what the hell is wrong with a balaclava?
i wore one when i was about 5........was a keep warm must........if its cherry and white..so what?
in fact its a cracking idea and im trying to get hold of one

It comes across as very intimidating and is unnecessary when its in the middle of the summer. It was seen a few times towards the end of last season and isn't really needed.

Add in to the fact people's perceived notions of what Ultra's are and it doesn't really help the matter. For them it is only going to make what they believe worse.

I was only giving a few suggestions on this thread about how it can be improved, but as other people have found, its been taken to heart.

It might be a good money spinner for his Nan knitting a few more

I can't believe I have just read 20 pages of repetitive misunderstandings and resisted posting until now. I am truely amazed that some people are assuming that the Brigantes are trying to elevate themselves above other fans. Nothing could be further from the truth. The group have been very welcoming of anyone wanting to join in the singing etc. How about I start a new thread about the non-brigantes assuming they are somehow better than the Brigantes? That would be rediculous of course and so I won't. I don't agree with all aspects but I know that all the initiatives are well meant are come from a passionate desire to improve the atmosphere at games which it has achieved.

I have to admit that I personally don't particularly like the Ultras tag simply because it conjures up the wrong image in some people's eyes (whether it is true or not). I also don't agree with the stickers as this could annoy other fans and potentially trigger an unwelcome reaction at future games. Concentrating on building the atmosphere at games is what the Brigantes should concentrate on and what they have done well so far. Oh and I personally don't like the C&W balaclava idea simply because it can create the wrong impression from some quarters.

As for the drum

, I always found it a tad annoying but now my son plays the blasted thing I have ended up next to it! It was a ironic that he burst it himself before the Saints play off game because he had worn a hole in it

. For those who can't bear it and would threaten to burst it all I would say is go and sit somewhere else. The grounds are big enough. I don't particularly want to sit next to someone in the West stand who doesn't want to sing and make a noise and so I choose not to. My choice. Simples. Conversely if you want to join in the singing created by the Brigantes then choose to sit in S2. If you want to start your own songs then feel free to do so. If they are good then others including S2 will join in.

Just to throw my opinion in while everyone else is....

Although not a "Brigante" myself I can perfectly understand why the name came about. When trying to raise money it is important you have an identity and this name has provided them with the platform to do so. They have been able to market themselves to raise money. I believe this was their pure motivation and not one to try and separate themselves from everyone else.

Unfortunately this does leave them open to ridicule but it is a price I think they have to pay in order to raise money.

I'm happy they are trying to improve the atmosphere at home games (although I probably won't be joining in) and away from home.

As one who has stood at away games singing away and hoping that everyone would join in prior to the Brigantes I can see only good that more fans are now joining in.

I'm a bit bewildered by why a 15 year old Latics fan would pay money to come and watch Lockers' testimonial but will give the benefit of the doubt.

As I said a week ago and quite a bit last season....why can't we just all get along??!!

Fair post that Woody.
I know that you were there pre-Brigantes trying to get an atmosphere going and that you still do it.
As for not getting along. I think we've seen a fair few people seizing the opportunity to have a go here. If it wasn't over this issue, it would've been anything else, sooner or later. One or two have had their feathers ruffled with an increase in the Brigantes popularity whilst others (including a Mod on here) have clashed with members in the past and have had their s handed to them on a plate over certain issues so they have decided to weigh in too. All good fun. It'll still be the Ultras Brigantes at the end of the season.

Not quite as "simples" as you make out though is it?

Why should I be forced to move on account of someone who has no consideration for the fact that someone might actually want to watch the game without the constant repetitive pounding in their ears. There is a massive difference between normal crowd created atmosphere and this monotonous racket.

Nice to see you have read peoples concerns over the "Ultras" tag.

Why don't you go and watch Football? You would fit right in there.

You can tell the season has still not started. 20 pages of crap about some clown with spray paint had turned into an us and them debate. There is no us and them there is only us. We should be united behind the club and get behind the team Ultra, Brigantee, Riversider it does not matter. We are all Wigan fans.

So are you seriously saying your only option is to sit on the back row of S2? I am getting the impression that seem to just want to create a problem. I respect the fact that you don't want the constant repetitive pounding in your ears but nobody is forcing you to sit next to or near the drum. So yes it is 'simples'.

By the way Brett we're not of the far right extremist variety if there was a sneaky suspicion that you might be interested.

Tell you what Brett. How bout u pay me £5 a week and you can watch the game at mine on the net with no noise and no atmosphere?

Alternatively, I hear NASA are looking for astronauts

Was there ever a "sneaky suspicion"?

What a completely stupid post with content amounting to thinley veiled (if veiled at all) libel.

Say someone stuck tory/labour stickers all over your house, would that be acceptable? im guessing no?

I thought the coalition was tory/lib dems?

dont be so ridiculous! we all know whos pulling the strings

in all honesty, ive tried to read all the posts in this thread that have been made since Friday but to be quite honest, its bored the ar$e off me

the 'Brigantes' have taken it upon themselves to 'try' and create a better atmosphere at Wigan games. Im willing to bet that not one single member thought to take a poll of other the Wigan fans (season ticket holders would be the best starting point) to find out whether they wanted a change or not

have they not considered that many wigan fans may be quite happy with the atmosphere at games and not want a lot of mindless, football copying, drum banging noise to be inflicted on them?

dont get me wrong, i used to be a ST holder in the south (before my toddler stole all my money) and i did enjoy a good sing song throughout the game.

BUT

Wigan has a diverse age range for its fans and the old gent who lives on my street and is still a ST holder (although he prolly sits in the west stand) might not want to have a load of noise shouted at him from the other 2 home stands. indeed, he might find some of it quite offensive

to me, it seems that the 'Brigantes' think they are doing something that every Wigan fan wants and this clearly isnt the case. you/they need to be careful about alientating yourself/themselves from, what is the majority (and i admit i dont know your membership numbers) of Wigan fans as you will begin to be viewed as outsiders or 'ultras'

I have read NOWHERE that this group wish to get everybody onboard. I think you ought to give yourself a shake and get the twist out of your knickers... The group don't have to ask anybody anything, and you don't have to join in... Your attitude comes across as "I don't like, therefore they must be wrong"

Once again, i am in no way connected to the group.

I differ from you Gareth. I love an atmosphere at games and I'd bet that the majority would rather watch a game with the atmosphere of derby day than the atmosphere of a quins v catalan match.

I've helped the Brigantes/Ultras with a few things in the past and put some suggestions to Jukesay about a few things too. Overall I'm happy with what they do but unfortunately they will attract some nobs which will give them a bad name. Recent history is littered with isolated incidents which have given opposition fans the ammunition to have a pop at all fans.

Wire fans baiting Wigan fans at the Catalan v Wigan semi final
Wigan fan pushing a girl over at Leeds resulting in a broken arm/wrist
Leigh fans throwing bottles onto the pitch in a pre-season friendly v Wigan
Some Wire morons, who may not have even been at the game, attacking a Wiganer on his way to the train station

There are many more incidents but it doesn't mean they're all idiots.

With regards to them thinking they're better fans. I'd put that down to other peoples insecurities rather than a superiority complex from the Ultras. Except of course Rogues Gallery. He probably is a better fan than most, but then he's had a lot more time to practise.



I don't have a problem with a drum in moderation, but then I am 60 yards away from it.

Your always never going to please every one, long before the Brigantes where formed there was always a little close to the bone songs going round depending on who we were playing and like wise the away fans gave it back, so lets not get to thinking that this has only started in the past couple of seasons, back in the good old days at Central Park there was nothing better than the atmosphere of singing for a full 80 mins, and there was a drum there as im sure Binder had it,

as stated there is always going to be the odd idiot who takes it too far but as long as there dealt with either at the time if possible or as soon as possible .

i think you know me well enough to know that i have not problem with a loud atmosphere at games (the drummer in the south stand needs a few music lesson tho). indeed, i dont remember half the games ive been to due the enjoyment of the ocassion and a few too many sherberts...

the point im making is that not EVERYONE will be on board with what they are trying to do and they should expect to recieve some comment/criticism.

RL is a family sport and accomdation needs to be made for ALL fans, whatever they point of view.

Inflicting noise on people is always going to draw conflict, i should know given the loudness of the tools who live either side of me

Not quite as I would have written it lol (infact in round aboutr way could be me.....



ish) but I understand your point about attracting the wrong folk shall we say and agree THIS is the issue and this always will be the issue

However, the true adults and those with a big of nogging will ensure these people are told whats for, not to single them out but to ensure they calm down and grow up and I really wish people woukld accept that

We had idiot fans long before the Brigantes were even thought of so blaming them for it now is just a kop out. We will always have the odd idiot here and there and just because they choose to hide behind the Brigantes shouldnt blind people from the facts that the Brigantes dont encourage this sort of thing.

The brigantes have helped to enhance the matchday experience for me and i have also noticed a lot of the players have mentioned the atmosphere a lot more since they started this group.

It would be a shame if their good work is tarnished by people jumping to the wrong conclusions.

I don't really have an opinion on the brigrantes, but that is one ty attitude you've shown right there.