"IT'S not a singing section," insisted everyone from the newly formed Block 1892 in the run up to yesterday's opening league game against Chelsea.
And then they spent the entire first half singing!
Every Other Saturday, We Don't Carry Bottles, The Reds Are Coming Up The Hill Boys, Red and White Kop and Liver Bird Upon My Chest all got an airing and, at long, long last, Poor Scouser Tommy was sung properly with no-one racing away with the lyrics.
The decibel levels were undoubtedly raised and it contributed to a cracking atmosphere which only fizzled out in the second half after everyone became increasingly bewildered by one of the most erractic refereeing performances you will ever witness outside the Liverpool Sunday League.
But as debuts go, block 1892 was an instant success and if the Kop can perform like this more often then it will only have a positive effect on Liverpool's hopes of challenging for the title.
On far too many occasions in recent seasons the Kop has been a pale shadow of its former self, going through the motions when it should have been bringing Anfiled to life and acting as a glorified observatory when it should have been providing the kind of support for which it is renowned.
Yesterday was much, much better though and I think everyone enjoyed it - except, perhaps, John Terry and his mum.
Now it's up to others to take up the challenge. If you were on the Kop yesterday and half the songs left you bewildered then try and learn the words.
Every Other Saturday and Liverbird Upon My Chest might both be about 3,000 verses long but they're both quite easy to pick up and the lyrics to both are on the official Liverpool website.
Block 1982 isn't an exclusive singing section, it is intended to be a catalyst in a drive to uphold Anfield's finest traditions which many rightly worried were being lost.
Yesterday was a step in the right direction and the challenge now is to make sure the atmosphere is just as good when the lesser lights visit Anfield - starting with Derby County next month.
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Liam wrote...
Yesterday wasn't the time to judge the impact of the new singing section as there's only United and Everton arriving at Anfield that generates more noise but the introduction of songs normally exclusive to the boozers on a match day was a welcome addition.
I personnally dont think they should have sacrificed the majority of adult and child to the Annie Road though, how can new, young supporters learn the ethics and traditions of being a Kopite whilst they can't experiance it first hand?
As far as I'm aware the only adult and child now available in the Kop are season ticket holders who are, no doubt, already educated in its ways. When these kids grow up and keep their seats, where will a new generation of supporters fit in?
Surely it would have been wiser to sacrifice a few more adult seats (non season ticket) then only day-tripping, middle-aged cockneys and the like would have suffered rather than the true future of our fan base. Just a thought like, maybe something to consider for the new ground?
Posted by: Liam | August 20, 2007 10:49 AM