Jhs Fans And Season Ticket Holders.. Your Views?

[La Scimmia Rossa]

I'll stick to the issue thanks Ian.

 

 

So the boycott is only of season tickets? Not actually going to the games? That seems even more bizarre. You'll pay EXTRA money to sit in the JH stand but not LESS money to sit in the Main stand?

 

It is coming across as an ultimatum. That it's your way or no way at all. Personally I don't think that's a healthy approach going into a consultation with various other fan groups. If you aren't going into that meeting, to try and get some sort of compromise, then you should probably stand aside and let someone else take up the position. Or not be representative at all.

 

I find it bewildering that when we were really up against it with the board in the past, when the club and the fans were really being taken for a ride, most were posted missing. Now we have an stooshie about a stand that's been inhabited for just under two years? People are getting het up about acoustics and positioning of flags! It's akin to not buying a season ticket because McBee replaced the Toucan.

 

It's not exactly the Lazio Curva Nord we're talking about here!

 

 

Reality check required.

Edited May 14, 2014 by La Scimmia Rossa

[Lambies Lost Doo]

This season was the first time I bought a season ticket. Regular attendee and I decided to put my money where my mouth is after the promotion, improved football and philosophy and realization that to compete we need to give as much as we can as we are a small club with limited funds. I missed 5 home games. I took the hit on it and can live with it.

 

I sit in the Jackie Husband stand and prefer the view. Went to North Stand for last game of the season 2012/2013 and did not like the view so did not go back. I’m also more of a clapper than a singer down to personality, being a bit more laid back and keeping myself to myself than other more boisterous or passionate fans.

 

We can all agree the whole process has been badly handled, communicated by people who do not know how to engage with the public/customer/clients etc. They did try so give them that but ultimately did not achieve what they hoped. I see it all the time in inside and outside work.

 

Something I cannot agree with is name calling of individuals who are all Thistle fans (most of them bigger fans than myself), threats of funding, talks of “walking away”. I mean in the cold light of day it’s only a seat or stand and somewhere that was a bit of a joke back in the “Viagra Stand” days. For all those people who have “walked away” in the past they have had 2 seasons of exciting football including a promotion to come back. I don’t know what else would attract them. Some people have developed an almost “victimhood complex” and need to calm down and speak to the club who to be fair have realized their mistake. I appreciate the efforts people have made for the North Stand and I would readily admit you are more passionate than me but also a fuller Main Stand, Sky TV and better facilities are also attractive to me.

 

Brings me onto the “Excellent” Main Stand. A number of people have been vocal about this stand. Is this not a good idea to move fans here to a traditional stand with a side on view? Make the crowd look better on the tv, have Thistle fans on both sides and support the dugouts. It could improve the atmosphere. Mibees aye but mibees naw. We have to live with a stadium that has it’s positives and negatives while thinking about spectator safety, comfort and like it or not – maximizing income as we need every penny that we can get. I want to be like St Johnstone in a cup final. Motherwell in 2nd place. Both aims that are achievable.

 

Sometimes I feel that Scottish football is a bit like the Republican Party in the USA. Full of angry white men. I’m definitely not a “pie and bovril” man (more a flat white and pannini oh-er) and near the City end there are some right yahoos there. It puts me off taking my niece and nephew due to swearing and occasional rockets. I would like some further input into the stadium and establish a real youth and family section preferably family section being far end of City end so it’s easier to police and keep safe for the kids. That would involve moving some people though and could result in another outbreak of unhappiness. Better food. Better comfort.

 

Ultimately lets get talking. Support the club. Relish that we are re-signing players like Bannigan. Last season we won 2 home league games but I still enjoyed it, mostly! The larger crowds, the bigger games, the better players and the fact we took it to teams – got a couple skelpings but skelped others like Aberdeen and getting that great bouncy feeling as you walk out the ground.

[Guy Incognito]

On balance I think moving the singers to the NS has generally been a good thing. When it has worked well - like when it was close to full during the first two home games of the season against Dundee Utd and Hearts - it has been amazing. On the other hand, the inevitable mass exodus that takes place when the team is getting beat, in full view and much to amusement of the away support, is embarrassing.

 

That said, I'd hate to return to the days - and I am only talking a couple of seasons ago - when it wasn't uncommon to attend games at Firhill and not hear any songs sung at all. On better days the NS gets the JHS going and leads to a really fantastic atmosphere, which must surely lift the players.

 

The only practical advantage I can see of moving the home support from the NS is that it might - and I stress might - prevent a repeat of the scenes we saw against Celtic a couple of months ago. I was in the JHS that night and it was not a pleasant place to be. The atmosphere at times that evening was poisonous.

 

If the club want to want to move home fans from the NS they should get their chequebook out and spend some money improving the Main Stand or, better yet, building a new stand at the city end for the singers amongst the home support.

Edited May 14, 2014 by Guy Incognito

[ian_mac]

I'll stick to the issue thanks Ian.

 

 

So the boycott is only of season tickets? Not actually going to the games? That seems even more bizarre. You'll pay EXTRA money to sit in the JH stand but not LESS money to sit in the Main stand?

 

It is coming across as an ultimatum. That it's your way or no way at all. Personally I don't think that's a healthy approach going into a consultation with various other fan groups. If you aren't going into that meeting, to try and get some sort of compromise, then you should probably stand aside and let someone else take up the position. Or not be representative at all.

 

I find it bewildering that when we were really up against it with the board in the past, when the club and the fans were really being taken for a ride, most were posted missing. Now we have an stooshie about a stand that's been inhabited for just under two years? People are getting het up about acoustics and positioning of flags! It's akin to not buying a season ticket because McBee replaced the Toucan.

 

It's not exactly the Lazio Curva Nord we're talking about here!

 

 

Reality check required.

No Colin, I wouldn't be paying at the gate either.

[brodieboy]

If the club want to want to move home fans from the NS they should get their chequebook out and spend some money improving the Main Stand or, better yet, building a new stand at the city end for the singers amongst the home support.

 

I don't think any supporter would disagree with that statement but I don't think we have any sort of planning permission or agreement with PropCo to get the City End up and running. Ironically, it appears the once scoffed at thought of improving the main stand is higher up the agenda these days.

[craigthepict]

I'll stick to the issue thanks Ian.

 

 

So the boycott is only of season tickets? Not actually going to the games? That seems even more bizarre. You'll pay EXTRA money to sit in the JH stand but not LESS money to sit in the Main stand?

 

It is coming across as an ultimatum. That it's your way or no way at all. Personally I don't think that's a healthy approach going into a consultation with various other fan groups. If you aren't going into that meeting, to try and get some sort of compromise, then you should probably stand aside and let someone else take up the position. Or not be representative at all.

 

I find it bewildering that when we were really up against it with the board in the past, when the club and the fans were really being taken for a ride, most were posted missing. Now we have an stooshie about a stand that's been inhabited for just under two years? People are getting het up about acoustics and positioning of flags! It's akin to not buying a season ticket because McBee replaced the Toucan.

 

It's not exactly the Lazio Curva Nord we're talking about here!

 

 

Reality check required.

 

I don't know you but it sounds like your not sticking with the issue at all, in fact the opposite looks to be true.

 

I don't know Ian or PT either for that matter but for what it's worth, their views, seem to be in tune with the majority of Thistle fans and it's great to see passionate Jags fans 'step up' when it matters. I think you have both handled yourselves brilliantly and can be proud of your actions, and if the inevitable 1 or 2 posters try to undermine this fact (for whatever reason) then they should be considered at best a small minority opinion.

 

Back to topic, as a fan who takes his kids to the JH, I will be eternally thankful to the NS choir for the atmosphere in Firhill that my kids get to experience. We try to take inspiration from this in the JH and join in and it's interesting to see how some singing is even instigated in the JH these days but it all feeds from the enthusiasm of the NS.

 

I will pledge full support to the NS patrons and their chosen course of action as the 'new shed' is a key instigator to the future growth of our club. Besides we are all Thistle fans and want the best for our club, regardless of where we sit.

[Metz]

A JHS ST holder who appreciates the added match day experience created by the NS.

 

Having read the clubs statement and being mindfully of the complete resentment on here earlier this year for the Celtic games it is not surprising that the club felt compelled to act to avoid a repeat for next season.

 

If we wish to prolong our stay in the top flight we need to maximise income from the home and away support, regardless if we like it or not the OF support provide the highest gate potential that we cannot afford to turn away or limit.

 

At the same time it is clear the NS support resent being moved therefor a permanent solution that achieves a home for the NS faithful and maximises away income is in the interests of everyone.

 

If that solution is to be the main stand then for me it needs to include the following:

1. A suitable upgrade in facilities to a level comparable to the NS.

2. A guarantee of permancy as long as the gate averages above an agreed gate attendance.

 

If the consensus is to hold out for the NS then those that make that choice need to understand they are limiting the clubs income potential which will limit our ability to stay in the top flight.

[Roque]

That said, I'd hate to return to the days - and I am only talking a couple of seasons ago - when it wasn't uncommon to attend games at Firhill and not hear any songs sung at all. On better days the NS gets the JHS going and leads to a really fantastic atmosphere, which must surely lift the players.

 

This is the key, really. I remember a game about 3 or 4 years ago against Cowdenbeath, where there were a bunch of Austrian guys over on a stag do, and decided to take in some football in Glasgow. Their first outrage was at being charged £17 to get in, and their second was the complete lack of atmosphere at the ground. I remember one of them turning around and asking a guy near us "is it always like this?" It was embarrassingly quiet that day, and we lost 1-0. I don't ever want to return to days like that.

[lady-isobel-barnett]

I can see where both Ian and Colin are coming from. Myself I think you should take the emotive elements out of the equation for the time being at least. Lets just get a suitable result first. To get that result won't be that easy. It'll be that much harder if you go into discussion/negotiation taking a moral high ground..

[chickirk]

I think the board are playing a very clever game. I think that they have no intention of moving the Thistle fans from the North Stand. They know that next season they will want to move the jags fans for the Celtic games. They took all sorts of flack last season for doing it. By announcing this just now will make things a lot easier when it comes to moving everyone next season! Think about it! I could be wrong but I don't think I am. I sit in the JH stand and the atmosphere from the North Stand has been a breath of fresh air. The Celtic games are the two games that it was hard to hear you lot! So well done to you all and I am sure I will see you all in the North Stand next season.

Edited May 14, 2014 by chickirk

[fifexile]

I've a season ticket in the JHS but went to the North Stand around half the games this season for the atmosphere. The sheer arrogance & incompetence of the board is no great surprise given their track record. I've emailed the club advising I am cancelling my Centenary fund membership and withholding my season ticket renewal until the board reverse this decision

 

While on several occasions last season, the noise from the main stand was impressive (Jambos, Dons, Dungdee Utd) it was close to capacity, I can't see around 600 (average number in NS) being able to generate anything like the same amount of noise, certainly cant remember much noise from Ross Co, ICT, St J fans

[stuartaytonspeaksfrench]

What are peoples thoughts on a season ticket excluding Old Firm games?

[Fistle1876]

JHS STH. Would kill the match day experience if we let the north stand go.

[Fistle1876]

Don't like seeing our fans outnumbered at home so wouldn't like people opting out of the OF games

[Rid Skwerr]

What are peoples thoughts on a season ticket excluding Old Firm games?

I would go for it.

 

Been to enough OF games to know I never enjoy the experience.

[Guy Incognito]

I don't think any supporter would disagree with that statement but I don't think we have any sort of planning permission or agreement with PropCo to get the City End up and running. Ironically, it appears the once scoffed at thought of improving the main stand is higher up the agenda these days.

 

Fair point.

 

This is the key, really. I remember a game about 3 or 4 years ago against Cowdenbeath, where there were a bunch of Austrian guys over on a stag do, and decided to take in some football in Glasgow. Their first outrage was at being charged £17 to get in, and their second was the complete lack of atmosphere at the ground. I remember one of them turning around and asking a guy near us "is it always like this?" It was embarrassingly quiet that day, and we lost 1-0. I don't ever want to return to days like that.

 

 

I remember them! Did they not try and get a song started themselves at one point?

 

 

[Winter of '63]

My usual spot is towards the front at the City End of the JHS Stand. As a few others have said, the away fans were heard clearly, in particular, Aberdeen, Motherwell & Hearts made a real noise...louder than the North Stand.

 

It's probably 10 years since I was in the Main Stand- the game against Airdrie when we were battling with them for promotion. It was a nice nostalgia trip but I remember having to lean forward to see round the pillar when the play went down the wing.

 

I've never been in the North Stand - prefer watching from the side. The 4-3 game at Motherwell was the most exciting match of the season but I had little idea what was happening at the far end...same at Easter Road. I was behind the goal at Tynecastle last week and that was a bit special so I can see the attraction for some fans.

 

I still don't know why the club wants to move the fans from the North Stand - there is no doubt that this has improved the atmosphere at Firhill over the last two seasons. It gives a good balance to the stadium with the opposition fans directly opposite with Jags fans in the two other stands. What is the benefit from moving our fans? As with the surrender of the North Stand to Celtic, there is a suspicion of pandering to the Old Firm - I was none too pleased when Mr Beattie apologised to Celtic fans for the suggestion that they might be banned rather than pointing out that they uniquely couldn't be trusted to behave like civilised human beings. The Rangers won't be at Firhill for at least two seasons - they may not get promoted -and, we went about 10 years without playing Celtic at home so what is the point?

 

The proposed move doesn't affect me directly and I would rather we were discussing football...but a golden rule of business is that the Customer is not always right but is always the Customer. It's not good business to antagonise them.

 

Always good to see Red Monkey in Disguise contributing to the Forum - he was the Chic Charnley of the Jagsnet predecessor...despite the occasional atrocity he has star quality.

Edited May 14, 2014 by Winter of '63

[Graemei]

What are peoples thoughts on a season ticket excluding Old Firm games?

 

And be able to stand in the NS for the rest of the games. Yes. While I don't like moving for them, I actually love the view from the NS, it's better than the main stand all season...

Edited May 14, 2014 by Graemei

[Jaggernaut]

Here's an idea for "refurbishment" of the main stand, which would make it much more attractive to me:

 

1) Install several rows of seats going up from pitch level to the top of the wall that separates the front of the "enclosure" from the current front seats of the stand. That way the supporters would have the option of getting a full, unimpeded view of the length of the pitch. They'd be right on top of the action (and right behind the dugouts, Mr. Chairman), and the crowd and stadium would look better on tv when filmed from the JH stand. This could be done at both north and city ends, with supporters at both ends and going back into the central sections of the main stand, where the view is less restricted. Incidentally, this would also increase the seating capacity of the stadium by I reckon around 1,000. It would not cost a fortune.

 

2) During matches open the old tunnel door to allow supporters in the main stand access to the Aitken Suite toilets, if they desire to use them. Of course what currently passes for the main stand toilets would also be available. Sure, this would require some stewarding inside the AS during matches, and the main entrance closed (but manned throughout in case of emergency). But that's not a big problem.

 

It seems to me that the board (and maybe the supporters) need to come up with some out-of-the-box thinking on this. My idea would require some modest outlays and might be a positive move. No doubt I've overlooked some potential "negatives", but debate is required.

Edited May 14, 2014 by Jaggernaut

[ifu02348]

Here's an idea for "refurbishment of the main stand, which would make it much more attractive to me:

 

1) Install several rows of seats going up from pitch level to the top of the wall that separates the front of the "enclosure" from the current front seats of the stand. That way the supporters would have the option of getting a full, unimpeded view of the length of the pitch. They'd be right on top of the action (and right behind the dugouts, Mr. Chairman), and the crowd and stadium would look better on tv when filmed from the JH stand. This could be done at both north and city ends, with supporters at both ends and going back into the central sections of the main stand, where the view is less restricted. Incidentally, this would also increase the seating capacity of the stadium by I reckon around 1,000. It would not cost a fortune.

 

2) During matches open the old tunnel to allow supporters in the main stand access to the Aitken Suite toilets, if they desire to use them. Of course what currently passes for the main stand toilets would also be available. Sure, this would require some stewarding inside the AS during matches, and the main entrance closed (but manned throughout in case of emergency).

 

It seems to me that the board (and maybe the supporters) need to come up with some out-of-the-box thinking on this, so that's my tuppence worth.

 

This idea is actually brilliant

[Willjag]

That would involve spending a large amount of money. Wont happen imo.

[potty trained]

That would involve spending a large amount of money. Wont happen imo.

 

Unfortunately. It would also add a considerable amount to the evacuation time, increasing the capacity.

[Jaggernaut]

That would involve spending a large amount of money. Wont happen imo.

 

There's no fundamental construction work required. The concrete base is already there, as is the roof. Would several rows of concrete steps and plastic seats require a "large" amount of money in view of the fact that we have at least another SPL season guaranteed?

 

You're right, it won't happen if it isn't even considered.

[Jaggernaut]

Unfortunately. It would also add a considerable amount to the evacuation time, increasing the capacity.

 

The fans would be right down at the front of the pitch. At the moment in the main stand they either have to make their way down from where they sit and go down the stairs onto the pitch or else down the internal stairs. I think my plan would make evacuation of the main stand easier and potentially faster (and most of the supporters wouldn't even be in the so-called "wooden" part of the stand).

Edited May 15, 2014 by Jaggernaut

[potty trained]

 

 

The fans would be right down at the front of the pitch. At the moment in the main stand they either have to make their way down from where they sit and go down the stairs onto the pitch or else down the internal stairs. I think my plan would make evacuation of the main stand easier and potentially faster (and most of the supporters wouldn't even be in the so-called "wooden" part of the stand).

 

I don't know, I think evacuation requires leaving the stadium, ie through the corridors to the street as opposed to out onto the pitch. I'm sure that's the case from discussions I had years ago with the club.