Wilkins and Forster not too impressed with home support....(argus)

[Withdean Wanderer]

Albion Skipper Urges Fans To Get Behind Team (from The Argus)</title>
Albion skipper urges fans to get behind team
By Andy Naylor
Comment

Albion captain Nick Forster has urged the Withdean faithful to stick with the team and act as a twelfth man.

The Seagulls are hoping for a better crowd tomorrow for the third of five home games in a row against Oldham.

The last three gates have dropped below 5,000, culminating in Tuesday's record League low at Withdean of 4,395 against Cheltenham.
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Fans were restless with Albion's performance until goals in the final 11 minutes from Glenn Murray and Joel Lynch earned a 2-1 victory but Forster is asking them to spur the side on.

The experienced striker and top scorer said: "Sometimes results are more important than performances and I think we will put that one down to that, because in all fairness I don't think we deserved to win and it was a dubious winner as well.

"We will take that, because at times things have gone against us and they probably even themselves out over the course of a season.

"I understand supporters want to see us play attacking football and winning games but sometimes you cannot do that. At the moment if we grind out results and win games it pushes us back up the League.

"We all know if we play the right way and we move the ball and pass the ball then, especially at home, we are a good footballing team.

"We didn't show that on Tuesday, I know, but I urge the fans to stay with us, stick behind us and show their support vocally in the right way and I am sure we will do allright.

"I don't like to generalise but perhaps northern fans seem to stick with their team that little bit more. That is not a criticism of Brighton fans at all, especially the away support, which is fantastic for a fairly small, family club.

"I am urging them to help us, because sometimes when they are cheering and doing their bit they can act as that extra man."

Boss Dean Wilkins believes some of his players were affected by the agitated atmosphere against Cheltenham but he wants them to show more resilience.

"There was a restlessness, because we were 1-0 down after three minutes, so that is to be expected," Wilkins said. "That restlessness doesn't help the side and you could see the confidence sapping from one or two players.

"It's important those players are stronger mentally to cope with that pressure, because whatever job you do there is pressure involved."

Forster is hoping to end a 12-game goal drought tomorrow which has blemished an otherwise impressive run of form.

"I think I am playing fairly well but the goal eludes me at the moment," he said. "Everyone else seems to be making more of an issue out of it than I am.

"I still think I am giving to the team and my performances have been fairly consistent, so I am happy. Obviously I am a greedy guy and I want to score goals, so I am looking forward to the goal when it comes."

 

[SJ's Love Monkey]

Of course he is not impressed with your support, he is a Palace fan!

 

[Barrel of Fun]

100% agreement with Mr Wilkins and Mr Forster.

It is difficult to understand how we managed to wrestle the club from Archer with such an apathetic support. Are we a bunch of frauds that only sing when we are winning?

We need to get over the fact that Withdean is not the greatest to generate some noise and really go for it. The 12th man is very important and we are letting them and ourselves down.

One prime example was the Leeds game (2-1). A dodgy ref and we got behind the team early and they battled away an got an outstanding result.

What have we got to lose?

 

[Skidmarks]

Albion Skipper Urges Fans To Get Behind Team (from The Argus)</title>
Albion skipper urges fans to get behind team
By Andy Naylor
Comment

Albion captain Nick Forster has urged the Withdean faithful to stick with the team and act as a twelfth man.

The Seagulls are hoping for a better crowd tomorrow for the third of five home games in a row against Oldham.

The last three gates have dropped below 5,000, culminating in Tuesday's record League low at Withdean of 4,395 against Cheltenham.
advertisement

Fans were restless with Albion's performance until goals in the final 11 minutes from Glenn Murray and Joel Lynch earned a 2-1 victory but Forster is asking them to spur the side on.

The experienced striker and top scorer said: "Sometimes results are more important than performances and I think we will put that one down to that, because in all fairness I don't think we deserved to win and it was a dubious winner as well.

"We will take that, because at times things have gone against us and they probably even themselves out over the course of a season.

"I understand supporters want to see us play attacking football and winning games but sometimes you cannot do that. At the moment if we grind out results and win games it pushes us back up the League.

"We all know if we play the right way and we move the ball and pass the ball then, especially at home, we are a good footballing team.

"We didn't show that on Tuesday, I know, but I urge the fans to stay with us, stick behind us and show their support vocally in the right way and I am sure we will do allright.

"I don't like to generalise but perhaps northern fans seem to stick with their team that little bit more. That is not a criticism of Brighton fans at all, especially the away support, which is fantastic for a fairly small, family club.

"I am urging them to help us, because sometimes when they are cheering and doing their bit they can act as that extra man."

Boss Dean Wilkins believes some of his players were affected by the agitated atmosphere against Cheltenham but he wants them to show more resilience.

"There was a restlessness, because we were 1-0 down after three minutes, so that is to be expected," Wilkins said. "That restlessness doesn't help the side and you could see the confidence sapping from one or two players.

"It's important those players are stronger mentally to cope with that pressure, because whatever job you do there is pressure involved."

Forster is hoping to end a 12-game goal drought tomorrow which has blemished an otherwise impressive run of form.

"I think I am playing fairly well but the goal eludes me at the moment," he said. "Everyone else seems to be making more of an issue out of it than I am.

"I still think I am giving to the team and my performances have been fairly consistent, so I am happy. Obviously I am a greedy guy and I want to score goals, so I am looking forward to the goal when it comes."

Poor poor excuse for playing crap football!. Its us who pay and its us who suffer, yes it would be great if there was an atmosphere but who wants to make noise when the team played as bad as they were considering the last 5/6 matches aswell?. Up north is not a good example of sticking by your club espeicially when Newcastle sack a manager every 3rd week with the help of thier so called "loyal" fans, Whats Middleboroughs average attendance in the prem?, When leeds were in the Championship they were only getting 20,000 in!. When we last had a permanent ground what was the last attendance we had in the bottom Div? Small Family club? Forster, thats not the best way to encourage noise and bigger crowds is it?
Has your Palace connection got anything to do with these comments?

 

[Icy Gull]

Is there a single fan who doesn't agree that the support is pretty shite at Withdean 90% of the time?

I have some advice for the team if they want to generate some atmosphere at Withdean. Try coming out and playing like the home team from the kick off. Being fired up from the off is not something they seem to be very good at. Times were when the 1st 10 mins of most home games was all Albion as they came out firing on all cylinders. I guarantee that would get us fans out of our seats (stewards permitting!) cheering them on. Basically give us something to get excited about and you'll get plenty of support.

I haven't been to that many home games this season so apologies if I've got it wrong and I've just been unfortunate enough to watch them when they start like the away team.

 

[SULLY COULDNT SHOOT]

Poor poor excuse for playing crap football!. Its us who pay and its us who suffer, yes it would be great if there was an atmosphere but who wants to make noise when the team played as bad as they were considering the last 5/6 matches aswell?. Up north is not a good example of sticking by your club espeicially when Newcastle sack a manager every 3rd week with the help of thier so called "loyal" fans, Whats Middleboroughs average attendance in the prem?, When leeds were in the Championship they were only getting 20,000 in!. When we last had a permanent ground what was the last attendance we had in the bottom Div? Small Family club? Forster, thats not the best way to encourage noise and bigger crowds is it?
Has your Palace connection got anything to do with these comments?

 

[Pretty pink fairy]

Of course he is not impressed with your support, he is a Palace fan!

are you in static acomodation or mobile?

 

[Seasider78]

Bottom line is we have been in this stadium for so long now people are sick of it. We have been treated with promotions over the years which have raised expectation and mid-table in league one is not a crowd pulling position.

Since the decision I honestly believe a lot of the purpose of going to Withdean has gone and a know a lot of people who are simply waiting for Falmer before they start going again regulary.

I think Withdean fatigue has hit its peak which is not good as we have a bit of a way to go yet.

Be interesting to see if there is any link between the yes decision and attendences falling.

Can't help but think that unless we are in the top four then gates of 4500 will be about our level until Falmer. Whether that is sustainable remains to be seen

 

[Beach Hut]

This is now a Withdean issue as it is tiresome, embarrassing, run down and basically a non-footballing arena where it is impossible to raise any type of atmosphere.

I normally arrive just in time for KO as I dislike my ears being assaulted by 80s punk music every week, seeing girls prancing around out of time or a stupid bloke dressed as a bird.

Basically you can't polish a turd and the gates will not increase as Withdean is the problem.

 

[Napper]

Withdean not an excuse , atmosphere is actually ok at times. Pitch is good , they are proffessionals !

Wilkins is right the restlessness doesnt help but he is naive if he thinks he is going to change it......thats football , fans moods are dictated by whats served up !

 

[Gazwag]

Poor poor excuse for playing crap football!. Its us who pay and its us who suffer, yes it would be great if there was an atmosphere but who wants to make noise when the team played as bad as they were considering the last 5/6 matches aswell?. Up north is not a good example of sticking by your club espeicially when Newcastle sack a manager every 3rd week with the help of thier so called "loyal" fans, Whats Middleboroughs average attendance in the prem?, When leeds were in the Championship they were only getting 20,000 in!. When we last had a permanent ground what was the last attendance we had in the bottom Div? Small Family club? Forster, thats not the best way to encourage noise and bigger crowds is it?
Has your Palace connection got anything to do with these comments?

1. How does 90 minutes of moaning show you "support" your team.

2. Middlesboro 26K out of a 35K capacity.

3. If we are in the championship and attract 20K every home match that will be brilliant.

4. Comparing the attendance to the last match of the Goldstone is hardly scientific, how about comparing it to the last 3 years at the Goldstone.

5. When the family stand regularily out sing the rest of the ground then, yes, we are currently a small family club.

 

[Row Z Creased Shirt]

Fair comments I think. There have been a few games where Withers has rocked and has proved it needn't be a graveyard. With all the moaning at the board, players and management to do better I think it is perfectly fair that the support should be asked to raise their game to.

We are part of the matchday experience too. Being a fan should be more than just about sitting back and waiting to be entertained. It's about getting behind your team (that why you are called a supporter, not viewer or audience member!) or failing that making your own entertainment if the on field action is somewhat lacking in excitement.

 

[SULLY COULDNT SHOOT]

Fair comments I think. There have been a few games where Withers has rocked and has proved it needn't be a graveyard. With all the moaning at the board, players and management to do better I think it is perfectly fair that the support should be asked to raise their game to.

We are part of the matchday experience too. Being a fan should be more than just about sitting back and waiting to be entertained. It's about getting behind your team (that why you are called a supporter, not viewer or audience member!) or failing that making your own entertainment if the on field action is somewhat lacking in excitement.

Withdean has been a fortress with superb support in the past and look how good the team was then. It's a chicken and egg scenario... not a theatre production. Fans + Players = success. Players + spectators = failure

 

[BensGrandad]

That is the view of many

 

[Brighton till i die]

i STRONGLY believe we should look at ground sharing with Crawley - yeah people might think its daft blah blah blah - but Crawley holds 4,500-5,000 - its got 4 stands, 3 of which are terraces , and on the odd accassion i've been there can be a great little ground with good atmosphere.

We wont fill Withdean again now, unless we go up this year and are pushing for the play-offs in the Championship (dont laugh!) - so why not get the f*** out of this depressing ground and use another stadium for a couple of years(crawley would be my 1st choice but anywhere fairly local).

i do think people are staying away til Falmer, which means we're also going to loose out on all the young potential fans going to Charlton!!



i await my grillin'

 

[Napper]

I normally arrive just before kick off as it is a nightmare trying to hold your piss for 45 mins as it is

 

[Napper]

i STRONGLY believe we should look at ground sharing with Crawley - yeah people might think its daft blah blah blah - but Crawley holds 4,500-5,000 - its got 4 stands, 3 of which are terraces , and on the odd accassion i've been there can be a great little ground with good atmosphere.

We wont fill Withdean again now, unless we go up this year and are pushing for the play-offs in the Championship (dont laugh!) - so why not get the f*** out of this depressing ground and use another stadium for a couple of years(crawley would be my 1st choice but anywhere fairly local).

i do think people are staying away til Falmer, which means we're also going to loose out on all the young potential fans going to Charlton!!



i await my grillin' [/QUOTe


surely at Crawley we'd get crowds of only 3k tops

 

[Uncle Spielberg]

I normally arrive just in time for KO as I dislike my ears being assaulted by 80s punk music every week, seeing girls prancing around out of time or a stupid bloke dressed as a bird.


BeachHut

That's the BEST part of the afternoon for me.

 

[Kylies Stunt Arse]

I normally arrive just in time for KO as I dislike my ears being assaulted by 80s punk music every week, seeing girls prancing around out of time or a stupid bloke dressed as a bird.

Basically you can't polish a turd and the gates will not increase as Withdean is the problem.

That is the view of many

It may be, but as all this happens before the game kicks off it's also pretty irrelevant. They aren't asking for you to show your support to Atilla's record collection, or to Gully, but to the team. While you may not think that any of these pre-match things do anything to help build atmosphere in the ground, I'm not sure that ANYTHING would. It IS difficult to raise an atmosphere at Withdean, partly because of the lack of a roof, partly due to seats, but mainly because the team have been a bit poor recently! It was noticeable on Tuesday that the atmosphere picked up after we'd missed the two simple chances. The crowd could sense that it could come and despite the frustrations of missing the crowd picked up a bit and got behind the team.

I completely agree with the guy that said Albion need to come out all guns blazing every week. Set the tone and the crowd respond.

 

[Gully]

I would take issue with the comments about northern clubs, some of their supporters can be the most fickle and objectionable when things aren't going their way, look at the Man Utd fans who formed their own club because they objected to the take-over by the Glaziers....how many Chelsea, Fulham or QPR fans (southerners) did you hear moaning when their clubs were taken over by foreign businessmen, not very many!

As to the effect of the music, Gully and his girls, I personally have no problem listening to punk/ska classics as it is my era and many who go to the game with kids have commented on here how much they like the pre-match entertainment...horses for courses, you can't please everyone but have to strike a happy medium.