Playing at home Really??

[Clutton Caveman]

On Saturday with plenty of time to think, due to getting stuffed, I wonder how we can continue to give visiting teams such a great time.

Our singing section is tucked in a corner with virtually no noise until the game starts. Such a limited range of songs and few that others can understand and join in with. We sing the Dasilva song whether is is good or bad because its one of the few that we have.

At the other end !!. We give them a full end behind a goal. Why don't the away fans at the gate get tucked into a top corner somewhere like we do?

I started watching City in 1970. The East End then has some pride and character. The song leaders where at the back in the middle and the singing spread out wide to both sides. The noise then would put our current volume to shame. We had a song for each player which didn't need to be a musical master piece. Everyone could hear it and join in. We had real hostility when one of ours was wronged.

We briefly heard the far end of the Dolman on Saturday but it soon died out.

For Goodness sake. Lets move the singing section to the middle of the East End. Get some simple and decent songs and belt them out and finally lets move the away fans as far away from the pitch as we can.

Lets also turn the pre match music down so that at least the fans can be heard.

Come on, the team needs help and the noise and encouragement just has to be better

 

[Supersonic Robin]

Our arrangement of fans is certainly non ideal. As you say, many clubs stick the away fans in the corner and the loudest home fans behind a goal. We do the inverse. It could be quite hard to change now though - the entire AG redevelopment was done with a plan to have the away fans in the Atyeo - the stadium is now effectively designed for that.

A few other thoughts:

• I don't think the chants are too complicated. I have a bit (not a lot ) more faith in the intelligence of our supporters than that!

 

• Sounds obvious, but the atmosphere would be better if more people were joining in. S82 do a great job IMO, but many clubs would suggest it's a bit lame that we have a "singing section" at all. The easiest way to improve the atmosphere is for more people to be contributing to it!

 

• Elephant in the room - I doubt any club in the country would have a great home atmosphere having not won at home for 10 months. 

[firstdivision]

You’re right, of course. 
Logistically, not as easy to put away fans in another part of the ground (upper tier of Lansdown perhaps). 
Crowd atmosphere not helped by dire home form and few (no) players to get anyone excited. Bournemouth are a good side but we were so passive. Grim performance.

[Davefevs]

30 minutes ago, Clutton Caveman said:

On Saturday with plenty of time to think, due to getting stuffed, I wonder how we can continue to give visiting teams such a great time.

Our singing section is tucked in a corner with virtually no noise until the game starts. Such a limited range of songs and few that others can understand and join in with. We sing the Dasilva song whether is is good or bad because its one of the few that we have.

At the other end !!. We give them a full end behind a goal. Why don't the away fans at the gate get tucked into a top corner somewhere like we do?

I started watching City in 1970. The East End then has some pride and character. The song leaders where at the back in the middle and the singing spread out wide to both sides. The noise then would put our current volume to shame. We had a song for each player which didn't need to be a musical master piece. Everyone could hear it and join in. We had real hostility when one of ours was wronged.

We briefly heard the far end of the Dolman on Saturday but it soon died out.

For Goodness sake. Lets move the singing section to the middle of the East End. Get some simple and decent songs and belt them out and finally lets move the away fans as far away from the pitch as we can.

Lets also turn the pre match music down so that at least the fans can be heard.

Come on, the team needs help and the noise and encouragement just has to be better

 

100%….let the crowd build the atmosphere not the music.

[Wanderingred]

Hate to say it, but the changing demographics of our fan base is going to make it very difficult to get back any sort of atmosphere. Middle class, first generation Bristolians and their children now populate Ashton Gate and whilst their support and money is very welcome, they mostly aren’t going to join in with songs and chants.

It’s just the way football is going I’m afraid and there are only a handful of grounds left in the UK that can still generate a good atmosphere.

[Pezo]

I thought it was flat before the game on Saturday, it was flat when the game started and was flat until the second half when for about 5 mins we had a go and the crowd were singing JD.

Not having a go but the corner just didn't seem up for it let alone the rest of the ground.

[GreedyHarry]

Without dragging up old arguments, the location of the singing section isn’t particularly the issue, it’s the fact that everywhere els you have to sit in the allocated seat. Generally that means that unless likeminded individuals are in the East End if the South Stand then they are going to be too separated to make a difference.

with regards away fans I think t he current layout was decided on as when they were given the minimum allocation and shoved to one side the Atyeo Stand is so small that they were behind the goal anyway. I think the current idea is at least they are done distance from the pitch rather than allowing them to create that claustrophobic feel when fans are right up to the pitch.

[Super]

I think the days of making the ground a fortress are long gone. Most away teams at every ground get a far easier ride than they used to.

[Super]

7 minutes ago, Pezo said:

I thought it was flat before the game on Saturday, it was flat when the game started and was flat until the second half when for about 5 mins we had a go and the crowd were singing JD.

Not having a go but the corner just didn't seem up for it let alone the rest of the ground.

The fans need something even a crunching tackle or something but like you said apart from a few minutes second half when we actually threatened a goal there was literally nothing for the crowd to feed off.

[AG City]

Any chance they can turn the lights down in the stands on Tuesday night so the only focus is on the pitch?

Evening games now remind me of being in a supermarket.

[Pezo]

3 minutes ago, Super said:

The fans need something even a crunching tackle or something but like you said apart from a few minutes second half when we actually threatened a goal there was literally nothing for the crowd to feed off.

Absolutely.

The only point to make on top of that is that it was flat before the game as well, we haven't had anything to seriously get behind for a few seasons and the championship season is exhausting and we seem to already be exhausted by it as a group of fans.

we just need to win on Tuesday and hopefully the atmosphere will be better.

[lenred]

1 minute ago, AG City said:

Any chance they can turn the lights down in the stands on Tuesday night so the only focus is on the pitch?

Evening games now remind me of being in a supermarket.

100%. Gave up that argument long ago though unfortunately. For reasons unbeknownst to anyone they have to stay at full flare at AG when even Wembley doesn’t have their on during the game.  

[Oh Louie louie]

So many managers commented what a hostile atmosphere warnock Redknapp off the top of my head. Can also recall Dario Grady saying his players were scared to go near the corner flag.

[myol'man]

Singing section tucked into one corner, away fans spread across the whole Atyeo end , lighting left on during the match. These are all done on the wishes of the stadium safety officer. 

Less intimidating atmosphere = less trouble. All very cosy for away fans 

[archie andrews]

Need a brolley tomorrow night too... 

[Ska Junkie]

This conversation raises its' head every now and again. While putting the noisier element in the middle of the South Stand would be ideal as it would spread, there are line of sight issues for those either side of them that wish to remain seated. Unless the whole stand buys into the idea, I guess it cannot happen, sadly.

Edited October 18, 2021 by Ska Junkie

[Red Army 75]

Watching the Swansea v Cardiff game yesterday. Swansea fans either side of the Cardiff contingent which created a good hostile atmosphere. Having moved all around Ashton Gate now stuck in a corner so far away from the away fans it’s difficult to get it going. Also some fans in that corner seem to have given up and who can blame them. Saturday was probably the worst it has been in there for me atmosphere wise.  We are currently in our worse run of results in our history at home. And that is certainly affecting fans. Unfortunately a hostile Ashton Gate is long gone.

[Club and Country]

Some people in section 82 could do with revisiting the old chants thread on here from a few days ago and get them going 

 

[Sniper]

Unfortunately I don't think things will ever be the same. Some of the youngsters won't know any different, but I was lucky enough to remember the days of standing in the East End. 5 or 6 Pints of Natch before the game, a hotdog and a burger from one of the wagons, face all covered in Ketchup and Mustard.

Score a goal and you'd end up a good 10 meters from where you were, jumping up and down like a loon hugging someone that you didn't even know. I'll never ever forget that.

[Ska Junkie]

1 minute ago, Red Army 75 said:

Watching the Swansea v Cardiff game yesterday. Swansea fans either side of the Cardiff contingent which created a good hostile atmosphere. Having moved all around Ashton Gate now stuck in a corner so far away from the away fans it’s difficult to get it going. Also some fans in that corner seem to have given up and who can blame them. Saturday was probably the worst it has been in there for me atmosphere wise.  We are currently in our worse run of results in our history at home. And that is certainly affecting fans. Unfortunately a hostile Ashton Gate is long gone.

Not sure on that RA75 although I take the point.

If it were the gas or a big game (a win would be nice as there are probably little ones toddling about that weren't born when we last won at home) and the gate can still be a very intimidating place. The egg chasers seem to manage ok.

I do agree though, it's flat as hell at the mo.

[Red Army 75]

1 minute ago, Ska Junkie said:

Not sure on that RA75 although I take the point.

If it were the gas or a big game (a win would be nice as there are probably little ones toddling about that weren't born when we last won at home) and the gate can still be a very intimidating place. The egg chasers seem to manage ok.

I do agree though, it's flat as hell at the mo.

We could play the rovers on the moon and there would be a good atmosphere. Standing in the current corner the lads in the middle constantly try to whip the atmosphere up every game. But people just don’t seem to be interested. I would definitely put it down to our current home form but also maybe the unreserved is no more and also new people in the area who never contribute. What’s the point of going in there. Also on Saturday a couple of lads in block 24 started standing up trying to get the atmosphere going joining in. Steward straight over telling them to sit down. Went and got steward supervisor and it just killed it. IMO they should extend the safety rail seating let more people stand move it behind the goal. 

[Pezo]

19 minutes ago, Oh Louie louie said:

So many managers commented what a hostile atmosphere warnock Redknapp off the top of my head. Can also recall Dario Grady saying his players were scared to go near the corner flag.

Can't remember when Redknapp said it. Warnock said it after the Palace game I believe but I can remember games that season that had a really flat atmosphere and it was one of our best seasons in the last 30 years.

The reality is generally speaking we are big game players that find it hard to motivate ourselves for games against journeyman teams or those we perceive to be below us.

[Bristol Oil Services]

54 minutes ago, lenred said:

100%. Gave up that argument long ago though unfortunately. For reasons unbeknownst to anyone they have to stay at full flare at AG when even Wembley doesn’t have their on during the game.  

Ashton Gate has long been a ground where liveliness and crowd involvement have been swiftly pounced upon.

Watching old "Big Match" programmes from the 70s it amazes me that the fences went up at AG at either end before many others and when grounds such as Upton Park or Highbury never had them at all.

The East End was also divided up into small sections (divide and conquer?) while much larger ends such as the Kop were left as originally built decades before so that there was a seething mass of people. Never understand why this had to happen on the East End, and so reducing the capacity, but not the Kop.

While Cotts was here we had the club or Bristol Sport appealing for nice, family-orientated moderate language and so on, and Cotts urging us to get a bit revved up and maybe "influence" the ref a bit. They even thought about allowing West Ham to bring a bloody bubble machine, ffs! (Unless that was not the case?)

The whole AG experience now is about comfort and convenience and having it nice and easy, including visiting team and supporters.

 

[Oh Louie louie]

Redknapp said this in his autobiography. His first one I think he described us as wild

[Pezo]

24 minutes ago, Red Army 75 said:

Watching the Swansea v Cardiff game yesterday. Swansea fans either side of the Cardiff contingent which created a good hostile atmosphere. Having moved all around Ashton Gate now stuck in a corner so far away from the away fans it’s difficult to get it going. Also some fans in that corner seem to have given up and who can blame them. Saturday was probably the worst it has been in there for me atmosphere wise.  We are currently in our worse run of results in our history at home. And that is certainly affecting fans. Unfortunately a hostile Ashton Gate is long gone.

I accept that some need away fans to get going and need that spice but that shouldn't really make a difference. It shouldn't all be about the banter IMO, it should be about getting behind your team.

We also had enough poor atmospheres when home and away fans were next to each other in the best stand for containing acoustics.

[archie andrews]

5 minutes ago, Oh Louie louie said:

Redknapp said this in his autobiography. His first one I think he described us as wild

That was louise redknapp lou..... 

[marmite]

2 hours ago, Clutton Caveman said:

On Saturday with plenty of time to think, due to getting stuffed, I wonder how we can continue to give visiting teams such a great time.

Our singing section is tucked in a corner with virtually no noise until the game starts. Such a limited range of songs and few that others can understand and join in with. We sing the Dasilva song whether is is good or bad because its one of the few that we have.

At the other end !!. We give them a full end behind a goal. Why don't the away fans at the gate get tucked into a top corner somewhere like we do?

I started watching City in 1970. The East End then has some pride and character. The song leaders where at the back in the middle and the singing spread out wide to both sides. The noise then would put our current volume to shame. We had a song for each player which didn't need to be a musical master piece. Everyone could hear it and join in. We had real hostility when one of ours was wronged.

We briefly heard the far end of the Dolman on Saturday but it soon died out.

For Goodness sake. Lets move the singing section to the middle of the East End. Get some simple and decent songs and belt them out and finally lets move the away fans as far away from the pitch as we can.

Lets also turn the pre match music down so that at least the fans can be heard.

Come on, the team needs help and the noise and encouragement just has to be better

 

I've banged on about this before and got knocked back by people saying it's the same at all grounds, that the away fans make more noise than the home fans. I don't think it's true everywhere,  but it certainly is at AG at the present. The atmosphere never builds like it used to before the redevelopment.  I almost feel like a neutral fan now watching us at home. On Saturday I was enjoying watching Bournemouths slick play more than I was disappointed with our performance,  if that makes sense. The away chants of "is this a library" really felt truthful. 

There is a Senior Reds on Thursday with Richard Gould as guest. I will ask him if there are any plans to improve the atmosphere from the home fans such as relocating the away fans from behind the goal. I'm not holding out much hope though if it's a health and safety issue.

[AppyDAZE]

I think Redknapp had a bit of a set-to with a City fan behind the dugout when manager of Bournemouth. Can't remember exactly, but I think it got a bit nasty for a while.

My mind could be playing tricks.

Edited October 18, 2021 by AppyDAZE

[lenred]

6 minutes ago, Pezo said:

I accept that some need away fans to get going and need that spice but that shouldn't really make a difference. It shouldn't all be about the banter IMO, it should be about getting behind your team.

We also had enough poor atmospheres when home and away fans were next to each other in the best stand for containing acoustics.

I’d say the atmosphere was 10 times as good when we had the old Williams and East End either side of the away fans. Would depend who we were playing still but was just so much better on the whole.  Obviously there is no going back but like @Red Army 75said if they can do it at Swansea v Cardiff then surely it’s not impossible to at least get some home fans in the Atyeo if not elsewhere.  

Edited October 18, 2021 by lenred

[lenred]

1 minute ago, marmite said:

I've banged on about this before and got knocked back by people saying it's the same at all grounds, that the away fans make more noise than the home fans. I don't think it's true everywhere,  but it certainly is at AG at the present. The atmosphere never builds like it used to before the redevelopment.  I almost feel like a neutral fan now watching us at home. On Saturday I was enjoying watching Bournemouths slick play more than I was disappointed with our performance,  if that makes sense. The away chants of "is this a library" really felt truthful. 

There is a Senior Reds on Thursday with Richard Gould as guest. I will ask him if there are any plans to improve the atmosphere from the home fans such as relocating the away fans from behind the goal. I'm not holding out much hope though if it's a health and safety issue.

You can use the yesterday’s Swansea Cardiff game as an example with both sets of fans practically on top of each other. If they can do it surely anyone can and no trouble reported as far as I can see.  

[Supersonic Robin]

1 hour ago, Wanderingred said:

It’s just the way football is going I’m afraid and there are only a handful of grounds left in the UK that can still generate a good atmosphere.

 

15 minutes ago, Moments of Pleasure said:

While Cotts was here we had the club or Bristol Sport appealing for nice, family-orientated moderate language and so on, and Cotts urging us to get a bit revved up and maybe "influence" the ref a bit. They even thought about allowing West Ham to bring a bloody bubble machine, ffs! (Unless that was not the case?)

The whole AG experience now is about comfort and convenience and having it nice and easy, including visiting team and supporters.

 

Like it or loathe it, the above points are true. Football is moving way from intimidating atmospheres, rowdy crowds etc, and moving towards being a more pleasant and perhaps "socially acceptable" day out.

I wouldn't be surprised if there was a conscious effort to reduce how hostile and intimidating the stadium felt as part of the AG redevelopment, perhaps to try and attract a Bristolian audience which is more middle class than that of the average city.

26 minutes ago, Red Army 75 said:

Also on Saturday a couple of lads in block 24 started standing up trying to get the atmosphere going joining in. Steward straight over telling them to sit down. Went and got steward supervisor and it just killed it. IMO they should extend the safety rail seating let more people stand move it behind the goal. 

I've had similar experiences in the Dolman. Not necessarily stewards telling you to sit down, but if you stand up and sing then it takes all of 30 seconds for a grumpy bloke a couple of rows behind you to start moaning. (I appreciate that some may not want to stand and sing, and some may physically struggle to.)

Similarly, if you join in with a song/chant in the Dolman then people around you rarely seem to do the same.

Although some of us like an old-school atmosphere, it's clear that a large portion of the home crowd DOESN'T want to be singing, chanting, clapping, standing etc. 

[Sleepy1968]

2 hours ago, Clutton Caveman said:

On Saturday with plenty of time to think, due to getting stuffed, I wonder how we can continue to give visiting teams such a great time.

Our singing section is tucked in a corner with virtually no noise until the game starts. Such a limited range of songs and few that others can understand and join in with. We sing the Dasilva song whether is is good or bad because its one of the few that we have.

At the other end !!. We give them a full end behind a goal. Why don't the away fans at the gate get tucked into a top corner somewhere like we do?

I started watching City in 1970. The East End then has some pride and character. The song leaders where at the back in the middle and the singing spread out wide to both sides. The noise then would put our current volume to shame. We had a song for each player which didn't need to be a musical master piece. Everyone could hear it and join in. We had real hostility when one of ours was wronged.

We briefly heard the far end of the Dolman on Saturday but it soon died out.

For Goodness sake. Lets move the singing section to the middle of the East End. Get some simple and decent songs and belt them out and finally lets move the away fans as far away from the pitch as we can.

Lets also turn the pre match music down so that at least the fans can be heard.

Come on, the team needs help and the noise and encouragement just has to be better

 

I think that anyone under about 35-40 just has no clue about what an atmosphere was. Changes in attitude/the rot set in when grounds started to become all seater. I'm convinced I've been in crowds of 5 or 6k near the bottom of the fourth division when the home ashton gate crowd was more vocal than it's been (bar man utd/man city/the one time in 20 years we play rovers).

I'm in the middle of the Dolman and if I hear it (and its not a negative chant - no need for it - get behind yourt team) I join in. I'm the 1 in 100 there. But the middle of the SS is pretty pathetic. I guess times have changed, mostly for the better, but probably if the atmosphere gets much worse we'll have the American's landing and planting flags in the centre circle during games.

[Trueredsupporter]

Having a singing section at all says it all.

[hollydog]

Some decent attacking football on the pitch might help.

[Davefevs]

12 minutes ago, Sleepy1968 said:

I think that anyone under about 35-40 just has no clue about what an atmosphere was. Changes in attitude/the rot set in when grounds started to become all seater. I'm convinced I've been in crowds of 5 or 6k near the bottom of the fourth division when the home ashton gate crowd was more vocal than it's been (bar man utd/man city/the one time in 20 years we play rovers).

I'm in the middle of the Dolman and if I hear it (and its not a negative chant - no need for it - get behind yourt team) I join in. I'm the 1 in 100 there. But the middle of the SS is pretty pathetic. I guess times have changed, mostly for the better, but probably if the atmosphere gets much worse we'll have the American's landing and planting flags in the centre circle during games.

I’m not a singer, but occasionally join in, when a chant gets going.  The chaos who sit just down from me, spent all game on their phones.  They don’t even watch the game .

[winsaw]

I stand in the s82 part of the singing corner (the middle part) a couple of rows back behind the drum and everyone in the middle section sang for most of the game, but the problem I noticed was to the left and right wings there was very little singing going on at all only joining in with very few of the songs, btw I disagree with the OP as we have a lot of different songs that are simple and easy to join it with, back to my point though simply there are to many who are in there almost as a tourist they have come along to be entered without looking to add much themselves, it also feels like a lot of people in there now are simply there as they like standing during the game with there mates and are not that interested in singing, it's been a lot harder to get everyone involved this year 

[Ska Junkie]

1 hour ago, Red Army 75 said:

We could play the rovers on the moon and there would be a good atmosphere. Standing in the current corner the lads in the middle constantly try to whip the atmosphere up every game. But people just don’t seem to be interested. I would definitely put it down to our current home form but also maybe the unreserved is no more and also new people in the area who never contribute. What’s the point of going in there. Also on Saturday a couple of lads in block 24 started standing up trying to get the atmosphere going joining in. Steward straight over telling them to sit down. Went and got steward supervisor and it just killed it. IMO they should extend the safety rail seating let more people stand move it behind the goal. 

I agree with you RA75 but the practicalities just don't work due to line of sight. If they made the whole end standing, as it used to be, then maybe but the club seem to put $$$ before atmosphere which I do understand. If a solution was easy, I'm sure it would have happened by now.

[Waconda]

47 minutes ago, Supersonic Robin said:

 

Like it or loathe it, the above points are true. Football is moving way from intimidating atmospheres, rowdy crowds etc, and moving towards being a more pleasant and perhaps "socially acceptable" day out.

I wouldn't be surprised if there was a conscious effort to reduce how hostile and intimidating the stadium felt as part of the AG redevelopment, perhaps to try and attract a Bristolian audience which is more middle class than that of the average city.

I've had similar experiences in the Dolman. Not necessarily stewards telling you to sit down, but if you stand up and sing then it takes all of 30 seconds for a grumpy bloke a couple of rows behind you to start moaning. (I appreciate that some may not want to stand and sing, and some may physically struggle to.)

Similarly, if you join in with a song/chant in the Dolman then people around you rarely seem to do the same.

Although some of us like an old-school atmosphere, it's clear that a large portion of the home crowd DOESN'T want to be singing, chanting, clapping, standing etc. 

Correct - allocated seating is a massive issue here. stifling likeminded "noisy, rowdy" ones from grouping adhoc, whilst intermingling them with family groups, who want to sit quietly and enjoy the game in their own way.

 

[myol'man]

Cheap tickets or a  BOGOF deal in Dolman 34 (A block) for lower grade games might help. Get a few in who want to sing at the away fans. 

[myol'man]

1 hour ago, marmite said:

 

There is a Senior Reds on Thursday with Richard Gould as guest. I will ask him if there are any plans to improve the atmosphere from the home fans such as relocating the away fans from behind the goal. I'm not holding out much hope though if it's a health and safety issue.

Any chance of a senior reds meeting on an evening instead of lunchtime? Not all over 55s are retired you know!

 

 

Edited October 18, 2021 by myol'man

[ralphindevon]

3 hours ago, Davefevs said:

100%….let the crowd build the atmosphere not the music.

I mentioned this to the club a few years ago, I got told, by Adam Baker I think, that the club had monitored it and decided leaving to the crowd to create an atmosphere hadn’t worked.

personally I used to love the build up a crowd created, especially with a big away following. Maybe it’s different now, I don’t know.

[NOTBLUE]

2 hours ago, Pezo said:

Absolutely.

The only point to make on top of that is that it was flat before the game as well, we haven't had anything to seriously get behind for a few seasons and the championship season is exhausting and we seem to already be exhausted by it as a group of fans.

we just need to win on Tuesday and hopefully the atmosphere will be better.

The Fulham game seemed completely different for some reason,before the game people actually thought we could win,although obviously we didn’t, but Saturday everyone I went with were very pessimistic,and within 5 minutes of kickoff I knew why,we started on the back foot and let Bournemouth take the initiative,as others have said, it was a very passive performance.Passive performance,passive atmosphere follows.

[Sleepy1968]

41 minutes ago, Davefevs said:

The chaos who sit just down from me, spent all game on their phones.  They don’t even watch the game.

You see it all the time don't you. There is no hope for some, I'm not sure they realise what the point of going to football is. The fans who video parts of games are similar - some using ipads ffs - they take themselves out of being a participant by doing that, losing what it is to be there.

(My phone stays in my pocket until half time/full time when I might text a couple of mates my thoughts on proceedings. Nothing worthwhile or insghtful unfortunately: Saturday's halftime keyword was 'non-conpetative')

[Sleepy1968]

7 minutes ago, ralphindevon said:

I mentioned this to the club a few years ago, I got told, by Adam Baker I think, that the club had monitored it and decided leaving to the crowd to create an atmosphere hadn’t worked.

personally I used to love the build up a crowd created, especially with a big away following. Maybe it’s different now, I don’t know.

Probably doesn't help with most fans arriving late, or staying in the concource until 5 minutes from the start. Mind you we don't have the Rocking Robins anymore ...

[ralphindevon]

1 minute ago, Sleepy1968 said:

Probably doesn't help with most fans arriving late, or staying in the concource until 5 minutes from the start. Mind you we don't have the Rocking Robins anymore ...

The concourses are busy up to kick off, before and after half time and before full time, that never used to be a thing.
I’m not sure the Rocking Robins would be allowed nowadays…….unless it was a mixture of men and women.

No, I’m not volunteering 

[Clutton Caveman]

3 hours ago, Wanderingred said:

Hate to say it, but the changing demographics of our fan base is going to make it very difficult to get back any sort of atmosphere. Middle class, first generation Bristolians and their children now populate Ashton Gate and whilst their support and money is very welcome, they mostly aren’t going to join in with songs and chants.

It’s just the way football is going I’m afraid and there are only a handful of grounds left in the UK that can still generate a good atmosphere.

At the risk of massive flak, I think the Gas heads often create more noise that we do. Purely from an acoustic and visual standpoint, our sound should come from the centre of the East End.

[sludge]

We should stop selling beer at half-time!!!

Hoards of people leaving their seats with around 38 minutes on the clock so that they can go and get their half-time pint. Does not help the atmosphere!!

[Pezo]

8 minutes ago, NOTBLUE said:

The Fulham game seemed completely different for some reason,before the game people actually thought we could win,although obviously we didn’t, but Saturday everyone I went with were very pessimistic,and within 5 minutes of kickoff I knew why,we started on the back foot and let Bournemouth take the initiative,as others have said, it was a very passive performance.Passive performance,passive atmosphere follows.

Maybe that was due to our recent record against Fulham. Maybe it's because we've become accustomed to losing and not enjoying it from that perspective. Maybe we're just getting back to normal and this fairly is normal after a few games.

Whatever it is I'm fairly sure it's nothing to do with where people sit.

[Pezo]

9 minutes ago, Sleepy1968 said:

Probably doesn't help with most fans arriving late, or staying in the concource until 5 minutes from the start. Mind you we don't have the Rocking Robins anymore ...

 

3 minutes ago, sludge said:

We should stop selling beer at half-time!!!

Hoards of people leaving their seats with around 38 minutes on the clock so that they can go and get their half-time pint. Does not help the atmosphere!!

All of this would be solved if the football was more enjoyable than a pint or god forbid we were allowed to drink in our seats.

[Red-Robbo]

1 hour ago, AppyDAZE said:

I think Redknapp had a bit of a set-to with a City fan behind the dugout when manager of Bournemouth. Can't remember exactly, but I think it got a bit nasty for a while.

My mind could be playing tricks.

 

I think you're right. I believe handbags were drawn.

[NOTBLUE]

1 minute ago, Pezo said:

 

All of this would be solved if the football was more enjoyable than a pint or god forbid we were allowed to drink in our seats.

I hear it at most games,a big sigh followed by,**** this I’m off for a pint.

[Tin Soldier]

Ashton Gate is like a library nowadays. Layout is crap.

[Guest]

The whole pre match routine at AG is gauged at someone’s idea of what they think is required. It’s aimed specifically at  generating money from those attending, hospitality, bars, food outlets, shop, mascot packages etc, etc.

In the Lansdown the sound system is so loud it’s impossible to hold a conversation, so it’s pretty pointless anyone trying to start singing to generate an atmosphere.

Away fans will never be moved anywhere from their present home and that makes absolute sense when you look at the way the stadium has been developed, it’s no longer a football stadium but a multi purpose sports arena, again as designed.

The only time an atmosphere will be generated that might just give the team a small advantage is when we can reasonably expect to see on a regular basis attacking football and a better than average chance of winning a game.

Frankly I’m not sure if that is going to happen with the current squad anytime soon.

So I see further defeats, dwindling attendances, poorer atmospheres and perhaps even fans turning on players and management going forward.

Glass half empty you say…..bloody right it is.

 

[ChubStixx]

I don't think you get the characters on the pitch any more either. Not as many charismatic players as there once was.

Players just seem to go with no emotional investment in them.

[Davefevs]

Would it help if we kicked towards the SS first half?

[redsquirrel]

1 hour ago, Davefevs said:

Would it help if we kicked towards the SS first half?

from memory  it was always better scoring in the old eastend second half. what they need is a few mics in s 82 and pipe it very loud over the pa system  

[RumRed]

I enjoy the singing and support at games but really? I don’t have anyone standing behind me at work when filling in a spreadsheet. You have a job, just do it. Atmosphere should be more for the fans, in the stands, than the players.

if you can’t get motivated by that level of salary you can f’ off as far as I’m concerned.

Edited October 18, 2021 by RumRed

[IAmNick]

Just now, RumRed said:

I enjoy the singing and support at games but really? I don’t have anyone standing behind me at work when filling in doing a spreadsheet. You have a job, just do it. Atmosphere should be more for the fans, in the stands, than the players.

if you can’t get motivated by that level of salary you can f’ off as far as I’m concerned.

Money is demonstrably a pretty poor motivator of people... Maybe you'd rather watch a team who are motivated based on their wage but I wouldn't.

I suspect you don't have 20k people who have paid to watch you fill in that spreadsheet!

 

I remember complaints about the atmosphere back when the EE was open, endless arguments between the "netters" and the others about who was singing too fast, the rest of the ground saying they couldn't hear it properly due to the roof etc. etc.

What gets an atmosphere going is exciting football. When we play it, the atmosphere is decent imo... but we've had a severe lack of that for years now. Maybe the possession based slowly slowly approach is one to get the purists going but quick, incisive, attacking football - or even players fighting battles and winning tackles will get the atmosphere back.

Imo you could shuffle the fans and it's not going to change anything. Put the main singers in the worst bit of the ground and an exciting game in front of them and the ground will be rocking regardless.

[RumRed]

9 minutes ago, IAmNick said:

Money is demonstrably a pretty poor motivator of people... Maybe you'd rather watch a team who are motivated based on their wage but I wouldn't.

I suspect you don't have 20k people who have paid to watch you fill in that spreadsheet!

 

I remember complaints about the atmosphere back when the EE was open, endless arguments between the "netters" and the others about who was singing too fast, the rest of the ground saying they couldn't hear it properly due to the roof etc. etc.

What gets an atmosphere going is exciting football. When we play it, the atmosphere is decent imo... but we've had a severe lack of that for years now. Maybe the possession based slowly slowly approach is one to get the purists going but quick, incisive, attacking football - or even players fighting battles and winning tackles will get the atmosphere back.

Imo you could shuffle the fans and it's not going to change anything. Put the main singers in the worst bit of the ground and an exciting game in front of them and the ground will be rocking regardless.

I was purely making the point that atmosphere is for the fans, not the players.

Also even though only 4 people see my actual spreadsheet over 50,000 see the results once run through some pretty web app.

Maybe I should ask to be on 10k a week and get my company to pay a cheerleading squad just in case I feel a bit down on a wet Tuesday?

Edited October 18, 2021 by RumRed

[The Wild Bunch]

The only way of improving the atmosphere with the current setup is putting home fans on one side of the Atyeo and extending safe standing across the back of the South Stand.  Not going to happen but we can dream!

 

[Mr Popodopolous]

7 hours ago, Red Army 75 said:

We could play the rovers on the moon and there would be a good atmosphere. Standing in the current corner the lads in the middle constantly try to whip the atmosphere up every game. But people just don’t seem to be interested. I would definitely put it down to our current home form but also maybe the unreserved is no more and also new people in the area who never contribute. What’s the point of going in there. Also on Saturday a couple of lads in block 24 started standing up trying to get the atmosphere going joining in. Steward straight over telling them to sit down. Went and got steward supervisor and it just killed it. IMO they should extend the safety rail seating let more people stand move it behind the goal. 

A bigger standing/singing section? I don't disagree, problem is to what extent is that permissible with our SAG/SAGs generally? Plus unsure we can shift it around mid-season.

[Mr Popodopolous]

7 hours ago, Pezo said:

Can't remember when Redknapp said it. Warnock said it after the Palace game I believe but I can remember games that season that had a really flat atmosphere and it was one of our best seasons in the last 30 years.

The reality is generally speaking we are big game players that find it hard to motivate ourselves for games against journeyman teams or those we perceive to be below us.

Thought in 2007/08 the atmospheres were quite good in general- it was arguably our best season in a generation, certainly the closest we had come to a top flight return since 1980.

[Puckle_red]

Stop the crappy chants about a local rivals' manager, just when an atmosphere is trying to build would help.

AG layout post rebuild, is not great for atmosphere and the club do NOT want it hostile, they want it 'nice'. I do think a block or two in the bottom tier of the Dolman nearest the away fans would be a good idea to spread the atmosphere a bit. 

I'm in the corner but not in the group in the centre. They give it a good go most games and I have some personal friends amongst them. Saturday was below par and was a poor atmosphere. 

However, for those who need a bit of encouragement to get behind the team, let's not forget we have had a poor home record for 3 or 4 seasons now.

COYR

[Chicken George]

People think that extending the ‘singing section’ will improve it. Rubbish. There’s 1200 people in there already and only about 50 actually try to sing most of the game. Where are these extra people who want to sing going to come from? 
It’s been getting worse and worse for years. The only thing that will improve the atmosphere would be for more people to actually join in. Not really rocket science. More singers, louder it gets. Right now there’s about 50 to 100 people making an effort. Occasionally it catches on and gets a bit louder but mostly it’s just 50 lads. 

 

doesn’t help that a lot of people piss off to the bar for most of the game. Maybe the club shouldn’t show the game on the screens in the concourse as it just encourages people to stand around with a beer and watch it on tv. 

Edited October 18, 2021 by Enter Sandman

[IAmNick]

31 minutes ago, RumRed said:

I was purely making the point that atmosphere is for the fans, not the players.

Also even though only 4 people see my actual spreadsheet over 50,000 see the results once run through some pretty web app.

Maybe I should ask to be on 10k a week and get my company to pay a cheerleading squad just in case I feel a bit down on a wet Tuesday?

I think it's for both. Players often talk about it don't they, and if they're going to have 20k people scrutinising their every move for 90m surely support is better than anything else? You've never experienced the effect of a crowd on a game - either positive or negative?

Your argument is really odd and seems a bit hung up on the amount they make. They didn't decide that, it's the going rate and it's not their fault. Money doesn't make you feel "less shit" on a Tuesday night if you're playing like crap, losing, and the crowd are on your back. I seriously doubt almost any player will be going "Ah well another 5k at the end of the week never mind eh, who's in charge of the half time orange slices this week?".

 

If you were one of the best in the world you probably would be paid 10k a week for that spreadsheet  and have a group of people hanging off your every word at conferences or whatever!

[KegCity]

9 hours ago, Wanderingred said:

Hate to say it, but the changing demographics of our fan base is going to make it very difficult to get back any sort of atmosphere. Middle class, first generation Bristolians and their children now populate Ashton Gate and whilst their support and money is very welcome, they mostly aren’t going to join in with songs and chants.

It’s just the way football is going I’m afraid and there are only a handful of grounds left in the UK that can still generate a good atmosphere.

Nail on head. You get S82 trying their best and a murmur at best from the rest of the crowd. Used to do pay on the day and by far and away the best atmosphere I experienced outside S82 was in the Atyeo when we opened it up against Derby and others. Completely get not everyone wants to be shouting for 90 minutes but if we were able to get more of an atmosphere going from the lansdown and dolman it would do wonders.

Sadly in my view the atmosphere died with the East End. Would be nice to see the rail seating go across the whole stand and make it more of a “home end” as it was a decade ago. Not sure there’s enough demand for it though (or even if the club would want to).

[Mr Popodopolous]

In my time (since late 1990s), I'd say- and this doesn't exactly include big games, especially under the lights but the more routine ones- although Saturday was very flat considering we were playing the side top of the table.

It's got that bit worse each decade IMO. Myriad of reasons and not all of them City specific. Changing demographics, a wider gentrification of the game in general, the music blaring pre game, more comfortable surroundings, the new AG is much more comfortable than pre redevelopment surely, away fans and home fans being kept so far apart. The lights as well. Some of this was even predating the late 1990s and aspects will also have declined in the prior decade.

I'm sure that there are more I've missed, question is how is it changed? How much is even in the gift of the club ie SAG requirements that we have to adhere to?

Edited October 18, 2021 by Mr Popodopolous

[KegCity]

5 minutes ago, Enter Sandman said:

People think that extending the ‘singing section’ will improve it. Rubbish. There’s 1200 people in there already and only about 50 actually try to sing most of the game. Where are these extra people who want to sing going to come from? 
It’s been getting worse and worse for years. The only thing that will improve the atmosphere would be for more people to actually join in. Not really rocket science. More singers, louder it gets. Right now there’s about 50 to 100 people making an effort. Occasionally it catches on and gets a bit louder but mostly it’s just 50 lads. 

 

doesn’t help that a lot of people piss off to the bar for most of the game. Maybe the club shouldn’t show the game on the screens in the concourse as it just encourages people to stand around with a beer and watch it on tv. 

Agree. The more people join in, across the ground, the better. Doesn’t help that some people love a moan about the chants they don’t like, which then discourages other to sing. Had a guy in front of me (in the signing section mind) about the “I see the east end a-rising” chant, which then killed it off around him which then spread. If fans want an atmosphere they’ve got to do their bit in creating one. Doesn’t help that there’s nothing to sing about on the pitch.

[RumRed]

9 minutes ago, IAmNick said:

I think it's for both. Players often talk about it don't they, and if they're going to have 20k people scrutinising their every move for 90m surely support is better than anything else? You've never experienced the effect of a crowd on a game - either positive or negative?

Your argument is really odd and seems a bit hung up on the amount they make. They didn't decide that, it's the going rate and it's not their fault. Money doesn't make you feel "less shit" on a Tuesday night if you're playing like crap, losing, and the crowd are on your back. I seriously doubt almost any player will be going "Ah well another 5k at the end of the week never mind eh, who's in charge of the half time orange slices this week?".

 

If you were one of the best in the world you probably would be paid 10k a week for that spreadsheet  and have a group of people hanging off your every word at conferences or whatever!

Funnily enough my years wages are just over a months worth of someone earning 10k a week. Unfortunately I am really crap at football, oh and cricket. Usually get sent off in football (lack of ability rather than malice). Cricket I either get 3 fours as the last batsman or out for a duck, usually the second. Agricultural I’d say. Weird where the money is.

I can understand the crowd getting on their backs might be an issue but the support side of it? Maybe it does but in which case they are precious little flowers. My boss gives me a verbal kicking I listen, need the salary.

 

 

Edited October 18, 2021 by RumRed

[Cardy]

The singing section at home is really poor in my opinion - certainly not helped though by location in the stadium.
Such a limited, one dimensional set of chants with still no reference to many of the players. Yes there are a couple of decent ones but does JD need to be sung about so often just because they can’t think of anything for any else?!
As someone said above - the S82’ers really do need educating on what good chants sound & look like. It’s a bit embarrassing when old guys like me have more idea than the Youth!!