The atmosphere was good when we were in the Championship, most would actually say better then in the PL.

Attendances were usually higher than 10,000 then, not sure why you think that they would drop that dramatically.

To allow the singing section to grow and to emulate the Ultra's of some of the European teams, remember how it looked at sounded at Wembley ? imagine that at every home game.

To Improve on the atmosphere at Selhurst getting it back to how it used to be and moving on to make it even better.

To generate revenue for the club in HF Merchandise, Whether you agree or like them is immaterial the HF could well be a valuable marketable commodity for the club to exploit, paying members etc etc all good stuff.

They have been around 13 years and are a very established part of our support that are very Vocal and put there hands in their own pockets for displays etc that we all enjoy and are proud of. Surely the hard work they put in for Match days gives them some credence over Your average supporter (myself included).

But the main reason, is that it will be for the good and benefit for the club as whole, yes some people such as the people on here who refuse to debate and just insult me , may have to move seats, and personally I see that as a small price to pay for improving the atmosphere making it the best in the premiership and the envy of every other club in the UK.

And I am sorry to say the small mindedness of a few on here is exactly why we will always be a small club in South London if they had their way. It's almost as if because they've been going for a number of years it gives them some higher power and importance over other fans who actually dig deep for the club, which is exactly what they accuse the HF of.

The HF could be a very marketable brand for the club and I think SP is well aware of that, and in this premiership era money talks loudest of all.

I really feel for George and Mildred who have sat there for years and been (quiet) loyal supporters, but times change, things move on and standing in the way of progress is a very inward way of looking at things.

Incidentally I would move in a heart beat before you ask. I also have been going to Palace since I was about 6 so been supporting the mighty Palace for 40 odd years, so just as long in tooth as some of the people on here who think SP should hang his head in shame (LOL) but I'm not adverse to change especially if it improves the atmosphere at our club, which currently is flatter than a witches tit.

Respectfully I have to disagree

There will be a 200 person waiting list once they've filled the 400. Probably many people not really suited to it but this is the new sexy.

And I reckon this will be the future for many copycat clubs. Watch Huddersfield and Watford. Leicester has been desperate to do this for ages. Whoever shows the way, there will be many on their tails.

Edited by Mapletree (21 Nov 2018 6.26pm)

Thanks for an clear and honest response of your opinions.

Just think we'll have to disagree about the 'marketable brand' that is the HF. I think they'll struggle to find 400 singers prepared to commit to a ST in Block E. I also believe their 'Ultras' viewpoint is a million miles away from the vast majority of English football fans in the Premier League era.

But then again, I could be wrong!

I dont get the crying over the f***ing seat.

if the stand was being pulled down you go.
& sod the HF too, they & you are short term.
HF are current, you or them may decide in a year or two not to go.

its not yours or their seat, its temp.
the club want to change things, that's it.
move.

Fair enough, you don't get it

For those that do, a lot of it is about respect. And about fairness. It feels like those that have been around a long time are now past their sell by date, the club just doesn't care about them any more.

That is not, in general, how social clubs work. In essence that is what a football club is for most of us, IMHO. Otherwise we'd watch whatever team is playing the best football, rather than 'supporting'.

Generally you show respect for those that have helped establish, grow and nurture the club - making it better for those that come next. Hence we clap when the old players come back to visit. Recently some of the most loyal fans have been shown clear disrespect

And also, many of them will just not come any more as their social groups are broken up, the seats are harder to get to, old people have to sit in the rain and the more infirm lose their helpers etc.