Chelsea Fans: What's The Point?
Thank God for JT
By Since66
October 23 2008
Last season in the group stages of the Champions League, Chelsea FC got 'battered' from all quarters about attendances, notably the attendance against Rosenborg. A lot of hard work was put in between the various 'unofficial' Chelsea sites, supporter groups, forums and the club to try and improve the atmosphere and attendances for those 'non important' group games in the Champions League.
So this season Chelsea Football Club introduced a reduced pricing structure as Chelsea are Champions League top seeds, and it seemed to work quite well against Bordeaux a few weeks ago. Full house and a 4-0 victory and oh, mustn't forget the 'free' scarves. Last night against AS Roma, Chelsea won 1-0 with a late John Terry goal and I really do wonder if the 'fans' really really do appreciate the efforts of the Chelsea Board and Mr Abramovich. Yet again there was a full-house and yet again Mr Abramovich supplied the 'free' scarves but the home atmosphere was pathetic, rubbish, s**t, c**p and for the board of Chelsea FC they must be cringing as to what the rest of Europe must be thinking after the 3,000 plus fans of Roma sang their hearts out for the best part of two hours. Honestly it was embarrassing. Roma's fans however, are a credit, coming into last night's game after the weekend's defeat against Inter, the 'Ultra's were in fine voice and completely outsung the Blues almost all night. The home fans didn't come to life until after Chelsea took the lead. The lack of atmosphere is almost the same every game. Once 'The Liquidator' is played it's down to the Matthew Harding Stand to keep the atmosphere going, but I am afraid it all fell flat last night. The Shed were 'done' by the 'Ultra's, the West Stand Lower were just like puppets without a puppet master and the rest of the stadium just wore the free 'blue' scarves round their necks. It really does p**s me off that there are absolutely loads and loads of 'real hardcore' Chelsea fans who want to go to games, and want to sing and support the team that they have loved all their lives, but it seems due to circumstances they can't there or they can't get to sit where they want or the prices are too prohibitive. We all know about 'Shed 100.' Shed 100 is a club where every now and again, Chelsea sell tickets to 100 fans who want to sit together to sing and try to create 'an atmosphere,' and they sit in The Shed obviously, but SHED 100 only convenes at the discretion of the club. But howabout this for an idea Chelsea? Move the singers from the Matthew Harding Lower back into The Shed and I am sure that once The Shed is singing to its full volume (without away fans), the rest of the stadium will follow suit, like the 'good old' days - Shed End, Benches, West Stand in that order - and they were the 'good old' days. Move the away fans back into the East Stand Lower, put the family section into the Matthew Harding Lower and leave the 'non singing' Matthew Harding Upper where they are. Lets be fair they don't sing, they just like to hang their flags and I should know I have been up there, for atmosphere, you might as well be up in the graveyard of the West Stand and I have been up there too. Are you ready for more 'away fan' embarrassment? Well we got Liverpool on Sunday and then in three weeks time, we are at home to Burnley in the Carling Cup and Burnley have sold out their allocation. I will be singing, what will you be doing? Eating your prawn sarnies? http://www.ifutbal.com/videos/14556/chelsea-vs-as-roma-highlights-.html 
Chelsea Fans: What's The Point?
Posted by: 50 Years Over 100 Years (IP Logged)
Date: 23/10/2008 00:47
Chelsea Fans: What's The Point?
Re: Chelsea Fans: What's The Point?
Posted by: PKGooner (IP Logged)
Date: 23/10/2008 01:11
Where do you sit?
Re: Chelsea Fans: What's The Point?
Posted by: carefree (IP Logged)
Date: 23/10/2008 07:38
Well i will be singing like Ive always done.The atmosphere your right is at times pretty poor and last night was no exception.The Roma fans were a credit they sang the whole game.I think the singing has improved a little and it will get better.Its the same at the emirates it will take time because there are pockets of singing fans are all over the place and unfortunately you have fans who don't want to sing and complain about it.Those fans need to stay at home so they can have their own atmosphere.
Re: Chelsea Fans: What's The Point?
Posted by: carefree (IP Logged)
Date: 23/10/2008 13:39
Quote:Its not the best place to be if you just want to sit with your sandwiches and your flask and just watch the game in comfort with nobody standing up in front of you so you have to complain, and just clap when we score a goal.Those fans need to sit right at the f*cking back of the east stand top tier with the pigeons, out of the f*cking way.Since 66
Matthew Harding Lower - best place to be
Re: Chelsea Fans: What's The Point?
Posted by: Since 66 (IP Logged)
Date: 23/10/2008 17:00
Instead of Chelsea working to try an improve the atmosphere at SB with the singers, howabout they concentrate on providing areas for the 'prawnie' brigade?
Reverse psychology - always works!!
Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free
Reverse psychology - always works!!
Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free
Re: Chelsea Fans: What's The Point?
Posted by: carefree (IP Logged)
Date: 23/10/2008 21:04
Quote:What a good shout,mention that at the next meeting.Since 66
Instead of Chelsea working to try an improve the atmosphere at SB with the singers, howabout they concentrate on providing areas for the 'prawnie' brigade?
Reverse psychology - always works!!
Re: Chelsea Fans: What's The Point?
Posted by: carra (IP Logged)
Date: 23/10/2008 22:34
Carefree football in this country is reaching a watershed. As so much money swills around the premier leagu the business world has lept on the game. Business is all about maximising profits and to hell with the consequences.As prices soar real fans have fell by the wayside tis no place anymore for "working class" low paid even middle income fans. Business men dont give a sh*t because their places have been taken by the middle classes . Footys the fashion now of people who know not of its culture ,they treat it a trip to the theater .They go to be "entertained" its beneath them to stand up with no shame and belt out their support,its simply not in their culture. Ibet u know loads of fellas who used to travel with Chelsea but just cant go anymore. With our new ground (f*kin joke i know) we the fans are demanding places (cheap seats) .for low income ,oap ,kids. Every ground in the country is effected sooner or later the a*se will fall out of the game but at least then it will be ours again.
Re: Chelsea Fans: What's The Point?
Posted by: dixon9 (IP Logged)
Date: 23/10/2008 22:41
I´m with you all the way re lack of gratitude to Abramovich from the fans and what he has done for the club (in fact, I wouldn´t be surprised if the atmosphere initives taken are Kenyon ideas - which would make it even more difficult for some sections of fans to appreciate!).
That said, the banning of home made banners some years ago (with the very odd exception) with reasons given as imflammable material, covering up of advertisers hoardings etc... was one black mark (the plastic flag peace offering brought us a lot of sneering from oppo fans).
BUT then again...Roman helps out with the massive "Chelsea Pride of London" flag which looked very impressive last night.
The atmosphere problem is obviously not just Chelsea though (Liverpool, Man Utd and other big clubs are all taking initives to improve the atmosphere - and a quick chat with oppo fans or visits to their blogs and forums all contain complaints about the lack of atmosphere).
The root of the problem in my opinion was standing being very unfairly snatched away from us after Hillsborough - and a quick glance across to Germany confirms that they have standing and good atmospheres.
Still, what can we do about it? We can´t have standing back (yet) so it needs to be solved.
The suggestion of putting all the singers in one place (like the old days when we all went in the shed end) makes perfect sense and would work and encourage other sections of the ground - Trouble is, you´d then get the "flask and sarnie" and tourist brigade wanting to go into the singing section so that they can sample the atmosphere - without singing!
I think, the problem will persisit - all the time we don´t have standing - and if you want to eradicate the problem then STANDING MUST BE BROUGHT BACK - but yes, there are initives that can be taken to greatly inprove the situation.
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2008:10:23:23:40:50 by dixon9.
That said, the banning of home made banners some years ago (with the very odd exception) with reasons given as imflammable material, covering up of advertisers hoardings etc... was one black mark (the plastic flag peace offering brought us a lot of sneering from oppo fans).
BUT then again...Roman helps out with the massive "Chelsea Pride of London" flag which looked very impressive last night.
The atmosphere problem is obviously not just Chelsea though (Liverpool, Man Utd and other big clubs are all taking initives to improve the atmosphere - and a quick chat with oppo fans or visits to their blogs and forums all contain complaints about the lack of atmosphere).
The root of the problem in my opinion was standing being very unfairly snatched away from us after Hillsborough - and a quick glance across to Germany confirms that they have standing and good atmospheres.
Still, what can we do about it? We can´t have standing back (yet) so it needs to be solved.
The suggestion of putting all the singers in one place (like the old days when we all went in the shed end) makes perfect sense and would work and encourage other sections of the ground - Trouble is, you´d then get the "flask and sarnie" and tourist brigade wanting to go into the singing section so that they can sample the atmosphere - without singing!
I think, the problem will persisit - all the time we don´t have standing - and if you want to eradicate the problem then STANDING MUST BE BROUGHT BACK - but yes, there are initives that can be taken to greatly inprove the situation.
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 2008:10:23:23:40:50 by dixon9.
Re: Chelsea Fans: What's The Point?
Posted by: dixon9 (IP Logged)
Date: 23/10/2008 22:48
Re the match...
Was a bit of a slog wasn´t it? Roma surprised me with their defensive tactics and unwillingness to play much more open football which is Spalletti´s trade mark - they almost certainly looked at how we demolished teams in recent matches and decided not to take any chances.
We can be pleased with the way the team kept plugging away at them and eventually made a breach. Now that Roma lost this leg I´m convinced they will HAVE to open up and attack at home in a fortnight and we will see quite an exciting game.
I got the impression talking to a Liverpool fan mate that they took the foot of the gas in the 2nd half against Atletico Madrid to save a bit of energy for us on Sunday - and we should see a better atmosphere for that game.
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Was a bit of a slog wasn´t it? Roma surprised me with their defensive tactics and unwillingness to play much more open football which is Spalletti´s trade mark - they almost certainly looked at how we demolished teams in recent matches and decided not to take any chances.
We can be pleased with the way the team kept plugging away at them and eventually made a breach. Now that Roma lost this leg I´m convinced they will HAVE to open up and attack at home in a fortnight and we will see quite an exciting game.
I got the impression talking to a Liverpool fan mate that they took the foot of the gas in the 2nd half against Atletico Madrid to save a bit of energy for us on Sunday - and we should see a better atmosphere for that game.
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Re: Chelsea Fans: What's The Point?
Posted by: dixon9 (IP Logged)
Date: 23/10/2008 23:08
Re atmosphere:
Mind you, our away following and atmsophere seems as good as ever.
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Mind you, our away following and atmsophere seems as good as ever.
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Re: Chelsea Fans: What's The Point?
Posted by: PKGooner (IP Logged)
Date: 23/10/2008 23:24
Will standing ever be brought back though?
The numpties don't like it, they cant enjoy their whole 'soccer experience' because someone's supporting the team.
The numpties don't like it, they cant enjoy their whole 'soccer experience' because someone's supporting the team.
Re: Chelsea Fans: What's The Point?
Posted by: dixon9 (IP Logged)
Date: 24/10/2008 05:58
Can´t see us getting standing back for a while BUT....
You never know...IF the recession bites, some fans then can´t afford to go so often..and that situation lasts long enough THEN some clubs might start lobbying the government heavily to allow standing to fit more fans in at reduced prices....
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
You never know...IF the recession bites, some fans then can´t afford to go so often..and that situation lasts long enough THEN some clubs might start lobbying the government heavily to allow standing to fit more fans in at reduced prices....
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Re: Chelsea Fans: What's The Point?
Posted by: dixon9 (IP Logged)
Date: 24/10/2008 05:59
One of those..."My mate heard this the other day" ones...
I was speaking to a gentleman before the game on
Sunday, who said that the club have planning permission to build an extra tier on the MH stand, with the condition that a bridge is built over the railway line, by the club. Sounds like a good option, but maybe quite expensive?
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
I was speaking to a gentleman before the game on
Sunday, who said that the club have planning permission to build an extra tier on the MH stand, with the condition that a bridge is built over the railway line, by the club. Sounds like a good option, but maybe quite expensive?
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Re: Chelsea Fans: What's The Point?
Posted by: carefree (IP Logged)
Date: 24/10/2008 07:38
Good points Carra and Dixon,it is not a place for the low paid working class and it is a shame.There are loads of fans that i know personally that used to travel with me home and away to every game when it was affordable,and they were hardcore to the bone.Unfortunatly now it has become so expensive and they will come to the cup games if they can obtain a ticket.I have got to mention thou that chelsea have taken on board about the pricing of tickets and have capped the price of season tickets for a few years now and have lowered the price of the cup games and european games.But you are right carra in saying that some people treat a trip to the game now the same as a trip to the theater,and are paying touts unbelievable amounts of money for games,the Roma game the other night a guy and his misses paid a monkey for two tickets,five hundred pounds.And Dixon i would say that bringing some standing back will solve the ongoing problem of increase attendancies don't you think.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:10:24:07:39:54 by carefree2008.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:10:24:07:39:54 by carefree2008.
Re: Chelsea Fans: What's The Point?
Posted by: Since 66 (IP Logged)
Date: 24/10/2008 09:48
Chelsea groups have also been lobbying for 'cheaper' seats, if Chelsea ever rebuild Stamford Bridge or move away.
The Bates era with building the hotels has put paid to any rebuild, we know that.
Every now and again Chelsea have the Shed 100, which allows 100 fans who want to sing to sit together and then there is the MHL where I sit.
The atmosphere at away games is brilliant - Chelsea sung throughout at 'Boro last week and I am looking forward to go to Hull next Wednesday.
Standing again - Neva, won't happen
Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free
The Bates era with building the hotels has put paid to any rebuild, we know that.
Every now and again Chelsea have the Shed 100, which allows 100 fans who want to sing to sit together and then there is the MHL where I sit.
The atmosphere at away games is brilliant - Chelsea sung throughout at 'Boro last week and I am looking forward to go to Hull next Wednesday.
Standing again - Neva, won't happen
Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free
Re: Chelsea Fans: What's The Point?
Posted by: dixon9 (IP Logged)
Date: 24/10/2008 10:23
Quote:carefree2008
Good points Carra and Dixon,it is not a place for the low paid working class and it is a shame.There are loads of fans that i know personally that used to travel with me home and away to every game when it was affordable,and they were hardcore to the bone.
I´m sure that the cost has gone up over the decades...but has anyone ever worked out but just how much? i.e found out the average wage for say 20, 30, 40 years ago compared to cost of a 1st Division club ticket (say a club from the north and one from the south)???
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Re: Chelsea Fans: What's The Point?
Posted by: dixon9 (IP Logged)
Date: 24/10/2008 10:28
Quote:Since 66
Chelsea groups have also been lobbying for 'cheaper' seats, if Chelsea ever rebuild Stamford Bridge or move away.
And I reckon they will be successful - although I doubt and hope that we will never move.
Also if there is an area where the club deserves a loud round of applause it is in the area of pricing - prices frozen over the last 4 seasons I think and Cup tickets slashed by more than 50% in some cases. Re the CL they took their time in getting round to reducing ticket prices (eg. 50 quid to watch Rosenborg that time when we had already played a load of matches in a short space of time beforehand - and didn´t we get slated by the media and oppo fans for that!!!) but they got there in the end.
Quote:Since 66
Standing again - Neva, won't happen
Í agree that in the short term it won´t - but as clubs start scrabbling around for more ways to increase their matchday turnover they will start to lobby government for standing - and Germany is proof that it is safe and it works.
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2008:10:24:10:32:57 by dixon9.
Re: Chelsea Fans: What's The Point?
Posted by: Since 66 (IP Logged)
Date: 24/10/2008 11:24
You are right about the current pricing. I am still paying the same price for my season ticket as I did when I got it back again five years ago and what with the reduced prices for all the Cup games and Champions League Chelsea deserve the recognition and appreciation from the fans which they are getting - all of the Chelsea groups have acknowledged the club's efforts.
Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free
Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free
Re: Chelsea Fans: What's The Point?
Posted by: dixon9 (IP Logged)
Date: 24/10/2008 14:07
Bloody impressive that Pride of London flag - looked good anyway from my bar stool!
(cowers away in shame!)
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
(cowers away in shame!)
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Re: Chelsea Fans: What's The Point?
Posted by: Since 66 (IP Logged)
Date: 24/10/2008 16:36
You got a good excuse - the prawnies aint!!!
Looking forward to see the away flag at Hull on Wednesday - the snapper will be snapping.
Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free
Looking forward to see the away flag at Hull on Wednesday - the snapper will be snapping.
Don't Gamble, Bet Risk Free
Re: Chelsea Fans: What's The Point?
Posted by: dixon9 (IP Logged)
Date: 24/10/2008 21:32
Well, shouldn´´t be too long now before I´m back in the fold again! Where I belong!
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.
Re: Chelsea Fans: What's The Point?
Posted by: dixon9 (IP Logged)
Date: 24/10/2008 21:46
.
"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.