I've long maintained that for whatever reason standing fans make more noise. I'm no scientist so I have no idea why this should be but for me it appears to be a fact rather than conjecture. Any ground I've ever been to always generated more noise from standing areas than from seated sections. If any further proof was needed then I'd suggest that the noisiest points at any match are quite obviously just after a team has scored or there has either been a serious foul, penalty claim, referee's cock up or other major incident. Almost inevitably the crowd rises to its feet to make the noise at such points, be it cheers, booing or abuse.

If the away section at Ashburton is one where they stand for the entire match they are always noisier than those away fans who can be persuaded to remain seated. Just as Arsenal's away fans always make more noise when they stand for an entire game at other grounds. The noisiest away section I can recall was still our Champions Section at Old Trafford. Not just when Wiltord scored but throughout. The only time I sat down for this entire match was at half time, I imagine it was the same for others privileged enough to be there. We were clearly not noisy just because we stood but it was seriously noisy and we did all stand.

The reason I'm mentioning this is because against Bolton, as usual, our crowd once again wasn't at its most vocal. Mainly because there was not a lot to get excited about other than Foy's ineptness, McCann leaving his foot in every time and that dirty scumbag Davies who rates right up there with van Diver and Sheringham on the obnoxious front. So for most of the time you could hear a prawn sandwich drop. But at one point the entire north end seemed to be both bouncing on their feet and making a noise. The noise was very noticeable to me in the east stand and it was very evident that this only happened when the crowd were all on their feet.

I'd be pleased to hear a scientific explanation as to why more noise comes from standing supporters. But I'd be even more pleased to hear why football clubs do not understand this and allow fans to generate more atmosphere in the only way it can be done effectively. Whilst on their feet.