Have we got it covered ?

[LOS]

After the wobbles of the last few months, watching the game the other night confirmed to me that the wheels are well and truely rolling for the mighty CIFC. Its great that we've got a fantastic club to genuinely be a part of, and a future to look forward to. Big dissapointment though that we aint realsitically ever gonna see a new ground for the Gulls, therefore time to raise an aged old favourite of mine. I'd like to know peoples opinions, and also the feasibility, of getting a roof fitted on our north terrace. (Or at least a vast section of it) The atmosphere weould be tremendous, and certainly the singing etc would spread. It may even encourage more fans during the cold and wet months. Has this been debated before ? I cant recall, but then again we were all waiting for the waterside development - now thats off the agenda, what about longer term plans for a roof. Any thoughts ?

[Matt H]

I think unless the Council have a change of heart we can't put a roof on the North Terrace unless we lower it. Nothing at the ground can currently be built higher than what the North terrace already is, so we'd have to shave off a few steps in order to fit a roof on. There is more chance or having a roof put on the South end of the ground.

[Phil Old Boy]

Good idea with the roof.

This really is a big discussion item

Personally, I think the club has to re-locate and is currently in an area that does not fit in with future growth.

 

What is the appetite of Islanders though what with the crowds falling to between 300-400 last season. I really don’t know what others aspirations are for the club and what level they would like to achieve?

 

Does anyone know the reason(s) why any plans were refused for development at Waterside?

[Guest]

There were two objections, the main one was the highways agency objected to another road joining an already busy junction at the roundabout.

 

I think CDC would have let it pass as Jeff was well in with them, but this wa a government department!!

[The Great Eckscape]

As the situation is at the moment, a new ground is a long way off. A roof would be a lot more realistic, but as Matt says, there are issues as to how high we can have constructions in the ground.

 

Anyway, if you want atmosphere under a roof, come and join the Yellow Army in the shed!

[LOS]

That’s my point 'great escape', a new ground is totally unthinkable for a lengthy period. IMO a roof on the north terrace could be the catalyst for bigger and greater things for CIFC. If the yellow army are generating and spreading an atmosphere from our covered terrace then this'll evolve – it eliminates the 'them and us feeling', and stops the cardboard cutout jibes. At present there is no real link between the vocal few and the silent majority. A greater atmosphere is not only something to relish from a fans perspective, but does wonders to inspire the players achievements and results. The fans, the true stakeholders of the club, have the opportunity to to turn Park Lane into a real non-league fortress. With such a facility, a youthful and hungry team, and a democratic leadership, who knows . If people thought it was a genuine and sound proposal, and were prepared for a bit of incremental fund raising activity, then perhaps it could be worth approaching the council planning department.

[ShedBoy]

You do wonder if we do ever get back to the heights of Conf South / Conference National that our ground would have a good enough grading.

 

We only just passed the grading first time round and im sure they have tightend the rules even more over the last year or so..

 

Its all well and good talking about a roof but who is going to stump up the cash, currently the club does not have such revenue..

 

Thats get our first few season out of the way before we even think about major ground improvements, we need to be realistic people..

[LOS]

I reckon the total cost of a basic roofing structure is no more than the cost of a decent anorak each ! And it could be built at the same height as the existing terrace by not utilsiing those last few steps. Its never been filled to capacity anyway, even during the glory days. (Closest I remember is when it was segregeted for the game when Aldersh*t gained promotion - and how friendly that was)

You're right about not running before we can walk though - but theres nothing wrong with a bit of mid term planning speculations. Just trying to spread some positivity !!!!!!

[Guest]

While I like the idea of a covered north stand, there is something special about standing high up at the back where I often stand with the wind blowing the cobwebs.

 

I am sure I have turned up to watch a game with a sniffly cold only to realise on the way home the 80mph wind has blown it away, or is that my imagination?

 

I would prefer a covered south stand, either way I would rather two good seasons of consolidation before we did anything.

 

For me I would be content with a play off place this year, with a good cup run to generate some income, then next year push for promotion, surely that has got to be a reasonable ambition!!

[Andy the Marsh Rat]

More like the whisky washing the cold away if you ask me!!

[Guest]

Not me tee total now!!!

[Sharming Paula]

Quote:

MOB said:
Not me tee total now!!!

How boring is that Mob <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Guest]

Its a temporary thing, hoping to drop some LBs. The longer I do not smoke the fatter I get.

[Sharming Paula]

Do ya want a ciggie then??? <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif" alt="" />

[Guest]

Nah!!

 

I enjoy breathing to much, not smoked in 2 years, guess what I havent had a cough in two years.

 

I used to get Bronchitis twice a year!!