The Peterborough United stand debate has been going on for what feels like an eternity now causing divide within the fan base.
Yesterday, after much consultation and debate, it was revealed that the London Road End would stay in use for Posh fans. This has sparked debate and divide between Posh fans which will all be covered in this article.
Unlike many Posh fans I am very neutral when it comes to this decision of which stand should be used.
The London Road End has been apart of Posh’s history since the club was established in 1934.
However, in more recent memory it has become known for being outdated with poor facilities. The club installed safe standing in the 2022/23 campaign and it has felt like the character of the London Road terrace has vanished.
On the other hand however, the trial games versus Burton Albion and Port Vale felt like London Road had the soul ripped out of it.
The empty blue seats, and half the main stand not in use, made it feel more like a testimonial than a crucial league fixture.
Some fans may see this as a lack of ambition. However, I also see the other side of this debate as some older Posh fans have a connection with this stand going back to the turn of the century.
The London Road End has seen many an historic goal from Craig Mackail-Smith against MK Dons to Dominic Iorfa versus Sunderland it would feel wrong to just disregard it.
Most older fans see The London Road End as Posh’s ‘Kop End’ and the Moyes End as the away end. After all, Posh fans have a connection with there they sit and some fans may not chose to return if they are moved to a more modern facility.
However, in contrast the call for the GH Display Stand is getting louder and louder, especially with the introduction of Blue Section.
Blue Section is a fan group which is making things happen when it comes to displays and atmosphere. This has been shown multiple times this season with the displays versus Northampton Town, Wycombe Wanderers, and Doncaster Rovers.
They have an intent on making things better for the supporters with large flags and intent on drumming for 90 minutes.
However, it has been seen a few times in the past seasons such as the Cambridgeshire Derby, the play-off semi-final, and multiple league fixtures that the GH Display Stand can generate a better atmosphere. Alongside this, the facilities in the GH are just much better and it does have that modern feel to it.
Another positive for the GH is the fact that it does have longevity on its side. The stand was only opened in November 2014 versus Swindon Town.
Alongside this, it has the perfect acoustics for the perfect ‘Kop End’ so to speak capable of producing a scintillating atmosphere as seen in the play-offs.
Furthermore, The London Road End struggles to generate noise due to its shed style roof. This has come under close criticism from Posh fans and one of the main reasons to abandon The London Road End for good.
There clearly is a case for Posh to keep both stands open and use them as they have done for the last two seasons.
There is no denying that The London Road End does need modernising and improving to continue to house Posh fans.
However, Posh fans do need to take into account their own actions as their has been multiple occasions where the club has had to issue banning orders due to fans vandalising their own stand.
The GH Display Stand is a great place to be when it is a ‘big game’ however there has been occasions this season.
The London Road End has been just as loud. But, there is one key example of what unity within the Posh fanbase looks like. The Play-Off semi-final against Oxford United in 2024 had both ends open and the atmosphere generated was astounding.
Overall, this decision will always split opinion within the Posh fanbase, however, it does have to be looked at properly.
Fans may gain a better facility, but they may subsequently lose years and years of history of happiness, tears and ecstasy.
The London Road End has seen everything from this club an the one standing piece of terracing has witnessed it all.
From the 134-goal record breaking season to the Grant McCann free kick versus Sheffield Wednesday and the Jonson Clarke-Harris 90+6′ penalty versus Lincoln it has seen it all.
Is it really worth getting rid of all that history for a stand no different to an away end at Colchester United? That might be a question that splits many, but one that ultimately supporters have to face.
