Noise Noise Noise!
"That noise keeps you going. The singing, chanting and banter with the Millwall fans created a fantastic atmosphere." GJ
When our diminutive but perfectly formed Manager constantly asks for more vocal support we as fans should be listening. These requests are now a constant theme from the manager and it is clear Gary Johnson places real importance on making Ashton Gate a intimidating ground for the opposition but a uplifting presence for our players .
"we've said all along that positive support gets through to the players. Its unbelievable and makes you feel ten inches taller, two yards quicker and work even harder! "managers have commented to me that Ashton Gate has an intimidating atmosphere about it", " All I want is a bit of noise about the place" and "It was a great atmosphere and I always thank them anyway even when we get beat but I thought the lads behind the goal there worked very hard there in keeping going, on occasions when it was quiet, they got their songs going and suddenly all around the ground joined in, umm and you have to give credit where credit is due, they gave us some good support just at the right times and you need that support when there is only one goal in it at times " "The players were definitely not giving enough for the supporters to get behind them, sometimes it has to be the other way around.""I think as a club we have forgotten we're in the Championship. Every bit of support is going to help and I just think it went a little dead today."
All quotes from a short bloke who should be bearing his arse in Burtons by now.
So Wurzels and Wurzelettes what more can fans do? Well the East End probably can do no more unless there is a seismic shift from Bristol City fc towards the East End ticket restrictions. Throughout the other stands some of the following may be possible.
In times gone past particularly when Gary Williams was Chairman of the Supporters club money was raised for very large flags [flyers] which were past over fans heads at kick off time. Why not do this again? The sight of a large banner moving through the Atyeo may lift fans voices and if even for a short period it would be worth it. Nobody is in a better position to do this that the Supporters club and if it was allied to effort from the ever hard working Supporters trust could be achieved very quickly.
Corner kicks! "Come on uuuuu reds" every bloody time, not hard this one.
Forza East End - http://www.bcfc3lions.co.uk/page3.html is an attempt to put a bit of spectacle into the ground. It has been seriously hampered by restrictions put in place by BCFC but does continue although nowhere near the form intended. Lets see a equivalent in then Atyeo! There are thousands within this stand complete with a band, no ticket restrictions so turn it into a more vibrant backdrop with flags and banners for the benefit of the team.
One for the Bristol City! Adge Cutler wrote this song for a reason and it was not to be ignored. Sing it Red coves, verse and chorus every game led by the Atyeo band. Fans in other stands can't join in what is not being sung anyway so lets hear it along with "drink up thy cider" and eventually "drink up thee zyder George, time we 'ad a rest; drink up thee cider George, finest ever pressed" will be heard echoing from both ends. This can be done!
Bring back the megaphone! For some reason BCFC believe somebody leading chants with this European style electrical equipment will lead to scenes reminiscent of the seat throwing eighties. Come on Bristol City Gary Johnson wants a passionate ground and a megaphone could help to get that chant of One for the Bristol City going. There are fans out there who have the yarbles to give it a go. It does not need to be used continuously, can be used in areas of the ground where the more vocal gather and will not mind its use. http://www.petitionspot.com/petitions/megaphone
Each stand at Ashton Gate is different and has its own dynamics. What's is the norm in the East End would be out of place in the Williams Premier club !!!! So lets get stands doing their own thing on match days with a bit of friendly competition all adding to the atmosphere and providing the Manager what he wants from support. "Dolman give us a song, ….. We are the East End, We are the East End……. Fight, fight wherever you may be, for an excellent advertising opportunity sponsor a stand, a player or a goal hold a conference in the Williams Premier club".
Lets see the Supporters club and Supporters trust working in unison as they have thousands of members who can come up with a lot more of substance than the above. Ideas need to come from fans and these two organisations combined would create something more positive than a printed song in the club programme.
"we've said all along that positive support gets through to the players. Its unbelievable and makes you feel ten inches taller, two yards quicker and work even harder!
Gary "Booty"Johnson
By Colsk the terrible Clatter 25/11/07
The Wurzels anthem
(tune of god save the queen)
God save our Cider glass
Long live our Cider house
God save our Team
City are moving South
Ashton and Avonmouth
Avon and Somerset
Keeping Bristol Red
Fan Question: How much of a difference does the East End make to you as a player?
Also, please come down and give us a clap at the end of each game. Tony Herniman.
Answer: When it's full with 1,000 or more fans in there it can make a difference and the noise echoes around the ground. It's a big lift, and it also means we've got home fans all around the stadium. As far as applauding you guys in there, well by the time I've shaken hands with the opposition and referee - plus the 90 minutes previous - I'm often too tired! I'll try next time. louis carey captins log