Your right robbo, there were a few elders on the coach aswell, and your also right in pointing out that these 30/40 year olds are the ones that have been banned by FTFC.
Worsop had been informed by FTFC that these people were coming and had made arrangements to deal with them.
FTFC did everything they could to stop anything unsavoury happening at Worksop but the weather stopped it for them.
In my honest opinion the police in the riot van that escorted that coach from the town centre, should not have let anybody off it, or alowed anybody in that state into a sporting venue.
I know the police were in attendance & I also know how drunk the lads from Fleetwood were, as I was there chatting with your fans and watching a good game of football.
[quote]Your right robbo, there were a few elders on the coach aswell, and your also right in pointing out that these 30/40 year olds are the ones that have been banned by FTFC.
Worsop had been informed by FTFC that these people were coming and had made arrangements to deal with them.
FTFC did everything they could to stop anything unsavoury happening at Worksop but the weather stopped it for them.
In my honest opinion the police in the riot van that escorted that coach from the town centre, should not have let anybody off it, or alowed anybody in that state into a sporting venue.
I know the police were in attendance & I also know how drunk the lads from Fleetwood were, as I was there chatting with your fans and watching a good game of football.[/quote]
Bisto, with regards to the overall situation, I do sympathise with you a little. But what Fleetwood fans need to understand is that there is no grey area when it comes to a decision like this. We had a near miss on a potential incident that could have caused serious problems and had very serious consequences at the Gateshead game. Rightly or wrongly, these morons labelled themselves as Fleetwood fans and as we are playing Fleetwood in a MASSIVE game on Easter Monday, the right thing to do is to segregate the crowd so both home fans and away fans can enjoy the occasion hassle free.
Bisto, unfortunately the riot van and police officers aren’t controlled by WAFC. Once the police let the boozed up lads of the coach, Witton had no option but to let the travelling Fleetwood lads in.
This time around rather than turning away every Fleetwood fan who’s had a beer, Witton have chosen to segregate and deal with it that way. Anyone who is overly intoxicated can then be ejected without risk of it causing trouble amongst both sets of fans. I would prefer the game NOT to be segregated ideally, but it is testament to the success of both sides that the game has such significance that it has been demmed appropriate. Regardless of what happens on Monday, both clubs have had great seasons up to this point, and there will still be much to play for for both teams regardless of how the points are shared out on the day.
Why are people intent on complaining about a very sensible solution?! Big games are segregated up and down the country every weekend. It does NOT stop either set of fans from enjoying the game and creating a fantastic atmosphere. However, a repeat of the situation at the Gateshead game WOULD stop people enjoying their day and would contribute to a negative atmosphere. Surely neither set of fans wants this?
To put it bluntly; i had my 7 year old son with me at the Gateshead game and it didn’t feel nice when the Fleetwood fans came and stood amongst the WItton crowd. I have been bringing him to Witton a fair bit this season, and alot of last. I have never felt before that there was any problem with doing so - he even attended the Playoff final v Telford last year. That game was segregated, so i felt he was safe. The Fleetwood game will be segregated, so i will bring him (if he wants to come!!). Had it not been segregated i would be leaving him at home. I’m sure i’m not the only parent who will be thinking that way. It’s a shame, but until we can prevent the yobbish minority from following teams then these are the steps that clubs need to take.
I think we need to be careful here that we don’t allow feelings to run too high before a game that’s important for both clubs and their supporters.
The key thing is that the safety officers and officials (of both clubs)will want to ensure that no harm becomes anyone and that everyone has the opportunity to enjoy what should be a cracking game.
If the game was not segregated and something untoward happened, people would (quite rightly) ask why given Witton’s previous experience of large games with potentially season changing results (eg telford - segregated game) and the recent experience of some Fleetwood fans (albeit mindless morons not directly connected with the club) why wasn’t this game segregated. That position would be almost impossible to defend.
Once the decision is made to segregate the game, access to the club etc for away fans cannt be allowed as it undermines the decision to segregate .
As is ever the case with segregation, the vast majority of fans are forced to comply with rules to protect us all from the mindless morons who can’t cheer their own team whilst having respect for the opposition.
The answer is for everyone to get inside the ground nice and early, create a good atmosphere and for everyone to enjoy the day - and may the best team win (in my view that being Albion of course!)
Finally, my experience of the Fleetwood officials is that they have an excellent relationship with their counterparts at Witton and there is a mutual respect between all concerned. Making sure everyone is safe and sound will stand both clubs in good stead and help maintain a strong (and competitive) relationship for the future. We can then also all talk about the football and not what happened on the terraces
Well everything so far is running on speculation because nothing has been said by the club so I’m assuming this debate is pointless because I’m sure if this decision has been made we would have been told about it :unsure:
[quote]Who leaked the info to Fleetwood then ? or were they told officially, in which case as Andy says why no info posted for Witton supporters.
I can tell u that myself and Dave Nield will be first point of contact at the turnstiles for the Cods and I have volunteered to be a steward for the day in the interest of safety for all our wonderful supporters.:dry:[/quote]
I feel a lot safer now and will sleep easily for the nights ahead of the match :silly:
Ok guys first of all this is coming very late in the day but I was sent an email at 9pm on Sunday with the details and asked for them to be put on the forum - sadly having left at 5pm on sunday for work in Londona nd not got back until very late last night I had not sat down to read my emails until late this evening hence I now make this post. (why I was the only 1 I don’t know) This email was between officials of Witton and fleetwood hence without having had chance to read fleetwoods forum - I expect it is from a reliable source.
As is gathered now there will be segregation on Monday, Albion will be at the Wincham end of the ground and turnstiles will be opening at 1pm.
Fleetwood therefore will have the Lostock end and for anyone not clear with that it will operate like the Telford LEAGUE game of last season. (with a different result hopefully!)
I am at present having read the initial email seeking clarification as to exact arrangements with regards access to the bar as it doesn’t tie in with the fact that you can’t get in without going into the ground! I have asked JE - chief steward to clarify as I know people will want to know this info.
I will update as soon as I can however JE/GE another if you know please don’t wait for me.
A shame it has to be done but the club were critisised at the Gateshead game when they had 20minutes notice - now they have time to ensure it runs smoothly they are doing so. Please have patience with extras who are helping out on the day be it as stewards or gate people etc.
Robbo, my only reason for speaking on the Fleetwood forum was to point out to their TRUE supporters that we have no issue with them and I truly did feel that Witton were over reacting to a potential problem,also it really pi**es me off that the scum element always manage to succeed in their quest to turn decent people against each other, however after reading everyones thoughts on the subject I have to say that for the sake of family’s etc. segregation may be the right decision, I stand corrected (and will never admit to being wrong again) Goodnight !!!
At least the fact that they turned up and were so conspicuous at the Gateshead game will allow us to identify them should they turn up in town/in our end with no colours and cause trouble. I presume the guy Robbo is talking about is the yob who looks like Bez
Apologies for having to go away for a few days and not keep the forum up-to-date with the arrangements for the Fleetwood game:
The match will be segregated, allocating FTFC the Lostock end of the ground. This will provide FTFC fans with access to a tea
hut, toilets etc but not the social club.
The WAFC supporters will therefore be in the Wincham end - the tea hut thereat will also be open with toilets etc also available but, again, not the social club.
The bar pre-match will be open to WAFC supporters and those whom FTFC identify as bona fide members of its junior section plus accompanying adults [although FTFC have indicated that this may not be taken up]. The latter party will be sat, for the match, in the stand nearest the FTFC end.
The social club will be stewarded before the match snd any supporter from either side who is deemed unfit due to drink will be ejected without refund. Only plastic glasses will be issued and no bottles will be served over the bar. WAFC will continue its policy of no alcohol on the ground.
The only access to the social club at half time will be from the main stand. There will be no access to the bar from the terraces at either end. There will be open access to the bar at full time subject to the usual H & S restrictions over capacity.
Turnstiles will be open from 1pm.
The head steward has liaised with Northwich police who will have a presence in Northwich town centre for any unruly behaviour. Any potential problems thereat will be dealt with before arrival at Wincham Park. We’ve requested a small police presence at the ground.
There will be no changing of ends at half-time.
For all Fleetwood Town fans who will read this - please be aware that, whilst Witton Albion FC have been proactive in ensuring both sets of supporters have an enjoyable afternoon, we have liaised fully with FTFC and particularly the Vice-Chairman Phil Brown who is fully supportive of the measures in place.
Well done Graham it all seems infinately sensible to me. I would like to say to genuine Fleetwood fans sorry about this but as is always the case a small minority make it bad for the rest. Witton and your official guys at Fleetwood are only thinking about your safety too as well as Witton fans. Lets hope its a great match without any controversy both on and off the field and that the best team wins.
Splendid arrangements but just a pity they could not have been posted earlier.
Thanks for the heartfelt appreciation Rabbit. May I add that I will be taking no payment as usual for my duties on behalf of this great club and it’s wonderful supporters.
I’ll donate to the development fund if Eli does the gate dressed as Captain Birdseye (would be a very fitting tribute to the actor who played him as he died this week… plus is cod-related…). He’s already got the white beard…
I’m sure we will be able to mingle with a few of you in the Northwich watering holes before the game, and in the Witton bar after we have beaten you :S
I presumed that the guy would be banned, and that’s why him and his mates are forced to organise their own transport. He appeared to be a few cans short of a 6 pack…
May I add that I will be taking no payment as usual for my duties on behalf of this great club and it’s wonderful supporters. well done elli.
is it true that as a sideline on the gate, you are selling pies to the fleetwood fans.:laugh:
