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| Andrew Hynds: |
The thought of Linfield moving from Windsor Park is one that requires serious consideration, in times when attendance at "home" games are a far cry from the 1950/60s. Of course a move from our present location should not be as earth shattering as it first seems, when the move in question (as suggested) could be only as far as Midgely Park, of course the name "Windsor Park" must undoubtedly remain, with perhaps an update to "New Windsor Park".
Of course there is likewise the senario that our present "home" could be modernised to meet today's requirements for both sport and spectators.
Yet realistically the time will come when Northern Ireland international fixtures are relocated to a proposed new venue, meaning a subsequent loss of revenue from these games to Linfield Football Club. Therefore all of us who have loyally followed the "Blues" for decades, must realise, if we like it or not, that our club must move with the times, and if that requires a move to a "New Windsor", so be it.
I've always been a fanatic of Bob Dylan, and of course Linfield, therefore the 60's anthem "The Times They Are A-changin" by Dylan, in relation to the "Blues" is very relevant.
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| Bluesbros: |
At last we are getting some sense spoken about `Windsor`. I have thought similar things about a `New Location` for Windsor.
We do need a new Stadium and its capacity should be for c. 10,000. It should be all-seater and be purpose built to be used for community activities.
The idea of Midgley is feasible. Its location is good- near the main artery `MI` - and it is in a busy Shopping/industrial Location. Perhaps a new access route on to the Motor-way could be built thus helping traffic-Flow after a match.
My only reservation is that it may not be big enough to have a decent car-park but the adjoining streets (Boucher Road et al) surely could accomodate any overflow of Traffic.
The point is that we must have a ground that can -accomodate Social needs-has rooms for supporters` clubs to meet- and indeed outlets/shop(s) for retail trade.
Finance would be raised as per your suggestions- Sale of current ground-plus Government Money- plus Football Trust Money-plus IFA compensation..
Above all else we must retain our reputation as the `Premier Club` in Ireland.
So come on Management Committee - thinking caps on-get moving- set the Ball rolling. |
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| John Harbinson: |
I thought I'd write to let you know that your views on the redevelopment/relocation of Windsor Park were very well thought out and, even though there would be howls of derision from many of the Linfield stalwarts, I have to agree that progression must take place to ensure a future for the Blues.
For many years now I have sat in the South stand bending my neck around the pillars, seeing players disappear for a second or two behind them and then noticing the ball flying into the box from apparent obscurity. I know that it's only really when the Glens come to us that the North stand comes into it's own, but the Glentoran support adds everything to the big-two matches, and the further up the South stand you have to go to get a decent view of the action the more of the Glentoran support vanishes, and I realise that it's the football we should be concentrating on but I feel personally that fans of either team should be in full view of each other to increase the atmosphere. The roofing on the South stand just doesn't add to this at all and really only acts as a retainer for the cigar buffs who continually obliterate vision with their lethal Cuban stogies.
Windsor is a perfect example of all that's good and bad about the Irish League top flight, a stadium that's better than every other ground but one that generates very little atmosphere when it comes to the lesser games with minimal travelling support. I have brought my wife to games as well as my nephews, and although they enjoy the derby's as well as the European ventures it's hard to explain to them why the North stand is empty most of the time, the kop half-filled, the railway stand depressing and the south stand quite archaic in comparison with those left of it and straight ahead. I concede that the facilities keep us to the South, those being the bars and new 'superstore', but our viewing lounge has windows similar to the ones replaced free to residents of my old estate, there's only a limited 'view' anyway and the toilets are a poor reflection on what most people conceive as the best facilitated club in the league. The toilets in the club under the South stand are disgusting and cramped and the general South stand back-stage area exceptionally bland. You're totally correct when you state that the Park has a 100 year history, but that doesn't necessarily constitute a good thing as, like most 100 year old men, it doesn't matter if you buy them an Armani suit and get them listening to Eminem to try and bring them up to date, underneath it all they're still 100 and there's no changing that no matter how much you force it.
Don't get me wrong, I love Windsor and adore Linfield F.C., but I concede to the inevitable changes required to bring us properly into the next century. We're currently remnants of the last one and have the financial capacity to be trendsetters for the resurgence of an Irish League. Let the IFA sort out the International wranglings without it even affecting us in the future while we get on with the weekly annihilation of clubs around us in the atmospheric surroundings of a stadium purpose built for Linfield and not Northern Ireland. Pick a name from the past to name the ground (it would be an interesting discussion figuring out who to name the Park after, Bambrick, Dickson and Milburn to name but a few), but whatever happens, whether we choose to rebuild or stay, change is inevitable, as is the fact that Linfield will always dominate at the highest level whether at Windsor or not. |
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| view from N America: |
...as a lifelong blueman, I was a kid about eight years old when they won the seven, skipped school with my buddies midweek just to watch them play. God what a team, so you can see how many years I have followed the Blues. I now live in North America
but follow the team throughout your great site. Keep up the great work for all us Bluemen worldwide .
Also as much as I have loved Windsor Park and have great memories, a new Stadium just for Linfield would be fantastic. It could be used for everyone in the Linfield family - supporters clubs, local community - stores, bars ect!. The ideas are endless. Linfield would have a new stadium and enterprises generating income for the club so Linfield could then look at becoming a full time organization.
Just my ten cents worth. |
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