Noise at the Bridge

[Guest]

Whilst I don't want to hi-jack this web site I feel compelled to address the crticisms of Chelsea by some on here concerning the noise level at Chelsea. The criticsim is well founded and has not gone un-aired by Chelsea fans on our own web site. Briefly this has come about by the re-development of Stamford Bridge which resulted in the "Shed End" supporters being dispersed to all four corners of the ground. Fortunately the fans have taken it on themselves over the past two seasons to try and re-form an "end" in the Matthew Harding Lower and Upper tiers but this is somewhat compromised by the club having to give the lower tier up to away fans at major domestic cup ties. The noise level at many recent games however has been increasing and the Barcelona game in particular was superb, whether this came over on TV or not I have no idea....they may well turn it down for broadcasting reasons...who knows or cares.

 

Finally I do find it quite amusing that some people, who presumably follow one of our London rivals, find it necessary to pick at Chelsea in view of our hopefull success this season (at this stage, and after 36 years following Chelsea from the age of 8, I do not as yet consider us Champions and will not do so untill the blue and white ribbons are on the handles)

 

The old green eyed monster manifests itself in many ways, and I suppose it is at least different from the "bought the title" criticism, though I don't recall too many home grown players in the Arsenal or even Man U title winning teams of late!!! A lot is made of Uniteds youth policy, but I would point out that United had £51million worth of player on the bench on Saturday so at least we seem to have spent our money wisely!

[Harry J Allstars]

Since Abramovich came the only critism I have is the noise level and that can hardly be his fault. He has bought back the old badge started a fans forum to get the ideas from the guys that pay the money to keep the club alive. End of the day I don't want to watch premiership football anymore.

[Guest]

All football grounds that are enclosed suffer the same problem. Being a dedicated fan of a particular team is a tribal thing. In the 70's and 80's The Shed was both respected and feared for its support. Same with the Kop, the Northbank etc. As soon as you fill in the corners you no longer have 'ends' as OiG has pointed out and the sense of belonging diminishes. That said, the Northbank at Highbury is still a separate stand and that's as quiet as anything.

 

As I mentioned before, it's not only Chelsea that have suffered this although they will also have the problem of raised expectations. Fans will never be as passionate when they're at home to Birmingham and expected to win comfortably than if they are playing Barcelona, for example. More so than in the past Chelsea are almost expected to win every home game now so fans will be sitting there waiting to see the goals fly in rather than feeling they need to get behind their team. Same with United and Arsenal.

 

I think you're wrong suggesting it's jealousy though why people keep discussing Chelsea (not from me anyway). The problems aren't solely related to Chelsea and are a trend that's consistent at the highest level of football. Like Harry, they're many of the reasons I now choose to watch non-league which, as a whole experience, I find vastly more enjoyable than the pro game at any level.

[Guest]

You make some very valid comments, and it just goes to show that footy is all about opinions. Mind you, why not be like me...I've got a Season Ticket at the Birdge, I also spend a lot of time in Scotland and go to watch Killie play as often as I can, and if not in Jockoland, or at the Bridge I go and watch Slough....mind you I would watch two bloody Jack Russels chasing a ball round the park.....I love all sorts of football, and you get good and bad games for varying reasons at all levels.....Saturday against Birmingham for example was absolutely dire. As someone once said "It's a funny old game football Saint!"

[Ian]

Quote:

Mind you, why not be like me...I've got a Season Ticket at the Bridge

In previous seasons I've combined watching both Slough and Watford. Last season I had season tikets for both and managed 71 games combined, even managing to see both on the same day on one occasion due to staggered kick of times. Two victories too!

I made the decision this year though to spend time watching Slough. I've been to half a dozen Watford games but like I said, I actually prefer non-league these days as it's less sanitised and more like the game I fell in love with 30 years ago.

[EFC_Callum]

and you get to speak to the players!

[Big J R]

Quote:

callumefc said:
and you get to speak to the players!

You can at the Bridge - In the club shop in the afternoon.

They have a rota for doing autograph signings etc.