2012, 20:39:13
Which would more than suffice.

I suspect it may be down to relative planning issues, but if this wasn't the case, surely redeveloping the Stratton Bank before the Town End has more logic - the traditional home end stays open while the usually unused end gets redeveloped; then the redevelped SB becomes the new home end (accessed from Shrivvy Rd) while the TE gets redeveloped.

If the new SB home end is a success, a greatly enlarged TE could fit the bill for away fans (not sure I'd be happy with this though, speaking as a Town Ender).


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: dell returns on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 06:29:12
I suspect it may be down to relative planning issues, but if this wasn't the case, surely redeveloping the Stratton Bank before the Town End has more logic - the traditional home end stays open while the usually unused end gets redeveloped; then the redevelped SB becomes the new home end (accessed from Shrivvy Rd) while the TE gets redeveloped.

If the new SB home end is a success, a greatly enlarged TE could fit the bill for away fans (not sure I'd be happy with this though, speaking as a Town Ender).

Away fans should not get an end, stick them in the rickety side of the Arkells and not be so generous with the allocation.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: 4D on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 07:44:39
Away fans should be housed in one side of an end ala Ashton Gate, West Ham etc.

I would like to see a single tier stand replace the Town End, something like at the Hawthorns :) holding say 5k
A 5k DRS to stay the same, a new 8k stand to replace the Arkells, then a 4k bank end with a low roof, split 50/50 home and away fans (big away support to have the whole end if required). 22k seater stadium - 25k in the future if we replace the DRS with a matching north stand (no corners filled in, I prefer the traditional look - so we could have 4 pylon floodlights)


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Joycie on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 08:06:04
I am sure Jan will disagree, but the atmopshere at Tynecastle can be really good. The location is brilliant as well, in close locations to plenty of pubs and eateries.
Tynecastle is a great stadium to be in the away end. The fannies in the main stand (left of the away stand) are good entertainment, couple of good pubs around the ground and walkable from Haymarket. 

Not recommended if you suffer from vertigo.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Riddick on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 08:07:12
Given wray mentioned plans to redevelop the town end this time next year they must be quite a way down the line for of him to say that. Hopefully its mentioned on Sat, perhaps one of the surprises mentioned in the programme along with our new oxford utd away kit!!!!


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: DRS on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 08:09:13
4D,You do know it's not just for you yeah?


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Flashheart on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 08:27:03
We should have a stadium each


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Peter Venkman on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 08:52:36
The problem with building backwards into the carpark at the Townend has long been that the council run the car park so would not take too kindly to us building over its resource, after all on matchdays it generated a lot for income for the council.

If we owned the land and the ground then it is the obvious way forward but it was also basically remove all parking at the stadium itself, which I don't think the council would allow or be very happy about.

Currently the council have and pretty much always has had the upper hand.

A large home end similar in height to the DRS/Intel would be awesome but it would not hold 5,000 as the DRS does now, it would more than likely hold about 4,000 due to the narrower width of area taken up (approx 120 yards vs 90 yards).

That said its still 1,500 more than the Townend holds now and would be sufficient for us with a similar stand at the Stratton Bank holding a similar amount making in overall capacity of around 18,000 with the possibility of building in the corners if demand ever became high enough, but in all honesty 18,000 is perfectly adequate for us for the next few years at least.

Its just going to be difficult getting anything passed by the council as it always has been.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: LucienSanchez on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 08:56:31
They can't make too much money from the car park, it's rarely in use apart from every other weekend for half the year... i'm sure we could negotiate with them on that point (maybe whack a multi storey in?)


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: 4D on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 08:57:32
4D,You do know it's not just for you yeah?

Oh, just a dream.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: 4D on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 08:59:51
The problem with building backwards into the carpark at the Townend has long been that the council run the car park so would not take too kindly to us building over its resource, after all on matchdays it generated a lot for income for the council.

A large home end similar in height to the DRS/Intel would be awesome but it would not hold 5,000 as the DRS does now, it would more than likely hold about 4,000 due to the narrower width of area taken up (approx 120 yards vs 90 yards).

We could build back to the CGH beer garden and hold 5k :). We could get over the car park issue by building it using pillars and allowing cars underneath the stand.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Peter Venkman on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 09:00:28
I remember in the past a multi story car park was mooted as a possibility but considered too expensive.

Personally I think its the only viable option now as long as the council still want to have a car park there. I guess if the building of it was funded by the club but the council take proceeds or at least a cut of the proceeds then it will not be so much of an issue that it has been in the past.

Just wait for the objections of it cutting out the natural light for the residents of County Road now......


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Bob's Orange on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 09:29:42
Tynecastle is a great stadium to be in the away end. The fannies in the main stand (left of the away stand) are good entertainment, couple of good pubs around the ground and walkable from Haymarket. 

Not recommended if you suffer from vertigo.

Never been in the away section but have sat quite high up in the Wheatfield Stand and the view and acoustics there are excellent. The away stand at Tynie used to be empty apart from when the ugly sisters and the peg sellers from Leith came to town.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: SwindonTartanArmy on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 10:27:22
They can't make too much money from the car park, it's rarely in use apart from every other weekend for half the year... i'm sure we could negotiate with them on that point (maybe whack a multi storey in?)
Council will make next to bugger all from it. PArking fees are suspended on match days and its never even 1/4 full any other time. I dont think the council will have a problem with building out into the car park. We could build out as far as the bollards without any problems anyway.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: pericarp on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 10:39:50
Council will make next to bugger all from it. PArking fees are suspended on match days and its never even 1/4 full any other time. I dont think the council will have a problem with building out into the car park. We could build out as far as the bollards without any problems anyway.

Where does the ten pounds parking fee on match days go?


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: SwindonTartanArmy on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 10:42:36
Where does the ten pounds parking fee on match days go?
I always thought it went to the club...


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Simon Pieman on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 11:05:47
I can’t believe there are some lazy fucks willing to pay £10 for 2-3 hours parking. There’s plenty of cheaper parking not too far away (the cricket ground being one!). In fact during evening games you can park in the town centre for next to nothing (or nothing if you park in the right one). Anyway, I don’t think the council would be too fussed by the car park being reduced in size, especially as they’re going to build new car parks in the town centre.

The main priority has to be the Arkells in my opinion. Of course, you’d have to have the capacity to move the fans from there first.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: bassett boy on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 11:06:54
If i can remember one of the plans of any redevelopment was that the club were looking at generating revenue beyond  football attaching something else to one of the potential new stands similar to other clubs hotels and so on


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Peter Venkman on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 11:10:50
I always thought it went to the club...
Nope it goes entirely to the council.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Power to people on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 12:05:44
The whole crux of the issue is that they have to look at non matchday revenue and see what else can be incorporated, purely relying on matchday income these days is not enough
 


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: ChalkyWhiteIsGod on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 12:49:43
For the town enders on here, where are you likely to relocate when The new town end is being constructed? I will imagine they will open up the bank for home fans but shouldn't imagine it will be that popular for every game?


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: JanTheMan on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 12:51:16
For the town enders on here, where are you likely to relocate when The new town end is being constructed? I will imagine they will open up the bank for home fans but shouldn't imagine it will be that popular for every game?

I'd have thought seats 1 -48 in the Intel, like circa 95-01!!


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Ardiles on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 13:01:51
Intel Stand, Block A...used to be the place to be.  Ideally located for goading Oxford fans during 4-1 victories!


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: 4D on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 13:20:54
That's where I used to sit - following on from the shrivvy terrace days of being up near the fence :)


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: ChalkyWhiteIsGod on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 14:43:29
Intel Stand, Block A...used to be the place to be.  Ideally located for goading Oxford fans during 4-1 victories!
Ah yes, i used to sit directly behind the wall in row A and remember that well


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Ardiles on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 14:44:22
I see Brighton have now been given permission to expand the Amex to just under 31,000 capacity.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-sussex-17849089

It's an interesting decision, pitching where to aim for in terms of capacity.  Both Brighton and Reading were attracting crowds no larger than ours until they each received a shot in the arm.  They are both bigger towns, admittedly, and have more densely populated surrounding areas - but not to a huge degree.  Should we be aiming for 20,000-22,000 in the light of the experience of these two clubs, or would we be in danger of creating a white elephant too great?  Is there anything really very different between these clubs and ours in terms of potential to be tapped?

I guess it all comes down to ambition that the Board has for the club - and that will be laid bare when the plans for the New County Ground are finally made public.  The capacity of the redeveloped stadium will throw some light on whether the Board envisages a future in which Division 2/Championship becomes our new home on a sustainable basis, or whether they see something less ambitious than that.  If it is the former (as I hope it is), I would expect a capacity of nothing less than 20,000 with potential to expand - as both Brighton and Reading have plans to already.  (It looks as if Zingarevich wants to resurrect plans to expand the Madejski to 38,000 should Reading survive their first season back in the Premier League.)


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Batch on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 14:47:51
Intel Stand, Block A...used to be the place to be.  Ideally located for goading Oxford fans during 4-1 victories!

aaah, come back Chav corner, all is forgiven!


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: 4D on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 15:52:40
(It looks as if Zingarevich wants to resurrect plans to expand the Madejski to 38,000 should Reading survive their first season back in the Premier League.)

 :Ride On Fatbury's Lovestick:


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Ardiles on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 16:05:03
It's no joke.  These plans date from the last time they were in the Premier League...

http://www.readingfc.co.uk/staticFiles/e/a2/0,,10306~41486,00.pdf

...but were then mothballed when they were relegated in 2008.  Now it looks like they're back on the drawing board.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Freddies Ferret on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 16:17:51
aaah, come back Chav corner, all is forgiven!
whatever happened to bungle?


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: SwindonTartanArmy on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 17:45:24
whatever happened to bungle?
Now there is a blast from the past!!!


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: wiggy on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 18:43:15
whatever happened to bungle?

He is still around, but doesn't come to matches any more. I see him every couple of weeks and he still listens to all the games on the radio.

(Assuming there is only one Bungle!)


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: ChalkyWhiteIsGod on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 19:16:29
A few in the corner used to sing 'He's got a chewed up toffee for a face' that should narrow it down.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: wiggy on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 19:58:02
A few in the corner used to sing 'He's got a chewed up toffee for a face' that should narrow it down.

Sounds about right - also "Bungle, Bungle, give us a wave"


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Power to people on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 20:39:02
Sort of used to feel sorry for him but he did seem to enjoy the attention when they called bungle as he walked up the steps


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Benzel on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 21:17:50
Jeez, Bungle. I must've been about 15/16 back then.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Arnold.J.Rimmer on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 21:33:29
Intel Stand, Block A...used to be the place to be.  Ideally located for goading Oxford fans during 4-1 victories!

SR1


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: ChalkyWhiteIsGod on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 22:09:48
found this on google images, looks pretty epic. Just done by a fan

[url width=400 height=263]http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/download?mid=2a0f5f2da58a344963b37be92f82b5c1&rtyp=lt&ctyp=other&ts=1261597747000[/url]

[url width=400 height=263]http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/download?mid=9bcd07d863ce1fa63b37be92f82b5c1&rtyp=lt&ctyp=other&ts=1261596935000[/url]


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Coca Fola on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 22:14:11
I have to say, that is a sexy ground.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: ChalkyWhiteIsGod on Thursday, April 26, 2012, 22:16:21
I prefer it after the first stage oddly enough, only one corner left filled in and still one old shitty stand to add 'character'


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Hammer on Friday, April 27, 2012, 04:28:38
found this on google images, looks pretty epic. Just done by a fan

[url width=400 height=263]http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/download?mid=2a0f5f2da58a344963b37be92f82b5c1&rtyp=lt&ctyp=other&ts=1261597747000[/url]

[url width=400 height=263]http://sketchup.google.com/3dwarehouse/download?mid=9bcd07d863ce1fa63b37be92f82b5c1&rtyp=lt&ctyp=other&ts=1261596935000[/url]

Hmmmm. Looks like this fan has been spending some time at the Britannia Stadium and decided on a smaller version.

Now add hotel, leisure facilities, substantial car parking. Subtract cricket ground. It aint gonna happen is it folks ? Let's wait and not raise our hopes.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Samdy Gray on Friday, April 27, 2012, 06:40:46
Aren't they just the Trust's plans that were drawn up a few years ago?


Title: Re: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Frigby Daser on Friday, April 27, 2012, 07:04:10
So long as we can somehow replicate the low roof and restricted view of the Town End I'll be happy.

The cricket club point is interesting. I played there last year and was surprised how 'on it's knees' the place seemed. V poor facilities, including the square and outfield. But, it is their home and has history. I don't know if they would be amenable to leaving. Clubs do - Stroud have just done so, after an abortive attempt last year. Money could tempt them.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: The Frog on Friday, April 27, 2012, 07:17:01
relocate car park behind drs, build town end up connect to it a hotel and casino and demolish arkells at end of it and just build new stand in existing place, Oh and just chuck a roof on stratton bank


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: nevillew on Friday, April 27, 2012, 07:21:48
Tynecastle is a great stadium to be in the away end. The fannies in the main stand (left of the away stand) are good entertainment, couple of good pubs around the ground and walkable from Haymarket. 

Not recommended if you suffer from vertigo.
Tynecastle is definitely too vertigo


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: DRS on Friday, April 27, 2012, 07:40:48
I thought the cricket club were quite open to the idea last time


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: OOH! SHAUN TAYLOR on Friday, April 27, 2012, 07:44:39
Hmmmm. Looks like this fan has been spending some time at the Britannia Stadium and decided on a smaller version.

Now add hotel, leisure facilities, substantial car parking. Subtract cricket ground. It aint gonna happen is it folks ? Let's wait and not raise our hopes.
I quite agree, not with the current Board who are totally lacking in ambition, have put virtually no money into the club and are generally a bit crap. No chance of it happening ::)


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: THE FLASH on Friday, April 27, 2012, 07:47:26
This is STFC.....I only believe it when I see it, touch it and taste it........window licker flash!


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: ChalkyWhiteIsGod on Friday, April 27, 2012, 07:59:33
You couldn't put a car park behind the DRS, most likely new carpark over what's remaining of the of the cricket field if you could get them to relocate.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Joycie on Friday, April 27, 2012, 08:12:36
Never been in the away section but have sat quite high up in the Wheatfield Stand and the view and acoustics there are excellent. The away stand at Tynie used to be empty apart from when the ugly sisters and the peg sellers from Leith came to town.

It's been busy the twice I've been (with Motherwell, you're new Scottish second force), but one was a Scottish Cup tie (which we normally do well for away attendance for and it was just after the death of PO'D) and I think one was the first game of the season a few years ago? Was actually quite shocked by the size of all stands.

A problem with having a stand the height of the DRS (this may have already been covered, I've not checked) is people tend to be more inclined to sit down during a game, and the atmosphere disappears, whereas in a terrace or a wee shed type stand that rarely happens.

Saying that, if they pack the seats in like they have in the DRS I can't imagine anyone sitting down.   :eek:


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: JanTheMan on Friday, April 27, 2012, 09:15:55
I have to say, that is a sexy ground.

Sexy? I'd hate to see your misses.

Looks pretty bland to me.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: jonny72 on Friday, April 27, 2012, 13:50:42
I did some analysis of our attendances over the last 30 years or so a while back, it wasn't very encouraging to be honest. I'd say that even in The Championship we'd only average 12k at maximum but that is to a degree limited by our current capacity and layout. A staggered approach makes sense. Rebuild the Town End and then see what happens. If attendances go up or we become stable in The Championship then we can expand further. At minimum you probably want plans to be able to hit 25k.

But it's difficult to see how you even hit 20k with room for expansion with the current ground. Doing the Town End and Arkells will probably get you near to 20k but where do you go from there? Filling in the corners will add maybe another 2k but then it's down to the Stratton Bank which is problematic to say the least. Unless they buy and demolish the block of 12 houses behind it. Same to a lesser degree with the Arkells, you're really looking at the cricket pitch going if you make it any bigger.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: LucienSanchez on Friday, April 27, 2012, 14:14:58
That second pic looks like a mini Old Trafford - i like it. Modern, yet not 'identikit', maintaining a bit of character (the lights), and not fully enclosed. We could do far worse than that.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: DiV on Friday, April 27, 2012, 14:39:44
I was under the impression (rightly or wrong) that area behind the DRS and the Cricket Club have to remain 'green space' so we couldnt build, lets say shit load of houses on there like a certain someone suggested.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Ardiles on Friday, April 27, 2012, 14:40:08
I did some analysis of our attendances over the last 30 years or so a while back, it wasn't very encouraging to be honest. I'd say that even in The Championship we'd only average 12k at maximum but that is to a degree limited by our current capacity and layout. A staggered approach makes sense. Rebuild the Town End and then see what happens. If attendances go up or we become stable in The Championship then we can expand further. At minimum you probably want plans to be able to hit 25k.

But it's difficult to see how you even hit 20k with room for expansion with the current ground. Doing the Town End and Arkells will probably get you near to 20k but where do you go from there? Filling in the corners will add maybe another 2k but then it's down to the Stratton Bank which is problematic to say the least. Unless they buy and demolish the block of 12 houses behind it. Same to a lesser degree with the Arkells, you're really looking at the cricket pitch going if you make it any bigger.

Two points there.

1.  Attendances have gone up in general during the period you looked at (the last 30 years), which limits the value of a historical analysis like that.  While our attendances were hitting rock bottom in the early 1980s, so were those of many other, more successful clubs.  To illustrate, here are the Division 1 average attendance stats for 1981/82.  Only 8 teams in the top division were averaging over 20,000.

 1 Manchester United                             41,695
 2 Liverpool                                          34,758
 3 Tottenham Hotpsur                            30,581
 4 Manchester City                                26,789
 5 Arsenal                                            24,153
 6 Aston Villa                                        23,748
 7 West Ham United                               22,822
 8 Everton                                           20,277
 9 Ipswich Town                                   19,503
10 Watford                                          19,488
11 Southampton                                   18,799
12 Nottingham Forest                            17,851
13 Sunderland                                     17,370
14 Norwich City                                   16,862
15 Stoke City                                      16,622
16 Birmingham City                               15,638
17 West Bromwich Albion                       15,200
18 Brighton & Hove Albion                      14,662
19 Luton Town                                    13,452
20 Swansea City                                  11,704
21 Coventry City                                 10,552
22 Notts County                                  10,265

   Total                                              20,127

2.  The analysis also ignores the boost to attendances that good, off the field management can provide when taken together with a ground (re)development.  How, for example, would a similar analysis have looked for Brighton, Swansea or Reading over the same period?  I'm not suggesting that we should build a white elephant, but your conclusion (12,000 average in the Championship) does feel very light to me in the light of experience elsewhere...unless there is something fundamentally different about these clubs to ours, and I'm not sure really that there is.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: jonny72 on Friday, April 27, 2012, 15:12:34
I took those factors in to account when I plucked my figure of 12k out of the air.

Our attendances were all over the place which just confirms the fact that they are down to a mixture of; the division, performances on the pitch, pricing and the feel good factor. As an example; our attendances last season were 21% higher than the season we were last relegated from The Championship. Loads more strange statistics like that in there.

Attendances in The Championship started rising in the 96/7 season having been stable for around 15 years. However our attendances over the last four seasons we were in The Championship (96/00) didn't rise in line with the increases and were around a third lower than the league average during that period having been a lot closer to it previously.

The other thing is our capacity (actually about 14.5k I think?) and to a lesser degree the layout. We can't take advantage of the games that would attract a far higher attendance (I reckon there are a good few teams in The Championship that we'd get 20k plus for if we had the seats) and we'd suffer with the teams that didn't bring many away fans.

So I stand by the 12k (with our current ground, in case I didn't make that clear enough). Obviously a ground redevelopment could change this but I'm not sure there is any real guarantees - Brighton, Reading and Swansea have all had major successes on the pitch to go with their new grounds. I do think going for a 20k capacity is the way to go though.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Ardiles on Friday, April 27, 2012, 15:25:06
So I stand by the 12k (with our current ground, in case I didn't make that clear enough). Obviously a ground redevelopment could change this but I'm not sure there is any real guarantees - Brighton, Reading and Swansea have all had major successes on the pitch to go with their new grounds. I do think going for a 20k capacity is the way to go though.

OK, that was the piece I missed.  I agree that without any ground redevelopment or significant changes off the field of play (which almost always go hand in hand), the 12,000 figure would probably be about right.  But where we go from here, as mentioned earlier in the thread, really does depend now on how the Board takes the Club forward from here.

I think we're now ripe for a step change in the same way that the other clubs mentioned have managed...but in order to achieve this, you have to do the redevelopment right.  Oxford are often held up (not least by us) as an example of a club that botched their development opportunity (although, to be fair to them, their options were very limited and Kassam has subsequently demonstrated that he hardly had their best interests at heart.)  But even they have achieved something of an attendance bounce when compared with their days at the Manor Ground, albeit much more modest.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Friday, April 27, 2012, 15:30:03
This is STFC.....I only believe it when I see it, touch it and taste it........window licker flash!

Very wise words...the driver for redevelopment is the behind the scenes stuff anyway. Our bit although important to us is secondary in the bigger picture. In the present double dip recession what could be built that would be an economic driver?


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: fatbasher on Friday, April 27, 2012, 15:31:59
The problem with building backwards into the carpark at the Townend has long been that the council run the car park so would not take too kindly to us building over its resource, after all on matchdays it generated a lot for income for the council.

If we owned the land and the ground then it is the obvious way forward but it was also basically remove all parking at the stadium itself, which I don't think the council would allow or be very happy about.

Currently the council have and pretty much always has had the upper hand.

A large home end similar in height to the DRS/Intel would be awesome but it would not hold 5,000 as the DRS does now, it would more than likely hold about 4,000 due to the narrower width of area taken up (approx 120 yards vs 90 yards).

That said its still 1,500 more than the Townend holds now and would be sufficient for us with a similar stand at the Stratton Bank holding a similar amount making in overall capacity of around 18,000 with the possibility of building in the corners if demand ever became high enough, but in all honesty 18,000 is perfectly adequate for us for the next few years at least.

Its just going to be difficult getting anything passed by the council as it always has been.

STFC lease the car park from SBC on matchdays and keep the revenue. They do however pay a princely sum for it. Circa £35-45k per season. NW told me personally. I'm sure the figure was about £35k and that was three years ago. so everyone is a winner. As has been pointed out the only time it's full is on matchdays and when the pikey's set up their fairground rides occasionally.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: ChalkyWhiteIsGod on Friday, April 27, 2012, 15:32:25
I've always wondered why our attendences were so shockingly bad during the 80s before Macari took over. Obviously being shit doens't help, but they really were appalling. Those figures show it wasn't just us!

The only logical reason I can think of is recession? Can anyone else share any further light?


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: leefer on Friday, April 27, 2012, 15:38:18
I've always wondered why our attendences were so shockingly bad during the 80s before Macari took over. Obviously being shit doens't help, but they really were appalling. Those figures show it wasn't just us!

The only logical reason I can think of is recession? Can anyone else share any further light?

Football hooligans...families stayed away...facilities were piss poor.
But probably the biggest factor was that the old fashioned communities were waring away....ie the Railway works in Swindon and many other towns with industrial backgrounds...docks maybe or pits.
The whole town used to watch the club in the sixties.....that went with the decline of the Railworks...or inside as they used to call it.



Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Friday, April 27, 2012, 16:11:19
I've always wondered why our attendences were so shockingly bad during the 80s before Macari took over. Obviously being shit doens't help, but they really were appalling. Those figures show it wasn't just us!

The only logical reason I can think of is recession? Can anyone else share any further light?

Our attendances nose dived from the early mid seventies, due to a mixture of economic recession, brought about by the Opec oil embargo, crowd trouble, and terrible football.  But by the end of that decade we could still pull 20,000+ into the CG for a big cup game.

This downward spiral dragged on into the Thatcherite 80's, when football fans were seen as part of the "enemy within". TBF the importance of trouble should not be underestimated, as going to certain matches at this time, could be a bit of a health hazard.

A random stat which sticks in my head, was a visit to Elm Park circa 81/82, when there were 41 arrests in a crowd of 4100 exactly 1% of the crowd...probably don't get 41 in a season now at the CG.

The turning point started before Italia 90 and the Taylor Report in a way...with the Fanzine movement, which showed that people with half a brain and some writing talent could get some enjoyment from football, without resorting to the need to crack people over the head with iron bars.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Ardiles on Friday, April 27, 2012, 16:28:42
Before my time, so take this with a pinch of salt...but the nadir was a few years after 1981/82 with Heysel, Hillsborough and Bradford.  All very different tragedies, but they shook the football world to its senses.  Yes, the legacy is a more sterile game - but it's also more attractive and welcoming to swathes of people who never before would have dreamed of going to football.  It's very sad that it took tragedies like these for change to happen.  As Reg points out, football in the early 1980s and in the late 1980s were very different things.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: mexico red on Friday, April 27, 2012, 16:32:02
dont agree ardiles it took until mid nineties for all that to kick in, late 80s werent much different from early 80s


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: ChalkyWhiteIsGod on Friday, April 27, 2012, 17:21:17
Being only 23 it's obviously before my time and I was very young at the time...but things seemed to skyrocket after Euro 96 compared to before.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Iffy's Onion Bhaji on Friday, April 27, 2012, 17:24:36
You also have to remember that in the 80s crowd trouble and hooliganism were rife. That probably put a lot of people off.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: leefer on Friday, April 27, 2012, 17:34:35
STFC in Bournemouth wont agree but i think Sky has helped to bring back the masses also....seems strange especially in the early days when a crowd was lower when Sky was in attendance...but i think as the years have rolled on they brought a bit of glamour into footy which wasnt around in the 70's and 80,s.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: jonny72 on Friday, April 27, 2012, 17:37:01
Don't think you can attribute the changes in attendances to any single events. They peaked (for English football as a whole) in 1949 and then went on a pretty consistent downward spiral until 1986, after which they have been on a pretty consistent upwards spiral. Not sure as to why the turn around begun in 1986 though.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Iffy's Onion Bhaji on Friday, April 27, 2012, 17:38:59
STFC in Bournemouth wont agree but i think Sky has helped to bring back the masses also....seems strange especially in the early days when a crowd was lower when Sky was in attendance...but i think as the years have rolled on they brought a bit of glamour into footy which wasnt around in the 70's and 80,s.


I agree. The birth of the Premier League saw interest in football grow.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Ironside on Friday, April 27, 2012, 19:35:49
I thought the cricket club were quite open to the idea last time

Yes they were. I even had a letter published in the Adver about it.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: chalkies_shorts on Friday, April 27, 2012, 20:19:54
Trouble was a big factor. some of the crowds v City, Rovers, Scum are very low but people used to stay away. When we used to go to Reading in the late 70's the first couple of crowds were very big and then tailed off badly as Town used to go completely bonkers there.
I think an additional factor not mentioned so far was the introduction of membership cards which were a real pain in the arsehole and stiopped a hell of a lot of casual fans.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: bigbobjoylove on Friday, April 27, 2012, 20:32:45
Did they used to let people into the Town End for free for the 2nd half of games? Sure I heard an old boy mention something about that.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: leefer on Friday, April 27, 2012, 21:20:09
No but with big crowds they tended to open the Town End gates earlier than they do these days and sometimes you could sneak in for ten mins or so at the end of a match .....easier then as it was standing and you could basicly shove yourself in.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Ardiles on Friday, April 27, 2012, 21:45:32
In 'Six Days to Saturday', I'm sure there was footage of the gates being opened 10 minutes before the end of a game to let kids in for free.  Reg will remember!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0074phz


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Flashheart on Saturday, April 28, 2012, 07:25:40
<REG>We are a tiny non-league club and should have a stadium with a capacity of 200<REG/>


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Chippy Red on Sunday, May 13, 2012, 10:09:29
Build That and they will come !


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Chippy Red on Sunday, May 13, 2012, 10:12:28
soz first time ive tried attachements.  Its Gronigens stadium the euroberg in holland.  Just over 20,000 capacity.  got all the non matchday stuff the board would want.  In red seats and built on the cricket ground after the cricket club and atheltics clubs  bugger off to a new place for them at shaw tip would be awsome !


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: nochee on Sunday, May 13, 2012, 10:20:20
Identikit bowl, no thanks


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Costanza on Sunday, May 13, 2012, 10:24:31
I find it hard to get excited about stadia designs. Until the green light and bulldozers roll in, I shall assume that dear old CG remains the same.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Bogus Dave on Sunday, May 13, 2012, 10:30:45
Don't understand the 'Identikit' complaints. I'm sure everyone who complains is a qualified architect, and can offer forward a more aesthetically pleasing design which contains the same facilities and (more crucially) can fit inside the same space.

All these new grounds have filled in corners, with seats, and a football pitch. Of course they're all going to look similar.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Chippy Red on Sunday, May 13, 2012, 10:39:24
Id just like to see something happen and for us to be proud of it.  Since the taylor report clubs who would would have classed as smaller than us have redeveloped or moved into new stadiums and shot past us in the league tables.  When we have moved forward on the pitch we have never followed off it.  Would Reading be in the top flight without the stadium they have now ?  Would Swansea ?

Now alot is about how much does your stadium make on non match days let alone match days.  Some say better ground better attendance.  In that when clubs moved thier attendances went up cos fans like stadiums with good facilities.

What ever we build if we ever do there is sure to be loads of our fans saying they will never go again cos it doesnt smell of piss and hot dogs and they just cant get used to not having a piller in the way of their view.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Reg Smeeton on Sunday, May 13, 2012, 11:01:12
In 'Six Days to Saturday', I'm sure there was footage of the gates being opened 10 minutes before the end of a game to let kids in for free.  Reg will remember!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0074phz

The gates were opened 10 mins before the end to allow the fans to go early to beat the rush. It also meant that urchins could nip in for the last 10 mins...


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: nochee on Sunday, May 13, 2012, 11:40:29
Don't understand the 'Identikit' complaints. I'm sure everyone who complains is a qualified architect, and can offer forward a more aesthetically pleasing design which contains the same facilities and (more crucially) can fit inside the same space.

All these new grounds have filled in corners, with seats, and a football pitch. Of course they're all going to look similar.
It's quite simple really. When the entire stadium is replicated block by block numerous times it's going to lack imagination. Very similar to a council housing estate. The same house built hundreds of times serves its purpose and houses people but lacks a soul.

It would be nice to have a stadium that gives its visitors something to explore. Not just to visit one section and to know immediately that the block in the opposite corner is exactly the same.

So, I would like our new stadium to be a bit more creative than that of an identikit bowl.



Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: ChalkyWhiteIsGod on Sunday, May 13, 2012, 13:29:02
It's quite simple really. When the entire stadium is replicated block by block numerous times it's going to lack imagination. Very similar to a council housing estate. The same house built hundreds of times serves its purpose and houses people but lacks a soul.

It would be nice to have a stadium that gives its visitors something to explore. Not just to visit one section and to know immediately that the block in the opposite corner is exactly the same.

So, I would like our new stadium to be a bit more creative than that of an identikit bowl.



this

and also that the complaints come from fans being pissed off visiting these types of stadiums when we go away, let alone having one at home every week.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Power to people on Sunday, May 13, 2012, 18:43:47
Ref the cricket club they are willing to relocate elsewhere if they are given better facilities but their problem was the the cricket 'bed' or whatever you call it has to have x amount of time to bed in so they would not want to up and move tomorrow if they was given somewhere acceptable.

A lot of this also depends on how amenable the council are as well with there be only 1 vote between the tories and labour both parties will have to be smoozed to get anything through planning and also local residents need to be satisfied it will not affect them.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: dphunt88 on Sunday, May 13, 2012, 20:48:13
Ref the cricket club they are willing to relocate elsewhere if they are given better facilities but their problem was the the cricket 'bed' or whatever you call it has to have x amount of time to bed in so they would not want to up and move tomorrow if they was given somewhere acceptable.

A lot of this also depends on how amenable the council are as well with there be only 1 vote between the tories and labour both parties will have to be smoozed to get anything through planning and also local residents need to be satisfied it will not affect them.

The word you are looking for is cricket square and square's typically take 4-5 years to bed in and play consistently well. Hampshire were heavily criticised for how the Rose Bowl played in it's infancy.

I think another potential issue is that the Pavilion building is listed. Might need to stay up and carry on being our pre-match bar!


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Power to people on Monday, May 14, 2012, 12:00:39
The pavillion building can be moved though, as long as it is not demolished it is not an issue


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: Weasel on Monday, May 14, 2012, 12:30:13
The pavillion building can be moved though, as long as it is not demolished it is not an issue

Pick it up and stick it in the corner of the Bank and the Arkells. Like at Fulham.


Title: Re: Ground re-development ????
Post by: JanTheMan on Monday, May 14, 2012, 12:32:18
It's quite simple really. When the entire stadium is replicated block by block numerous times it's going to lack imagination. Very similar to a council housing estate. The same house built hundreds of times serves its purpose and houses people but lacks a soul.

It would be nice to have a stadium that gives its visitors something to explore. Not just to visit one section and to know immediately that the block in the opposite corner is exactly the same.

So, I would like our new stadium to be a bit more creative than that of an identikit bowl.




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