Enquiry:
I am the secretary of the Mariners Trust which is the Supporters Trust of
Grimsby Town FC. First of all many congratulations on getting into the play
offs and I am sure we can look forward two cracking games between two good
teams.
My query is on behalf of the fans of GTFC, many of whom have expressed
their disappointment at being allocated the open terrace behind the goal for
Sunday's match. As you aware the view from the sides stands is still a long
way from the pitch but from the behind the goal it is simply not fit for
purpose to watch a football match. Add to that the potential exposure to the
elements and hopefully you can understand the disappointment.
I am not sure what size crowd you are expecting but is there no way the
Grimsby supporters can be housed in the side stand as normal? I would
estimate a following of 1500 -2000 from Grimsby which would take up 50% of
the stand.
I look forward to your reply.
Regards
Dave Roberts
Secretary Mariners Trust
Hi David
Our last two home matches have produced attendances of 2121 against
Southport on Easter Saturday and 2916 against Cambridge United last
Saturday. As a result of this we decided to restrict the capacity of our
Tyne and Wear Stand, the main stand, to 2500 for the semi final ties with
Grimsby Town. This will ensure a much better match day experience for those
in the stand.
As a consequence we fully expect to use the East Stand, which is where away
fans are traditionally housed, for the overspill and the extra spectators
who will be attending because of the interest the club has generated in
recent months. This stand will also house the BT cameras and gantries which
has taken approximately one third off the capacity of 4224. As we have been
advised by Grimsby Town that the initial estimate of away fans attending the
game is approximately 2000, the only segregated area capable of comfortably
dealing with this number of spectators is our South Terrace.
Although the South Terrace is uncovered every seat in the stand enjoys
perfect sight lines and there are no restrictions on viewing any part of the
pitch. We also have the ability to increase the capacity to 3115 if the
demand for tickets from Grimsby fans increases. This would not be possible
if we had located them in any other part of the ground. In fact we would
need to restrict the number of away fans that could attend.
I hope this explains the club's decision adequately.
Regards
Mike Coulson
General Manager
Gateshead Football Club