Not standing up for terraces call

I used to stand at football because I could not afford the posh seats. It started when I was a little boy when I would stand behind the North goal at the old Goldstone.

I could not see what went on at the far end but at least I might see some goalmouth action. My lasting memory was of the great Tommy Lawton playing for Notts County.

He was two yards out from goal with the ball at his feet, the equalising goal was certain. The mud was so deep and sticky he could not release his boot in time to take a shot and the goalie saved it.

Not all grounds were so accommodating. Some like Watford and Fratton Park had terraces which at the front were well below the pitch level.

I went to Portsmouth to see the great Blackpool team and in particular my hero Stanley Matthews. I did see a few glimpses of his dazzling footwork, but mostly the violent treatment meted out to him by Jimmy Scoular.

I eventually decided to see a bit more of the games so stood by my father on the terrace but on top of a purpose-built box. This proved to be dangerous in packed crowds.

Came the day when I was tall enough to see unaided but I was only average height. I would arrive early and pick a good vantage point only to find that just before kick-off two six footers would plant themselves just in front of me and it would be too late to find a better view.

Other hazards or events happened on the terraces. I took my then future wife to her first game when Newcastle played Arsenal. We stood on the south east terrace at St James’ in a packed crowd.

At half-time her feet felt warm and wet only to find that the man behind had relieved himself’ her nice shoes were directly in line with his aim.

On another packed occasion at Nottingham Forest against Brighton in a cup match we were really jammed in and next to me was a very drunken man chanting ‘Alan Mullery’s Blue and White Army’ for the entire match.

Oh what bliss when seating became compulsory.

A prudent selection of one’s seat would offer a decent view of the whole pitch only marred when some idiot chants ‘Stand up if you believe in whatever.’

With a season ticket one can choose one’s neighbours and a friendship develops.

It is nearly 30 years since standing was allowed in the top divisions so who are these people campaigning for a safe standing area?

It can hardly be sentimental for many who previously stood because they must welcome the opportunity to sit. By all means let them stand if they wish but my concern is that this will be an excuse to increase the price of seating. Oh for those good old days. No Thanks. BRIAN TAYLOR, North Shields