Offside Set

GweedsOSS · Joined: 15 Oct 2006 Posts: 420

I've noticed a shift in attitudes between the South and the North over the last few months.

I can only gleam this through the posts on the Dark Side, however it seems to me that what was only bantering between these two groups has become more bitter. Maybe people here who either belong to these groups, or know members well can correct me. One example is the booing from some south people to the north.

I heard that the North has become more disciplined and regimented and therefore perhaps those who want to be a more free for all type of support has gravitated to the south.

This however seems to have put some of the traditional south people noses out of joint. Some have been disparaging about the racist chants etc. that emanated from the south.

Personally I really don't like the south really a lot. The variety of chants is limited (how many times can you sing 'Oh Melbourne is'? It is sung over and over at nauseam!) and often of questionable taste.

However I am happy to stand there because that is where the 'CLM/MVFC*MP' Clan stands and I enjoy watching the football with them (and sometimes Cityblue comes as well).

I don't know whether I would fit in in the North either. From what I heard from DayDream and Philly is not a place for the fainthearted. Sounds to me like a cross between a mosh pit and an industrial washing machine.

I must say however that Wednesday's display from the north was absolutely fantastic.
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CLMV · Joined: 14 Oct 2006 Posts: 532

I share your dilemma Gweeds.

I was totally happy in the North Terrace before. But it has changed a lot.

I think the events of last year have welded it into a much tighter, more disciplined unit. That is good, because it enables them to make decisions about how to do things, and to co-ordinate and choreograph great displays. But it also makes it harder to be part of if you are not available to put in the effort they demand.

I am attracted to the NT because I like the style of support they offer. I think their music is infinitely better. I liked it when we were producing our own flags and banners. I'd like to give it another go some time, now they are back on Level 1.

But I am not sure I would want to regularly have so little vision of the pitch, or be so tightly bound to follow the capo and do everything in unison. And I fear I would feel a bit hemmed in.

Although I argued last off-season for us to move to the North End, near the NT, I am no longer so sure that can work, simply because it is so crowded.

I am in the South End by default. It is less crowded, so it is easy for us to find the kind of fringe position that suits us. And I like to be where there is a bit of noise to join in with. The kids tend to expect to find some of their mates there, and they like that.

I do like the more relaxed feel. I like not having to get their early, and not lugging equipment, and not having to chant ALL the time.

But I too am finding the repertoire a bit limited. I don't particularly like the 'bag the opposition' style of chants. I hate the racism and sexism that flares up in pockets there - esp from random groups of apparently English guys who appear from time to time.

The SDC seems to be able to come up with a wider range of spontaneous chants - but they have little influence on what everyone else does.

I wish the South would decide to be a little organised, and develop the chants repertoire a bit. But being not-organised is such an article of faith with them, I an sure that is a faint hope.

Neither end quite suits me, really.

I'd like to be around Cafu more. He represents my idea of a good crew. He comes up with great chants, and can get them to take off. He is prepared to workshop them a bit, and also has brainwaves during a game. He is open minded about what directions our support can go in - not tied to some overseas model. If there was a Cafu end, I'd be there all the time.
But he moves around too much.

cityblue · Joined: 28 Oct 2006 Posts: 28

Clearly the answer is to clone Cafu then Smile

CLMV · Joined: 14 Oct 2006 Posts: 532

To pick up on the other thing you said, Gweeds

I have also noticed a new level of hostility

NT people sometimes have a dig at the SE for supposedly not supporting their protest.

There seems to be some personal animosity between some members of the SDC and some other group of SE people - I'm not totally sure who. It seems often to be expressed in disparaging remarks about the whole SE. They esp seem to have it in for the Ozspurs, though I'm not sure they are even still around.

It is not all that clear to me WHO the SE is seen to be, and who is the target of all this hostility.

There has also always been an bit of SE people after a game having a whinge about supposed NT infiltration of the South. This does not seem to be as strong as it used to be, actually. Meanwhile, the least likeable element of the SE is quite capable of just bagging the NT for being wogs.

It all adds up to something less than solidarity.

Rollins · Joined: 13 Oct 2006 Posts: 394

Daydream · Joined: 13 Oct 2006 Posts: 548

CLMV · Joined: 14 Oct 2006 Posts: 532

CLMV · Joined: 14 Oct 2006 Posts: 532