Following an e-petition being signed by over 100,000 football fans across the country, safe-standing is set to be debated within the Houses of Parliament. But should it be implemented at Brisbane Road if approved?
Safe-standing is appearing to be the next big craze that is sweeping the footballing nation as many fans across the country appear to be in favour of the change. However, should safe-standing be introduced at Leyton Orient?
Well, there are generally two types of football fans at every club - the ones that sing and the ones that don't. Safe-standing helps produce a more tribal atmosphere and create a sense of identity amongst the supporters and especially for the fans who want to sing their hearts out for ninety minutes.
However, will it be beneficial to the club?
In an article published by Joe.co.uk, Jon Darch, operator of the Safe Standing Roadshow, discusses all about the new initiative.
Within this article, it states that the installation of safe-standing could cost as much as £80 per seat. If the Leyton Orient board decided to create a safe-standing section of around 500 seats, this could cost the club within the region of £40,000.
Given our present situation, although fans across the county are crying for their clubs to introduce safe-standing - is it wise for Leyton Orient to introduce it at this time?
Nonetheless, there is simply no denying the atmosphere it will create at the Breyer Group Stadium if it was introduced. Within the article previously mentioned, Darch discusses the benefits of safe-standing:
"English football culture lends itself to standing. For 25 years plus in all-seater grounds that’s been on a make-do basis, in ‘signing sections’ and with a blind eye turned by the stewards. In a future with rail seating, those fans who enjoy standing up at the match will be able to do so in far greater safety.
“What’s more, by providing them with dedicated, purpose-built areas for standing, the clubs will be showing those fans how much they value that element of football culture and how much they appreciate the catalytic effect that standing fans have on the atmosphere around the stadium and thus on the level of enjoyment for everyone present.”
Safe-standing has already been introduced and with great success in the UK. Celtic Park currently has a safe-standing capacity of 2,900 and the atmosphere inside the stadium has been simply electric.
Although it may not be wise to introduce it now, safe-standing, in my opinion, should certainly be an avenue that Leyton Orient should explore in the future.
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