Drumming Up Support

Fans are generally a territorial lot, sitting in the same seat or standing on the same step, week in, week out. I'm no different, having my spot on the North terrace which I always used to share with my lad. In 1997/8, his choice of university severely limited his attendance although Darlo, Hartlepool and Scarborough became less geographically challenging. In that first season of going on my own, I "how do'ed" to the same faces as I took up my spot. I even exchanged a few comments, particularly after moments of great excitement (rare), or at times of boredom/stress (common). Last season, partly through familiarity, but also due to the togetherness brought about by the fight for survival, I got to know Murray, Tommy, Neil, Graham, Dan, Ian, Peter, Mike (and others who are spared a name check due to dementia). These are the regulars who share my little bit heaven/hell for a couple of hours most home games.

Graham and Dan missed the Villa visit. Not through choice though. Graham travels to most home games from Newbury. I expect Graham was with us in spirit via Teletext though. Dan used to travel from Peterborough, although Dar-es-Salaam is proving a little more difficult. We didn't get the capacity crowd we had hoped for, but the home support was doubled from those who formed the lowest crowd of the day against Exeter. If they came to praise us rather than bury us, they would not have gone away disappointed. The only difference between us and the Villa that night (apart from 86 league places) was we were in blue and white. We were that good, keeping the same shape and system that had looked so good against Exeter. And the crowd responded magnificently. We need to keep those extra 1,800 Chester fans coming to the Deva every game, and if the team keeps playing like that they just might.

The ISA spent much of last season banging the drum of public awareness through posters, leaflets, the media and word of mouth. Adam and Lee have been drumming up support in more practical terms for some time now, from behind the goal on the North terrace. Thanks for all the effort lads, it really does make a big difference. Best wishes to Adam as he goes off to university tomorrow, we are going to miss the noise. However, I've seen a young apprentice snare drummer in recent weeks who could well develop into the band equivalent of Matty Doughty. I don't know his name but well-done son. Keep it up. If there is anyone else out there with drum, bugle, trumpet or whatever else to help Lee and generate a positive atmosphere, please get in touch with the Club shop or the ISA.

We have a hard core of loyal supporters, a growing camaraderie, an improving squad, and our first league win at Brighton. (I wish I'd been there to see us get a last minute winner.) The new community ticket scheme launched by the Club two weeks ago is another approach to drum up support. This is our Club. Any help you can offer is welcomed.

Les Smith ISA chairman

Other Articles
October		8 | 15 | 22 | 29
November		5 | 12 | 19 | 26
December		3 | 10 | 17 | 24 | 31
January		7 | 14 | 21 | 28
February		4 | 11 | 18 | 25
March		3 | 10 | 17 | 24 | 31
April		7 | 14 | 21 | 28
May		5 | 12 |
August		11 | 18 | 25
September		1 | 8 | 15 | 22 | 29
October		6 | 13