Sunday, April 02, 2006
Cut it out
Programme article from ECFC v Altrincham 1/4/06
Recently, I’ve been enjoying home games less and less. This isn’t just because of results on the pitch, or because the weather has been bad or because I’ve been having a few less pints before games. It is almost totally because of the atmosphere at home games. I could live with a lack of chanting but what is most frustrating is the amount of negativity around the Big Bank (I can’t speak for other parts of the ground as I’ve not been in them this season, but have heard similar reports from the Cowshed).
I’ve written about this before, but frankly I’m getting more and more worked up about it as the season progresses. I simply cannot understand the thinking of some fans who come to matches (paying their much need entrance fee) to spend almost the entire game screaming abuse at our own players. These people seem to think that attacking a player who has made a mistake in the first 5 minutes of a game is going help his performance.
This is simply not true. If you’ve made a mistake you are aware you have made it and do not need some wise guy in the stands saying how rubbish you are. What you do need is someone to pick you up, tell you not to focus on it so that you do not think about it the next time the ball comes to you. You need positive encouragement. Players expect a hostile atmosphere from opposing fans but not from their own! At the recent fans forum Alex Inglethorpe pointed out that the average age of the squad is 22 years old, and sometimes it is difficult for young players to play in an atmosphere that is not supportive.
A prime example of the un-supportive atmosphere at SJP recently was when a City player was abused by fans in the Cowshed as he was about to be brought on as a substitute. Before the player had even kicked a ball he was being given a mental kicking by our own fans. That’s certainly going to help his performance and make him want to play well for the club!
While some will claim that good players will be able to win under any circumstances I will simply ask: why on Earth do certain fans think it is a good idea to make it more difficult for our players to perform? Being a supporter does not mean simply turning up, paying your money and then taking your frustration out on our players. Supporters need to be supportive whatever is going on on the pitch. It is when things aren’t quite going to plan that the crowd can play a crucial role in lifting the players’ confidence and thus their performance.
I should make clear that I do not forgive a lack of effort in a player. However, I agree with Inglethorpe when he says we have an honest set of players at this club now who work hard for the shirt. There have been few, if any, matches this season where the team hasn’t put in the required level of effort. It must be very disheartening for a team to be working hard but not getting the recognition for this from the crowd.
Away from home it seems that our fans are generally extremely supportive. We need to change the attitude of some at home games to help build a more constructive, positive atmosphere at the Park. Up the City!
Recently, I’ve been enjoying home games less and less. This isn’t just because of results on the pitch, or because the weather has been bad or because I’ve been having a few less pints before games. It is almost totally because of the atmosphere at home games. I could live with a lack of chanting but what is most frustrating is the amount of negativity around the Big Bank (I can’t speak for other parts of the ground as I’ve not been in them this season, but have heard similar reports from the Cowshed).
I’ve written about this before, but frankly I’m getting more and more worked up about it as the season progresses. I simply cannot understand the thinking of some fans who come to matches (paying their much need entrance fee) to spend almost the entire game screaming abuse at our own players. These people seem to think that attacking a player who has made a mistake in the first 5 minutes of a game is going help his performance.
This is simply not true. If you’ve made a mistake you are aware you have made it and do not need some wise guy in the stands saying how rubbish you are. What you do need is someone to pick you up, tell you not to focus on it so that you do not think about it the next time the ball comes to you. You need positive encouragement. Players expect a hostile atmosphere from opposing fans but not from their own! At the recent fans forum Alex Inglethorpe pointed out that the average age of the squad is 22 years old, and sometimes it is difficult for young players to play in an atmosphere that is not supportive.
A prime example of the un-supportive atmosphere at SJP recently was when a City player was abused by fans in the Cowshed as he was about to be brought on as a substitute. Before the player had even kicked a ball he was being given a mental kicking by our own fans. That’s certainly going to help his performance and make him want to play well for the club!
While some will claim that good players will be able to win under any circumstances I will simply ask: why on Earth do certain fans think it is a good idea to make it more difficult for our players to perform? Being a supporter does not mean simply turning up, paying your money and then taking your frustration out on our players. Supporters need to be supportive whatever is going on on the pitch. It is when things aren’t quite going to plan that the crowd can play a crucial role in lifting the players’ confidence and thus their performance.
I should make clear that I do not forgive a lack of effort in a player. However, I agree with Inglethorpe when he says we have an honest set of players at this club now who work hard for the shirt. There have been few, if any, matches this season where the team hasn’t put in the required level of effort. It must be very disheartening for a team to be working hard but not getting the recognition for this from the crowd.
Away from home it seems that our fans are generally extremely supportive. We need to change the attitude of some at home games to help build a more constructive, positive atmosphere at the Park. Up the City!
