Watford will have fans

NEIL HARRIS:


Playing in front of fans…



I’m not fussed if Watford fans are there or not. We are not going to see fans back in our stadium, we have spoken about that hindering us.

It is what it is, the Welsh Government have made their decision.

Watford fans, not fussed.

Football as a whole needs supporters. I’m quietly pleased for teams that are getting supporters back, every sport needs them.

But unfortunately we are not in that position to welcome our fans back.

Does it have an effect? If anything it will spur my players on. It will have more of an away game feel about it.

Harris

You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

A siege mentality?



NEIL HARRIS:

We will certainly mention it before the game. 2,000 fans in a 26,000-seater stadium, there will be more of an atmosphere.

Any stadium with home fans in will have more of an atmosphere.

Harris

You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

Fans, great to see them back, how do you feel in terms of fairness?




NEIL HARRIS:

It’s not fair, that’s the bottom line. Nobody can say it’s fair.

There is definitely a game to be had with your fans in the stadium, without shadow of doubt.

If that goes into the derby and Swansea have them later in the season… I’m certainly not going to knock the tier system. We will go to Stoke Tuesday and they won’t have fans because of the tier system.

You hope it evens out over the course of the season.

You can’t bemoan it too much, but it’s not fair.

Harris

You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

What have you missed without fans?





NEIL HARRIS:

Atmosphere, banter with away fans. It’s about the bigger picture. If football was supposed to be played behind closed doors we wouldn’t have had fans for 100 years.

Football coverage on radio, TV, the press, has been fantastic, it’s gone to another level, but it’s the fans that make it.

That’s why I talk about an unfair advantage.

Not a single person can tell me it’s equal with fans at away games but not home games.

Harris

You do not have the required permissions to view the files attached to this post.

He is spot on Annis, whilst glad some kind of normal returning its totally ridiculous and unfair,that some teams will gain advantage by having some kind of backing,whilst others go without!!

He is spot on Annis, whilst glad some kind of normal returning its totally ridiculous and unfair,that some teams will gain advantage by having some kind of backing,whilst others go without!!

Paul,

Yes My Luton and Carlisle mates both said it was brilliant at their home games last night, with fans, they felt the players were up for it more.

Having 2k or 4k fans back at CCS will make it feel like a cup game, and we know how successful theyve been over years.

Having 2k or 4k fans back at CCS will make it feel like a cup game, and we know how successful theyve been over years.

I do think fans have an effect of performances on certain occasions but not in this scenario. The 2k fans they do have aren't allowed to bunch up either so they won't have one concentrated singing section.

Fans helping to dictate the outcome of a game is the exception to the rule, not the rule itself.

Having 2k or 4k fans back at CCS will make it feel like a cup game, and we know how successful theyve been over years.

I do think fans have an effect of performances on certain occasions but not in this scenario. The 2k fans they do have aren't allowed to bunch up either so they won't have one concentrated singing section.

Fans helping to dictate the outcome of a game is the exception to the rule, not the rule itself.

I get what you say,but surely the players would get a lift,as its been an age since they have played before any fans? So I guess you two above wouldn't go if allowed?

Having 2k or 4k fans back at CCS will make it feel like a cup game, and we know how successful theyve been over years.

I do think fans have an effect of performances on certain occasions but not in this scenario. The 2k fans they do have aren't allowed to bunch up either so they won't have one concentrated singing section.

Fans helping to dictate the outcome of a game is the exception to the rule, not the rule itself.

I get what you say,but surely the players would get a lift,as its been an age since they have played before any fans? So I guess you two above wouldn't go if allowed?

A week ago there was a poll on here with 95% of fans saying they wanted Harris gone. Spirits are up now but can easily turn, what's to say the pressure of playing with fans after so long doesn't have a detrimental impact on the players, or a couple of poor performances and suddenly the fans the players want a lift from are booing and jeering the team. How many inspired, heartfelt performances have we seen in all the FA Cup 3rd round games in front of 4k fans?

Not sure what you're on about in your second point? I go to the football because I enjoy it, not to make the players feel all warm and fuzzy

Having 2k or 4k fans back at CCS will make it feel like a cup game, and we know how successful theyve been over years.

I do think fans have an effect of performances on certain occasions but not in this scenario. The 2k fans they do have aren't allowed to bunch up either so they won't have one concentrated singing section.

Fans helping to dictate the outcome of a game is the exception to the rule, not the rule itself.

I get what you say,but surely the players would get a lift,as its been an age since they have played before any fans? So I guess you two above wouldn't go if allowed?

Ha ha. I'd consider going once I've had the vaccine, but not having a season ticket this year I doubt I'd have an opportunity anyway.
The lack of fans has had the biggest influence , I think, on the performance of the officials. They can make a decision knowing they're not going to get a torrent of abuse from sections of the crowd.

The perfect occasion was the big derby next week to bring back fans. Of course having the welsh fans singing is like no other fan support. And especially the bluebirds fans. But im sure the welsh government will give welsh football fans the go ahead when the time is right to do so.

Having 2k or 4k fans back at CCS will make it feel like a cup game, and we know how successful theyve been over years.

I do think fans have an effect of performances on certain occasions but not in this scenario. The 2k fans they do have aren't allowed to bunch up either so they won't have one concentrated singing section.

Fans helping to dictate the outcome of a game is the exception to the rule, not the rule itself.

I get what you say,but surely the players would get a lift,as its been an age since they have played before any fans? So I guess you two above wouldn't go if allowed?

A week ago there was a poll on here with 95% of fans saying they wanted Harris gone. Spirits are up now but can easily turn, what's to say the pressure of playing with fans after so long doesn't have a detrimental impact on the players, or a couple of poor performances and suddenly the fans the players want a lift from are booing and jeering the team. How many inspired, heartfelt performances have we seen in all the FA Cup 3rd round games in front of 4k fans?

Not sure what you're on about in your second point? I go to the football because I enjoy it, not to make the players feel all warm and fuzzy

I'd imagine previous poor performances in the cup are due to the team selection rather than the small crowd.

All players should want to play in front of their own fans. If they can't handle the pressure from fans who expect them to at least put a shift in, then you'd have to question their attitude.

Its called home advantage for a reason-because of the home fans being there. Or are you suggesting we handicap ourselves (financially as well) until there is no restrictions on crowds? Just incase the players feel pressured. Cliche, but football without fans is absolutely pointless. I've cancelled my sports subscriptions because its shite without the fans. The sooner fans are allowed back in the better.

Having 2k or 4k fans back at CCS will make it feel like a cup game, and we know how successful theyve been over years.

I do think fans have an effect of performances on certain occasions but not in this scenario. The 2k fans they do have aren't allowed to bunch up either so they won't have one concentrated singing section.

Fans helping to dictate the outcome of a game is the exception to the rule, not the rule itself.

I get what you say,but surely the players would get a lift,as its been an age since they have played before any fans? So I guess you two above wouldn't go if allowed?

A week ago there was a poll on here with 95% of fans saying they wanted Harris gone. Spirits are up now but can easily turn, what's to say the pressure of playing with fans after so long doesn't have a detrimental impact on the players, or a couple of poor performances and suddenly the fans the players want a lift from are booing and jeering the team. How many inspired, heartfelt performances have we seen in all the FA Cup 3rd round games in front of 4k fans?

Not sure what you're on about in your second point? I go to the football because I enjoy it, not to make the players feel all warm and fuzzy

I'd imagine previous poor performances in the cup are due to the team selection rather than the small crowd.

All players should want to play in front of their own fans. If they can't handle the pressure from fans who expect them to at least put a shift in, then you'd have to question their attitude.

Its called home advantage for a reason-because of the home fans being there. Or are you suggesting we handicap ourselves (financially as well) until there is no restrictions on crowds? Just incase the players feel pressured. Cliche, but football without fans is absolutely pointless. I've cancelled my sports subscriptions because its shite without the fans. The sooner fans are allowed back in the better.

I've acknowledged home advantage is a thing, Belgium 2015, Leeds FA Cup, etc these games had electric atmospheres in front of sell out crowds. But I don't think 2k fans is going to make a difference to how the players perform.

Also where have I ever said we should handicap ourselves? I said, if I could, I would go to the games.

Having 2k or 4k fans back at CCS will make it feel like a cup game, and we know how successful theyve been over years.

I do think fans have an effect of performances on certain occasions but not in this scenario. The 2k fans they do have aren't allowed to bunch up either so they won't have one concentrated singing section.

Fans helping to dictate the outcome of a game is the exception to the rule, not the rule itself.

I get what you say,but surely the players would get a lift,as its been an age since they have played before any fans? So I guess you two above wouldn't go if allowed?

A week ago there was a poll on here with 95% of fans saying they wanted Harris gone. Spirits are up now but can easily turn, what's to say the pressure of playing with fans after so long doesn't have a detrimental impact on the players, or a couple of poor performances and suddenly the fans the players want a lift from are booing and jeering the team. How many inspired, heartfelt performances have we seen in all the FA Cup 3rd round games in front of 4k fans?

Not sure what you're on about in your second point? I go to the football because I enjoy it, not to make the players feel all warm and fuzzy

I'd imagine previous poor performances in the cup are due to the team selection rather than the small crowd.

All players should want to play in front of their own fans. If they can't handle the pressure from fans who expect them to at least put a shift in, then you'd have to question their attitude.

Its called home advantage for a reason-because of the home fans being there. Or are you suggesting we handicap ourselves (financially as well) until there is no restrictions on crowds? Just incase the players feel pressured. Cliche, but football without fans is absolutely pointless. I've cancelled my sports subscriptions because its shite without the fans. The sooner fans are allowed back in the better.

I've acknowledged home advantage is a thing, Belgium 2015, Leeds FA Cup, etc these games had electric atmospheres in front of sell out crowds. But I don't think 2k fans is going to make a difference to how the players perform.

Also where have I ever said we should handicap ourselves? I said, if I could, I would go to the games.

You wrote a paragraph on how small crowds could negatively impact the players and compared it to previous cup games. The alternative to that is to not let fans back until there are less restrictions.

Reading comments from players and managers in England who have had crowds back and they are all happy for the return of fans. 2000 fans watched arsenal play last night and arteta described it as a special night which lifted the players. Id imagine it'll be same for most clubs after not having any fans for so long.

Having 2k or 4k fans back at CCS will make it feel like a cup game, and we know how successful theyve been over years.

I do think fans have an effect of performances on certain occasions but not in this scenario. The 2k fans they do have aren't allowed to bunch up either so they won't have one concentrated singing section.

Fans helping to dictate the outcome of a game is the exception to the rule, not the rule itself.

I get what you say,but surely the players would get a lift,as its been an age since they have played before any fans? So I guess you two above wouldn't go if allowed?

A week ago there was a poll on here with 95% of fans saying they wanted Harris gone. Spirits are up now but can easily turn, what's to say the pressure of playing with fans after so long doesn't have a detrimental impact on the players, or a couple of poor performances and suddenly the fans the players want a lift from are booing and jeering the team. How many inspired, heartfelt performances have we seen in all the FA Cup 3rd round games in front of 4k fans?

Not sure what you're on about in your second point? I go to the football because I enjoy it, not to make the players feel all warm and fuzzy

I said a lift,not all warm and fuzzy? You go because you enjoy it,same here,dont we all?? The point you make about cup games,is for me relevant in most years,but not this season,as I would go in a heartbeat,4k or not! These players will have to play in front of fans at some point, why not now? I dont particularly boo or jeer the team,well at least not whilst the game is on,never understood those that do,but its not helpful in my eyes,save it till final whistle is my way.

Having 2k or 4k fans back at CCS will make it feel like a cup game, and we know how successful theyve been over years.

I do think fans have an effect of performances on certain occasions but not in this scenario. The 2k fans they do have aren't allowed to bunch up either so they won't have one concentrated singing section.

Fans helping to dictate the outcome of a game is the exception to the rule, not the rule itself.

I get what you say,but surely the players would get a lift,as its been an age since they have played before any fans? So I guess you two above wouldn't go if allowed?

A week ago there was a poll on here with 95% of fans saying they wanted Harris gone. Spirits are up now but can easily turn, what's to say the pressure of playing with fans after so long doesn't have a detrimental impact on the players, or a couple of poor performances and suddenly the fans the players want a lift from are booing and jeering the team. How many inspired, heartfelt performances have we seen in all the FA Cup 3rd round games in front of 4k fans?

Not sure what you're on about in your second point? I go to the football because I enjoy it, not to make the players feel all warm and fuzzy

I'd imagine previous poor performances in the cup are due to the team selection rather than the small crowd.

All players should want to play in front of their own fans. If they can't handle the pressure from fans who expect them to at least put a shift in, then you'd have to question their attitude.

Its called home advantage for a reason-because of the home fans being there. Or are you suggesting we handicap ourselves (financially as well) until there is no restrictions on crowds? Just incase the players feel pressured. Cliche, but football without fans is absolutely pointless. I've cancelled my sports subscriptions because its shite without the fans. The sooner fans are allowed back in the better.

I've acknowledged home advantage is a thing, Belgium 2015, Leeds FA Cup, etc these games had electric atmospheres in front of sell out crowds. But I don't think 2k fans is going to make a difference to how the players perform.

Also where have I ever said we should handicap ourselves? I said, if I could, I would go to the games.

You wrote a paragraph on how small crowds could negatively impact the players and compared it to previous cup games. The alternative to that is to not let fans back until there are less restrictions.

Reading comments from players and managers in England who have had crowds back and they are all happy for the return of fans. 2000 fans watched arsenal play last night and arteta described it as a special night which lifted the players. Id imagine it'll be same for most clubs after not having any fans for so long.

This is the point I was making,the cup reference goes out the window especially this year!!

Having 2k or 4k fans back at CCS will make it feel like a cup game, and we know how successful theyve been over years.

I do think fans have an effect of performances on certain occasions but not in this scenario. The 2k fans they do have aren't allowed to bunch up either so they won't have one concentrated singing section.

Fans helping to dictate the outcome of a game is the exception to the rule, not the rule itself.

I get what you say,but surely the players would get a lift,as its been an age since they have played before any fans? So I guess you two above wouldn't go if allowed?

A week ago there was a poll on here with 95% of fans saying they wanted Harris gone. Spirits are up now but can easily turn, what's to say the pressure of playing with fans after so long doesn't have a detrimental impact on the players, or a couple of poor performances and suddenly the fans the players want a lift from are booing and jeering the team. How many inspired, heartfelt performances have we seen in all the FA Cup 3rd round games in front of 4k fans?

Not sure what you're on about in your second point? I go to the football because I enjoy it, not to make the players feel all warm and fuzzy

I'd imagine previous poor performances in the cup are due to the team selection rather than the small crowd.

All players should want to play in front of their own fans. If they can't handle the pressure from fans who expect them to at least put a shift in, then you'd have to question their attitude.

Its called home advantage for a reason-because of the home fans being there. Or are you suggesting we handicap ourselves (financially as well) until there is no restrictions on crowds? Just incase the players feel pressured. Cliche, but football without fans is absolutely pointless. I've cancelled my sports subscriptions because its shite without the fans. The sooner fans are allowed back in the better.

I've acknowledged home advantage is a thing, Belgium 2015, Leeds FA Cup, etc these games had electric atmospheres in front of sell out crowds. But I don't think 2k fans is going to make a difference to how the players perform.

Also where have I ever said we should handicap ourselves? I said, if I could, I would go to the games.

You wrote a paragraph on how small crowds could negatively impact the players and compared it to previous cup games. The alternative to that is to not let fans back until there are less restrictions.

Reading comments from players and managers in England who have had crowds back and they are all happy for the return of fans. 2000 fans watched arsenal play last night and arteta described it as a special night which lifted the players. Id imagine it'll be same for most clubs after not having any fans for so long.

I'm not saying there needs to be an alternative, but that the impact and advantages to teams that are allowed fans won't be as unfair as some seem to think.

Arteta may have been happy to see the return of fans but his side won 4-1 and had already qualified for the knockout round.
On the flip side Charlton were booed off the pitch and Lee Bowyer criticised their fans for being "quiet" and "negative".

If it turns out the teams with 4k fans start dominating the leagues, the teams with 2k start improving and the teams behind closed doors all start losing then I'll accept fans do make the difference. But currently I don't think the integrity of the league is compromised by a variance in the number of allowed fans.

Another point: these fans on attendance havent had their "vaccination " soo why would you wait??

Another point: these fans on attendance havent had their "vaccination " soo why would you wait??

If it was allowed and I could get a ticket I would. I didn't say I wouldn't.

No one likes us, we don't care! Now, where have I heard that before?

Drakeford said today its under revue? In other words next century will be ok for fans to attend games.

Having 2k or 4k fans back at CCS will make it feel like a cup game, and we know how successful theyve been over years.

I do think fans have an effect of performances on certain occasions but not in this scenario. The 2k fans they do have aren't allowed to bunch up either so they won't have one concentrated singing section.

Fans helping to dictate the outcome of a game is the exception to the rule, not the rule itself.

I get what you say,but surely the players would get a lift,as its been an age since they have played before any fans? So I guess you two above wouldn't go if allowed?

A week ago there was a poll on here with 95% of fans saying they wanted Harris gone. Spirits are up now but can easily turn, what's to say the pressure of playing with fans after so long doesn't have a detrimental impact on the players, or a couple of poor performances and suddenly the fans the players want a lift from are booing and jeering the team. How many inspired, heartfelt performances have we seen in all the FA Cup 3rd round games in front of 4k fans?

Not sure what you're on about in your second point? I go to the football because I enjoy it, not to make the players feel all warm and fuzzy

I'd imagine previous poor performances in the cup are due to the team selection rather than the small crowd.

All players should want to play in front of their own fans. If they can't handle the pressure from fans who expect them to at least put a shift in, then you'd have to question their attitude.

Its called home advantage for a reason-because of the home fans being there. Or are you suggesting we handicap ourselves (financially as well) until there is no restrictions on crowds? Just incase the players feel pressured. Cliche, but football without fans is absolutely pointless. I've cancelled my sports subscriptions because its shite without the fans. The sooner fans are allowed back in the better.

I've acknowledged home advantage is a thing, Belgium 2015, Leeds FA Cup, etc these games had electric atmospheres in front of sell out crowds. But I don't think 2k fans is going to make a difference to how the players perform.

Also where have I ever said we should handicap ourselves? I said, if I could, I would go to the games.

You wrote a paragraph on how small crowds could negatively impact the players and compared it to previous cup games. The alternative to that is to not let fans back until there are less restrictions.

Reading comments from players and managers in England who have had crowds back and they are all happy for the return of fans. 2000 fans watched arsenal play last night and arteta described it as a special night which lifted the players. Id imagine it'll be same for most clubs after not having any fans for so long.

I'm not saying there needs to be an alternative, but that the impact and advantages to teams that are allowed fans won't be as unfair as some seem to think.

Arteta may have been happy to see the return of fans but his side won 4-1 and had already qualified for the knockout round.
On the flip side Charlton were booed off the pitch and Lee Bowyer criticised their fans for being "quiet" and "negative".

If it turns out the teams with 4k fans start dominating the leagues, the teams with 2k start improving and the teams behind closed doors all start losing then I'll accept fans do make the difference. But currently I don't think the integrity of the league is compromised by a variance in the number of allowed fans.

Nobody is saying Wycombe are going to suddenly start dominating the championship because they are allowed fans in the ground. But I'd imagine their players would rather have them there, than not. The increase in capacity will probably be gradually increased as well. We could just be starting to let 2000 in when other teams are moving up to 6-8000.

Also, it might not be the case in the prem or championship so much, but teams in leagues 1 and 2 rely on money that comes through the gates. Its going to make a massive difference in those leagues where some clubs have money coming in and some havnt. An extreme example of this is merthyr pulling out of the league for a season. They weren't allowed to have fans when other teams, at the time, were allowed.

Drakeford said today its under revue? In other words next century will be ok for fans to attend games.

The man is a drip.

Having 2k or 4k fans back at CCS will make it feel like a cup game, and we know how successful theyve been over years.

I do think fans have an effect of performances on certain occasions but not in this scenario. The 2k fans they do have aren't allowed to bunch up either so they won't have one concentrated singing section.

Fans helping to dictate the outcome of a game is the exception to the rule, not the rule itself.

I get what you say,but surely the players would get a lift,as its been an age since they have played before any fans? So I guess you two above wouldn't go if allowed?

A week ago there was a poll on here with 95% of fans saying they wanted Harris gone. Spirits are up now but can easily turn, what's to say the pressure of playing with fans after so long doesn't have a detrimental impact on the players, or a couple of poor performances and suddenly the fans the players want a lift from are booing and jeering the team. How many inspired, heartfelt performances have we seen in all the FA Cup 3rd round games in front of 4k fans?

Not sure what you're on about in your second point? I go to the football because I enjoy it, not to make the players feel all warm and fuzzy

I'd imagine previous poor performances in the cup are due to the team selection rather than the small crowd.

All players should want to play in front of their own fans. If they can't handle the pressure from fans who expect them to at least put a shift in, then you'd have to question their attitude.

Its called home advantage for a reason-because of the home fans being there. Or are you suggesting we handicap ourselves (financially as well) until there is no restrictions on crowds? Just incase the players feel pressured. Cliche, but football without fans is absolutely pointless. I've cancelled my sports subscriptions because its shite without the fans. The sooner fans are allowed back in the better.

I've acknowledged home advantage is a thing, Belgium 2015, Leeds FA Cup, etc these games had electric atmospheres in front of sell out crowds. But I don't think 2k fans is going to make a difference to how the players perform.

Also where have I ever said we should handicap ourselves? I said, if I could, I would go to the games.

You wrote a paragraph on how small crowds could negatively impact the players and compared it to previous cup games. The alternative to that is to not let fans back until there are less restrictions.

Reading comments from players and managers in England who have had crowds back and they are all happy for the return of fans. 2000 fans watched arsenal play last night and arteta described it as a special night which lifted the players. Id imagine it'll be same for most clubs after not having any fans for so long.

I'm not saying there needs to be an alternative, but that the impact and advantages to teams that are allowed fans won't be as unfair as some seem to think.

Arteta may have been happy to see the return of fans but his side won 4-1 and had already qualified for the knockout round.
On the flip side Charlton were booed off the pitch and Lee Bowyer criticised their fans for being "quiet" and "negative".

If it turns out the teams with 4k fans start dominating the leagues, the teams with 2k start improving and the teams behind closed doors all start losing then I'll accept fans do make the difference. But currently I don't think the integrity of the league is compromised by a variance in the number of allowed fans.

Nobody is saying Wycombe are going to suddenly start dominating the championship because they are allowed fans in the ground. But I'd imagine their players would rather have them there, than not. The increase in capacity will probably be gradually increased as well. We could just be starting to let 2000 in when other teams are moving up to 6-8000.

Also, it might not be the case in the prem or championship so much, but teams in leagues 1 and 2 rely on money that comes through the gates. Its going to make a massive difference in those leagues where some clubs have money coming in and some havnt. An extreme example of this is merthyr pulling out of the league for a season. They weren't allowed to have fans when other teams, at the time, were allowed.

That’s fair enough about teams in lower leagues but that’s not what this thread is about. Neil Harris is saying he thinks it’s unfair some teams get fans and we don’t. I don’t think he’s right in saying we’re at an unfair disadvantage as I believe for Championship players the influence of 2k fans in a 25k stadium isn’t going to affect their game. And even if it does, it’s not always going to be a positive influence.

Having 2k or 4k fans back at CCS will make it feel like a cup game, and we know how successful theyve been over years.

I do think fans have an effect of performances on certain occasions but not in this scenario. The 2k fans they do have aren't allowed to bunch up either so they won't have one concentrated singing section.

Fans helping to dictate the outcome of a game is the exception to the rule, not the rule itself.

I get what you say,but surely the players would get a lift,as its been an age since they have played before any fans? So I guess you two above wouldn't go if allowed?

A week ago there was a poll on here with 95% of fans saying they wanted Harris gone. Spirits are up now but can easily turn, what's to say the pressure of playing with fans after so long doesn't have a detrimental impact on the players, or a couple of poor performances and suddenly the fans the players want a lift from are booing and jeering the team. How many inspired, heartfelt performances have we seen in all the FA Cup 3rd round games in front of 4k fans?

Not sure what you're on about in your second point? I go to the football because I enjoy it, not to make the players feel all warm and fuzzy

I'd imagine previous poor performances in the cup are due to the team selection rather than the small crowd.

All players should want to play in front of their own fans. If they can't handle the pressure from fans who expect them to at least put a shift in, then you'd have to question their attitude.

Its called home advantage for a reason-because of the home fans being there. Or are you suggesting we handicap ourselves (financially as well) until there is no restrictions on crowds? Just incase the players feel pressured. Cliche, but football without fans is absolutely pointless. I've cancelled my sports subscriptions because its shite without the fans. The sooner fans are allowed back in the better.

I've acknowledged home advantage is a thing, Belgium 2015, Leeds FA Cup, etc these games had electric atmospheres in front of sell out crowds. But I don't think 2k fans is going to make a difference to how the players perform.

Also where have I ever said we should handicap ourselves? I said, if I could, I would go to the games.

You wrote a paragraph on how small crowds could negatively impact the players and compared it to previous cup games. The alternative to that is to not let fans back until there are less restrictions.

Reading comments from players and managers in England who have had crowds back and they are all happy for the return of fans. 2000 fans watched arsenal play last night and arteta described it as a special night which lifted the players. Id imagine it'll be same for most clubs after not having any fans for so long.

I'm not saying there needs to be an alternative, but that the impact and advantages to teams that are allowed fans won't be as unfair as some seem to think.

Arteta may have been happy to see the return of fans but his side won 4-1 and had already qualified for the knockout round.
On the flip side Charlton were booed off the pitch and Lee Bowyer criticised their fans for being "quiet" and "negative".

If it turns out the teams with 4k fans start dominating the leagues, the teams with 2k start improving and the teams behind closed doors all start losing then I'll accept fans do make the difference. But currently I don't think the integrity of the league is compromised by a variance in the number of allowed fans.

Nobody is saying Wycombe are going to suddenly start dominating the championship because they are allowed fans in the ground. But I'd imagine their players would rather have them there, than not. The increase in capacity will probably be gradually increased as well. We could just be starting to let 2000 in when other teams are moving up to 6-8000.

Also, it might not be the case in the prem or championship so much, but teams in leagues 1 and 2 rely on money that comes through the gates. Its going to make a massive difference in those leagues where some clubs have money coming in and some havnt. An extreme example of this is merthyr pulling out of the league for a season. They weren't allowed to have fans when other teams, at the time, were allowed.

That’s fair enough about teams in lower leagues but that’s not what this thread is about. Neil Harris is saying he thinks it’s unfair some teams get fans and we don’t. I don’t think he’s right in saying we’re at an unfair disadvantage as I believe for Championship players the influence of 2k fans in a 25k stadium isn’t going to affect their game. And even if it does, it’s not always going to be a positive influence.

Well its not fair, is it. Whether a positive atmosphere is created or not, the bottom line is teams are getting treated differently.

Fine margins can determine success or failure in football. If there was no benefit in having even small numbers of fans back , the club wouldn't be wasting time and money putting plans together and putting pressure on the government to let fans back in.

Dripford has said no fans back in wales till end of march
tea total moron

Some left before full time Unbelievable !!!!

Having 2k or 4k fans back at CCS will make it feel like a cup game, and we know how successful theyve been over years.

I do think fans have an effect of performances on certain occasions but not in this scenario. The 2k fans they do have aren't allowed to bunch up either so they won't have one concentrated singing section.

Fans helping to dictate the outcome of a game is the exception to the rule, not the rule itself.

I get what you say,but surely the players would get a lift,as its been an age since they have played before any fans? So I guess you two above wouldn't go if allowed?

A week ago there was a poll on here with 95% of fans saying they wanted Harris gone. Spirits are up now but can easily turn, what's to say the pressure of playing with fans after so long doesn't have a detrimental impact on the players, or a couple of poor performances and suddenly the fans the players want a lift from are booing and jeering the team. How many inspired, heartfelt performances have we seen in all the FA Cup 3rd round games in front of 4k fans?

Not sure what you're on about in your second point? I go to the football because I enjoy it, not to make the players feel all warm and fuzzy

I'd imagine previous poor performances in the cup are due to the team selection rather than the small crowd.

All players should want to play in front of their own fans. If they can't handle the pressure from fans who expect them to at least put a shift in, then you'd have to question their attitude.

Its called home advantage for a reason-because of the home fans being there. Or are you suggesting we handicap ourselves (financially as well) until there is no restrictions on crowds? Just incase the players feel pressured. Cliche, but football without fans is absolutely pointless. I've cancelled my sports subscriptions because its shite without the fans. The sooner fans are allowed back in the better.

I've acknowledged home advantage is a thing, Belgium 2015, Leeds FA Cup, etc these games had electric atmospheres in front of sell out crowds. But I don't think 2k fans is going to make a difference to how the players perform.

Also where have I ever said we should handicap ourselves? I said, if I could, I would go to the games.

You wrote a paragraph on how small crowds could negatively impact the players and compared it to previous cup games. The alternative to that is to not let fans back until there are less restrictions.

Reading comments from players and managers in England who have had crowds back and they are all happy for the return of fans. 2000 fans watched arsenal play last night and arteta described it as a special night which lifted the players. Id imagine it'll be same for most clubs after not having any fans for so long.

I'm not saying there needs to be an alternative, but that the impact and advantages to teams that are allowed fans won't be as unfair as some seem to think.

Arteta may have been happy to see the return of fans but his side won 4-1 and had already qualified for the knockout round.
On the flip side Charlton were booed off the pitch and Lee Bowyer criticised their fans for being "quiet" and "negative".

If it turns out the teams with 4k fans start dominating the leagues, the teams with 2k start improving and the teams behind closed doors all start losing then I'll accept fans do make the difference. But currently I don't think the integrity of the league is compromised by a variance in the number of allowed fans.

Nobody is saying Wycombe are going to suddenly start dominating the championship because they are allowed fans in the ground. But I'd imagine their players would rather have them there, than not. The increase in capacity will probably be gradually increased as well. We could just be starting to let 2000 in when other teams are moving up to 6-8000.

Also, it might not be the case in the prem or championship so much, but teams in leagues 1 and 2 rely on money that comes through the gates. Its going to make a massive difference in those leagues where some clubs have money coming in and some havnt. An extreme example of this is merthyr pulling out of the league for a season. They weren't allowed to have fans when other teams, at the time, were allowed.

That’s fair enough about teams in lower leagues but that’s not what this thread is about. Neil Harris is saying he thinks it’s unfair some teams get fans and we don’t. I don’t think he’s right in saying we’re at an unfair disadvantage as I believe for Championship players the influence of 2k fans in a 25k stadium isn’t going to affect their game. And even if it does, it’s not always going to be a positive influence.

Well every manager that's been interviewed and players,have said it gave them a lift,so guess they are all wrong then,even some saying how great it felt,to have some atmosphere at the game,however small crowds were.the players play for the team,and therefore also the fans,as I agree football without fans is a piss poor replacement to one with.
I think you are misunderstanding the advantage theory,and us thinking it gives other teams a huge advantage,when all myself and one or two others are saying, is it does give an advantage to teams who have fans,whilst others don't, a small advantage maybe,but an advantage nonetheless.