atmosphere BDTBL

[JohnDenver]

My mantra is you always stand the best chance of winning when playing to your strengths this squad is mostly made up of good ball players and it was painful in the first four games seeing the likes of Fleck and Duffy bypassed when we were hitting long balls to Clarke.

If Wilder says that's not how we are going to use Hanson then good, but I will judge it when I see how we play with him in the side.

Hanson off the bench has definite cult hero potential. Hanson from the start has Akinbiyi potential...

 

[Pinchy]

My mantra is you always stand the best chance of winning when playing to your strengths this squad is mostly made up of good ball players and it was painful in the first four games seeing the likes of Fleck and Duffy bypassed when we were hitting long balls to Clarke.

If Wilder says that's not how we are going to use Hanson then good, but I will judge it when I see how we play with him in the side.

In fairness, the team were still getting used to Tuftyball. It's pretty clear from what we've seen since that the hoofing (I agree there was) was down to players panicking rather than managerial instructions.

Yes, Tufty's most recent RS interview (you can still hear it on the Football Heaven site) was very robust in relation to sticking to his principles. I admired him for it, though I'm baffled anyone would suggest otherwise simply because of a few poor results. Even the greatest of teams (and we are not one!) get beaten now and then.

 

[CarlMcBlade]

The lane is a library, its embarrassing. The atmosphere is embarrassing and the game was not good, but far from embarrassing.

The game being shit is made worse by a shitter atmosphere. Some of the best most memorable games i've been too weve lost. The atmospheres were electric. What could of been a shit day becomes an experience regardless of the result and made enjoyable. Sitting in silence and watching your team loose and paying 20-30 for the privilege is the worst combo.

I find it depressing to be at the lane these days its a fucking morgue. Que abuse.

I used to be mesmerised by the crowd when I was about 9. Now I just watch the game....

 

[blader]

Went to Oldham yesterday with a few mates, to take advantage of the fact we didn't have a game.

Got to say, Bradford fans have way way more fun than we do! We were singing non stop for 90mins, their songs are unique and inventive, it was a genuinely enjoyable experience! I also sat in the Bradford end for the 3-3 earlier in the season and their fans never stopped singing during that game either. As fun as it was to be a part of, it made me realise several things.

1. It's quite depressing, when I compare support in the same division (and a lower standing), that their fans are so much more vocal. There have been few away games this year where we have sung for 90mins, and even then, we trotted out the same 3/4 songs for the game and that was that. I have a feeling I'm going to get plenty of 'oh, I expected the atmosphere at BL to be much better than that' after we play them in April. The atmosphere has definitely taken a negative hit over recent years. Whatever you want to blame for it is irrelevant, it's still the truth!

2. It really showed to me what a positive influence having optimistic, vocal support can do for you. City went 1-0 up yesterday and were having a lovely old time dominating the game. Then they got pegged back. However, by the time Oldham had finished celebratIng, they were back to singing and dancing around with their Romain Vincelot song, which I enjoyed! (As shown below)



Their optimism and vocality really fed through to the players and it was clear that it gave them a lift. City dominated the game and went on to win. To be honest, they were unfortunate to only win 2-1. If they had a decent striker, which Charlie wyke might just be, they would have scored 4/5.

I fear that the lack of atmosphere and general mood at BL does filter into the pitch somewhat. It's understandable why we are so pessimistic (I'm as guilty as anyone) but it certainly can't help. We were top of the league before yesterday, but still were nervous bout it all going wrong. Don't know about anyone, but I turned up to Fleetwood game absolutely petrified we wouldn't put in a performance and throw away a golden opportunity.... and look what happened. I had a feeling we just wouldn't take advantage because we've been let down so many times before.

Compared to yesterday where all my City mates were predicting 2/3-0 wins to their side, such hope and optimism, which I don't often feel with the Blades!

I hope we can recapture some of our atmosphere from years gone by as it appears to be having a detrimental effect on the players. If we can't get promoted from this position, it makes you wonder just how many years we will actually be in this league!

 

[SUFCinks]

Went to Oldham yesterday with a few mates, to take advantage of the fact we didn't have a game.

Got to say, Bradford fans have way way more fun than we do! We were singing non stop for 90mins, their songs are unique and inventive, it was a genuinely enjoyable experience! I also sat in the Bradford end for the 3-3 earlier in the season and their fans never stopped singing during that game either. As fun as it was to be a part of, it made me realise several things.

1. It's quite depressing, when I compare support in the same division (and a lower standing), that their fans are so much more vocal. There have been few away games this year where we have sung for 90mins, and even then, we trotted out the same 3/4 songs for the game and that was that. I have a feeling I'm going to get plenty of 'oh, I expected the atmosphere at BL to be much better than that' after we play them in April. The atmosphere has definitely taken a negative hit over recent years. Whatever you want to blame for it is irrelevant, it's still the truth!

2. It really showed to me what a positive influence having optimistic, vocal support can do for you. City went 1-0 up yesterday and were having a lovely old time dominating the game. Then they got pegged back. However, by the time Oldham had finished celebratIng, they were back to singing and dancing around with their Romain Vincelot song, which I enjoyed! (As shown below)



Their optimism and vocality really fed through to the players and it was clear that it gave them a lift. City dominated the game and went on to win. To be honest, they were unfortunate to only win 2-1. If they had a decent striker, which Charlie wyke might just be, they would have scored 4/5.

I fear that the lack of atmosphere and general mood at BL does filter into the pitch somewhat. It's understandable why we are so pessimistic (I'm as guilty as anyone) but it certainly can't help. We were top of the league before yesterday, but still were nervous bout it all going wrong. Don't know about anyone, but I turned up to Fleetwood game absolutely petrified we wouldn't put in a performance and throw away a golden opportunity.... and look what happened. I had a feeling we just wouldn't take advantage because we've been let down so many times before.

Compared to yesterday where all my City mates were predicting 2/3-0 wins to their side, such hope and optimism, which I don't often feel with the Blades!

I hope we can recapture some of our atmosphere from years gone by as it appears to be having a detrimental effect on the players. If we can't get promoted from this position, it makes you wonder just how many years we will actually be in this league!

Great post, as I've said previously one of my best pals is a cambridge united fan so i've been to a fair few games with him. Genreally the atmosphere at the abbey stadium is louder and more vocal than at the lane. They get about 4k for a home game and are better than our 20k. Just let that sink in. Our support vocally is stupendously overrated, anyone who thinks differently is either brain dead or deluded.

 

[Ricky]

Even away from home we don't chant very well most of the time. And when we do it's usually that shite 'Shoreham boys' chant.

 

[Redflame]

Over 19000 against Fleetwoods 150 and all i could hear was them singing and whats worst singing Top of The League Your Having A Laugh WOW that hurts UTB

 

[west_yorks_blade]

Over 19000 against Fleetwoods 150 and all i could hear was them singing and whats worst singing Top of The League Your Having A Laugh WOW that hurts UTB

Yeah I thought that was a bit embarrassing. It just shows how few people join in singing when you can hear about 100 on the away end like that. Imagine 19k Blades showing the same enthusiasm at every game not just for the occasional big one.

I sit in A block of the South Stand and no one except me can even be arsed to sing the GCB in a 20 seat radius.

 

[Fanny magnet]

We should also have a street party with cucumber sandwiches and fairy cakes and homemade lemonade every time the club sells our best player on transfer deadline day

Tell you what I can't wait till the next time we get smashed in a play off final for the 40'000 blades doing the conga up the m1 in fancy dress

 

[SUFCinks]

Yeah I thought that was a bit embarrassing. It just shows how few people join in singing when you can hear about 100 on the away end like that. Imagine 19k Blades showing the same enthusiasm at every game not just for the occasional big one.

I sit in A block of the South Stand and no one except me can even be arsed to sing the GCB in a 20 seat radius.

Kick then out, if you dont sing GCB then you shouldnt be allowed in, that should be the bare minimum.

 

[South Bucks]

Went to Oldham yesterday with a few mates, to take advantage of the fact we didn't have a game.

Got to say, Bradford fans have way way more fun than we do! We were singing non stop for 90mins, their songs are unique and inventive, it was a genuinely enjoyable experience! I also sat in the Bradford end for the 3-3 earlier in the season and their fans never stopped singing during that game either. As fun as it was to be a part of, it made me realise several things.

1. It's quite depressing, when I compare support in the same division (and a lower standing), that their fans are so much more vocal. There have been few away games this year where we have sung for 90mins, and even then, we trotted out the same 3/4 songs for the game and that was that. I have a feeling I'm going to get plenty of 'oh, I expected the atmosphere at BL to be much better than that' after we play them in April. The atmosphere has definitely taken a negative hit over recent years. Whatever you want to blame for it is irrelevant, it's still the truth!

2. It really showed to me what a positive influence having optimistic, vocal support can do for you. City went 1-0 up yesterday and were having a lovely old time dominating the game. Then they got pegged back. However, by the time Oldham had finished celebratIng, they were back to singing and dancing around with their Romain Vincelot song, which I enjoyed! (As shown below)



Their optimism and vocality really fed through to the players and it was clear that it gave them a lift. City dominated the game and went on to win. To be honest, they were unfortunate to only win 2-1. If they had a decent striker, which Charlie wyke might just be, they would have scored 4/5.

I fear that the lack of atmosphere and general mood at BL does filter into the pitch somewhat. It's understandable why we are so pessimistic (I'm as guilty as anyone) but it certainly can't help. We were top of the league before yesterday, but still were nervous bout it all going wrong. Don't know about anyone, but I turned up to Fleetwood game absolutely petrified we wouldn't put in a performance and throw away a golden opportunity.... and look what happened. I had a feeling we just wouldn't take advantage because we've been let down so many times before.

Compared to yesterday where all my City mates were predicting 2/3-0 wins to their side, such hope and optimism, which I don't often feel with the Blades!

I hope we can recapture some of our atmosphere from years gone by as it appears to be having a detrimental effect on the players. If we can't get promoted from this position, it makes you wonder just how many years we will actually be in this league!

Great post Blader and good to get some feedback on the atmosphere elsewhere. I'm pleased to report our atmosphere away at Charlton and Southend was good like the old days, not quite the same at Walsall (and look what happened) but still many times better than the library. Chicken and egg as others have pointed out.

Bradford fans must be killing themselves with laughter, they've swapped Charlie Wyke for an over the hill player off loaded to us at virtually no net cost. We never learn. I know who I'd rather have.

 

[nicksufc]

It's beyond embarrassing at Bramall Lane and anyone who thinks otherwise is deluded. It won't magically get better in the league above, because it was never that good a few years ago. You'll find better atmospheres throughout English football than at our ground, but if you go to a match in Germany you'll see just how awful it is watching football in the UK nowadays.

 

[kennyblade]

It's beyond embarrassing at Bramall Lane and anyone who thinks otherwise is deluded. It won't magically get better in the league above, because it was never that good a few years ago. You'll find better atmospheres throughout English football than at our ground, but if you go to a match in Germany you'll see just how awful it is watching football in the UK nowadays.

it is very strange how the atmosphere at the lane seems to have evaporated ive a feeling our fans are feeling apprehensive again after our 3 match blip and weve seen it all before havent we also we have got loads of so called fans who just never get behind the team just sit there like dummies and seem more interested in half time pies than the game its got to change cos i think its getting to the players as well maybe tufty should do a conte or klopp and go down touchline throwing his arms up especially to the graveyard that is the south stand blanket brigade

 

[BladeInIreland]

The lane is at its best when were the underdog. When we should win everyone just gets nervous. In this division we will always be favourites and people struggle to get fired up. This club needs to return to the championship to get its soul back. The lane would be rocking if we got promotion. Pigs, Leeds, forest and the dingles to name a few. Fighting against relagation probably. But back with the big boys, the traditional rivals and an outside chance of the big time.

 

[HighfieldBlade]

Great post, as I've said previously one of my best pals is a cambridge united fan so i've been to a fair few games with him. Genreally the atmosphere at the abbey stadium is louder and more vocal than at the lane. They get about 4k for a home game and are better than our 20k. Just let that sink in. Our support vocally is stupendously overrated, anyone who thinks differently is either brain dead or deluded.

You're right about the atmosphere at Cambridge (been there a few times on the Newmarket Rd stand) but I think their smaller ground helps to concentrate the noise. Our ground is a lot bigger and what little chanting we have gets diluted.

 

[Ricky]

When we should win everyone just gets nervous.

Jesus Christ, just how spineless are we?!

"I'm nervous so I can't sing"

Great excuse.

 

[SUFCinks]

You're right about the atmosphere at Cambridge (been there a few times on the Newmarket Rd stand) but I think their smaller ground helps to concentrate the noise. Our ground is a lot bigger and what little chanting we have gets diluted.

Not sure why tbh, a bigger ground should mean more noise ,as a percentage of capacity ours is more full than cambridge not to mention more than 16k fans. So it should be a lot louder.
I think our fans or 80-90% of them are quiet/nervous/boring/grumpy

 

[BladeInIreland]

Jesus Christ, just how spineless are we?!

"I'm nervous so I can't sing"

Great excuse.

I agree, but that's the way it is unfortunately.

 

[blade too long]

Just do what other fans do
remember the positives , eradicate the negatives

 

[FlamingLip]

It's great that Bradford and Cambridge can sing for England and lets hope in the case of the former it can help spark an atmosphere in April. on the flip side, i've been to a few games at Turf Moor, Mcalpine, Oakwell and Elland Road over the last 5 years or so and like at our place, creating any real atmosphere has seemed a tough ask. Family members (even this season) comment on how poor the rust bucket is. So it's not just the Lane that struggles.

there's plenty of reasons as to why some places are louder than others and why our fans aren't currently up for it. Like everyone else i'm hoping this changes.

As an away fan, the better atmospheres involve a loud home contingency in close proximity to the away lot. We don't have this anymore. The South Stand had it's voice ripped out with the closure of G and H and been nowhere near the same since (barring big occasions). I'd guess the remainder of the South has a very aging demographic who be less interested in vocally backing. Westfield Health is for the casual walk on or 'spectator' and John Street for years has been the place to take the young'ns. So it leaves the Kop - more specifically the back few rows of the Kop. Who tend to be split in to about 3 groups. So unless a big game, or extremely evocative match, it's down to three or so small pockets of a large stand to attempt to inspire an atmosphere. The result is typically sporadic murmuring followed by contemptuous silence.

 

[west_yorks_blade]

It's great that Bradford and Cambridge can sing for England and lets hope in the case of the former it can help spark an atmosphere in April. on the flip side, i've been to a few games at Turf Moor, Mcalpine, Oakwell and Elland Road over the last 5 years or so and like at our place, creating any real atmosphere has seemed a tough ask. Family members (even this season) comment on how poor the rust bucket is. So it's not just the Lane that struggles.

there's plenty of reasons as to why some places are louder than others and why our fans aren't currently up for it. Like everyone else i'm hoping this changes.

As an away fan, the better atmospheres involve a loud home contingency in close proximity to the away lot. We don't have this anymore. The South Stand had it's voice ripped out with the closure of G and H and been nowhere near the same since (barring big occasions). I'd guess the remainder of the South has a very aging demographic who be less interested in vocally backing. Westfield Health is for the casual walk on or 'spectator' and John Street for years has been the place to take the young'ns. So it leaves the Kop - more specifically the back few rows of the Kop. Who tend to be split in to about 3 groups. So unless a big game, or extremely evocative match, it's down to three or so small pockets of a large stand to attempt to inspire an atmosphere. The result is typically sporadic murmuring followed by contemptuous silence.

Good post.

I would add that a large away following is also a key factor in lifting the home crowd. As we usually face about 150-300 people its no wonder there is little lift factor to out sing them.

As regards the - Fans lifting the players Versus Players lifting the crowd chicken & egg issue, I think that after years of mediocrity and disappointment, we are in the latter mode. We need the players to give us something to sing and shout about. And even at one up - the crowd is nervy (for good reason). We have lost our confidence having been kicked in the teeth too many times.

 

[I should coco]

I would add that a large away following is also a key factor in lifting the home crowd. As we usually face about 150-300 people its no wonder there is little lift factor to out sing them.

I'm not defending the crappy atmosphere but I keep hearing how a couple of hundred fans 'outsang us'. I sit bang in the middle of the Kop, halway up and very rarely hear anything from the away end. All I can think, is that it must be like a grave yard in the South Stand if you can actually make out what the away fans are singing.

 

[west_yorks_blade]

I'm not defending the crappy atmosphere but I keep hearing how a couple of hundred fans 'outsang us'. I sit bang in the middle of the Kop, halway up and very rarely hear anything from the away end. All I can think, is that it must be like a grave yard in the South Stand if you can actually make out what the away fans are singing.

Yeah the South Stand is very quiet virtually all the time. I'm in A block, right next to the Kop, and could clearly hear the Fleetwood fans (and let's bear in mind that out of around 100, only about 25-30 were really going for it and it least one of them got ejected in the second half).

As I said earlier on this thread, I am the only one who tries to belt out the GCB within at least a 20 seat radius. There is no singing to join in with. its dreadful.

 

[Ricky]

Whenever I've been in the South Stand you can hear a pin drop. You feel like you have to whisper if you don't want everyone within 20 rows and seats to hear you. They don't even stand up for clear goalscoring opportunities. It's more like being at a theatre.
And yes you can very clearly hear the away fans when they sing. Largely due to that stand having better acoustics than the Kop.

Can't comment on John Street because it's impossible to get a ticket on there unless you're a kid or are with a kid. But I imagine it's much the same. Just with more children, picnics and gameboys.

 

[kennyblade]

Whenever I've been in the South Stand you can hear a pin drop. You feel like you have to whisper if you don't want everyone within 20 rows and seats to hear you. They don't even stand up for clear goalscoring opportunities. It's more like being at a theatre.
And yes you can very clearly hear the away fans when they sing. Largely due to that stand having better acoustics than the Kop.

Can't comment on John Street because it's impossible to get a ticket on there unless you're a kid or are with a kid. But I imagine it's much the same. Just with more children, picnics and gameboys.

should rename it the geriatric south stand

 

[groveblade]

It's like a morgue/library far too often. I wish people would sing/chant a lot more - but failing that they could at least clap/shout encouragement from time to time!!! The amount of times we get a corner or do something good and many people just sit there passively absolutely amazes me.

No doubt in my mind that getting behind the team properly can make a bit of a positive difference to the players...