I believe we have approx 8500 ST holders so maybe all wouldn't fit in so you would probably have to sell (give) tickets to ST holders in the same way you would for an away game or cup game until all 6000 shall we say had gone BUT I would suspect that some ST holders would be cautious about attending games. Those over 70 or who travel long distances and would normally stay over for example.

That's us West Standers knackered then!!

Good

Don't forget that some families go too so a family of 4 wouldn't take up as many blank seats as 4 individuals.
It's a really difficult thing to mange though and I'm glad I won't be the one allocating seating patterns.

I think saying that (based on us having 8500 ST holders) we have 2500 tickets in the West (holds 6.5) 1500 in the North and South (hold 5k) and 3000 in the East (holds 8k) for ST holders only would work perfectly. No real need for a seat pattern as I think people would sit apart anyway.

Leave the whole hospitality block empty and the two blocks near the dugouts for players, staff, directors etc and I think it works. There are dressing rooms on both sides of the ground now and it is obviously covid secure as Latics play there perfectly fine.

What about away fans attending games, would it be that when crowds are allowed back it would be for the home supporters only?
Not sure how this could/should be managed to be honest

Apart from Saints and Wire unfortunately these days the North Stand is more than big enough for away fans.
How the concourse would work in every stand is another matter, on the plus side if the food and drink outlets are shut it doesn't cost us any income.

The reduction in people within the stand itself will help with the concourse, perhaps having the bottle bars that they have for big games will help that bit more or as you say close them altogether.

As for away fans, I think you either have to have none or again you restrict it.

We're in a good place really as are most clubs this side of the pennines, but some grounds just don't lend themselves to being able to social distance and home fans will have to take preference.

For me for this season at least no away fans allowed, lets get home supporters sorted first I think.

The only way you could do it under the current regulations is to open only one turnstile at each of the four corners of the ground and let fans in single file.
Section off the concourses at the mid points. Mark which seats are available and trust the fans to fill them in the right order. At full time fans would have to go out row by row.
Not sure how you stop the "I need the toilet" brigade though



It would a lot of patience from the fans though, including wearing masks, which should increase the noise from the West Stand

Just open the exit gates as opposed to the turnstiles

If Bateman's return has been agreed, I think IFL's letter will soon be in the post. I don't expect to get one though as I never received the first one!