Stilecards, shmilecards...

15 August 2003

With letters through the post and several articles on the official web site and elsewhere, Albion fans are probably fed up of hearing about the new Stilecards and how to use them - in fact, we here at BOING have almost tried to avoid the subject.

But after the problems on Tuesday against Brentford with only a small crowd, where the turnstiles at the Smethwick End gave up the ghost shortly before kickoff and caused mayhem, we though it might be wise to give out a few pointers so that nobody misses the kickoff.

In general, most people seem to have had no problem using either the cards or the barcoded paper tickets. When you use either one, the computer system checks its records to see whether you have paid for the game and whether you have entered the ground already before deciding whether or not to release the turnstile and let you in. The system is supposed to show coloured lights inside the turnstile to indicate what type of ticket you used to get in so that stewards can spot people using the wrong type of ticket - but all we could see were red and green lights flashing like Christmas trees, so perhaps you have to know what you're looking for!

Obviously, there are going to be people with problems with their individual cards and tickets, but judging from Tuesday night there should be plenty of stewards on hand to try and sort them out. In the meantime, we suggest you take a good look at all the information in order to make it as painless as possible. For now, here are our "golden rules" for the new system:

• Arrive in plenty of time! Lots of time!! You can always have a beer or look at the new sticker album in the 100 page programme if you get in early
• Use the turnstiles indicated on your card. Each set of turnstiles has it's own computer, and it only knows about the cards and tickets that are supposed to use those turnstiles - they won't work in any others
• Stilecards should be held just in front of the reader, while barcoded paper tickets are pushed into the orange slot, barcode end up and pushed in first
• Wait for the card or ticket to be accepted before you push on the turnstile itself to go through otherwise there's a rumour that the poor thing gets confused and doesn't let you in.

And while we're on the subject:

Those at the Brentford game will have heard a few announcements about some other new rules - poor old Matt must have felt like the headmaster at assembly when he read them out at half time! Because of pressure from the safety authorities - and, we gather, quite a few complaints from other supporters, the club are going to be clamping down on standing during the game. Also, and long overdue, comes the news that the "No Smoking" rule in the East Stand is going to be strictly enforced. Non-smokers who've gone into the concourse area at half time will be very glad to see that one put into action.

And finally, "Liquidator" is very much on probation; if the swearing that accompanies it doesn't stop, the music will. Although the signs were encouraging from Tuesday - in fact, it was almost eerie hearing it played without the chanting - it was less than half a capacity crowd and Saturday could well be a big nail in it's coffin if people don't heed the warnings. As one who's getting just a bit fed up of being asked to "Stand up, if you hate the W****s" four or five times a game, I don't think I'll miss the abuse...

 - Finbarr

Previous Stories:

  13 August 2003:  Hulse 'goes down too easy'

  09 August 2003:  Marsh: Still a one-eyed Cockney.....

  05 August 2003:  Walsall sell-out

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