Southampton plan to create home-only Northam end with safe standing

The club confirmed changes to the matchday organisation will follow "over the coming months" after further consultation with supporters. 

Provisional plans to create a home end in the Northam will see away supporters moved to another area of the stadium. 

Saints have been in regular consultation with police over the last few months to overcome the logistical challenges involved. 

The plan sees safe standing inserted into the upper tier of the Northam with standard seating remaining in the lower tier. 

Saints are looking to build upon the atmosphere at St Mary's following regular sell-out crowds, including the last three home fixtures in a row. 

The planned changes are a result of direct feedback from fans and consultation with the club’s Fan Advisory Board around improvements to the stadium.

Saints are looking to further improve the atmosphere at St Mary's Stadium (Image: Southampton FC)

Work to bring Wi-Fi to the stadium bowl is already underway and now Saints are inviting fans to give their feedback and voice their opinions.

Fans are asked to keep an eye on their emails in the coming weeks to complete a survey around the changes as it enters a consultation period.

Small focus groups will also be organised by the club - anyone wishing to join those discussions will need to register their interest in advance.

Phil Parsons, CEO of Saints, said: “Our fans are the lifeblood of the club, and we want to ensure the best possible atmosphere for years to come, so we’re excited to be making these important upgrades to St Mary’s.

“We’ve been listening to fan feedback, consulting with our Fan Advisory Board and we know moving the away end to create a full home end in the Northam is something a lot of our fans have been wanting for a long time.

“A lot of work has already taken place behind the scenes to get us to this stage and I would encourage all fans to complete the survey or take part in a focus group if they can to share their views with us.”​

Mike Sadler, Fan Advisory Board co-chair, added: “For many years, Saints fans have said that having the Northam end split between home and away fans has reduced the atmosphere and helped away teams.

"The Fan Advisory Board represents fans, and support the club in their decision to create the full Northam end.

“We think this will greatly improve the atmosphere, and really help the team. 

"We are delighted that this is now going to happen and look forward to helping the club to progress this exciting project together with our fan base.”

The club statement adds: "Pending the outcome of the consultation period, we’re aiming to start work later this year.

"We're considering relocating away fans to the current family stand area. We’ll make sure a family-friendly environment is maintained throughout the changes.

"Specific areas will be designated for families and young fans."