Fantalk

Vinnie · Posted: Thu Dec 22, 2011 2:18 pm Post subject:

Doesn`t look like it will be happening soon if at all ,not in our case anyway

Fans hoping for an early Christmas prezzie in the shape of a return to the days of football terracing are being slightly misled by coverage of this week's SPL decision.

The SPL decision was to remove any red tape against the introduction of pilot schemes for what is called Safe Standing areas, based on a successful German method in the Bundesliga.

Kenny Cameron, executive chairman of Caley Thistle, explained: ”I voted in favour of the principle of Safe Standing pilot schemes so that any SPL club who wishes can bring one forward and was very conscious that this is something that fans all over Scotland have been calling for.

"There is scope for discussion and debate on where this can be introduced -- but for major practical considerations and financial impact we could be some way off from introducing this to Tulloch Caledonian Stadium.

"What our fans should note is that this does not bring back the old terracing -- to be in a Safe Standing area you would still be required to buy a ticket for an actual seat. The difference is that these seats can be bolted up and configured in a way that the occupant has the option of standing. So there would be no major cash saving for fans using Safe Standing areas rather than normal seating.

"Importantly, there is no change in the SPL criteria that all stadia must have 6000 covered seats -- so that means Safe Standing seats would, for instance, not replace the existing seats at Tulloch Caledonian Stadium but would be in addition to the covered seating we already have in place. Though there is scope given the number of covered seats we have in excess of 6,000 to introduce Safe Standing in certain areas within the ground."

Mr Cameron added: ”Safe Standing seats cost in the region of £84 each to buy, as opposed to £30 for a normal seat, excluding the cost of reconfiguration the concrete walkways to accommodate them, so it all adds up to a great deal of cash at a time when, like just about every SPL club, we face a challenging forward economic scenario. Preliminary research shows that the cost of this could be prohibitive as things stand at the moment but we are keeping an open mind on this initiative and will be discussing the options with the supporters, police and our safety team in the very near future.

Safe StandingPictures courtesy of The Football Supporters FederationThe chairman continued: ”It would be different if some club was building a brand new stadium, they could design in the Safe Standing areas from day one. But conversion of an existing stadium is a formidable undertaking in the current climate.

"That's not to rule it off the agenda permanently. When Caley Thistle were still in the First Division we actually looked at undertaking something of this nature but the expert advice was against it at that time. It is not a priority for our club, but we'll be happy to listen to all parties on the issue.

"It is important that fans appreciate the full facts Safe Standing areas are an excellent innovation but not a practical proposition for us at present. As technology evolves, it may become one at some future point."

Peter Murphy, Chairman of the ICT Supporters Trust commented: "It's great that the SPL have given due consideration to the matter of safe standing at football matches and even more encouraging to hear that our club voted in favour of the proposals. We obviously welcome any initiative that look towards improving the matchday experience for the fans and whilst we've only had a very brief chat with the club at this stage we are all keen to be working together to look at what is realistically possible."

"What is clear at this early stage is that introduction of safe standing areas isn't a simple case of removing seats or giving the green light for fans to stand in existing seated areas. Money will need to be spent and in the current financial climate there's not many clubs who can afford to just throw cash at pilot schemes which are not guaranteed to be acceptable in the long term."

"The club are keen to listen to all ideas and our dicussions with them will continue in the new year."
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THERES FIVE OF ME

bigeein · Joined: 09 May 2009 Posts: 1894 Location: windygates

its not , its about them doing the job their paid to do .no doubt some can go about it in a better manner .not being permitted to stand in an all seater stadium is no different to not being allowed to smoke irrespective of paiyment , its against the law

I work in an industry that has H.S.E up to the eye balls,, and it's stupid laws and rules like this that make me want to live in anuther country .

I have never had any altercation with police or stuards at matches but i do think in general they are over zellous and control freaks . People do these kind of jobs to have some sort of power .

been following the rovers for many a year so remember the terracing well .changing ends ,stoor up the snitch and that after scoring Laughing

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the good old days i love them dearly and they were fond memories .

RESPECT J P FOR YOUR COMMENTS Smile

bigeein · Joined: 09 May 2009 Posts: 1894 Location: windygates

GOOD POST VINNIE Smile

bigeein · Joined: 09 May 2009 Posts: 1894 Location: windygates

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/16315983.stm

Smile

hellohello · Joined: 14 Jan 2011 Posts: 549

Standing at football games isn't going to change anything if we can't get the punters thru the turnstiles at the end of the day, the price is too expensive at more or less every ground in the country

imo