Cod Almighty | Diary

Getting behind the team...if you're lucky

9 September 2024

Miss Guest Diary writes: "They put us in the corner today, which is a bit naughty". So said David Artell in his post-match interview, referring to Chesterfield siting Town fans on the side and restricting ticket numbers to less than 1,000. The tremendous atmosphere created at our last encounter in April 2022, when over 1,700 of us partied behind the goal, was severely diluted as a result. Who knows if that change made enough of a difference to prevent Town from getting anything from Saturday's game, but it's really hard to be the 12th man when you're squashed in a corner surrounded by police and stewards.

It seems to be the case these days that clubs with ambitions, some might say pretensions, like to have home fans behind both goals. I can remember sitting behind the goal at Notts County on a number of occasions – no longer possible. I understand from a Stockport County-supporting friend that they are redeveloping the traditional away end at Edgeley Parkfor for use by home fans. I get that clubs think it could give them an advantage, but it still feels unfair for travelling supporters. It felt particularly unfair back in the promotion season when I was drowning on a packed open (side) terrace at Bromley and the covered stand behind the goal nearest to us contained about 50 home fans at most.

Also, having sat in the Pontoon for the last 26 years I find it difficult to get immersed in a game where I'm not behind the goal. The only time I might choose to watch a football game from on the side is where there is an open terrace and heavy rain or unbroken sunshine is forecast. Being forced, as at so many grounds these days, to watch from on the side is a distancing experience, like watching the game on TV.

Somewhat ironically though, for the first Town game I attended – Southend away in April 1990 – I could have stood behind the goal but insisted on sitting in the stand on the side. I give as my excuse that it was a wet night and I was a complete footballing novice. I learned my lesson though – not understanding the run of the game at all I remained seated when everyone else jumped to their feet so missed all the action and both Town goals. Never again if I can possibly help it.

Town don't play those tricks at Blundell Park, giving the entire Osmond end over to clubs like Bradford or Doncaster who bring a large following and only putting opposition fans in the corner (but still behind the goal) when they can't muster more than a couple of hundred supporters. Some people might say Town should try to gain an edge by keeping both ends for home fans, but I like to think our new owners are fair-minded men who won't stoop to such tactics.

UTM