Chris71:BP1:UllFC:
Lets have top4 clashes, semi finals and finals. If we are being honest a lot of the games in the SL era have been non events for those outside the city like 6th vs 10th with neither side going near Old Trafford.
Apart from the 2010 play-off game, this one feels like it's all on the line for both clubs within the same derby, a real winner takes all feel to it. As you say, too many of the derbies post-2006 have had a mid-table air about them rendering them of only passing interest to neutrals. Not sure how my nerves would stand up to cup final derby these days when everything really would be at stake, but it would be nice to find out!
In todays world of where there’s blame there’s a claim no one will want to put their head on the chopping block be it the SMC, Council, Police or the RFL in terms of sanctioning the go ahead if the proverbial hit the fan again.
Sad but thems the facts and once again a minority of eejits have ruined it for the majority of decent fans.
Safety concerns will always be an easy out for those with the power.
The stadium wasn't designed with derby's in mind either in 1999 the idea of both clubs playing a sellout Derby wasn't even in either fanbases dreams as both clubs were skint and clinging on for survival.
Another issue is the SMC by design doesn't ever think outside of the box, if they make a profit they have to share it with the council so the mentality has for years now just been 'break even, don't do anything risky' which is why we've had no concerts, rarely get international rugby or football u21s etc anymore.
Plenty of clubs seat away fans above home fans, Newcastle and Sunderland being two examples so it can be done.
