How Southampton fans reacted to proposed St Mary's changes

This will see away supporters relocated elsewhere in the ground, with the current family stand touted as the potential destination. 

Saints CEO Phil Parsons hopes the changes, proposed in partnership with the Fan's Advisory Board, will further improve the atmosphere. 

Saints will continue consultation with supporters before changes begin. Here is how Saints fans reacted online and in the Daily Echo... 

Mock-up of redeveloped Northam Stand at St Mary's (Image: Southampton FC)

Home-only Northam end

Daily Echo user Poole Tom said: "Liverpool wouldn't have away fans in the Kop so likewise Saints shouldn't have away fans in the Northam."

Peter Ray added: "Should have done it years ago. All teams need a 'noisy' end like the kop and the holte end etc.

Lowe Esteem added: "First and foremost there should always be a proper home end. That's what so many of us wanted from day one at St Mary's."

On Facebook, Alan Murray said: "About time have been campaigning for this for a long time."

On X, formerly known as Twitter, users added: 

Grounds have potential for more points. Architecture of The Dell achieved this. Let’s change St Mary’s. I’ll definitely only go to the Northam. Fans attend and sing to lose themselves. But it definitely helps to put points on the board. Group performance affected by storming.

— Geoff Lindsay (@geoff_ge73832) January 17, 2024

THE RED WALL!#SaintsFC https://t.co/DLdYMX5RPV

— Callum (@CallumUTS) January 16, 2024

Icl with the new stadium layout next season. I think the new big stand will end up being a family stand and most inchen/northern boys will move to away fan area #SaintsFC

— John Raymond (@JohnRay04501051) January 16, 2024

Safe standing 

Daily Echo user swinging arm of channon expressed: "Moving the away fans - good. Safe standing - bad, no such thing."

By contrast, daftkerplunk said: "Hopefully the whole stand will be made safe standing soon after an initial period with them just at the back. This is a positive move."

On Facebook, Russ Collins said: "Safe standing lol, at some grounds they stand now regardless of the seat."

On X, users added: 

For all those saying they will move to where the Away lot will be. But you won't be able to stand. They let us stand now, but you move to be near the away lot, you’ll have to sit. No way standung will be tollerated in any part of the ground but where the safe standing will be

— saintsmush (@RalphsRednWhite) January 16, 2024

Away fans moving 

Daily Echo reader Noogie That Knave!!! said: "This will please a lot of the 'when are the away fans being moved' crowd."

San Marco said: "I think the current set-up allows the away fans to be too dominant."

However, SCUM ARMY expressed their concern, saying: "Will destroy the atmosphere moving the away fans. No banter no atmosphere, just reduce the away allocation."

On Facebook, Lesley Lloyd added: "You have to put away fans in the corner. The players should have all Saints fans each end of the stadium behind the goals."

Terry Howard said: "So I'm guessing us in Itchen North will be moved which isn't a problem but the banter with away fans can be quite good."

On X, users added: 

From a selfish perspective I’d be gutted if they’re moved as they’ve provided huge entertainment this season!

— Jambo Saint (@MidlandScotsman) January 16, 2024

Get it done. Always feel there’s an advantage for the away team when their fans are behind a goal. Get them in a corner.

— Lee Fielder (@leebrianfielder) January 16, 2024

Family stand relocation 

Daily Echo user SaintJD said: "I see they plan to put the way fans in the current Family Centre. We need to respond to the consultation and give them reasons why this is a bad idea."

On Facebook, Jonathan Ward added: "Where are they going to put the family area. I mean it's kind of funny thinking of a bunch of Millwall fans giving it large to 5 year olds and their mums but it's probably not ideal."

Without sounding too wet, I’m a bit worried about how this is going to impact the family section. I hope we can be moved to another area with an isolated concourse, and the vibe remains relaxed.

— Dan Steele (@dan_of_steele) January 16, 2024

All for this if it creates a better atmosphere. As long as they don’t move the family stand to the kingsland north or anywhere near block 34 I’m a happy man. #SaintsFC https://t.co/iieTfHVOZI

— James Sharland (@JamesSharland10) January 16, 2024