Portsmouth News 24/7
Writer: Ken 
Date:Monday November 2 2009
Time: 3:00PM
UK time is: 03:21:06
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N is for noisy
The meeting about all things stewarding, demanded by fans when the Judas posters ejections brought concerns to a head, lasted two and a half hours and certainly bridged some gaps.
Most importantly the drums are back! Admittedly we are only allowed snare drums but the fans present saw this as a major concession. Block N is also to be advertised as a noisy section and anyone that buys tickets for it will be forewarned.
A group of passionate supporters voiced their opinions on real events and also fans' perceptions. For instance, the common feeling that for some time John Westwood has been targeted was denied strenuously by the Club. The perception that the Club have 'pressured' the 'old school' supporters by excessive pricing and strenuous stewarding to make way for the new 'applaud politely' type, was also rigorously opposed. Explanations were given on individual stewarding incidents in several games but the emphasis of the meeting was on generalisations. The Club was warned repeatedly that their actions or the perception of their attitude was driving fans away.
Club Safety Officer, Derek Stone, Mike Turner, (acting SO for the Spurs game) and Match Commander, Dave Peacock, along with Peter Storrie and Lucius Peart, were all present and tried to put the Club's side of things. Despite at times being drowned out by the passionate responses of the audience, they persisted with their attempted explanations, admitted that they did sometimes get it wrong but assured us that they were determined to work with us in order to get it right. They offered to allow fans' representatives to attend pre-match briefing for both stewards and police. They also will look at the possibility of an anonymous way of reporting over-zealous stewarding, possibly by text message.
Those officials present certainly took some criticism but took it well and showed an interest in finding ways to improve the situation. They showed a willingness to listen and an inclination to put things right. All in all two and a half hours well spent.
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Your Comments
Why only Block N ?
Well done Ken, nice report.
It's a start - but the Fratton End is no place for "Applaude Politely" anywhere! It sounds like those present put the points over, and made sure that the "management" know what people are REALLY thinking.
PUP
BarneyArmy
Make every block a noisy block, do it by being noisy! The club can't throw all the fratton end out. Another option is one I saw at a game in Brazil where fans were being noisy under the media box, they were ejected so about 6000 people all followed; a bit drastic but it worked. I have to be honest though I find Westy's anti scum songs are a bit boring and old hat now; although with the current financial shambles they might not be quite soon.
russellm
I agree Barney .. and I too am wondering why only block N .. and where is block N in relation to me I wonder ? .. I'm in FBB ?? Anyway .. I guess it's a start but why 'snare' drums.. are they less noisy ?
Chix
Drums....Get Ginger Baker in there, he's a bit doddery now but still as mad as a biscuit and can still play a bit..LOUD! Who ever heard of not making any noise at a football match FFS! I've always thought of a football match as the last bastion of the working man, a place where he could let off some steam on a Saturday Afternoon. People who don't want to be in a fractious, excitable, LOUD environment should bugger off to the Library.....PUP.
cornypomp
Well I thought Saturday was smashing. What a difference the drums make, whether they are snare, bongo or whatever. Even the Prawnies were tapping their toes under their tartan rugs. lol. They ought to pay Westy for what he does! I suppose its Block N cos that is right close to the drums. In my opinion, anywhere in the Fratton End should carry a Health warning!
gandor1
Love the Fratton End, love the noise, would not want to be anywhere else.
pompeyyong
Nice one Ken. I heard about the meeting late on Friday from one of the club officials present. Section N is a great idea and the tip offs about stewarding is fine but must work both ways.
eastneydave
After the Wigan match I saw some jobsworth stewards trying to stop an old chap with a bunch of school kids from walking back through the Fratton End to meet up with their parents. The old chap wasn't having any of it though and he just marched past them, much to the stewards annoyance. I think a little bit of power goes to some peoples heads, unfortunately.
Pompey Half Pint
Fratton Park became famous in the modern era that is the Premiership, BECAUSE of the noise generated by our passionate and partisan support !! Remember Thierry Henry after the 5-1 defeat by Arsenal to quote just one example ! The stewards would surely not be quite so zealous, a) if everyone knew their remit with regards to crowd control (a quick rundown of this in the programme for a couple of games,or notice or two placed around the ground would do the job. Thereby ending the ignorance is no excuse argument in one hit) and b) make the stewards identifiable, by either a name badge,or probably better,some sort of number system. This would make them instantly accountable for their actions, and would perhaps make them think twice before going in and being over the top in the manner they deal with some situations. On the other hand, they must be allowed to perform, what is a pretty thankless task, with the support of all of us, and need to be aware that the vast majority support the basic principle of what they are ultimately there for, which is our safety. Just my thoughts..........
lincspfcfan
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