Holmesdale Fanatics

[TheBigToePunt]

Yeah as I recall the old Holmesdale with no roof could generate a sonic boom louder than Concorde 🙄

All together now...

'Roof on the Holmesdale, we wanna roof on the Holmesdale, roof on the Holmesdale, we wanna roof on the Holmesdale...'

We're wasting our time, John. Noades well never spend that sort of money keeping us dry....

 

[TheBigToePunt]

The HF are a big loss to the club. For those saying the atmosphere was good before are talking BS. I had a season ticket near the front of block C for a few years in the early 2000’s around the time the HF started.

Prior to the HF, the back of block B would sing a little bit. No more than that. It was mostly ‘Eagles’, ‘Red n blue army’ and crap banter aimed at the away fans, who at the time were housed at the near end of the AW. The HF transformed things massively over time and have bought in tifo’s, passion, a constant din and numerous new chants, many of which have stuck (also many which never caught on).

The move to block E hasn’t really worked, but I understand the logic and intentions in moving to the middle, and under the roof to help spread the noise - like they have done so well at Wembley. I think the reality is that their forced move to displace other fans pissed off a few and backfired a bit.

I suspect (and hope) they come back as they make the Selhurst Park matchday a far better experience. My long term expectation has been that once the new stand opens, many of the quieter fans will move there for improved facilities which will free up space for the likeminded ‘singers’ to congregate in the middle of the lower tier/around the HF.

I’m one of those who loves singing for 90 minutes, but the usual outcome is that no one joins in, I become a nuisance and eventually lose my enthusiasm for it. I much prefer cup games as I can usually buy a ticket near the HF with other likeminded fans.

For those criticising them for not joining in with others - this is totalling inaccurate. Firstly, when you’re in the middle of it, you can’t hear what other parts of the stadium are singing. Secondly, the chap at the front with the megaphone actively tries to join in if he notices it - the reality is that by the time the HF join in, the chant has already finished because the typical English football fan can’t seem to chant for more then 20 seconds without a consistent drum beat to stick to - it just speeds up quickly and peters out.

I for one would love them back, but agree with others on here that they need to keep politics out. Whether you agree with them or not, it’s divisive. We should all just be united in supporting Palace.

This is a good post, I've learned a couple of things from it. Ta.

 

[brikolaz]

The HF are a big loss to the club. For those saying the atmosphere was good before are talking BS. I had a season ticket near the front of block C for a few years in the early 2000’s around the time the HF started.

Prior to the HF, the back of block B would sing a little bit. No more than that. It was mostly ‘Eagles’, ‘Red n blue army’ and crap banter aimed at the away fans, who at the time were housed at the near end of the AW. The HF transformed things massively over time and have bought in tifo’s, passion, a constant din and numerous new chants, many of which have stuck (also many which never caught on).

The move to block E hasn’t really worked, but I understand the logic and intentions in moving to the middle, and under the roof to help spread the noise - like they have done so well at Wembley. I think the reality is that their forced move to displace other fans pissed off a few and backfired a bit.

I suspect (and hope) they come back as they make the Selhurst Park matchday a far better experience. My long term expectation has been that once the new stand opens, many of the quieter fans will move there for improved facilities which will free up space for the likeminded ‘singers’ to congregate in the middle of the lower tier/around the HF.

I’m one of those who loves singing for 90 minutes, but the usual outcome is that no one joins in, I become a nuisance and eventually lose my enthusiasm for it. I much prefer cup games as I can usually buy a ticket near the HF with other likeminded fans.

For those criticising them for not joining in with others - this is totalling inaccurate. Firstly, when you’re in the middle of it, you can’t hear what other parts of the stadium are singing. Secondly, the chap at the front with the megaphone actively tries to join in if he notices it - the reality is that by the time the HF join in, the chant has already finished because the typical English football fan can’t seem to chant for more then 20 seconds without a consistent drum beat to stick to - it just speeds up quickly and peters out.

I for one would love them back, but agree with others on here that they need to keep politics out. Whether you agree with them or not, it’s divisive. We should all just be united in supporting Palace.

Well said

 

[Vaibow]

Yup it seemed they wanted a popularity vote. As a previous poster said though, prove it’s palace they support at the game ; not all the political baggage they drag along.

Well said... they don't need any permission to sing songs in the stands... stick to that..

 

[mtp1958]

The HF are a big loss to the club. For those saying the atmosphere was good before are talking BS. I had a season ticket near the front of block C for a few years in the early 2000’s around the time the HF started.

Prior to the HF, the back of block B would sing a little bit. No more than that. It was mostly ‘Eagles’, ‘Red n blue army’ and crap banter aimed at the away fans, who at the time were housed at the near end of the AW. The HF transformed things massively over time and have bought in tifo’s, passion, a constant din and numerous new chants, many of which have stuck (also many which never caught on).

The move to block E hasn’t really worked, but I understand the logic and intentions in moving to the middle, and under the roof to help spread the noise - like they have done so well at Wembley. I think the reality is that their forced move to displace other fans pissed off a few and backfired a bit.

I suspect (and hope) they come back as they make the Selhurst Park matchday a far better experience. My long term expectation has been that once the new stand opens, many of the quieter fans will move there for improved facilities which will free up space for the likeminded ‘singers’ to congregate in the middle of the lower tier/around the HF.

I’m one of those who loves singing for 90 minutes, but the usual outcome is that no one joins in, I become a nuisance and eventually lose my enthusiasm for it. I much prefer cup games as I can usually buy a ticket near the HF with other likeminded fans.

For those criticising them for not joining in with others - this is totalling inaccurate. Firstly, when you’re in the middle of it, you can’t hear what other parts of the stadium are singing. Secondly, the chap at the front with the megaphone actively tries to join in if he notices it - the reality is that by the time the HF join in, the chant has already finished because the typical English football fan can’t seem to chant for more then 20 seconds without a consistent drum beat to stick to - it just speeds up quickly and peters out.

I for one would love them back, but agree with others on here that they need to keep politics out. Whether you agree with them or not, it’s divisive. We should all just be united in supporting Palace.

I was very vocal in the 70s and 80s but now days I lose my voice very quickly , many a time I got us singing ,
Has I said before they come along at the right time and maybe there time is up , the issue is all games are tickets so same people in same seats and getting on in years , with the new stand we may get some young bloody coming in and the process starts all over again , before all seating it was a fluid crowd and younger fans would join the noisy ones in the centre ,

But they must stop spitting there dummies out because they got told off , christ got told off many a time and said I won't do it again I lied , they stilll need tobe vocal and if they come up with a new song sing it , not just sit there sulking , if there true fans they will still be very vocal but leave there egos at home

 

[BromleyMonkey]

This is precisely the problem. It’s easy to sing when things are going well. Where was the support when we weren’t on top?

The HF try to play an active roll in lifting the team. They don’t passively sit there expecting to be entertained like the majority do.

But at least when there is atmosphere because the team is buzzing it really is atmosphere, not just an annoying noise in the background, I know that’s harsh and they try hard, but that’s how I see it, there’s just not enough of them, it’s not exactly the yellow wall in Dortmund!!

 

[bicycle repair man]

This is precisely the problem. It’s easy to sing when things are going well. Where was the support when we weren’t on top?

The HF try to play an active roll in lifting the team. They don’t passively sit there expecting to be entertained like the majority do.

I expect to be entertained if I'm paying 100s of £s for a seat, and the players are being paid millions of £s.
It's not my job to provide the entertainment, it's theirs.

 

[Goal Machine]

I expect to be entertained if I'm paying 100s of £s for a seat, and the players are being paid millions of £s.
It's not my job to provide the entertainment, it's theirs.

Following a football club is not about going to being entertained. It’s about supporting your team through thick and thin. If you’re entertained, it’s a bonus.

If you’re expecting entertainment every week, you’re better off spending your money in the theatre or cinema. They are sportsman, not entertainers.

 

[Goal Machine]

But at least when there is atmosphere because the team is buzzing it really is atmosphere, not just an annoying noise in the background, I know that’s harsh and they try hard, but that’s how I see it, there’s just not enough of them, it’s not exactly the yellow wall in Dortmund!!

Of course it’s not the yellow wall of Dortmund, but it’s something to aspire to and has to start from somewhere. We’ve not been far off when organised at Wembley.

As mentioned in my long post, I think there is opportunity to significantly expand the ‘singing section’ when the new stand opens and frees up seats in the lower tier.

 

[rikz]

The HF are a big loss to the club. For those saying the atmosphere was good before are talking BS. I had a season ticket near the front of block C for a few years in the early 2000’s around the time the HF started.

Prior to the HF, the back of block B would sing a little bit. No more than that. It was mostly ‘Eagles’, ‘Red n blue army’ and crap banter aimed at the away fans, who at the time were housed at the near end of the AW. The HF transformed things massively over time and have bought in tifo’s, passion, a constant din and numerous new chants, many of which have stuck (also many which never caught on).

The move to block E hasn’t really worked, but I understand the logic and intentions in moving to the middle, and under the roof to help spread the noise - like they have done so well at Wembley. I think the reality is that their forced move to displace other fans pissed off a few and backfired a bit.

I suspect (and hope) they come back as they make the Selhurst Park matchday a far better experience. My long term expectation has been that once the new stand opens, many of the quieter fans will move there for improved facilities which will free up space for the likeminded ‘singers’ to congregate in the middle of the lower tier/around the HF.

I’m one of those who loves singing for 90 minutes, but the usual outcome is that no one joins in, I become a nuisance and eventually lose my enthusiasm for it. I much prefer cup games as I can usually buy a ticket near the HF with other likeminded fans.

For those criticising them for not joining in with others - this is totalling inaccurate. Firstly, when you’re in the middle of it, you can’t hear what other parts of the stadium are singing. Secondly, the chap at the front with the megaphone actively tries to join in if he notices it - the reality is that by the time the HF join in, the chant has already finished because the typical English football fan can’t seem to chant for more then 20 seconds without a consistent drum beat to stick to - it just speeds up quickly and peters out.

I for one would love them back, but agree with others on here that they need to keep politics out. Whether you agree with them or not, it’s divisive. We should all just be united in supporting Palace.

100% before then, it was terrible, like you say, 2 chants, Eagles, usually when we won a corner and maybe Ron Noades mums a whore, a couple of times. They 100% transformed the atmosphere, tho being in the prem and selling out every week definitely helped.

 

[SnapperKain]

Well I guess it comes down to the reasons why they've decided to "take their ball home with them".

From their official statement, sounds like they wanted to do stuff that the club can't/won't allow and that's not all the clubs fault, as some stuff is dictated to them as a condition of being in the premier league.

What is is that the HF want that they don't currently get? Force some fans out to make more room for them? Stop older fans going to the away games? Discounts for the fanatics? How do you even do that, I mean who decides if someone is a "fanatic" or not?

I know that they're marmite to a lot of us. I broadly support them but they've mistepped and acted arrogantly on several occassions (such as wanting block E and shifting fans who have sat together for 20 years which runs against the whole "standing up for fans" ethos, as well as accepting donations for Tifo's that they've not then done out of protest with the club) which have annoyed me and I'm sure others. That being said, I think the club gains by having them.

This all feels more about them, that they want stuff they can't have so b0ll0cks to it. Ultimately their decision, but cutting your own nose off to spite your own face never really works out well, be that the fanatics deciding to call it a day or the club not willing to do what they want. Guess we'll never know the reasons why.

 

[ASCPFC]

Well I guess it comes down to the reasons why they've decided to "take their ball home with them".

From their official statement, sounds like they wanted to do stuff that the club can't/won't allow and that's not all the clubs fault, as some stuff is dictated to them as a condition of being in the premier league.

What is is that the HF want that they don't currently get? Force some fans out to make more room for them? Stop older fans going to the away games? Discounts for the fanatics? How do you even do that, I mean who decides if someone is a "fanatic" or not?

I know that they're marmite to a lot of us. I broadly support them but they've mistepped and acted arrogantly on several occassions (such as wanting block E and shifting fans who have sat together for 20 years which runs against the whole "standing up for fans" ethos, as well as accepting donations for Tifo's that they've not then done out of protest with the club) which have annoyed me and I'm sure others. That being said, I think the club gains by having them.

This all feels more about them, that they want stuff they can't have so b0ll0cks to it. Ultimately their decision, but cutting your own nose off to spite your own face never really works out well, be that the fanatics deciding to call it a day or the club not willing to do what they want. Guess we'll never know the reasons why.

Exactly, if they were so cool and rebellious, a little telling off wouldn't stop them. They could still turn up and protest, or do it out side the ground. A flag about whatever they like outside the ground, is none of the club's business. I'd say this is flouncing, grandstanding and internal divisions. The last couple of European games had trouble amongst ourselves, and I wonder how that's been going. I heard there were door knocks. So the ring leaders may well have had a bit of a time of it in the cells.
And we've seen this Addo and politics stuff. I'd say it's turned into the People's Front of Judea.

 

[Eagleman13]

Note for the hf, for when you come back next week after you've picked your toys up off the floor . . .

Tifo, rollercoaster or both? VfL Osnabruck unveil new display in German Cup against Bayern Munich

VfL Osnabruck showcase a tifo that took months to plan before their German Cup tie against Bayern Munich.

www.bbc.co.uk

 

[Spindle]

Will they be giving up the seats they turfed people out from though?

I'd rather they returned anyway, being treated badly away from home is hardly the clubs fault.

 

[park the bus]

Has the defamation action been dropped by Marinakis?

 

[Team of the (20)80s]

Has the defamation action been dropped by Marinakis?

I wondered if this would quietly disappear after the Munoz sale.

 

[EagleEddie]

This was my actual reaction.

I reckon this was something to do with Marinakis

Just asked AI and thought what it came up with was interesting. Might be ollocks but actually makes sense with what’s happening.

🔍 How the Legal Process Works to Identify the Fans

• The Purpose of "Persons Unknown": You cannot successfully sue an anonymous person for damages or get an injunction against them forever without knowing who they are. Naming "Persons Unknown" serves as a legal placeholder while the identities are uncovered. [1, 2]
• Third-Party Disclosure (Norwich Pharmacal Orders): Through this lawsuit, Marinakis can apply for specific court orders requiring Crystal Palace to hand over CCTV footage, ticketing logs for the Lower Holmesdale Stand, and any internal investigation files identifying who brought the banner into Selhurst Park. [1, 2]
• Amending the Lawsuit: Once Crystal Palace provides the necessary information to pinpoint the specific members of the Holmesdale Fanatics responsible, their actual names will replace "Persons Unknown" on the High Court documents, making them personally liable for defamation. [1, 2]

By targeting both the club and the anonymous individuals, Marinakis ensures that Crystal Palace cannot simply refuse to cooperate, effectively forcing them to help him track down the specific fans who made the banner. [1]

 

[Forest Hillbilly]

Ever wondered who the Fanatics sold their balaclavas to ?

Disruption at Port of Dover due to 'stop the boats' protest

The government says it condemns "the behaviour in Dover" and the hours-long disruption it caused.

www.bbc.co.uk

"There has been major disruption at the Port of Dover due to a large group of masked men holding a demonstration.
Hundreds of protesters, dressed in black and wearing face coverings, blocked roads and were heard chanting "stop the boats". (BBC 5.9.26)

😀 😀 😀

 

[Attilio1905]

Ever wondered who the Fanatics sold their balaclavas to ?

Disruption at Port of Dover due to 'stop the boats' protest

The government says it condemns "the behaviour in Dover" and the hours-long disruption it caused.

www.bbc.co.uk

"There has been major disruption at the Port of Dover due to a large group of masked men holding a demonstration.
Hundreds of protesters, dressed in black and wearing face coverings, blocked roads and were heard chanting "stop the boats". (BBC 5.9.26)

😀 😀 😀

No, the HF gimps would be the ones protesting to let more of the boats in, let them in, let them in etc 🤣

 

[Helmet46]

I think there’s a little more to this. I enjoyed the HF and the atmosphere they brought. Whether some older fans, (and I am one - been going since the early 70’s) care to admit it or not, the atmosphere with them was a hundred times better and they gave the team a lift. I have heard that the reason is more that they are getting older and there are not enough youngsters coming through to carry it on - so inevitably it’ll diminish anyway. That whole succession stuff we see everywhere. I also think they need the clubs support in certain areas to enable them to bring the youngsters through and perhaps that isn’t as forthcoming as perhaps it was (possibly down to an ill advised tifo potentially leading to a defamation claim and a rift with the board)?

To my mind, with a new manager and a big rebuild job we need the atmosphere more than ever this season so it is sad that, as the massive supporters they are, they have stepped away from helping produce that fabulous atmosphere at just the time it is most needed. I personally believe that it must be possible to organise a singing section (especially if you have managed to get the club to shove existing season tickets holders out of their long held seats to do it) but avoid the politics of any given situation and for me, that’s the perfect middle ground. I’m not saying I could do it, but they have. However, if you’re not going to do that and you’re going to walk away from the whole point of forcing people to move - then offer the seats back to their previous occupants.

They were an important part of the clubs recent history and regardless of your views about them, they are a loss to the matchday experience for many and I hope they return. Maybe they will but with a revised format and operating/succession structure that works better for all.