Blades "Ultras"

[GC88]

Youre not the first one to say Reading's not the best to try this and some were trying to guess how long we'd last before being asked to leave although you're right they weren't that bad last time - although i remember them taking the mexicans out at half time and making someone from the back go down to the front and sit by himself.

But we aren't looking to cause trouble with anyone especially other united fans but i have witnessed people trying to stand up and sing etc. at away games only to be reported to the stewards if there was a separate area for the vocal fans it would be better for both.

 

[moDtheGod]

I don't understand the "holier than thou" attitude towards them, to be honest. It's all terribly patronising. Let them be, they aren't doing any harm.

 

[Ridgeway]

I have noted this thread with interest, because the atmosphere is one of the main reasons I keep going as a 40 + Blade. The Play off against Preston last year made hair stand on end when that huge roar went around the ground as the Blades in the stands gave a big 'Go On Lads.. we want this' to the players on the pitch. I was at Hillsbro' when we did the double in the 90's.. stood in the torrential rain singing your heart out as Bobby Davidson silenced the Pigs and when Utd ran out against Liverpool as we returned to the Premiership the air shook.. the weirdest noise I ever heard.
I sit on the Kop with my 15 year old daughter now and still sing myself hoarse, so I'm all for the Ultras or anyone else who want to sing loud and proud.
BUT.. respect and tolerance please. My worst day as a Blade was having to leave the ground at half time after a group of drunken half-wits repeatedly clattered into my pregnant wifes seat (after arriving at 3.20 !). After being accused of not been a 'proper Blade' ,for challenging their behaviour. a scuffle broke out. Mrs Ridgeway, duly upset was led from the ground in tears and never returned.

PEACE.. 'we are Bladesmen, from the Lane'.

 

[Santos]

One of the things that I noticed today too, was the comments along the lines of... "We'll meet up, go to the back and hopefully there is room. If not hopefully whoever is there will move not too far away and join in... or hopefully there will be loads more empty space for them to move to".

Now, I'm all for creating an atmosphere and to do this, sitting together does make some sense... But how about thinking a bit more about the other people currently outside the group? Why should they just move over?

As Linz has just said, the perception comes from the PR of it all, it'll fall flat on its arse if the respect, consideration and involvement of others isn't done carefully.

That's not tarring every single member of the group with the same brush, i'm sure there are plenty who have the right intentions and considerations... But all it takes is a couple that don't.

It's very important to stay away from the possibility of over inflated self importance too, because that will be a major downer on the majority of blades fans.

Yes, I take issue with that. I saw one of them on Blades Mad saying "get to the back near their fans (lol) as quickly as possible and don't move, if other people say you're in their seat tell them it's unreserved". How selfish is that? I know we're not likely to sell out on Saturday but whilst the Ultra's are taunting some 14 year old kids from Berkshire about their mum other Blades are having to find a spare seat, maybe missing some of the game, potentially taking someone ele's seat.

I'm all for them creating a better atmosphere, buy tickets together but if their unable to organise that between them then don't go around spoiling others day.

 

[GC88]

I think one the plans for future is to meet up before home matches to purchase tickets together for away matches to prevent that happening in the future, santos.

The main aim isnt to have a go at their fans also but if youve been there before especially in that corner they give it out too. Also im not sure if im correct but the way the tickets are sold its from the centre moving to the left so may have been thinking the seats will be empty anyway - or just meet there and move to any of the other 1000 empty seats that will be available.

 

[bladesk1]

Strange comment given that even during the Premiership season - when our numbers were swollen by newbies - our travelling fans were voted the best visitors by Man Utd and Villa (can't remember the others - Sunday Mail for any anoraks out there ) - and even today the Lane is recognised for being one of the most intimidating grounds to visit (hope thay mean the noise and not violence).

Generally speaking the fans are fine - just look at these pages - and that includes the vast majority of the young uns too. I have a 16 yr old lass sit/stand by me who has been upset to the point of tears by the racist crap we hear.

If the "Ultras" want to sing - let 'em sing - - if they want to stand at the back and not block others view - let 'em stand - - if they want to call us all c**nts (as on Saturday) - tell the stewards (cos they ain't worth getting into a ruck with and loosing your own ticket) - - and if they want to be racist - sling 'em off the back of the Kop

I'm happy enough to believe that they don't want to be thugs like the Italian "Ultras" - more of a Shoreham Street Choral Society - but choosing that name suggests to me that some of them at least are just into it for a reaction - in the same way that 1960s skinheads had swastika tattoos to draw a reaction from war vets. Perhaps the getting pissed and calling eveyone c**nts is just part of all that?

from reading posts from other forums got to agree with you, they just want to stand up at the back and sing

 

[rachyblade]

I think a change of name would help.

 

[Samantha]

I'm all up for singing and creating an atmosphere - fantastic - go for it!

HOWEVER - when you get to situations like Barnsley away last season (Linz, was it you that also brought that up?) that just takes the piss. It's not a friendly atmosphere, it doesn't make anyone feel like Blades together, it feels like Blades & idiots. (For the record, I'm not saying this is the aforementioned group, I've no idea who they were)

 

[GC88]

We've never tried this before trying to get everyone together so wasn't us in Barnsley. As ive said we just want to sing and support united away.

As for the name - it does seem to me to be the one of the two big problems - as I've said I have no idea where it came from and we aren't calling ourselves officially "ultras" - we're just united fans like any other - the only difference is how we want to support the team.

 

[rachyblade]

yeah but 'ultras' will give yourself a sad and bad name striaght away.

And instead of sing up shoreham why not sing up john street or another part of the ground like they do at wolves.

 

[Lincoln Blade]

I have found this post and many other similar posts extremely interesting in recent months and felt I had to have a say. I am a 19 year old student who sits at the back of the kop and has done for many a year for the simple reason this is the only place in the ground where people are willing to chant and I love atmospheres at games.
I do find it patronising when people imply it is mindless, nieve youngsters who are being racist or causing conflict between fans (few and far between) when I have found that it is actually the older blades between 30 and 45 that are making the racist comments and being overly aggressive. However, I have failed to hear any actual racist chants occuring in my time on the Kop it is only 'comments' made by the odd individual.
I do not see anything wrong with starting a group of blades fans who are wanting to enhance the atmosphere at bdtbl because it has been pretty flat in the past 2 years (although the atomosphere was pretty good last night). I cannot really comment on away games however as I struggle to make it to them (im a student), so I dont know if it is any different!?

Lincoln Blade

 

[Samantha]

I think we may have a classic case of 'one person spoils it for everbody else'

 

[rachyblade]

I'm all for them trying to get the crowd going by singing, as yes the noise on the kop has gone down hill past few seasons.

As long as they do not cause trouble or make other fans fell uncomfortable or sing pig songs and bounce, then go for it.

One thing i dont get is the sing up shoreham song when you can hear other parts of the kop singing.

I've sat up there for many seasons just for the atmosphere.

And also the flying johnys always come from gangway f way, whats that all about???

 

[Samantha]

I think "sing up shoreham" is simply one of the classics... It'll never go away and it'll never change!

 

[GC88]

It's mainly for away games as the level of support in terms of noise and sustained atmosphere has deteriorated since relegation so we are just trying to get together and make some noise.

It would be good to get a section at bramall lane and one area has been mentioned - but for now we are looking at getting the away atmosphere going.

 

[rachyblade]

I didn't really go to many away last season, but the ones I did go to we sounded really good so must of been cos I was there

 

[rachyblade]

Anyway, whats the facebook page?

 

[GC88]

Anyway, whats the facebook page?

"Sheffield United - the voice at away games" is the name of the group, rachy. It just says what we are trying to achieve and you'll see the people on it are not the hooligans, chavs etc that some people think we are.

 

[Samantha]

Currently looking for loyal blades who would like to sit amongst others who want to sing, shout and raise the roof on away match days!

If you are fed up of being held back by the people sitting around you who don't sing or support our team then you are looking at the perfect group to join!

Once we have adequate members the next step will be discussed on here. We are serious about this and will make every effort to ensure we can do something.

So come on blades pass the word!!

THIS IS THE POINT WE'RE ALL TRYING TO MAKE!!!

Just because we don't stand up at games, or sing every song, doesn't mean we don't support the team!!!

 

[breeny]

"Sheffield United - the voice at away games" is the name of the group, rachy. It just says what we are trying to achieve and you'll see the people on it are not the hooligans, chavs etc that some people think we are.

will the 'voice' be telling people they are plastic cunts? :thumbdown:

 

[Escafeld]

I have found that it is actually the older blades between 30 and 45 that are making the racist comments and being overly aggressive.

I am in that age group & I am sorry to say that yes you are quite right in saying that in general if you see any p|ssed, aggressive and generally all round unpleasant behaviour it tends to be from full grown blokes who should know better.

BUT do they know better? I would argue no they don't, they still thing that going tp the football involves acting like a tw@t, swearing until you're hoarse & trying to have a ruck with someone who happens to have a different coloured scarf on. Given that these blokes when they were young lads terrace battles & hooliganism was all the rage they've clearly not grown out of it. They've got no connection or understanding to the young uns today, they don't realise things have moved on & that their myopic view of what it means to be a football fan is out-dated & quite frankly a little embarassing.

I appreciate & understand where these young 'Ultras' are coming from, yes it's an unfortunate turn of phrase given it's hooligan connotations on the continent but over here I thing Ultras are seen more as vocal fans who want to create a spectacle. York City have a well respected 'Ultra' following who are as far removed from hooliganism as it's possible to get, they do shout, maybe swear too on ocassion so to some folk they'll always be 'bloody hooligans' but in reality just young fans wanting to reclaim their sport from the creeping death of commercialism & all that involves.

 

[rachyblade]

Its funny that you want to get behind the team yet first signs of trouble and its 'Blackwell sort it out'.

 

[GC88]

The point they are trying to make on facebook is that people who maybe want to vocally support but might only do it with a group as they don't want to get the "dirty looks" people talk about when you get one or two fans by themselves signing.

You're right about the York fans, Jorvik Reds - they are group with the attitude towards this. A new type of football fan is emerging who just want to support their clubs as loud and colourfully as possible - who weren't around in the 80's and aren't hooligans - but have seen how fans in other countries create an atmosphere inside the ground.

 

[Autumn]

Try sitting in the south stand gangway H, first half of the game it's just us and a few regulars, by the second half it's full of blokes gobbing off, saying stuff to the opposition....baring in mind i'm 29 and these guys are over 35 and older. A few young lads do the occasional wanker sign....but I just join in on the greasy chip butty song and a few other fan favourites.

 

[Samantha]

I want a singing atmosphere, I want lively. I want to hear GCB, Oh When The Blades - all the classics. What I don't want to hear is crap about Wendy (except when they concede a goal, always handy to hear that, preferably without the "f*****")!!

When Middlesbrough chanted last week "you've got chlamydia" - I don't want to hear stuff like that!! I don't want to hear swearing, or insults - I don't mind hearing "shit" - but not "f*****" etc. I don't want to hear "stand up if you hate wednesday" - of course I hate them, but I don't need to stand up to show I do (however, the person who invented sit down if you hate wednesday was onto a winner there... followed by sit down if you love wednesday - you got most folk with that one).

Have some fun, create an atmosphere but do it nicely! Think about all the old fogies now (yes SV, SEB, Silverfox, I'm looking in your direction) who grew up going to the games in the good ol' days - they didn't have to swear and insult the opposing fans to create an atmosphere!!

Please - can we stop the "if you don't stand up and sing you're not a Blade". If I wasn't a Blade I wouldn't have spent my hard-earned money on being there.

 

[Autumn]

Try explaining chlamydia to your 11 year old.....she thought it was a new player and was trying to find him

 

[jose_d_blade]

I want a singing atmosphere, I want lively. I want to hear GCB, Oh When The Blades - all the classics. What I don't want to hear is crap about Wendy (except when they concede a goal, always handy to hear that, preferably without the "f*****")!!

When Middlesbrough chanted last week "you've got chlamydia" - I don't want to hear stuff like that!! I don't want to hear swearing, or insults - I don't mind hearing "shit" - but not "f*****" etc. I don't want to hear "stand up if you hate wednesday" - of course I hate them, but I don't need to stand up to show I do (however, the person who invented sit down if you hate wednesday was onto a winner there... followed by sit down if you love wednesday - you got most folk with that one).

Have some fun, create an atmosphere but do it nicely! Think about all the old fogies now (yes SV, SEB, Silverfox, I'm looking in your direction) who grew up going to the games in the good ol' days - they didn't have to swear and insult the opposing fans to create an atmosphere!!

I’m not condoning swearing but its part of football, swearing I don’t think will ever go away. If it did id feel some more of football had died. :cry:
I’ve seen Sunday school teacher types who probably never swear having a right go at the ref.
It’s been in the songs on the cop as long as I can remember.


I like to express my hatred of Wednesdays as often as possible especially when were not doing it o the pitch

but dont mind me im just set in my ways and probably just dont like change

 

[happyhippy]

Its funny that you want to get behind the team yet first signs of trouble and its 'Blackwell sort it out'.

I heard that within two minutes of going one down v Leicester .

To echo others' sentiments, most of the nonsense I've seen has been from people my age or over. Just down from me towards the aisle of Gangway G were about 10 or 15 lads all having a loud, boisterous, good-hearted singsong. If they were 'Ultras', then I and most of us have been 'way past the back of beyonds' for years.

Though last night's most impressive contribution was the bloke behind me who yelled "I've waited two and a half hours for this, you FC."

FC does not stand for Football Club.

On the subject of the name, maybe using the name for the Danish contingent who get drunk, sing songs, fall down and have harmless fun would be better ....

The Rooligans.

 

[tat]

why don't the club give them that crappy little corner between the kop and john st? they can all stand up and call each other c*nts from there. the rest of us can watch the match.

I have a season ticket in that crappy little corner come try it some time, if some oik wants trouble its full of "old faces" some published ex BBC amongst us. Its just most have grown up a little and usually bring the kids, the kids generally seated more to the front and the older Faces to the rear. Perhaps you should send them in after all

They would not be tollerated.

 

[Linz]

As we've said all along, it isn't the standing up and singing anyone has a problem with.

It's the "we're better than you, everyone will be inconvenienced for us and if they don't like it, tough" attitude that you don't seem to understand.

As GC88 admitted earlier, some of the people got a little tetchy and "blew up" when they were challenged on a message board.

Are they going to "blow up" when someone challenges them in person, when perhaps, they are sat in their seat?

I've seen accusations that the club don't want their support because the club isn't willing to do away with the loyalty point system for their benefit... meaning they can't all get tickets at the same time.

All I'm seeing is a me, me, me attitude. It doesn't come across as being for the greater good of United. It comes across as some jumped up people wanting to be important.

I suggest if the ultras want to do it and want the club to approve, they appoint a sensible chairperson and have a sit down meeting with the club where requests are made, instead of writing to the club with demands.

Some examples of the "ultras":

The majority of us are supportive of the idea... And a large proportion of those who arnt have proved themselves to be infantile pricks who's opinion isnt worth 2 shiny sh!ts anyway. So its all good.

Hmmmmm!