OK.
This might ruffle a few feathers and I might get some abuse, but I'm going to be as honest as I can be. Please bear that in mind. if you don't agree fair enough, but please don't abuse me.
Firstly let me say. The atmosphere this season has been much better. Especially the banter with the away fans. It's got even better since the Poznan started. Of that there is no doubt.
On two separate occasions last year I was invited to similar meetings along with members of Blue Alliance and some other supporters. No need name them.
Numerous City representatives where also there. In a nutshell the topic/discussion was how to improve the atmosphere at COMS. Similar to the one Ric, etc, attended.
Basically the fans that attended those meetings put forward numerous ideas to try and improve the atmosphere at COMS. Such as more banners and flags. Already mentioned. Creating an identity for the singing sections, Blocks 111, 110, 109 and especially the South Stand, inside the concourse and on the terraces. Allocating blocks for fans who want to stay together and sing after being relocated for FA cup games at home. The club helping out financially, along with supporters donations, for banners, flags, etc. Blue Alliance even did a presentation at one of the meetings. Basically we asked the club to help us out and to get more involved in some of the ideas and things we wanted to do.
Overall the meetings I attended seemed very positive and constructive. There was lots of dialogue, lots of discussion, lots of note taking, and a general can do attitude. (the hospitality and food was bloody marvelous as well. :-))
Sadly and to my knowledge nothing has come of those meetings or ideas so far. TBH I've been left frustrated ever since. In hindsight and I could be wrong, but it felt like a talking shop and nothing else. I accept the main priority at that time was the North Stand. Changing it to a family stand and relocating the fans. That was stated at one of the meetings.(point accepted) However, that has long since been completed and none of the ideas discussed about improving the atmosphere at COMS has been taken forward by the club to this date.(I stand corrected if some have)
Don't get me wrong, I appreciate that the club is listening. I also appreciate that they are prepared to meet the fans and to discuss ideas with us. Not many, if any clubs do that. However, there is no point in doing the above if the club, with the support and effort of the fans, isn't going to make those ideas become a reality.
I sincerely hope those ideas discussed last night are finally taken forward by the club into next season. COMS is finally feeling like home. The atmosphere in general is much better. However, it can still be improved. This won't happen overnight and it won't happen unless the club makes an effort and 'gets involved' with the fans trying to make this happen.
On a positive note. The megaphone is in a depot somewhere in Trafford Park. I paid £5 extra to get it here before Thursday and they still can't deliver it on time. Arrrgh! Trying to get the details of where it is off the Ebay seller. I'll try and pick it up tomorrow.
BTW I'm in block 110. As stated, I'm not trying to take the singing over as there's a good group of lads in that block who start most of the songs off. I'm going to chip in every now and again. I'm using the softly, softly approach. Please join in. I'll see how it goes. If I don't get much abuse(who's the w***ker with the....) and get a positive reaction, I'll bring it to other Europa and maybe FA Cup games.
jb.
This might ruffle a few feathers and I might get some abuse, but I'm going to be as honest as I can be. Please bear that in mind. if you don't agree fair enough, but please don't abuse me.
Firstly let me say. The atmosphere this season has been much better. Especially the banter with the away fans. It's got even better since the Poznan started. Of that there is no doubt.
On two separate occasions last year I was invited to similar meetings along with members of Blue Alliance and some other supporters. No need name them.
Numerous City representatives where also there. In a nutshell the topic/discussion was how to improve the atmosphere at COMS. Similar to the one Ric, etc, attended.
Basically the fans that attended those meetings put forward numerous ideas to try and improve the atmosphere at COMS. Such as more banners and flags. Already mentioned. Creating an identity for the singing sections, Blocks 111, 110, 109 and especially the South Stand, inside the concourse and on the terraces. Allocating blocks for fans who want to stay together and sing after being relocated for FA cup games at home. The club helping out financially, along with supporters donations, for banners, flags, etc. Blue Alliance even did a presentation at one of the meetings. Basically we asked the club to help us out and to get more involved in some of the ideas and things we wanted to do.
Overall the meetings I attended seemed very positive and constructive. There was lots of dialogue, lots of discussion, lots of note taking, and a general can do attitude. (the hospitality and food was bloody marvelous as well. :-))
Sadly and to my knowledge nothing has come of those meetings or ideas so far. TBH I've been left frustrated ever since. In hindsight and I could be wrong, but it felt like a talking shop and nothing else. I accept the main priority at that time was the North Stand. Changing it to a family stand and relocating the fans. That was stated at one of the meetings.(point accepted) However, that has long since been completed and none of the ideas discussed about improving the atmosphere at COMS has been taken forward by the club to this date.(I stand corrected if some have)
Don't get me wrong, I appreciate that the club is listening. I also appreciate that they are prepared to meet the fans and to discuss ideas with us. Not many, if any clubs do that. However, there is no point in doing the above if the club, with the support and effort of the fans, isn't going to make those ideas become a reality.
I sincerely hope those ideas discussed last night are finally taken forward by the club into next season. COMS is finally feeling like home. The atmosphere in general is much better. However, it can still be improved. This won't happen overnight and it won't happen unless the club makes an effort and 'gets involved' with the fans trying to make this happen.
On a positive note. The megaphone is in a depot somewhere in Trafford Park. I paid £5 extra to get it here before Thursday and they still can't deliver it on time. Arrrgh! Trying to get the details of where it is off the Ebay seller. I'll try and pick it up tomorrow.
BTW I'm in block 110. As stated, I'm not trying to take the singing over as there's a good group of lads in that block who start most of the songs off. I'm going to chip in every now and again. I'm using the softly, softly approach. Please join in. I'll see how it goes. If I don't get much abuse(who's the w***ker with the....) and get a positive reaction, I'll bring it to other Europa and maybe FA Cup games.
jb.