Ann’s notes from the Cardiff City programme
- Read Ann Hough's notes from Cardiff City GUAH- Operations Director on South Stand segregation
- New method expected for start of 2017/18 season
Operations Director Ann Hough used her page in the Cardiff City edition of Town’s official match day programme, Give Us An H, to detail changes in the way home and away fans will be segregated in the Chadwick Lawrence Cowshed in the 2017/18 season.
Read Ann’s notes below from this weekend’s sold-out programme, which explains the new system in the South Stand for next season.
“Having home supporters in the newly christened Chadwick Lawrence Cowshed all season has been a fantastic success, which is why the Club has sold Season Cards in that area for the first time for the upcoming 2017/18 campaign. As such, it was no surprise to see the allocation sell out quickly.
“On the back of that success, one of the subjects I’ve discussed with fans frequently is the level of segregation between home and away supporters. These discussions have been on an individual basis and via the official ‘All Together Town’ consultation panel.
“At all stages, safety of supporters was the primary factor behind any decision on segregation. At the same time, the Club has worked with KSDL and the Stadium Safety Panel to reduce this – and increase the seats available in that area – whenever possible.
“Working together with KSDL and the safety team, the Club has now come up with a new segregation system that we expect to be in place for the start of the 2017/18 season.
“The system is based on Norwich City’s method and, as such, I accompanied Phil and Jayne Armitage from KSDL on a visit to Carrow Road in March. That helped us understand the method and discuss how we could adapt that to Huddersfield Town’s needs and the John Smith’s Stadium requirements.
“Subsequently, our proposal has been received and approved by the Stadium’s Safety Advisory Group and is in the early stages of being created by local firm, the Richard Alan Group. A simple metal frame, it includes a ‘fake step’ that creates a channel up the stand for stewarding. It takes up the space of three seats.
“Another feature of the new system is that it can be moved. The Stadium is creating two different positions that the rail can be fitted, in blocks three or four, so that we can change the position depending on the respective allocations given to away supporters.
“It took Norwich City three attempts to get this system to work as it does today, but thanks to their help and some hard work from all parties, we will be ready to go come the first game of next season.
“On behalf of myself and the football club, I’d like to thank everyone who has worked with us to make this possible.
“As the project progresses, the Club’s MarComms team will post updates on Town’s social media channels and on htafc.com.
“As always, fan experience is at the top of the agenda for everyone at Huddersfield Town, combined with the safety of supporters. I believe this change is the latest investment in making your experience at Town games as enjoyable as it can be.”
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