The Leicester City Ultra's

[foxdownunder]

so many threads like this and so many people saying "we need a leader to get chants started" yet no-one puts their hand up or actually does anything about it???

seems like we all like the idea of having an amazing atmosphere but cant really be bothered to change anything.

someone give me a job and work permit ill be on the first flight over to do this!!

[Fox92]

I don't get all this anyway... our support (especially away) has always been fantastic, so why do we have to take something from other team's to try and improve it? Also, most home atmosphere's are not that good anyway, especially the newer rounded grounds like ours, so I doubt anything will ever improve on that.

[Houdini Logic]

You can stick your ****ing tags up your arse,

Stick your ****ing tags up your arse...

[jonlcfc1990]

so many threads like this and so many people saying "we need a leader to get chants started" yet no-one puts their hand up or actually does anything about it???

seems like we all like the idea of having an amazing atmosphere but cant really be bothered to change anything.

someone give me a job and work permit ill be on the first flight over to do this!!

Jobber is a leader he starts chants and bangs the drum. Your talking ultras you need

A) flags

B) big flag to go over fans

C) leaders at the front to co ordinate the chants

D) a name

and thats just the beginning i'm up for it if it starts in L and K blocks i mean it's the loudest part of the ground so lets sart it there

[Nick]

How about something different?

How about a stand-load of people playing Grandma's Footsteps or Leapfrog or Hide & Seek?

That'd be awesome.

What's Grandma's footstep's - we're not all creche managers on here, explain yourself.

[Finnegan]

Why does everything need camp names and slogans, logos and stickers? We Love You started naturally and spread just amongst Leicester fans. If you enjoyed it, get involved and help it grow.

But forcing camp cheerleading groups in the image of European football tribes, a culture behind which we simply don't have?

Jesus it's tacky. As loud as palace can be at times, I can't be the only one that feels strong embarrassment by proxy whenever I see them.

[Zingari]

What's Grandma's footstep's - we're not all creche managers on here, explain yourself.

it's a bit like sly fox

Anyway i think we should all do the "Time Walk" , although the timing of the moves would have to spot on to avoid any injuries or complaints of sexual assault ,

[jonlcfc1990]

Why does everything need camp names and slogans, logos and stickers? We Love You started naturally and spread just amongst Leicester fans. If you enjoyed it, get involved and help it grow.

But forcing camp cheerleading groups in the image of European football tribes, a culture behind which we simply don't have?

Jesus it's tacky. As loud as palace can be at times, I can't be the only one that feels strong embarrassment by proxy whenever I see them.

It's 6 of one and half a dozen of the other. Yes it might be uniform and conformist and cringey but just like we love you and the scarves waving it breeds unity and togetherness the whole idea of "ultra" culture is to be one with your team and eachother one flag over the whole blog together waving scarves together singing the same song together. It's all designed to turn support into a 12th man on the pitch. Thats what seperates them from regular supporters

[Houdini Logic]

It's 6 of one and half a dozen of the other. Yes it might be uniform and conformist and cringey but just like we love you and the scarves waving it breeds unity and togetherness the whole idea of "ultra" culture is to be one with your team and eachother one flag over the whole blog together waving scarves together singing the same song together. It's all designed to turn support into a 12th man on the pitch. Thats what seperates them from regular supporters

How does having leaders at the front dictating chants breed unity and togetherness? Anyone they want can start up a chant at the football match and if the masses don't like it then it doesn't catch on. Why can't we just leave it at that?

[Zingari]

How does having leaders at the front dictating chants breed unity and togetherness? Anyone they want can start up a chant at the football match and if the masses don't like it then it doesn't catch on. Why can't we just leave it at that?

You can't beat organised adoration though,

The Nuremberg rallies were truly uplifting

you just had to be there to appreciate it though!

edit

I can't put my finger on it ,but there's something about the word "Ultra" that puts me off all this shite .

[Finnegan]

But it's not OUR football culture and most of our fans don't relate to it, in Leicester or elsewhere. A fractional minority of, mostly, kids (and you ARE a very small minority) won't succeed on pushing this on everyone else.

Stop being so grandiose and trying to convert old school, English football fans to whom colourful scarves and flags belong more at Pride than the Kop.

You want a better atmosphere you need to think smaller and work your way up. FBs got it horrendously wrong by setting out their stall too early as a set in stone concept with a 'join us or don't' philosophy that alienated them.

Start with the basics, get a simple group of your mates together in a tight block of seats and just keep starting chants. But good ones, simple ones and ones that will appeal to the average 35 year old, not just teeny hipsters that desperately wish they'd come from inner city Hamburg and nit Western Park.

[Bangkok Mick]

I`m all for a cracking atmosphere at the KP. But to find an answer to a problem maybe you need to look back at the cause as well as a solution

Filbert street.....................What made it a good atmosphere in the 1970`s 80`s 90`s

1. Most singing initially was from the Spion Kop. Occasionally the whole ground would join in.

2. It was all standing.

3. Mainly blokes.

4. The kop was right next to away fans

5. The rivalries with away fans was more tribal, intimidating.

6. Because Filbos capacity was much less than the KP it was nearly always full

The KP Stadium...............What happened to the atmosphere?

1.Most singing initially was from the Spion Kop. Fans that sing are now not all predominantly in one place.

2.It was all standing. You sing better when standing. How many people sit on X factor, at a Karaoke, in a male voice choir, at a concert?

3.Mainly blokes. Louder, deeper voices than most females. At the KP you could be sat next to ladies, grandmas, kids etc who don`t sing. I don`t want to sound sexist but in the Kop at filbo you had a male `thing` a `brotherhood` if you like.Not like the KP.

4.The kop was right next to away fans. Been said many times but our so called kop is not

5.The rivalries with away fans was more tribal, intimidating. Though rivalries still exist today I think there is a lack of intimidation/threat of trouble which seemed to generate more passion/singing

6.Because Filbos capacity was much less than the KP it was nearly always full. The KP is often no more than 2/3 full which can`t help.

Why has the atmosphere gone at other grounds?

1.Since all seater stadiums have been introduced most football fans have experienced exactly the same problems we have. To highlight that point often away fans sing "Where`s your famous atmopshere?" or as recently as yesterday the Brighton fans singing at Anfield "5-1 up and you still don`t sing".

2. The introduction of more families, kids, females.

3. Footy lads/blokes that have been priced out of football... and stay out

When do fans sing?

1. Ideally all the time. But in reality more often than not, at the start of the match, after scoring a goal, following a heated incidient, win we`re winning, when they`re bored

2.The more successful a team/season the better the atmosphere. A poor season usually is reflected in a poor atmosphere. I can remember both at Filbo. Nothing was much worse than at a silent half empty Filbo under a David Pleat inspired team or better than the amazing games under Little and O` neil. Success will usually bring about a better atmosphere.

How to improve the atmosphere at the KP.............previous ideas

1. Setting up a group called the `Ultras` from the clubs point of view will not be encouraged. Because of some of the words/actions/members of the Fosse Boys. Which by the way seemed to fizzle out into a handful of inaudible people in the kop. Also because of the bad conortations the word Ultras comes with

2. Trial standing areas. Not while ground regulations forbid it.

3. Moving the kop to the family stand. A possiblity but if you move the same people from a kop that doesn`t sing now you`ll get the same outcome. Plus the family stand has a lower capacity than the kop and the police might argue against it.

4. Flares. Not going to happen

5. A kop leader. Can`t see that happening.

The atmosphere at The KP Conclusion

Perhaps its an inevitable sign of the times that the atmosphere at the KP, as with other grounds, has permanantly dimished for good. Only to improve with success on the pitch. Be it a goal, winning a game, a cup run, a great seaon.

The nearest thing I see to a good atmosphere, like at Filbo is in L1.. mainly blokes, next to away fans, standing, singing intimidating songs to rivals. Or away games where the so called `genuine` fans form a bond, on an expedition away day where they are in the minority of supporters at the ground.

If I had my way

No surprise here..... Mostly blokes, all standing, next to away fans...... flags, flares, scarfs, drums, ticker tape,coins......the lot haha

[Nick]

But it's not OUR football culture and most of our fans don't relate to it, in Leicester or elsewhere. A fractional minority of, mostly, kids (and you ARE a very small minority) won't succeed on pushing this on everyone else.

Stop being so grandiose and trying to convert old school, English football fans to whom colourful scarves and flags belong more at Pride than the Kop.

You want a better atmosphere you need to think smaller and work your way up. FBs got it horrendously wrong by setting out their stall too early as a set in stone concept with a 'join us or don't' philosophy that alienated them.

Start with the basics, get a simple group of your mates together in a tight block of seats and just keep starting chants. But good ones, simple ones and ones that will appeal to the average 35 year old, not just teeny hipsters that desperately wish they'd come from inner city Hamburg and nit Western Park.

Manage Your Stress: Ten Ways to Ease Stress

1. Eat and drink sensibly.Alcohol and food abuse may seem to reduce stress, but it actually adds to it.
   
2. Assert yourself. You do not have to meet others' expectations or demands. It's okay to say "No." Remember, being assertive allows you to stand up for your rights and beliefs while respecting those of others.
   
3. Stop smoking or other bad habits. Aside from the obvious health risks of cigarettes, nicotine acts as a stimulant and brings on more stress symptoms. Give yourself the gift of dropping unhealthy habits.
   
4. Exercise regularly. Choose non-competitive exercise and set reasonable goals. Aerobic exercise has been shown to release endorphins (natural substances that help you feel better and maintain a positive attitude).
   
5. Study and practice relaxation techniques. Relax every day. Choose from a variety of different techniques. Combine opposites; a time for deep relaxation and a time for aerobic exercise is a sure way to protect your body from the effects of stress.
   
6. Take responsibility. Control what you can and leave behind what you cannot control.
   
7. Reduce stressors (cause of stress). Many people find that life is filled with too many demands and too little time. For the most part, these demands are ones we have chosen. Effective time-management skills involve asking for help when appropriate, setting priorities, pacing yourself, and taking time out for yourself.
   
8. Examine your values and live by them. The more your actions reflect your beliefs, the better you will feel, no matter how busy your life is. Use your values when choosing your activities.
   
9. Set realistic goals and expectations. It's okay, and healthy, to realize you cannot be 100% successful at everything at once.
   
10. Sell yourself to yourself. When you are feeling overwhelmed, remind yourself of what you do well. Have a healthy sense of self-esteem.
    

There are several other methods you can use to relax or reduce stress, including:

• Deep breathing exercises
  
• Meditation
  
• Progressive muscle relaxation
  
• Mental imagery relaxation
  
• Relaxation to music
  
• Biofeedback (explained below)
  
• Counseling, to help you recognize and release stress
  

Ask your health care provider for more information about these techniques.

[vandamman]

I sit in the Kop and there are actually a few pockets of people who do try start chants and are loud. However, the rest of the Kop simply doesn't want to know. Me included.... I love city as much as the next man, however, most of the chants are boring and repetitive. Whereas, I have been liking the atmosphere created by We Love You and the whooooaaa. Each to their own, I do not stand in the way of people singing and sometimes murmur a verse but thats it!

Simply put...more flags + more scarfs = atmosphere and looks good. Are you actually allowed to take flags into games?

[jonlcfc1990]

How does having leaders at the front dictating chants breed unity and togetherness? Anyone they want can start up a chant at the football match and if the masses don't like it then it doesn't catch on. Why can't we just leave it at that?

I figured it was like this already? i'm not saying it should change especially for the worse. This is a discussion on Ultra fans as far as i know this is how they operate (from what i've seen on the youtube) taking fans like Lech Poznan, Young boys and St Pauli for example it's not necessarily a show of fans it looks more like a well orchestrated moves than a natural development. At the end of the day support goes down two routes

1) Natural what we have now

2) ULTRA which is what i explained earlier

[Houdini Logic]

I figured it was like this already? i'm not saying it should change especially for the worse. This is a discussion on Ultra fans as far as i know this is how they operate (from what i've seen on the youtube) taking fans like Lech Poznan, Young boys and St Pauli for example it's not necessarily a show of fans it looks more like a well orchestrated moves than a natural development. At the end of the day support goes down two routes

1) Natural what we have now

2) ULTRA which is what i explained earlier

So it can be exactly what we have now or fully blown ultras, and nothing in between?

[Saxondale]

I`m all for a cracking atmosphere at the KP. But to find an answer to a problem maybe you need to look back at the cause as well as a solution

Filbert street.....................What made it a good atmosphere in the 1970`s 80`s 90`s

1. Most singing initially was from the Spion Kop. Occasionally the whole ground would join in.

2. It was all standing.

3. Mainly blokes.

4. The kop was right next to away fans

5. The rivalries with away fans was more tribal, intimidating.

6. Because Filbos capacity was much less than the KP it was nearly always full

The KP Stadium...............What happened to the atmosphere?

1.Most singing initially was from the Spion Kop. Fans that sing are now not all predominantly in one place.

2.It was all standing. You sing better when standing. How many people sit on X factor, at a Karaoke, in a male voice choir, at a concert?

3.Mainly blokes. Louder, deeper voices than most females. At the KP you could be sat next to ladies, grandmas, kids etc who don`t sing. I don`t want to sound sexist but in the Kop at filbo you had a male `thing` a `brotherhood` if you like.Not like the KP.

4.The kop was right next to away fans. Been said many times but our so called kop is not

5.The rivalries with away fans was more tribal, intimidating. Though rivalries still exist today I think there is a lack of intimidation/threat of trouble which seemed to generate more passion/singing

6.Because Filbos capacity was much less than the KP it was nearly always full. The KP is often no more than 2/3 full which can`t help.

Why has the atmosphere gone at other grounds?

1.Since all seater stadiums have been introduced most football fans have experienced exactly the same problems we have. To highlight that point often away fans sing "Where`s your famous atmopshere?" or as recently as yesterday the Brighton fans singing at Anfield "5-1 up and you still don`t sing".

2. The introduction of more families, kids, females.

3. Footy lads/blokes that have been priced out of football... and stay out

When do fans sing?

1. Ideally all the time. But in reality more often than not, at the start of the match, after scoring a goal, following a heated incidient, win we`re winning, when they`re bored

2.The more successful a team/season the better the atmosphere. A poor season usually is reflected in a poor atmosphere. I can remember both at Filbo. Nothing was much worse than at a silent half empty Filbo under a David Pleat inspired team or better than the amazing games under Little and O` neil. Success will usually bring about a better atmosphere.

How to improve the atmosphere at the KP.............previous ideas

1. Setting up a group called the `Ultras` from the clubs point of view will not be encouraged. Because of some of the words/actions/members of the Fosse Boys. Which by the way seemed to fizzle out into a handful of inaudible people in the kop. Also because of the bad conortations the word Ultras comes with

2. Trial standing areas. Not while ground regulations forbid it.

3. Moving the kop to the family stand. A possiblity but if you move the same people from a kop that doesn`t sing now you`ll get the same outcome. Plus the family stand has a lower capacity than the kop and the police might argue against it.

4. Flares. Not going to happen

5. A kop leader. Can`t see that happening.

The atmosphere at The KP Conclusion

Perhaps its an inevitable sign of the times that the atmosphere at the KP, as with other grounds, has permanantly dimished for good. Only to improve with success on the pitch. Be it a goal, winning a game, a cup run, a great seaon.

The nearest thing I see to a good atmosphere, like at Filbo is in L1.. mainly blokes, next to away fans, standing, singing intimidating songs to rivals. Or away games where the so called `genuine` fans form a bond, on an expedition away day where they are in the minority of supporters at the ground.

If I had my way

No surprise here..... Mostly blokes, all standing, next to away fans...... flags, flares, scarfs, drums, ticker tape,coins......the lot haha

Excellent post. Pretty much summarises the whole situation.

[TrentFox]

Manage Your Stress: Ten Ways to Ease Stress

1. Eat and drink sensibly.Alcohol and food abuse may seem to reduce stress, but it actually adds to it.
   
2. Assert yourself. You do not have to meet others' expectations or demands. It's okay to say "No." Remember, being assertive allows you to stand up for your rights and beliefs while respecting those of others.
   
3. Stop smoking or other bad habits. Aside from the obvious health risks of cigarettes, nicotine acts as a stimulant and brings on more stress symptoms. Give yourself the gift of dropping unhealthy habits.
   
4. Exercise regularly. Choose non-competitive exercise and set reasonable goals. Aerobic exercise has been shown to release endorphins (natural substances that help you feel better and maintain a positive attitude).
   
5. Study and practice relaxation techniques. Relax every day. Choose from a variety of different techniques. Combine opposites; a time for deep relaxation and a time for aerobic exercise is a sure way to protect your body from the effects of stress.
   
6. Take responsibility. Control what you can and leave behind what you cannot control.
   
7. Reduce stressors (cause of stress). Many people find that life is filled with too many demands and too little time. For the most part, these demands are ones we have chosen. Effective time-management skills involve asking for help when appropriate, setting priorities, pacing yourself, and taking time out for yourself.
   
8. Examine your values and live by them. The more your actions reflect your beliefs, the better you will feel, no matter how busy your life is. Use your values when choosing your activities.
   
9. Set realistic goals and expectations. It's okay, and healthy, to realize you cannot be 100% successful at everything at once.
   
10. Sell yourself to yourself. When you are feeling overwhelmed, remind yourself of what you do well. Have a healthy sense of self-esteem.
    

There are several other methods you can use to relax or reduce stress, including:

• Deep breathing exercises
  
• Meditation
  
• Progressive muscle relaxation
  
• Mental imagery relaxation
  
• Relaxation to music
  
• Biofeedback (explained below)
  
• Counseling, to help you recognize and release stress
  

Ask your health care provider for more information about these techniques.

Got no idea what the argument is, (and really can't be arsed to read through to find out), but that is THE definitive final word ! Very funny - genuinely made me laugh out loud !

[Captain...]

Having probably watched as many Valencia games as Leicester in recent years, I could see any Ultras being similar to theirs, you have one small corner of the ground that sings and chants all the way through the match, people at the front leading them, I'm talking about 500 people, and the rest of the ground in silence except for a goal. There is another corner that try and be Ultras but they are even fewer in number and make less noise, but have a drum. It is not helped in Spain by having very poor away support, but apart from the 2 pockets of Ultras nobody sings. Don't get me wrong they sing non stop and co-ordinate the chants have a varied song book, and flags and flares and everything.

I agree with Finnegan that the concept of Ultras is exclusive not inclusive, and despite their best intentions I could see how the Fosse boys did more to damage the atmosphere than enhance it.

To the OP, you want to improve the atmosphere, get a couple of mates together, get drunk and see how many chants you can start.

[purpleronnie]

I don't know why people have to give themselves the ultra tag?

Problem is those who actually do something tend to be those whi are influenced by the ultra scene.

if all the fans who wanted to generate an atmosphere and were anti-ultra actually did something then I would be more sympathetic, but all the do is moan.

[Babylon]

As soon as a name is given to a group, I think a lot of people are probably going to shy away from it. Plenty of people I know like to get involved etc, and if you said lets go and stand over there as that's where to atmos is they will go. Ask them if they want to stand with the leicester ultras or the fosse boys, and they would probably give you a weird look.

We've had more atmos the last few games than we have in years. Whether you like the new song or not it's got a lot of people invoved who wouldn't normally. And the good thing is they are staying involved and singing other stuff.

[_Fatboyslow_]

Bangkok Mick..... Err. What was the capaticy of Filbert Street in the 80's not a good start for your theory. and it's to long for most on here to read and consider. What about the prices/ social class of the supporters I believe that has a lot more to do with this than anything

Filbert Street

City Business Stadium (official)

Full name Filbert Street

Location Filbert Street, Leicester

Coordinates 52°37′25″N 1°8′26″W

Opened 1891

Closed 2002

Owner Leicester City F.C.

Capacity 22,000 (at closure)

47,298 (record)

Field dimensions 110 x 76 yards

Tenants

Leicester City F.C. (1891–2002)

[Displaced Sky]

As a relative newbie at Leicester, having moved here and got a season ticket in 2007, one of the things I found really odd was the complete lack of Leicester songs. There was no originality, no shared song or chant that was uniquely Leicester City's, just recycled songs and chants from other teams with the word 'Leicester' pasted in as necessary, no wit or flexibility for different opponents. Away games have more singing, but it's the same borrowed stuff. Oddly, watching away games on TV at my local, old boys merrily sing Molly Malone and anyone who left school without ever having touched a computer joins in. I'm told it was popular, 'back in the day'. The last couple of games with 'Woooaaaahhh', which I think is its official title, has been more fun, it's got non-singers singing and scarf waving, and it has no naughty words, so kids and grandparents can join in without disapproval. It's not original either, but it's a start.

I fear the average age of fans who actually go to games is the real problem. It's rising fast as people used to live football on TV every weekend would rather watch Man Utd play Chelsea on Sky whilst drinking Carling bought from Tesco in their underwear at home than haul themselves out to see Leicester take on Barnsley in the rain. I don't know how to fix that. The people who sit around me are mostly my kind of age and a little older, much as they were in the 80's. Older folk don't start chants, don't sing loud and don't leap about - we risk breaking a hip.

[jonlcfc1990]

As a relative newbie at Leicester, having moved here and got a season ticket in 2007, one of the things I found really odd was the complete lack of Leicester songs. There was no originality, no shared song or chant that was uniquely Leicester City's, just recycled songs and chants from other teams with the word 'Leicester' pasted in as necessary, no wit or flexibility for different opponents. Away games have more singing, but it's the same borrowed stuff. Oddly, watching away games on TV at my local, old boys merrily sing Molly Malone and anyone who left school without ever having touched a computer joins in. I'm told it was popular, 'back in the day'. The last couple of games with 'Woooaaaahhh', which I think is its official title, has been more fun, it's got non-singers singing and scarf waving, and it has no naughty words, so kids and grandparents can join in without disapproval. It's not original either, but it's a start.

I fear the average age of fans who actually go to games is the real problem. It's rising fast as people used to live football on TV every weekend would rather watch Man Utd play Chelsea on Sky whilst drinking Carling bought from Tesco in their underwear at home than haul themselves out to see Leicester take on Barnsley in the rain. I don't know how to fix that. The people who sit around me are mostly my kind of age and a little older, much as they were in the 80's. Older folk don't start chants, don't sing loud and don't leap about - we risk breaking a hip.

How dare you.

[1964FOX]

The Fosse Boys failed due to one simple fact, we never achieved enough numbers. At present we have thousands of people joining in with 'I love you' and it's been a spontaneous reaction and includes some tifo (scarf waving).

Its far greater than I could have expected had the Fosse Boys been a success. I would love to have an orchestrated ultra group with thousands of members but what we have developing at present is priceless, a natural and inclusive genuine atmosphere. Now is the time to develop this, try to introduce different chants and get them going. The feel good factor is infectious, if people want to take flags and wave them then do it. Twenty flags amongst all the twirling scarves would look good so it doesn't take much. Add a few banners and it gets better.

Talking about it on a forum is good but you need to take action and do something about it at the games if you want it to develop, don't leave it to others, if you want it do it.