Willamette Week Seeking Comment

[willyweek]

Hello Army,

I'm a sports writer for the Willamette Week, and I'm working on a small "Murmurs" item about the upcoming season.

Last week, the media person for the Timbers told me that this year, PGE Park ushers will have the ability to remove any people who are causing trouble with abusive language. He was very clear that this refers to a very small percentage of people in attendance, but also that there were complaints last year about some language at the games, specifically around the Army.

So what I'm looking for is some feedback from the Army. Hence, this post. What do you think of this new policy, and does the Army have any kind of self-policing?

How does this sound: Post a response here, and unless you specifically say "Don't quote me," I'll assume you're willing to be quoted. I'll use whatever name you give me.

Thanks!

Paul Gerald

[nborders]

The Timbers Army has a funny way of making the "ushers" turn to our side. The new guys always seem to come to their first game "hard" with their arms crossed and no expression on their face. By the end of the game they are usually smiling and enjoying the crazy people.

We don't do anything wrong, other than be a group of people having fun. That seems to always make some people feel uncomfortable. I would invite anyone (including my parish priest) to a game. I know they would be an Army member by the end of the game for sure.

Sure some of us, get a bit crazy. However, the "old timers" have a way of making sure the crazy ones get under control.

For example, every so often some idiot decides to throw something onto the pitch. You should see the reaction from 99% of the people in 107. You can hear almost everyone say "who was the stupid idiot who did that???" Nothing makes someone sober up their activity more than your peers looking down at your behavior.

Finally if you are making sure that drunk people don't get out of controll, I would advise PGE to keep a watch on the Beer Garden. Those people are nuts!

~n

[ijustmightbehermes]

Dear Paul,
That is not a new policy, and the Timbers Army has always been self policing. We're a supporters group with an open membership policy, and we're extremely excited about team prospects this year with Coach Agnello.

I hate to disappoint you but this supposed new policy, which isn't new, is hardly worth a story, especially at the beginning of the season.

Someone, Drumman perhaps, could give you a better accounting of the meetings we've had with the new coach in an effort to use our combined resources to get people to come to the games. There's your story. Good luck.
Hermes

[Pounder]

Naughty Don, naughty! LOL

While I sense the Willy wants to pick a fight with the O rather than us, Hermes still has the right idea.

[THE DON]

ok, ok, I deleted it!

At least somebody got the joke.


ps, I am never to be quoted in any form of print

(don't quote me on that)

[willyweek]

Thanks, everyone. Not picking a fight with anybody, or writing a big, groundbreaking story. Just looking for an Army quote. Good luck with the upcoming season.

Paul Gerald

[roberto]

Seems to me like this is an odd way to approach writing a story no matter how long or short it might be. Instead of trying to find a quote to fit into your story, how about looking into the issue and presenting all sides of the story after doing your research. Maybe even ask one of us for background about the issue instead of taking a quote off a message board and using it to fit into whatever context you have already chosen.

[Kurt]

To get a quote off a message Board?? You need to do your home work and see for yourself a Portland Timbers Match.

Cunningham is the person at PGE Park who seems to have a problem with foul language. The Timbers Army is what it is. It will continue to grow. What the front office needs to do is fill the rest of the stadium and Agnello is working on bringing more fans in. Agnello's veiwpoint is no different then Talyor's was last season. This has been an on going issue with the front office and it will never go away. I do no see anything changing this season.

[garythemackem]

Hi Paul.
My name is Gary Lamb, and i'm happy for you to quote any of the following statement.
I live in Seaham, a small town 5 miles south of Sunderland, in the North East of England UK.
Last July I visited Portland along with some 600 other Sunderland fans, for an exhibition game against the Portland Timbers at PGE Park.
I presume that as a reporter you also like to write good newsworthy reports, on people or persons who are a credit to the City of Portland, and the State of Oregan.
Well this is the true story of some 600 visitors to your City for approx 4-5days last July.
I personally, have been watching my team Sunderland AFC both at home and away for 34yrs, visiting numerous countries worldwide watching pre-season/exhibition games, as well as all league & cup games, and NEVER before have I/we ever experienced the kind of hospitality we recieved from the Timbers Army in Portland, anywhere else in the world.
Your fans adorned us with Timbers scarfs and jerseys, bought our beers, invited us to specially arranged house parties, infact they simply gave us the experience of a life time, in all of our years of following Sunderland.
The friendships we struck up with the T/A have grown since our visit, so much so that in 2 weeks time a group of 31 Timbers Fans are making the journey "Across the Pond" to stay in Sunderland over the Easter holidays, and watch Sunderlands games against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Friday 14th April, then on Monday the 17th April they visit the Stadium of Light, to see Sunderlands biggest game of the season against our local rivals Newcastle.
I can safely say that the Sunderland Supporters are looking forward to their visit eagerly, to give us the chance to repay them, for the fantastic memories they gave us in Portland.
The Timbers Army were great ambassadors not only for Portland, but also for Oregan, and everyone in the Rose City should be proud of them.
All I can finally say is, go along to the Bullpen pub on Thursday 6th April and experience their hospitality yourself.
Portland will always hold a special place in the hearts of all the Sunderland fans who visited last year, and it was all thanks to the fabulous Timbers Army. They really are something special.
Thankyou T/A
See you all soon.
Gary.
Paul, I'm happy for the administrator to give you my email address, if you'd like any further info, or just ask me on here.
Let Portland be proud of you, and print a true story thats a credit to your City.