Allowing supporters back into grounds

[medibot]

Of course you could e-mail Bruce.

But not everyone knows Bruce as the selfless chairman who gets nothing but grief out of the job.

We're a slightly bigger club than we were twenty years ago.

Obviously we can't share every detail of the day to day running of the business.

But I don't think it's an overwhelmingly complicated question to ask why we need to steward a game with no fans, why St John's need to attend, why we need two different commentators per half and a massive tech support side and why strikers are key needs three people to draw it and why the stand looks so busy on a Saturday.

I have absolutely no doubt that Sutton are observing all the rules & Covid protocols but not everyone has the privilege of knowing why that is the case.

A two or three paragraph article/post explaining why we need to steward an empty ground, police it, provide medical support, allow every away team their full Covid secure allowance would not be much effort but might placate some people who don't realise quite how necessary every person they see on the matchday stream is.

[markf]

I would direct you to my post on the Kings Lynn thread to give some idea of what those attending do and in particular the stewards and who decreed that necessary.

Would add that stewards are not allowed to retrieve balls, that is job of designated ball retrievers (boys not really appropriate) who all have to wear disposable gloves.

Whilst it appears to have stopped being so because players instinctively go for the nearest available ball, referees are meant to be not allowing the practice of "multi ball" hence the need for ball retrieval.

The amount of medics required under the protocols including doctors, a nurse and the st j a is greater than in normal times and they would be located in the GGL wing of the stand along with media, scouts and in some cases, visiting officials.

I don't have the full details of protocols but I would have thought they are accessible over the internet and as Tim said that perhaps those with concerns should contact the club rather than discuss on an open forum but the above is what I have learnt and is an attempt to curtail this unnecessary debate.

All everyone needs to know is that anybody from SUFC seen on the streaming has or is performing a matchday duty under the Covid protocols for elite sport.

[medibot]

There we go. I appreciate the reply, Frakey.

As somebody who has spent the last four months having to enforce every Covid Protocol going in their day job just because something seems stupid doesn't mean it isn't legally necessary.

[Rupert Scallywag]

My first thoughts about stewards are they need to be there to ensure no one gets INTO the ground. If someone comes along to take a chance on seeing the match and fancy climbing a wall to do so, we need to have a prescence there to deal with the situation. That and the fact we probably have an obligation to have a certain amount on matchdays anyway.

Just a guess.

[kpinwp]

I have no objection to the question being asked. It's a perfectly reasonable question.

What I think is unecessary (or completely pointless) is when the question is repeatedly asked by the same individual. And when, in response to all of the many answers and detailed information that are offered in reply, by many different people, that individual simply repeats the same question again. And again. And again. Because it reaches a point where it's not even about 'the question' anymore.

But, I suppose that opinion may have cut through in some of my previous posts.

[Rupert Scallywag]

Some years ago when that same individual asked a question that had previously been discussed and answered I replied with a link to the thread where the discussion had taken place. I was simple told to F$%& off.

Having said that, when not trolling he can make some good points.

[kpinwp]

I'm sure I can be a complete goat myself, at times.

But I try not to be that on here. As some kind of hobby.

[Andy K]

[brisfitboy]

I know that 2,000 is a fair number to let into a football ground but it’s a shame that Sutton is classed as a tier 2 area just because we are in “London”, I’m sure that there would be a few more in the ground if we were in tier 1. But always look on the bright side 👍🙏🥳

[Andy K]

Nov 23, 2020 15:14:53 GMT brisfitboy said:

I know that 2,000 is a fair number to let into a football ground but it’s a shame that Sutton is classed as a tier 2 area just because we are in “London”, I’m sure that there would be a few more in the ground if we were in tier 1. But always look on the bright side 👍🙏🥳

Confirmed by the PM's announcement just now. Tier announcements for post 2nd Dec announced on Thursday.

[davef]

Well, this came as a bolt from the blue.  We have not seen any official guidelines yet but don't be surprised if our permitted capacity is fewer than 2,000.  I would imagine we will be required to revert to the plans that were being put in place back in September.

[Andy K]

Nov 23, 2020 16:10:49 GMT davef said:

Well, this came as a bolt from the blue.  We have not seen any official guidelines yet but don't be surprised if our permitted capacity is few than 2,000.  I would imagine we will be required to revert to the plans that were being put in place back in September.

From what I've been reading today, it seems like you are in good company. Many clubs on social media saying that this is the first they have heard of this.

[Del]

Also a lot will depend upon what tier we are in after lockdown.

[steveo77]

My first reaction was - good news but 2000 seems a bit many?

I dont understand how we can go from not allowing anyone in to suddenly that figure when cases are actually rising in Sutton for the first time in months!

I would come back if say 1000 are allowed but might give the first game a miss to be honest if 2000 are allowed in.

[steveo77]

Nov 23, 2020 16:25:14 GMT Del said:

Also a lot will depend upon what tier we are in after lockdown.

Highly likely Sutton will be tier 2