I've just received an e-mail from Martin Vickers which states that the South Stand will be closed for the opening three fixtures of the season, with regular South Standers filling up the East Stand along the touchline.

Does anyone else think this is a ridiculous decision? As a South Stander, it has really angered me. What's more; the e-mail sent out today contradicts a lot of what was said in [iyesterday's[/i e-mail.

My personal feeling on this is that it is not a good idea to displace those of us who have made a conscious decision to [istand[/i in a particular area of the ground.

It has taken years to create some sort of atmosphere in the South Stand, and whilst I concede that it pales in comparison to that of the Old Shed, to me it doesn't seem like a good idea to make us abandon our usual spots on the terrace. I cannot see any positive effect that closing the South Stand will have. I also can't fathom how you can create any sort of atmosphere in a stand which is fully seated!

I imagine standing up in the East Stand will be tolerated. This is a proviso for a lot of people asking for the switch.

Lets face it, there is absolutely no atmosphere in the South Stand, none, zilch, nada.

I see the closure of the South Stand as a real chance to recreate something like the atmosphere that was generated from The Shed. A prime viewing spot for starters (unlike the South where you cant see what's happening anywhere beyond the 20m line) will allow fans to react to most incidents during a game, there will also be more supporters in a concentrated space than there has been since the AJ Bell opened.

Standing wont be an issue, as long as you're not stood on the front row and are sensible about it. If you want to stand, make your towards the back rows of the stand. Those who want to sing, congregate as close to the half-way line as possible and lets see what happens.

I can see that some, perhaps the majority, will welcome the idea. I guess there's no harm in giving it a go.

JGR; I disagree that the South Stand isn't a decent viewing spot. For me, you can't beat the thrill of seeing a Salford player sticking the ball over the try line right in front of you; pumping their chests and getting the South Stand bouncing. I can't imagine being a player celebrating a try in front of a large, empty stand. It just wouldn't feel right.

I suppose it's down to personal preference and the club aren't going to please everyone all (any?!) of the time.

fans have asked for ages to go in east stand now they can , some can't help but moan..it's only 3 games..

Haven't fans been able to go in the East Stand before this announcement? Surely if fans wanted to move to the East Stand, they would have done so by now.

Another small[iish[/i point - I remember a couple of occasions last season where it started raining heavily, and the first 5 or 6 rows of seats in the East Stand were abandoned because the roof didn't provide adequate cover.

Is there a guarantee that you can stand up? Don't do sitting down at games.

Can see bedlam ensuing with the security Nazis if so many people stand.

Fair enough, I suppose its swings and roundabouts. Instead of emerging from the tunnel to an empty East Stand, for the first games they should be greeted by a brimming stand shouting and singing.

I spent the first couple of seasons of our switch to the AJ Bell Stadium in the South and we didn't score anywhere near enough tries to enjoy that thrill you mention. I also couldn't see anything at all beyond the 20m and might as well not been at the game when Salford were attacking the North Stand. Unlike other grounds, the elevation of the South seems very low which affects the view significantly.

The only time anyone has really made any good atmosphere at the AJ Bell was when Widnes all decided to congregate in the East Stand they wiped the floor with us that night it gave their players a huge boost, I think it's a brilliant move from the club there has never been a good atmosphere in the South Stand even for big games. I can't see why anyone would not see the benefit.

Only a small issue given we are not on TV that much anyway but surely given the fact that the cameras face towards the East Stand it will be a lot better having a crowd in the East Stand rather than an empty stand.Most other teams fans are already of the opinion that we have no fans so why feed the beast.Give it a go and i am sure all the SouthStanders will be able to generate a good atmosphere from the East Stand.

Can't believe that I'm the only one who think that the stewards will cause issues if everyone wishes to stand, I'm not sure on the legalities but if you're in a seated section are you allowed too strand continuously?

I base this on my poor experience at Old Trafford for the world cup final a couple of years ago, if we stood for more than a minute or so someone was over threatening turfing us out if we didn't sit down.

I really don't want if at all possible to have to sit down at games, always stood and would much prefer to do so until time catches up with me and I have no other option but to park my ar$e.

Yeah we know, we've seen you

That's too long for one of my skirts lad.

More like it..

You've met the ex wife then.

Fair play to the club on this. A lot of people have said that this should have always been trialled so given it is only for 3 games to gauge how well it goes in a stand that otherwise would not be open I think can't harm. I am a south stander and find the view as JGR says to be pretty poor (and that's from right at the back!). Yes some will not like it and understand some prefer the end but surely this is worth giving a go is it not to see if it does have a positive impact on not only atmosphere but also crowd numbers.

As long as the club can get an agreement with the SMG and G4 to allow 1 person to stand to each chair then safety must be covered. We do similar do we not at away grounds such as Hudds and Widnes with no issue so why not at the AG Bell. It must though be pointed out it is standing only and no seating and if someone does choose to try and sit, then cannot complain with a poor view.

For me no harm in trying this at all.