I was in the south stand on friday and didn't hear the announcement either but that is not suprising as I was barely able to hear the soprano for all three songs prior to kick off.
You cannot compare the two types of stadia due to there difference in age. I have said for many years that Leeds fans sound louder, away at Wigan, than they do at home. This is due to the way the two roofs are designed. At Wigan and Warrington, even huddersfield, the roofs camber upwards allowing the sound to echo out. In the south stand the sound gets reverberated inside the low and double peaked roof. This makes it sound loud in the stand but nowhere else in the ground.
Given the predicament that Leeds are in over the South Stand and after reading the discussion and feckwitted comments on here I decided to do some of my own investigations as to whether the club should make the South Stand all seated or not. Bit of an Angela Powers style trip around the grounds, however not looking into useless items such as baby changing facilities, much more the atmosphere and appreciation of the supporters. This will continue on a weekly basis and score updated accordingly.
Week 1: Wigan
So after Friday nights bore and lack of atmosphere, I ventured down to the JJB yesterday to see what the supporters of Wigan could offer. Well, the atmosphere before the game was electric, and the 14000 strong crowd gave their team all their support throughout the game. The Wakefield fans were in good numbers and were also vocal and added to the superb atmosphere at the JJB.
One thing I did note was the outstanding reception given to Wigan and GB legend Ian Lucas at half time when he was invited onto the pitch at half time to conduct the golden gamble draw. As opposed to the half time at Headingley Carnegie, where the South Stand was asked to sing Happy Birthday to Harry Jepson, Current Leeds President, a tireless worker for the club and the game, and Leeds legend, and all of 4 people sang, there was more noise from the North Stand than there was from the “Hardcore Barmy Army!” From my point of view, this was embarrassing, and I was embarrassed to know people in the South Stand that evening. Mr Jepson deserved a much better act of appreciation.
After the game, the Wigan supporters (those that were left) applauded the Wakefield team off after their outstanding efforts in extremely difficult conditions. A very nice show of respect and sportsmanship in my opinion, which is sometimes lacking in modern day sport and society. In this, our family orientated game, this should be applauded, well done Wigan fans. Well enough of the arguments for this weeks edition, Round one goes to the all seated stand, as the JJB offered much greater sound amplification and atmosphere, as well as appreciation for their clubs’ legend.
South Stand 0 – All Seated Stadia 1
Loz was ill the other day, so the barmy army didn't have the same conducting skills!
I am really glad you've brought this up. It was, as you say, a complete embarrassment. To call the effort of our "legendary" Southstanders half hearted would be a gross exaggeration.
The fabled atmosphere from the Southstand is a complete fallacy. Knock it down and replace it with an all seater stand so we can earn extra revenue and have decent corporate facilities.
I was amazed when I watched the rerun on the telly on Saturday that the atmosphere sounded quite loud. I sit in the Carnegie and could hear very very little from the southstand on Friday. The Welsh boys in the Carnegie were making more noise.
Although I do have to say, I never heard any mention about anybody's birthday on Friday or any singing from anywhere to do with a birthday. (although the PA in the Carnegie stand did not seem to be working properly on Friday)
The BBC report also said they booed the team off at half time. Which doesn't sound like giving the team all their support. Or the BBC reporter lied, which is not impossible I suppose.
Only heard Wigan fans once and that was when players came out