I don't think any one player is going to be a long term crowd puller until we are competitive on a consistent basis. Even if we signed Billy Slater tomorrow we wouldnt get an increase in crowds long term. Yes there would be more people there for his debut and maybe a few games after that but if we a not competitive those people will fade away again - Billy Slater or not. Being competitive is what is going to pull long term fans in - games where we are always in with a shout - games that really get the nerves and emotions going - games that make you want to come back. I believe the real recruitment will begin next off season but really take effect in two years time.

Yes. We look and feel like outsiders behind the sticks. Let's get a plan to restore standing down the east stand. Even with a winng team it will be hard to generate a 'home' sound unless we do this.

One obstacle I can see with this is the depth of the terracing. Isn't seat terracing a different depth to standing? A higher depth for standing may not comply with ground safety regulations.

Both South and East are the same gradient. If you look at some of the pics for the mythical Phase 3 of the stadium, it has a lower tier of standing on three sides and an upper tier of seating.

As I said on facebook, rails seats could be a solution (aka "safe standing"icon_wink.gif. That way it can still be an all seater (and higher price) stand for internationals, semis, Sale games, women's football or whatever may be played there.

It might help if the SMC knew what rail seats are...

rlThe takeover has lifted everyonerl
anybody under any doubt how disruptive our preseason was should read this , I think Wild expressed similar sentiments last week .


Says Jewitt is still only 25, and if this change in attitude is mirrored by the other 10 or so players who deals end in 2013 it should be good news