Breaking News Facilities Update - North Bank (NWQ) X block now open

[kentblues]

Forget surveys the way to test it is to open it and see. You can guarantee the repose in person will be higher than the survey. Once people look over and see just 50 people behind that goal having fun it will fill up within a few games.

A caveat could be you can move back and forth the from your seat in the West. Especially when we are attacking the South.

This would solve the W block problem without any need for tougher ticket checks or stricter stewarding.

On this point I'm amazed so many of you seem to think a serious incident would be the fans fault. Under H&S it would be the clubs fault. Why because the overcrowding in W block is clearly "common practice".
We all know it and so do the club. Goes back to the days of some factory owner or manger allowing the safe guards to be remove for easier machine operation etc. Claiming it's the workers fault when their arm is mangled is not a defence.

Good luck to any members of COSU standing in the dock at crown court saying "Those 15 and 16 year olds really should haven taken responsibility"

Which why standing in the north given the restricted legroom (increased trip hazard) I wouldn’t recommend either- yes standing in seated areas is no longer unlawful/banned but to be allowed it has to go through an approval process including H&S approval I believe.

As you says fans tend to think they buy a ticket and if they all want to stand that’s up to them- as you say it’s the club who bears the consequences if something goes wrong and the process hasn’t been followed or some beak decides so..

I thought we were looking at safe standing? In which case in a way it solves the problem as the club can designate seated areas for sitting which is probably wise anyway.

 

[BriggBlue]

This may be a bit of a backwards step, but can the north bank be converted back to terracing until it is refurbished?

Surely removing the seats and installing some rails would be a relatively quick and cheap fix.

The whole allocated seating issue goes away

 

[Target man]

This may be a bit of a backwards step, but can the north bank be converted back to terracing until it is refurbished?

Surely removing the seats and installing some rails would be a relatively quick and cheap fix.

The whole allocated seating issue goes away

Actually think you'd be surprised, as I'm sure that would cost more. The seats currently are attached to fixed frames which would have to be removed and flooring resurfaced before railing even put in. Costly and timely.

 

[leeblue]

I think theres a good opportunity to get all the rowdy fans together and make a good racket, perhaps cheaper tickets, or a good pop up bar with cheaper booze etc.

I sincerely doubt anyone used to the east or west will relocate tho. Maybe once for the crack of it.

I'm in the west block v...there's a few of us and we will deffo give the North a go

 

[PIERS]

North bank. Ten pounds a ticket. Stand where you want unless it gets to full. Which it won’t in this league

 

[Up the Shrimpers]

I don't think the club will be able to make the North cheaper for our fans because you are not allowed to charge away fans more for the same seating. If we do then we would have to make it cheaper for the away fans and COSU are not going to want to lose money that way.

Are you sure about that?
Fylde away, we were charged £5 more than home fans for exactly the same terrace/seat view.

 

[HertfordshireBlue]

I think one of the issues with “sharing “ the North Bank with away supporters is safe segregation.
In the past with away fans in the North, adjacent to the East and Shrimpers in good numbers up to behind the goal led to a bucket load of issues for the stewards keeping goading fans apart.
Needs careful planning imo

This also concerns me - I fear our fans (especially the younger element) may be distracted from supporting the team by constant goading of the away fans 24/7 instead of supportive chants and atmosphere.

 

[Billy Bests boot laces]

This also concerns me - I fear our fans (especially the younger element) may be distracted from supporting the team by constant goading of the away fans 24/7 instead of supportive chants and atmosphere.

Which irritates me immensely. Ok accept it when playing a 'local' team within 50 mile radius, but for those who travel from a distance, their numbers are small so ignore them?.
The team needs the support & chants more, so just focus on that?.
FWIW back in the late 60's-70's when many on here started their apprenticeships on the North Bank, very few clubs brought away support in any numbers here. For those who did, we always sang our hearts out for the team for the game, never wasted our breath on wasted energy towards our rivals.

 

[kentblues]

For those interested as far as I know this is the guidance/requirements around standing in seated areas and safe standing.

Not sure what if any approvals have been sought/apply/are necessary currently, but to the extent that groups may be standing in the west currently, providing proper safe standing in the north stand would make a lot of sense. That may require people who want to stand to move to the north stand. May require some investment. But may also provide better protection for the club- which is maybe also an additional reason why they may be looking at doing it. I doubt standing in the west stand would current constitute “safe standing”.

Licensed standing - SGSA

Licensed, safe standing allows fans to stand at some grounds subject to the all-seater policy, as long as certain criteria are met.

sgsa.org.uk

 

[sufc4life21]

So want this to happen.... roots hall would be more of enjoyable place to come if fans are allowed to watch games from the north bank.

 

[weststander]

Are you sure about that?
Fylde away, we were charged £5 more than home fans for exactly the same terrace/seat view.

Yes, law/rule 20 of the National League states that fans cannot be charged different prices for the same standard of seat. However, on 3 occasions a season a club may run a promotion and lower prices.

 

[Up the Shrimpers]

Yes, law/rule 20 of the National League states that fans cannot be charged different prices for the same standard of seat. However, on 3 occasions a season a club may run a promotion and lower prices.

Well I don't know how Fylde get away with it then. Every game they charge away fans £18 to stand and home fans £13 at almost identical stands at either end of the ground.
Infact the home stand is much better as it has much better facilties.

 

[Mick]

Well I don't know how Fylde get away with it then. Every game they charge away fans £18 to stand and home fans £13 at almost identical stands at either end of the ground.
Infact the home stand is much better as it has much better facilties.

"ADMISSION CHARGES
The minimum charge for admission to all matches shall be determined from time to time by the Board. Admission charges must be the same for home and visiting supporters at Competition matches for equivalent accommodation. If there is no equivalent accommodation, the Board may in its absolute discretion consider the charges set by the home Club and determine a reasonable equivalent admission charges for visiting supporters, which shall be implemented by the home Club until the end of the current Playing Season. Clubs may, with the written permission of the Board, have a maximum of three Competition Match days each Playing Season during which they can vary general admission charges for adults including allowing free admission. Concessionary admission charges or pricing policies for disabled people and their carers/helpers, senior citizens, students, children, unemployed, armed forces etc, if available for home supporters, must be offered on a similar basis to visiting supporters."

Cause for complaint, I'd say.

 

[shrimperjon]

This also concerns me - I fear our fans (especially the younger element) may be distracted from supporting the team by constant goading of the away fans 24/7 instead of supportive chants and atmosphere.

Bit like the idiots that we have to put up with at Maidenhead

 

[Smiffy]

Just a reminder, ICYMI...get your views on the North Bank over to the club asap!

North Bank Update

The official website of Southend United FC

www.southendunited.co.uk

North Bank Feedback Form

We are seeking feedback to understand the level of interest from supporters in relocating their season ticket/buying a ticket in the North Bank, and we’d like to hear from you. Please let us know your thoughts by completing this very short form. Thank you in advance.

docs.google.com

 

[Harry Bullocks]

Done

 

[Tommy2holes]

I'd be surprised if the north happens this season. Just can't see enough appetite for it.

 

[Uncle_Rons_Teapot]

Never seen the attraction to standing behind the goal at a match to be honest no matter what the atmosphere

 

[Shrimper83]

Can't we just open it up and let people walk round to it if they fancy it? Or is that not able to happen due to stewarding.

Maidenhead you can walk round there whole home end so fans can be behind goals both halves

 

[HertfordshireBlue]

I'd be surprised if the north happens this season. Just can't see enough appetite for it.

Not unless they can issue safe standing or open the entire stand to home fans