This is the FA crowd control adviser's report for the match versus Macclesfield Town on 3^rd December. Well done toall involved in  handling such a big game.

Introduction

·         There was no history or intelligence to suggest crowd disorder at this fixture.  The average attendance is approximately 1,000.  Chelmsford were anticipating an attendance near to their 3,000 capacity for this match.  Macclesfield had only taken 150 tickets.  There was to be no segregation of supporters.

·         The safety officer was Dave Everard; he had 20 volunteer stewards and 15 SIA trained stewards under his command.  The stewards all work at this stadium on a regular basis.

·         This was a police-free match, although local officers were deployed in the area, mainly to deal with parking problems.

·         First aid was provided by six St. John Ambulance personnel and a St. John ambulance.

·         Paul Roberts, an impressive and knowledgeable retired police officer, works on a voluntary basis for the club.  He had undertaken a risk assessment and made suitable arrangements at the stadium for this fixture.

Stadium

·         Situated in the west side of the town, it is an athletics stadium and centre of excellence owned by the local authority.  It will be one of the training facilities for the 2012 Olympics.  It has a capacity of 3,019 for football matches. The pitch is surrounded by an eight lane running track.  There are two large concrete pads inside the running track behind each goal.  Temporary standing terraces are situated on these on match days.

·         The main East Stand has 1,000 seats, 11 disabled places and 150 standing places on a flat terrace in front of the seats.  This is possible as the front row of seats is approximately 9 ft. above pitch level.  The West Stand has 1,000 standing places.  Each temporary stand has a capacity of 499.  The South stand is five steps deep and uncovered. The North stand is a new design, it consists of 12 x 1 ton units, it is 7 steps deep, is covered and has pressure-tested safety barriers.  Both stands are easily moved when not in use.

·         There was a combination of permanent and temporary refreshment and toilet facilities around the ground.

·         There is no control room or computerised entry counting system.  A CCTV system is monitored in the adjacent sports centre.  The PA system operates from a small hut in the south west corner of the stadium. The turnstiles are all situated at the south end of the stadium.  It is, however, quick and easy to circulate the stadium.

Pre-Match

·         I arrived at 12.30 pm.  I was met by Paul Roberts, who conducted me around the stadium and explained the match arrangements.  Stewards were already in place and had been briefed prior to my arrival.  15 personal radios were shared among the stewards.

·         Chelmsford supporters arrived early and there were approximately 2,000 in situ an hour prior to kick-off.  The North terrace was full and supporters in this stand sang and chanted in support of their team.  Unfortunately they also on occasions resorted to the usual obscene and insulting chants directed at their opponents.

·         The majority of Macclesfield supporters arrived on two coaches and stood in the south end.  Entry to the stadium was quick and smooth, stewards were smart and helpful.

·         There were no problems pre-match.

The Match

·         Played in a sporting manner with chances at both ends, it ended in a 1-1 draw.

·         During the match six police officers stood near the tunnel area.  They appeared to be there mainly as spectators and their services were not required.

·         During the match the safety officer took up position at the south west corner of the pitch and Paul Roberts the south east corner.  I remained with Paul Roberts for the majority of the game.  The main problem stewards had was reminding some supporters that it was a no smoking stadium.  At half time and full time the players’ tunnel was extended, which cut off movement including dispersal from the East Stand.  This was, however, well managed and accepted by supporters.

·         The Chelmsford supporters in the North Stand were boisterous throughout the match and were guilty on occasions of obscene chanting.  There were, however, no problems between opposing supporters.  The attendance was 2,919.  I could not ascertain a figure for away supporters but it was approximately 150.

Post Match

·         Dispersal was quick and smooth and supporters mixed freely as they left the stadium and the area.

 Conclusions

·         This is not an easy stadium in which to stage football matches; however, the arrangements put in place by Paul Roberts were excellent, spectator safety was high on the agenda and the use of barriers and regular stewards ensured that the stadium provided a safe and comfortable environment for supporters.

·         I was particularly impressed with the temporary stand in the north end.  The design and construction are first class, particularly as it is easy to move and transport.