As most of you will be aware following issues relating to the behaviour of a small minority of our supporters we were forced with immediate effect to make alterations to the segregation area in the East Bank creating a considerably wider segregation area between the home and away supporters, this increased segregation was in effect for the last home game against Grimsby.
Whilst generally our supporters have been very understanding over the need for the club to react in the way we did there has been much comment that the widening of the segregation zone was in excess of what was needed to still maintain the same effect, this observation has never been disputed by the club and we have made efforts to explain that the relocating of the segregation line was dependant on the positioning of the exits from the stand we moved the line from gate E50 to the nearest gate which was E49.
We had to act fast and decisively with regard to the Grimsby game and the measures we took for that game were the only ones available at the time however, as I mentioned in my previous statement nothing was permanent and that we would review our options. We have now done just that.
Following meetings this week attended by myself and the Matchday Safety officer with representatives of the the Football League, Hampshire Council and emergency services that form what is called the Safety Advisory Group we have been able to fully explore what is needed to be done to minimise the risk of any further issues. The group recognised the determination of the club to adopt a zero tolerance and how we intend to ensure that is enforced.
We have also been able to study what alternatives to the excessive segregation from the last game that the club could offer, I am delighted to confirm that some realignment of that segregation is now possible.
At an expense to the club that to be honest we would rather not have incurred we are, over the next two weeks, opening up a new exit in the back of the East Bank along with a new stairway from the back of the stand that will allow the segregation line to be moved back by some distance enabling supporters to once more be behind almost all of the goal. This will reinstate a capacity back into the home East Bank terrace somewhere well in excess of 700 supporters. This work is not low cost as it requires not only the cutting of the exit but also concrete ramping at the back of the stand, extensive barrier work within the stand and of course the repainting in safety paint of the new stairway.
The club is making this commitment because we want to ensure that the innocent victims of the enforced segregation are not forced to endure such inconvenience as should really only be suffered by the small minority who caused this in the first place.
I would now like to ask all of you, our loyal supporters, for your commitment in return. Namely that everyone does their bit to ensure that from now on we have no further trouble in the East Bank or any other area around the club. If you are one of those that caused this problem in the first place then either stop now or go away because we don't want anyone here who cannot behave properly.
And to those of you who are genuine supporters who are here to watch the game and get behind the team whenever you see or hear of anyone participating in behaviour unwanted at the ground or doing anything that could bring the good name of our club into disrepute then please report it either to the nearest steward or in confidence to the football club so that we can take the necessary action against those individuals.
Over the coming games we have a number of initiatives that we will be using in order to identify the people we don't want in the ground, some you may become aware of and some you will not, but be assured if you behave in an inappropriate manner in the future you will soon be caught.
All of us at the club sincerely hope that this realignment of the segregation line will meet with your approval and that you will appreciate that the club really is trying to do its best not just for the club but primarily for you our loyal supporters.
Please don't let us or your fellow supporters down.
Regards,
Richard
Richard Petty
General Manager