Singing Section at the lane

[beechblade]

I've got a season ticket in that section, so it was you feckers that tried to reserve my seat eh? the bloody ticket office seemed to have no clue which section the singing section was when I renewed. I wasn't at the game yesterday will be there at Swansea and I like a good sing song, so I'll experience the section, but if I don't like it I'll kindly move my seat out when the renewal date passses and see if they'll change me to somewhere more central.

 

[TheSwollengland]

There used to be a perfectly good singing section in G and H a few years back till the club shut it down for a couple of years ,The Lane has not been the same place since

 

[S64 Blade]

Whats up with all singing throughout the ground like has always happened?

That's the million dollar question Foxy.

 

[alcoblade]

I assume that the trial was basically intended to assess:

1. Did the singing section improve the atmosphere.
2. Did it stay free from trouble.

As the answer to both of those questions seems to have been 'yes', hopefully it can be considered a success.

Sadly, the atmosphere was rubbish. I was in the Kop and could hardly hear them, so it's doubtful the club will consider it a success from that POV. It's a good idea that given time could really improve the atmosphere - but it could really do with being more central. I think yesterday it had the effect of reducing the atmosphere - because the line of fans along the back who start it had been displaced to a more remote location. Given greater numbers and more to play for, this might be overcome but it will never be ideal.

UTB

 

[beightonblade]

Whats up with all singing throughout the ground like has always happened?

Nowt ....................... trouble is we've nowt to sing about.

 

[norfolkblade]

The atmosphere picked up a hell of a lot more after we scored, and when they kept showing the pigs score, saying that, thats the best atmosphere i've been part of in ages, even people at the front of the kop did a bit of singing for once, not that i was an influence to anyone....

 

[Blades_257]

Sadly, the atmosphere was rubbish. I was in the Kop and could hardly hear them, so it's doubtful the club will consider it a success from that POV. It's a good idea that given time could really improve the atmosphere - but it could really do with being more central. I think yesterday it had the effect of reducing the atmosphere - because the line of fans along the back who start it had been displaced to a more remote location. Given greater numbers and more to play for, this might be overcome but it will never be ideal.

UTB

Strange, some seem to have heard it from gangway H of the South Stand, but some on the Kop say they heard nothing. But an increase in numbers would make sure we'd be heard throughout the ground.

Ideally there'd be at least 15 rows stood up at the back of every gangway on the Kop all singing, but that's not the case. About 7/8 rows stand up and songs never spread along the Kop. Songs spread much better from back to front rather than from the left to the right. So put all the singers in the same gangway and it'll be much louder than it would be if they were spread all along the Kop, like they currently are.

It'd probably work as it is if all of those at the back of the Kop gave a toss about supporting the team, but they don't and there's a childish refusal to join in with a song started by another gangway. Pathetic. Only about 30% of those at the back of the gangays actually bother to sing.

 

[WorkingtonBlade]

I've never experienced a refusal to join in a song started on another gangway. What I have experienced is that most people won't start singing unless someone CLOSE to them is singing - they fear the danger of being left singing 'on their own'.

I find (when I'm feeling brave enough to do it) that if I join in a song heard from elsewhere in the ground, immediately those around me start singing too. No one has ever refused to do so because the song was started elsewhere.

It is for this reason that I think it's important the singing section is in the middle of the stand - it means the song will spread both ways along the back of, and down the Kop. From that corner, it won't spread much at all.

 

[DazBlade88]

It's not segregating fans at all. There's no bad feelings towards anyone who doesn't want to join in. All it's about is getting a group of like minded fans together who want to improve the atmosphere.

It'd probably work as it is if all of those at the back of the Kop gave a toss about supporting the team, but they don't and there's a childish refusal to join in with a song started by another gangway. Pathetic. Only about 30% of those at the back of the gangays actually bother to sing.

And this is where the segregating of fans comes into it, and why things like this in the long term creates a division between the fans.

At the end of the day, if there's anything to shout about on the pitch, Bramall Lane is one of the most vociferous and intimading grounds in the country. The whole new family orientated business has reduced this somewhat over the past few years in my opinion, but it still gets rocking when there's entertainment and something to play for on the field. Sadly, both of these are missing at the minute and that's the problem that should be addressed, not where people are sitting in the ground.

If we get a new manager in over the summer, I think the atmosphere will be much improved next season regardless of a singing section or not.

 

[Blades_257]

Moving to gangway A would reduce the division between the fans in one way because fans who were previously dotted around on different gangways would be together in one area and there'd be none of the "I'll only sing songs our lot starts" bollocks.

 

[judge]

theres a gangway a ?

 

[Northyorksblade]

Could hear it clearly from John Street and as the numbers grow, should improve the atmosphere a lot next season.

 

[GC88]

I can't see one valid reason for anyone to be against it.

The "it segregates our own fans" point was totally disproved yesterday as the reports from people were there say the the number of people there in the second half was much larger than in the first half - it's not a members only club as for it to be successful - more 'like minded' people in one area = more noise.

The atmosphere has been pretty poor this season due to the reactive supporters not having much to react positively to but some are not content with being mere reactive supporters or spectators and this could be the start of something very good for united.

I expect the fans to continue and hopefully the club will help as they did for Coventry - nobody has a valid reason to be against it. If anyone is against it their association with with Sufc should be brought into question.

 

[Foxy]

The "it segregates our own fans" point was totally disproved yesterday as the reports from people were there say the the number of people there in the second half was much larger than in the first half - it's not a members only club as for it to be successful - more 'like minded' people in one area = more noise.

Also isolated attempts at one-up-manship and claiming victory over others.

and then straight away, you seek to categorise people and question their validity as supporters...

The atmosphere has been pretty poor this season due to the reactive supporters not having much to react positively to but some are not content with being mere reactive supporters or spectators and this could be the start of something very good for united.

I expect the fans to continue and hopefully the club will help as they did for Coventry - nobody has a valid reason to be against it. If anyone is against it their association with with Sufc should be brought into question.

 

[Flatulent_Bob]

I can't see one valid reason for anyone to be against it.

The "it segregates our own fans" point was totally disproved yesterday as the reports from people were there say the the number of people there in the second half was much larger than in the first half - it's not a members only club as for it to be successful - more 'like minded' people in one area = more noise.

The atmosphere has been pretty poor this season due to the reactive supporters not having much to react positively to but some are not content with being mere reactive supporters or spectators and this could be the start of something very good for united.

I expect the fans to continue and hopefully the club will help as they did for Coventry - nobody has a valid reason to be against it. If anyone is against it their association with with Sufc should be brought into question.

The only thing against it is if the organiser start thinking they should get a say on other club matters like Ultra groups do in Italy, or assuming they speak for all the fans. Which is something that could happen with some of those lot.

 

[GC88]

I don't think there's any danger of the former, Bob.

As for the latter, it could be a possibility but I think it's unlikely - it's just a group of people getting together to try and boost the atmosphere. It would be in the interests of everyone not to do that to get as many people on board.

 

[GC88]

"Also isolated attempts at one-up-manship and claiming victory over others."

If there is any one-up-manship it is valid - if someone is a continuous supporter and someone else is a reactive supporter or spectator the former is better. Also where has anyone claimed victory over others and what are they victors of?

There isn't a legitimate reason to be against it.

 

[Foxy]

"Also isolated attempts at one-up-manship and claiming victory over others."

If there is any one-up-manship it is valid - if someone is a continuous supporter and someone else is a reactive supporter or spectator the former is better. Also where has anyone claimed victory over others and what are they victors of?

Is there anything to achieve by picking people out? you know who i'm talking about anyway.

Who defines a "continuous supporter" and a "reactive supporter" exactly? How do you decide who is who?

 

[GC88]

I don't know who has picked who out, so I don't really know who/what that comment relates to or what it has achieved.

Actions define what type of fan someone is.

 

[Foxy]

I don't know who has picked who out, so I don't really know who/what that comment relates to or what it has achieved.

Actions define what type of fan someone is.

You picked people out when you decided we have "continuous" supporters and "reactive" supporters,

who defines which is which? and why do they have the authority to decide what type of fan someone is and whether or not they are better than them?

 

[Linz]

Just going on something Daz said earlier, I want to know why United classing themselves as a family club is considered a new idea?

I've just been watching the United documentary from 1990. Clear as day on the club crest on the tunnel is "the family club".

It's the idea that only certain supporters sing which irritates some people. The impression I get is that you have to be male and aged between 12-25. I'll not even comment on how long some of the most vocal advocates of this section have been going to the matches, but I know in at least one case, it's since we've been in the Premiership the last time around. Which is fair enough, we all start somewhere. But it's a little patronising for these people to start telling people how they should support the club.

I'm all for an improvement in the atmosphere... but the fans in the 1990 documentary were whinging about people staying away and the lack of atmosphere because of crap football, and we were challenging for the bloody title at that stage!

 

[beightonblade]

I remember that hot sunny day at owd trafford when we were top of the league ........... Blades were moaning that day as well.

 

[GC88]

Foxy - Their actions on the terrace determine what type of fan people are - you can tell when you're at the match.

Linz - I am aware of who and what you're referring, I can understand if some people feel patronised or irritated. I am not of the opinion that someone has to be in the gender/age group you have suggested but it seems as though at united this is the main group although it's not exclusive to that group - as shown at Newcastle on monday, everyone was joining in.

 

[Bramley]

Big praise for the singing section from gangway B. Good positive atmosphere and no "segregation" etc. Did chuckle when I saw some of the older veterans around me clapping along to the Italian football song. Massively improved the atmosphere in the ground, really positive. Everyone around me seemed to enjoy - no one feeling threatened etc. Let's give them the top middle of the Kop and get the atmosphere going properly.

Well done lads and lasses.

 

[Foxy]

Foxy - Their actions on the terrace determine what type of fan people are - you tell when you're at the match.

and just how do you perform an in depth analysis of someone's supporting credentials? unless you know people then you have absolutely no idea what they normally do and have done in the past in relation to supporting Sheffield United, so how do you decide what they are?

but it seems as though at united this is the main group although it's not exclusive to that group - as shown at Newcastle on monday, everyone was joining in.

It wasn't so much a case of everyone joining in with a main specific group, it was a case of the regulars from all walks and "groups" doing what we always have done, having a laugh and getting behind the Blades.

 

[WorkingtonBlade]

I'm not sure you do the cause you are trying to support much good with your arguments here GC88.

We all have different ways of supporting our team. You are right that some see vocal support as something they give to the team when they feel the team deserve it (or indeed, just when they're in the mood), and others see it as something they give all the time. A further group don't give vocal support at all. There is no point in trying to claim that one group is 'better' than another.

As soon as you imply that those who choose to go in a 'singing section' are in some way superior, you will turn everyone else against the section - and that's 90% of people against it, which would be likely to mean the experiment would not be repeated.

The singing section is for people who want to get together with like-minded others and support their team in a particular way, without being an irritation or inconvenience to other supporters. Providing we are clear on that point, I would agree that I have not heard what I personally consider to be a valid argument against it. As soon as anyone starts dressing it up as an elite area for the 'best' supporters, it is as good as dead.

 

[Bramley]

Just going on something Daz said earlier, I want to know why United classing themselves as a family club is considered a new idea?

I've just been watching the United documentary from 1990. Clear as day on the club crest on the tunnel is "the family club".

It's the idea that only certain supporters sing which irritates some people. The impression I get is that you have to be male and aged between 12-25. I'll not even comment on how long some of the most vocal advocates of this section have been going to the matches, but I know in at least one case, it's since we've been in the Premiership the last time around. Which is fair enough, we all start somewhere. But it's a little patronising for these people to start telling people how they should support the club.

I'm all for an improvement in the atmosphere... but the fans in the 1990 documentary were whinging about people staying away and the lack of atmosphere because of crap football, and we were challenging for the bloody title at that stage!

I've got to be honest Linz I think you and Foxy are letting your past experiences "entrench" you in your standpoint. I thought it was fantastic.

 

[beightonblade]

I'll start it off...........................

Oh when the Blades....

 

[Foxy]

I've got to be honest Linz I think you and Foxy are letting your past experiences "entrench" you in your standpoint. I thought it was fantastic.

I've not really given my view on the Coventry match to be honest, more just my overall opinion of it and the attitude I've experienced first hand from some of the people that see themselves as the biggest advocates of it.

Speaking specifically about the Coventry match, I don't think it made a massive difference to be honest. The noise levels seemed fairly similar to normal, perhaps a little louder than the few weeks previous, but then it has been dead of late.

That isn't knocking the people trying it by any stretch of the imagination, it's an honest opinion on what I heard from my usual place in the lane (John Street).

I disagree with a specific section and certain attitudes currently and previously linked with it, but that doesn't mean I want it to fail or disagree with the main aim/concept.

I'd love the atmosphere to improve and return to days past and think its great that people are putting their energy into it, but as I've said before, while there is fresh eliteism and division I think it'll only serve to harm things.

 

[GC88]

Foxy - I go the away matches and watch the fans who are there to see who is doing what.

Workingtonblade - I am not claiming that one group is a better overall type of fan but what I am saying that if people support the team vocally irrespective of score and or performance they are better supporters and contribute more to the atomsphere. My interpretation of the idea of the section is for people who want to sing to be alongside like minded people.