Improvements to the Lane

[stringjunior]

I read this from the official site this morning:

"The Duchy Home Family Stand on John Street has a number of improved features. Kiosks selling street food and pulled pork burgers have been introduced and the concourse will offer a ticket office, selling home and away tickets, away travel, and memberships. As well as LED lighting throughout the concourse, improvements have also been made to the toilets, which the Club hopes fans will appreciate. Finally, images of Blades Legends of the past have been erected for fans to admire."

All good and to be applauded. However there's no mention of any changes to the South Stand. I hope they have done something similar as the facilities on the SS are poor.

 

[Small Mendonca]

How about improving the facilities on the kop, you know that stand that requires the most improvement.

 

[dingledog]

There have been loads of improvements in the South Stand. I think you will find the Directors areas and corporate bits have all been massively upgraded in recent years.

Ah, you meant for us plebs that buy season tickets and match tickets. Not a chance.

The Directors all look towards the family stand so can see it. They don't look behind them at the fourth rate facities in the public areas of the South Stand.

Cynic moi?

 

[TJB.]

A club I have a large fondness for, Borussia Dortmund, spend about £1million a year improving the facilities of the Westfalenstadion. Their new introduction is a revelation, a complex and hard-thought idea which only a genius could have come up with. Wait for it, now.....

Beer-only express lanes to relieve congestion on food & drink stalls

No way in hell anyone at United could've thunk that 'un up, so I'll let 'em off.

 

[SwissBlade]

How about improving the facilities on the kop, you know that stand that requires the most improvement.

100% this! The kop is so bad now that I don't even bother at half time.

Is it because we pay less than the rest of the ground or do the club really hate us that much.

 

[metalblade]

My heart bleeds for the poor fuckers on John St and South stands a few actual facilities on the kop would be nice, I thought outside kharzies were a thing of the past but they still persist in S2 and if your lager/piss was not weak enough try it at half time outside in a downpour it will soon be watered down.

 

[blade too long]

long term ,kop is due for rebuilding , the plans are to modernise it as soon as we go up , unfortunately its been set back for 4 seasons on the trot

 

[I should coco]

long term ,kop is due for rebuilding , the plans are to modernise it as soon as we go up , unfortunately its been set back for 4 DECADES on the trot

There, fixed that for you.

ISC (Kop season ticket holder since 1981)

 

[Deleted member 1486]

100% this! The kop is so bad now that I don't even bother at half time.

Is it because we pay less than the rest of the ground or do the club really hate us that much.

The Kop is surely the one stand long overdue to be completely rebuilt?

It's a massive job, and I know there is never a "right time" to do this, but surely it would have made sense to do it while we have the spare capacity for the upgrade to take place? (i.e. while we are (hopefully) temporarily occupying a lower league)

 

[metalblade]

The Kop is surely the one stand long overdue to be completely rebuilt?

It's a massive job, and I know there is never a "right time" to do this, but surely it would have made sense to do it while we have the spare capacity for the upgrade to take place? (i.e. while we are (hopefully) temporarily occupying a lower league)

Sheffield United would never do anything remotely sensible like that

 

[Revolution]

Sheffield United would never do anything remotely sensible like that

Why should Sheffield United do anything? They don't own the ground, they lease it.

the company who owns the freehold should pay...

 

[blade too long]

There, fixed that for you.

ISC (Kop season ticket holder since 1981)

ah come on


this was 2 decades ago

 

[Grecian2000]

100% this! The kop is so bad now that I don't even bother at half time.

Is it because we pay less than the rest of the ground or do the club really hate us that much.

In one respect I can agree, the facilities are basic at best. However, I have a seat with a great view of the pitch and I go to football to watch the football rather than as a replacement for a night out, when food and beer are essential items.
Used to bug me more when my son or grandson was younger so had to go to kiosks and unplanned trips to a quite awful toilet, but these days, arrive at ground fed and watered, might take a piss to pass some time, but don't need any facilities so all's good.

As btl says it will be replaced completely, surely, in the not too distant . . . . . . .

 

[stringjunior]

The Kop is surely the one stand long overdue to be completely rebuilt?

It's a massive job, and I know there is never a "right time" to do this, but surely it would have made sense to do it while we have the spare capacity for the upgrade to take place? (i.e. while we are (hopefully) temporarily occupying a lower league)

This.

 

[I should coco]

The Kop is surely the one stand long overdue to be completely rebuilt?

They daren't 're-build' properly as they are scared there are more German bombs in the heap. The Kop is a solid hill (as per Spion Kop from the Boer War), with concrete on top. To do a proper jobe they'd clear it to create a concourse and offices/space underneath, but the cost of clearing it almost 'by hand' would be prohibitive. The Kop suffered bomb damage in WWII and in the 80's a game was called off due to an unexploded bomb in a garden on Shoreham Street. The strong fear exists, that there will be more bombs in the heap under the Kop.

The plan accompanying our World Cup bid (ho ho ho) was to build backwards on a steel frame and put a concourse underneath the newly extended bit (i.e. where the existing entries are to the back of the Kop). They would remodel the roof to get rid of the poles.

Unfortunately as the KOP holds about 12k, even with current attendance levels things would be tight. More problematically why would they want to spend several million quid to increase capacity at the moment? Chicken and egg.

Imagine the outcry if the board said they'd spend £5m on the Kop? The moaners would want the £5m 'investing' in the team and oh, of course the £5m spending on the Kop as well. Oh, and cut ticket prices....and free pies....and free beer....you get my drift.

The worst thing about the Kop is not the shitty facilities but the shite legroom. When it went all seated in 1991 they simply concreted over the existing standing steps. Two standing steps became one seating step. I'm 6'2" and have to angle my legs sideways. I'd love one of the board to come and sit with us for half a game ( then go off to see their private orthopedic surgeon to have their skeleton re-aligned).

ISC

 

[Dalelane01]

Was a time we couldnt wait for the second half of the match to restart. wasnt interested to much in facilities as long as they were clean. footballs at the lanes that bad all our interest focused on 15 minute break at halftime. give us something to think about on the pitch regarding our results and i will manage with the facilities weve got for another 10 years

 

[itsinyerblood]

They daren't 're-build' properly as they are scared there are more German bombs in the heap. The Kop is a solid hill (as per Spion Kop from the Boer War), with concrete on top. To do a proper jobe they'd clear it to create a concourse and offices/space underneath, but the cost of clearing it almost 'by hand' would be prohibitive. The Kop suffered bomb damage in WWII and in the 80's a game was called off due to an unexploded bomb in a garden on Shoreham Street. The strong fear exists, that there will be more bombs in the heap under the Kop.

The plan accompanying our World Cup bid (ho ho ho) was to build backwards on a steel frame and put a concourse underneath the newly extended bit (i.e. where the existing entries are to the back of the Kop). They would remodel the roof to get rid of the poles.

Unfortunately as the KOP holds about 12k, even with current attendance levels things would be tight. More problematically why would they want to spend several million quid to increase capacity at the moment? Chicken and egg.

Imagine the outcry if the board said they'd spend £5m on the Kop? The moaners would want the £5m 'investing' in the team and oh, of course the £5m spending on the Kop as well. Oh, and cut ticket prices....and free pies....and free beer....you get my drift.

The worst thing about the Kop is not the shitty facilities but the shite legroom. When it went all seated in 1991 they simply concreted over the existing standing steps. Two standing steps became one seating step. I'm 6'2" and have to angle my legs sideways. I'd love one of the board to come and sit with us for half a game ( then go off to see their private orthopedic surgeon to have their skeleton re-aligned).

ISC

Perfect illustration about shoddy planning. The lack of legroom is awful and, for those of us who have issues with our legs, creates even more problems when we try and find a comfortable position. I'm a big'un too, and it's as if the designer of our seating system only gave consideration to anyone 5'10" or less. Packing supporters in is not healthy or creative, and doesn't make for an enjoyable afternoon at t'Lane.

 

[georgebernardshaw]

They daren't 're-build' properly as they are scared there are more German bombs in the heap. The Kop is a solid hill (as per Spion Kop from the Boer War), with concrete on top. To do a proper jobe they'd clear it to create a concourse and offices/space underneath, but the cost of clearing it almost 'by hand' would be prohibitive. The Kop suffered bomb damage in WWII and in the 80's a game was called off due to an unexploded bomb in a garden on Shoreham Street. The strong fear exists, that there will be more bombs in the heap under the Kop.

The plan accompanying our World Cup bid (ho ho ho) was to build backwards on a steel frame and put a concourse underneath the newly extended bit (i.e. where the existing entries are to the back of the Kop). They would remodel the roof to get rid of the poles.

Unfortunately as the KOP holds about 12k, even with current attendance levels things would be tight. More problematically why would they want to spend several million quid to increase capacity at the moment? Chicken and egg.

Imagine the outcry if the board said they'd spend £5m on the Kop? The moaners would want the £5m 'investing' in the team and oh, of course the £5m spending on the Kop as well. Oh, and cut ticket prices....and free pies....and free beer....you get my drift.

The worst thing about the Kop is not the shitty facilities but the shite legroom. When it went all seated in 1991 they simply concreted over the existing standing steps. Two standing steps became one seating step. I'm 6'2" and have to angle my legs sideways. I'd love one of the board to come and sit with us for half a game ( then go off to see their private orthopedic surgeon to have their skeleton re-aligned).

ISC

I'm 6' 4", and haven't been on the Kop for fifteen years - it's impossible

 

[blade too long]

They daren't 're-build' properly as they are scared there are more German bombs in the heap. The Kop is a solid hill (as per Spion Kop from the Boer War), with concrete on top. To do a proper jobe they'd clear it to create a concourse and offices/space underneath, but the cost of clearing it almost 'by hand' would be prohibitive. The Kop suffered bomb damage in WWII and in the 80's a game was called off due to an unexploded bomb in a garden on Shoreham Street. The strong fear exists, that there will be more bombs in the heap under the Kop

ISC

dont think its relevant now
they have sophisticated equipment that could detect anything and if it does go off clears some ogf the mound

be miles better to clear the mound as there tone of wasted space under what would be a huge new kop

 

[William Henry Foulkes]

Was a time we couldnt wait for the second half of the match to restart. wasnt interested to much in facilities as long as they were clean. footballs at the lanes that bad all our interest focused on 15 minute break at halftime. give us something to think about on the pitch regarding our results and i will manage with the facilities weve got for another 10 years

But aren't the upgraded facilities aimed at those who come who aren't die-hards? Plenty of us go almost regardless, but if we want an increase in attendances we have to cater for families, new fans, anyone who is used to a level of provision you might find, say, at Centertainment.

 

[TJB.]

They daren't 're-build' properly as they are scared there are more German bombs in the heap. The Kop is a solid hill (as per Spion Kop from the Boer War), with concrete on top. To do a proper jobe they'd clear it to create a concourse and offices/space underneath, but the cost of clearing it almost 'by hand' would be prohibitive. The Kop suffered bomb damage in WWII and in the 80's a game was called off due to an unexploded bomb in a garden on Shoreham Street. The strong fear exists, that there will be more bombs in the heap under the Kop.

The plan accompanying our World Cup bid (ho ho ho) was to build backwards on a steel frame and put a concourse underneath the newly extended bit (i.e. where the existing entries are to the back of the Kop). They would remodel the roof to get rid of the poles.

Unfortunately as the KOP holds about 12k, even with current attendance levels things would be tight. More problematically why would they want to spend several million quid to increase capacity at the moment? Chicken and egg.

Imagine the outcry if the board said they'd spend £5m on the Kop? The moaners would want the £5m 'investing' in the team and oh, of course the £5m spending on the Kop as well. Oh, and cut ticket prices....and free pies....and free beer....you get my drift.

The worst thing about the Kop is not the shitty facilities but the shite legroom. When it went all seated in 1991 they simply concreted over the existing standing steps. Two standing steps became one seating step. I'm 6'2" and have to angle my legs sideways. I'd love one of the board to come and sit with us for half a game ( then go off to see their private orthopedic surgeon to have their skeleton re-aligned).

ISC

Good post.

Thing is, if there is a genuine fear that there are unexploded WW2 bombs underneath the Kop, would it not be best to excavate and find out? I'd hate for one of them to go off while I'm stood on there. It might just ruin my day.

You're right about the outcry. From certain sections of our support you simply can't win. I love standing on the Kop but it does need re-doing and for some, money should always be pumped directly into the transfer kitty and sod the matchday experience for those who sit on there.

 

[itsinyerblood]

But aren't the upgraded facilities aimed at those who come who aren't die-hards? Plenty of us go almost regardless, but if we want an increase in attendances we have to cater for families, new fans, anyone who is used to a level of provision you might find, say, at Centertainment.

Well said Sir

 

[Revolution]

They daren't 're-build' properly as they are scared there are more German bombs in the heap. The Kop is a solid hill (as per Spion Kop from the Boer War), with concrete on top. To do a proper jobe they'd clear it to create a concourse and offices/space underneath, but the cost of clearing it almost 'by hand' would be prohibitive. The Kop suffered bomb damage in WWII and in the 80's a game was called off due to an unexploded bomb in a garden on Shoreham Street. The strong fear exists, that there will be more bombs in the heap under the Kop.

I simply do not see how this fear can be justified. The major bomb damage was on the John Street side, and that was completely removed during the mid 1990s. That would have been a much more likely place to find bombs. the photos of the damage at the time bear this out.

Anyway, it's a waste of money in league one.

 

[I should coco]

they have sophisticated equipment that could detect anything and if it does go off clears some ogf the mound

You are all heart!

If it was a 1000lb bomb and it did go off, some of the mound might get 'cleared' well beyond BDTBL. They'd have to evacuate everyone within half a mile radius (i.e. half the city centre) which is not feasible and just wouldn't happen. The Germans were trying to destroy the steelworks and weren't dropping bangers!

As for your 'sophisticated equipment' they'd use sensitive metal detectors. The diggers would be stopped every five minutes while the bomb squad got called for another false alarm for another old tin bath etc. It would take forever to clear the site like that.

No insurer would accept the risk, so it just won't happen.

 

[alcoblade]

I sit on the kop. I've got a seat and a view. And somewhere to smoke my fag at half time. Tick.

I couldn't give a fuck about anything else.



UTB

 

[SwissBlade]

The Kop is surely the one stand long overdue to be completely rebuilt?

It's a massive job, and I know there is never a "right time" to do this, but surely it would have made sense to do it while we have the spare capacity for the upgrade to take place? (i.e. while we are (hopefully) temporarily occupying a lower league)

Agree compe

In one respect I can agree, the facilities are basic at best. However, I have a seat with a great view of the pitch and I go to football to watch the football rather than as a replacement for a night out, when food and beer are essential items.
Used to bug me more when my son or grandson was younger so had to go to kiosks and unplanned trips to a quite awful toilet, but these days, arrive at ground fed and watered, might take a piss to pass some time, but don't need any facilities so all's good.

As btl says it will be replaced completely, surely, in the not too distant . . . . . . .

I don't disagree, but I used to like the halftime down the back of the kop and chatting with various lads, so it's more the social aspect than just the food and booze side. Now I just can't be arsed

 

[blade too long]

course it will , you dont think city centre development would stop because of the blitz

got to do it sometime

 

[MobileBlade]

Police barriers are in place tomorrow so Bramall Lane will once again resemble a war zone after the game - the Kop will be in good company!

 

[Grecian2000]

I simply do not see how this fear can be justified. The major bomb damage was on the John Street side, and that was completely removed during the mid 1990s. That would have been a much more likely place to find bombs. the photos of the damage at the time bear this out.

Presuming that the damage was caused by the bombs exploding (rather than just landing on stuff) then the fact the Kop was relatively unscathed could be because those that landed there didn't explode.
I'm shitting it now, could be a minefield . . . . . . .

 

[metalblade]

To think more UXB's could be under the kop is laughable the 1000kg bomb was found on Lancing Rd not Shoreham St