Debbie Cook interview

Quoted from Simon

In the list of improvements to BP Debbie didn't mention the dilapidated PA system, please tell me this has been done as its currently not fit for purpose

Thank you for bringing that up, i did last week and emailed Dave smith as yet still no reply. Sitting in the main stand the PA system is appalling, if we had to evacuate the stand other than watching every one pour onto the pitch we'd not stand a chance.

Yeah last nite in top of findus was utterly indecipherable and previously I've usually been able to make it out up there

The PA system is an odd one, in so much that it's one of the ground's obvious achilles heel's, and so it's surprising it hasn't been given the love that other, perhaps less obvious areas have in terms of investment. As much as I like crowd noise to be as organic as possible, pre-match music and PA announcements are nevertheless useful tools in generating atmosphere and as already noted, there is the serious point of needing to convey important information to the crowd in the event of an emergency.

I understand that the replacement of the existing system would be very costly, and that's the primary reason it hasn't been upgraded, however there must be cheaper alternatives, such as the temporary large speaker that was brought in between the Pontoon and Main Stand on occasion ahead of big games in the past.

All that said, it's clear that the club is being run with competence right now, and so I'm sure this is an oversimplification of the situation and / or the costs involved.

I do wonder whether the whole New Stadium thing and their refusal to commit to one, instead focusing on BP is a little bit of a smokescreen. We've spent at least 25 years, probably longer pushing for a new stadium with various issues or delays along the way much to our frustration as a fanbase, be that because you want a stadium or you're fed up with constant failure on the topic. Or both.

Given how we've seen 1878 be heavily focused on fan engagement and taking their views into account (for the most part, acknowledging the badge brigade), I wonder how much is being developed/planned in the background that is not spoken out loud until something of genuine substance and credentials can move forward.

I know so much can become public through planning permissions etc and I'm sure lot's of other aspects too but I wouldn't be at all surprised if 1878 have scrapped everything that went before and are quietly building the foundations of a project that might actually come to fruition without extending the fans frustration over protracted (non)movement.

All the while recognising that until said project reaches a stage where it can be put into motion and building begins, BP does need improving and will commit to do so because all best laid plans can always fail.

Quoted from Poojah

The PA system is an odd one, in so much that it's one of the ground's obvious achilles heel's, and so it's surprising it hasn't been given the love that other, perhaps less obvious areas have in terms of investment. As much as I like crowd noise to be as organic as possible, pre-match music and PA announcements are nevertheless useful tools in generating atmosphere and as already noted, there is the serious point of needing to convey important information to the crowd in the event of an emergency.

I understand that the replacement of the existing system would be very costly, and that's the primary reason it hasn't been upgraded, however there must be cheaper alternatives, such as the temporary large speaker that was brought in between the Pontoon and Main Stand on occasion ahead of big games in the past.

All that said, it's clear that the club is being run with competence right now, and so I'm sure this is an oversimplification of the situation and / or the costs involved.

Or just get a man with a large voice and a bell.

O Yea. !    O Yez  !   O  Yez  !      

Quoted from grimsby pete

Or just get a man with a large voice and a bell.

O Yea. !    O Yez  !   O  Yez  !      

There used to be a bloke who stood in the Barratt stand with the loudest voice I have ever heard. Regardless of who we were playing he always shouted the same thing every week: 'Bloody rubbish number seven'

I took in a Salisbury Town home fixture last season while visiting family, and their ground PA was clear and loud enough in each stand, we could stroll around the stands to go to the toilets and their bar areas, so got announcements on 3 sides quite easily.

I assume that surveys have been done so as to split the power amplifiers into individual stands, with ability to raise  or lower volumes as needed.

The quality and size of loudspeakers has vastly improved, even given that they need to be waterproof if positioned in open areas. Poor wiring can also effect speakers working to their clarity and I guess that those which are in place has been there for years.

A new speaker is a waste of money if the wiring is not up to standard. Loop impedance tests will prove if wiring replacement is needed. Bad connections into speakers can also effect output and clarity.

I would assume that all of these common problems, along with amplifier volume and setting tests for correct output frequencies, have been surveyed prior to getting new equipment quotes??

Quoted from acko338

I

I assume that surveys have been done so as to split the power amplifiers into individual stands, with ability to raise  or lower volumes as needed.

The quality and size of loudspeakers has vastly improved, even given that they need to be waterproof if positioned in open areas. Poor wiring can also effect speakers working to their clarity and I guess that those which are in place has been there for years.

A new speaker is a waste of money if the wiring is not up to standard. Loop impedance tests will prove if wiring replacement is needed. Bad connections into speakers can also effect output and clarity.

I would assume that all of these common problems, along with amplifier volume and setting tests for correct output frequencies, have been surveyed prior to getting new equipment quotes??

I do believe that under JF. At the start of each season we switched it all off for 30 seconds then back on again.
Surely that would have cured any Gremlins in the system !!

I seem to remember they looked at quotes to replace it and the cost was obscene - or am I misremembering?

It seems bizarre that either the efl or a ground safety officer hasn't shut the ground until it's sorted . It's dangerous on so many levels .

I might be playing devils advocate but there's something in it