This is a very good question. I agree with Whinger in a way. When the ref makes a poor call, the COUGAR chant starts, clapping and then the team dig in and put in a sterling defensive set usually is the catalyst for an atmosphere lift. However, I think the problem lies a bit deeper.
Stealth made a good point on another thread with the ages of the fans at the club. Maybe, if the club attracted more 16-25 year olds this would help.
What is missing from Cougarmania version 1? Maybe an eccentric MC who had some innovative ideas with an atmosphere build. Such comments like "IT'S FEEDING TIME" prior to kick off built the atmosphere. Yes, this was may be corny, but boy it worked! Far be it from me to criticise the current MC/DJ, but it's more formal now like a disco and nothing is done to build the atmosphere pre game. Due to the low crowds etc people now tend to arrive at 5 minutes to kick off whereras, in the days gone by you had to arrive at least 30 minutes before and this again meant an atmosphere build prior to kick off.
The club no longer use specific music for each player when points are scored. I remember son or a preacher man, wild thing, stoopy, woody woodpecker but to name a few. I'm suprised in a way we've not tried this again. It could help to give the player an identify and something the fans can relate to.
What about bringing a drum/trumpet in the ground? Is this allowed?
I'm certainly of the opinion the club need to think a little outside the box to try and build that match experience. It's not there at the moment. If I was a potential fan having tried out the last 2 home games, would I have been impressed with the whole package and want to come back for more, all things considered, No. The atmopshere being flat would be a big factor for me. I remember my first game back in 1993, it was the atmosphere and Mick on the tannoy that grabbed me initially. The quality of rugby that day was not great, but the Cougars won.
The fickle fans will follow a winning team. Certainly success for the Cougars will swell the gates, but I don't think more fans exclusively will mean an atmosphere lift.
There are some passionate people on this forum who want to help the club and lift the atmosphere. Let's all get our ideas noted on here and see what we as fans and supporters can do the help, i.e. cheap wins. I know the club is running on a low budget and probably can't afford to implement a drastic overhall of the matchday experience, but may the small things we as fans can do may help.
