Chelsea - Occassionals and new fans
Sept 26, 2014 3:58:44 GMT 1
ThrobsBlackHat, BelleVueShrew, and 11 more like this
Post by Mediolanum Shrew on Sept 26, 2014 3:58:44 GMT 1
Just wanted to comment on a number of threads on the various social media and message boards.
My initial thoughts were like everyone elses. One of dread. The initial enthusiasm for such a massive game tempers with the fact that these occasions, although special, can end up being a ball ache. Family and friends wanting tickets, the extra expense, and the fact that normally, the 'Giant' wallops us.
Now before you all go and get a piece of rope and start swinging from the English Bridge, stick with me. You'll see I am really positive about this and the opportunity we have here. But lets look at the history.
Ever since Liverpool 96 loyal Town fans have become twitchy at the thought of all ticket games:
We lost a generation of fans over that debacle. People who had been home and away missed out on what was then the biggest game in years. As it turned out (with the weather, Bob Paisley dying and the memorial service for Ellis Peter - the 11 o'clock kick off really helped!), this really did turn out to be the biggest damp squib ever. But the damage was done. Not even Wembley could persuade a lot of those lost Town fans back.
The good news is that despite further all ticket games since, the Football Club have got better and better in making sure that the true die hards get tickets. Even if they don't qualify by the usual means of Season Ticket Holder. There will always be the odd one or two who slip through the net. But I truly believe that the Football Club really do everything possible to make sure that 99.99% of Town fans who should attend an all ticket game get to do so.
Season Ticket holders lording it over everyone else:
There is without doubt, a recognition and loyalty that comes from being a STH. For a lot of people (and I suspect the majority), purchasing a season ticket is a major expense. Hard funded, and hard fought. And after last season I can truly understand why numbers dropped for this season.
Even myself, a loyal Town fan of just under 40 years, thought about it long and hard.
My reward for committing to the cause is a guaranteed ticket (if that is what the folklore tells us).
Other clubs use this system. I'm still a little uneasy at the fairness of it.
Affordability is a key word here. But for the grace of god, I have been able to afford it.
I know of Town fans who have struggled over the years to pay for one, and decided after "watching that s**t!" last season to quite rightly pick and choose. Some of those guys will have been serial STH for many years.
Now when we get a big game, through the lottery of life choices, they are being made to feel that actually they don't deserve to go. This is quite frankly b******s!
Loyalty isn't just about being a season ticket holder. It's not just about having the affordability to pay a few hundred quid upfront. If it is, then I'm very uneasy about that. Again I'll come back to affordability later.
Being a season ticket holder doesn't make you the most loyal fan by default. Many other Town fans who aren't STH might actually go to more games than a STH. The lording it over some fans like a badge of honour (almost Harry Enfield like - 'look at my ST') is vulgar to the extreme.
Ahh..they are all coming out of the woodwork now (#wherewereyouwhenweweres**t?)
14 years ago, Town played Mansfield on an October Saturday. Jake King was in charge. Town got 1700. We moan at getting a gate of sub 4000 the other night. Jake would have walked over hot coals to get a crowd like that.
Town's fanbase has fluctuated over the years. To still be averaging 5000 at this level is pretty amazing.
We 23000 to Wembley. Twice. Now, not all those will ever become or want to become 23 or 46 game followers of watching Salop live. But, surely we should be doing everything we can encourage the 'Occassionals' or the 'Newbees' to become a 23 or 46 game follower?
If you look at the message boards and social media, it is fulled with references to all these people coming out tof the woodwork for one game (and do you know what I'm as gulity as anyone of doing that!). But I've been thinking ever since last night. And do you know what I'm wrong. We're wrong, if we think like that. True, we all know people who are dedicated armcahir Man U fans. Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Leeds. These are the guys that love taking the p**s out of us Town fans. I used to get so wound up by them. But you know what, I dont now. I feel quite sad for them. They'll never experience what I did at Leicester, or that glorious moment at Arsenal. The National Hockey Stadium. St James Park in 2000. Sammy Chapman making it 2-0 in 1979. They'll never get it.
However there are people that do get it. Maybe haven't been for ages. Maybe just havent realised what we have here. Maybe might actually enjoy following there local team. Shouldn't we be encouraging them to come and support us, rather have this closed shop front. Rather than giving the impression that this Football Club is all ours to the exclusivity of us. Us lucky people that have got it. Understand it. Love it!
The fact is if we are to progress as a club we need the 'Occassionals' and 'Newbees' to progress. We need to fill this stadium week in, week out. Empty seats are not an option!
But we must reward the loyal fans!!
Of course. And so we should. And like I've said, the Football Club now has the tools to be able to see and say exactly what categories a loyal fan. Not just through being an ST, but also by loyalty points.
Loyal fans come in all shapes and sizes. And actual being a loyal fan can also mean you not attending games.
Exiled fans (and work commitments)
Take my brother Mark. Mark is just a loyal a fan as me. I might be at the Meadow or away at Roots Hall. Mark will be driving round Leicester making Arriva money, and keeping the good folk of King Richard's city happy. But I know where my brothers heart is on Saturday. I know he's as p**sed off as me when Town lose. I know that when he gets the mail and press cuttings my Dad has sent him from the Shropshire Star he spends hours reading them. He's a fan. He was at Leicester, with his daughter and son. He was so excited to be there and see them win. So again don't tell me loyalty is about being an ST, or about attending games. For a lot of people out there following Town is about listening to the radio, receiving a text message. We are lucky to attend, due to our worklife allowing us too. A lot of Town fans dont have that luxury.
Being a Town fan is more than just attending. It's about a passion for the team, that can show itself in many ways.
Attendance though, has to be the criteria..right?
Of course. And it is the only way you can truly do it. But after the 2000 STH's, after the non STH's with all the loyalty points, then those with an affinity to the club defintely deserve the chance to attend. Maybe the question is this. Have we got a way right now of getting those people who love the club as much as we do, affilated to it? We've tried Legends Cards. Membership Card et al. Maybe that is the next challenge for the SP?
We need to find a way of connecting and affiliating Town fans who might not be able to attend. Due to work, life or geographical commitments. We cannot exclude them as we do.
Admission prices and 'buy tickets for the three games before to guarantee you a Chelsea ticket.
On paper this seems a great idea. But take a step back. How is this truly going to work? You would have to set aside a number of tickets to do this. Would people actually attend (going back to that Liverpool fiasco and the number of people with vouchers who paid to get in, got their voucher and left straight away).
It makes money for the club. True. But at what true cost? Again, come back to the occasional or newbee. Are they really going to want to pay for a four game ticket?
The chances are that actually you'd turn people away from wanting to attend. You could end up with a situation that we don't sell out. How embarrasing what that be on national tv!
The same goes for inflated prices. As someone who believes 'twenty is plenty!', anything above normal matchday prices is wrong, and fleecing fans.
Town yes, have to make as much money as they can, but they can do this via increased match day activity (from programmes to pies, merchandise, hospitality and tv/ advertising money).
We dont need comments of 'charge them £30'. £30, to watch a game of football for god's sake!!!
Normal match day prices is a must. £5 a programme fine. £7 a scarf, fare enough. Don't loose the integrity of football as the peoples game.
Totally understand that Town need to make as much money as possible. But that cant be at the whim of 'ripping off' people.
So what do I want to happen?
All the loyal fans to get a ticket - which they will.
For those tickets to be affordable!!!
Some 'occasionals' and 'newbees' to come along and fall in love with Salop, like I did 40 years ago.
The Meadow to be full!!!! And rocking!!
STFC to really show off the fantastic facility that is GM, and 'gain a win' off the back of excellent corporate hospitality
The Supporters Groups to have an opportunity to talk to not just the current but potential fan base and gain new members.
Jose to pop into the Prince for a pint of Twisted Spire!
But overall to have just a brilliant occassion. And dare I dream win!! And if not, show the new STFC for what we are. A progressive football side that has an amazing chance to get out of League 2 this season.
#salopiannation
#monarmy
#coyb
Ade Plimmer
My initial thoughts were like everyone elses. One of dread. The initial enthusiasm for such a massive game tempers with the fact that these occasions, although special, can end up being a ball ache. Family and friends wanting tickets, the extra expense, and the fact that normally, the 'Giant' wallops us.
Now before you all go and get a piece of rope and start swinging from the English Bridge, stick with me. You'll see I am really positive about this and the opportunity we have here. But lets look at the history.
Ever since Liverpool 96 loyal Town fans have become twitchy at the thought of all ticket games:
We lost a generation of fans over that debacle. People who had been home and away missed out on what was then the biggest game in years. As it turned out (with the weather, Bob Paisley dying and the memorial service for Ellis Peter - the 11 o'clock kick off really helped!), this really did turn out to be the biggest damp squib ever. But the damage was done. Not even Wembley could persuade a lot of those lost Town fans back.
The good news is that despite further all ticket games since, the Football Club have got better and better in making sure that the true die hards get tickets. Even if they don't qualify by the usual means of Season Ticket Holder. There will always be the odd one or two who slip through the net. But I truly believe that the Football Club really do everything possible to make sure that 99.99% of Town fans who should attend an all ticket game get to do so.
Season Ticket holders lording it over everyone else:
There is without doubt, a recognition and loyalty that comes from being a STH. For a lot of people (and I suspect the majority), purchasing a season ticket is a major expense. Hard funded, and hard fought. And after last season I can truly understand why numbers dropped for this season.
Even myself, a loyal Town fan of just under 40 years, thought about it long and hard.
My reward for committing to the cause is a guaranteed ticket (if that is what the folklore tells us).
Other clubs use this system. I'm still a little uneasy at the fairness of it.
Affordability is a key word here. But for the grace of god, I have been able to afford it.
I know of Town fans who have struggled over the years to pay for one, and decided after "watching that s**t!" last season to quite rightly pick and choose. Some of those guys will have been serial STH for many years.
Now when we get a big game, through the lottery of life choices, they are being made to feel that actually they don't deserve to go. This is quite frankly b******s!
Loyalty isn't just about being a season ticket holder. It's not just about having the affordability to pay a few hundred quid upfront. If it is, then I'm very uneasy about that. Again I'll come back to affordability later.
Being a season ticket holder doesn't make you the most loyal fan by default. Many other Town fans who aren't STH might actually go to more games than a STH. The lording it over some fans like a badge of honour (almost Harry Enfield like - 'look at my ST') is vulgar to the extreme.
Ahh..they are all coming out of the woodwork now (#wherewereyouwhenweweres**t?)
14 years ago, Town played Mansfield on an October Saturday. Jake King was in charge. Town got 1700. We moan at getting a gate of sub 4000 the other night. Jake would have walked over hot coals to get a crowd like that.
Town's fanbase has fluctuated over the years. To still be averaging 5000 at this level is pretty amazing.
We 23000 to Wembley. Twice. Now, not all those will ever become or want to become 23 or 46 game followers of watching Salop live. But, surely we should be doing everything we can encourage the 'Occassionals' or the 'Newbees' to become a 23 or 46 game follower?
If you look at the message boards and social media, it is fulled with references to all these people coming out tof the woodwork for one game (and do you know what I'm as gulity as anyone of doing that!). But I've been thinking ever since last night. And do you know what I'm wrong. We're wrong, if we think like that. True, we all know people who are dedicated armcahir Man U fans. Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea, Leeds. These are the guys that love taking the p**s out of us Town fans. I used to get so wound up by them. But you know what, I dont now. I feel quite sad for them. They'll never experience what I did at Leicester, or that glorious moment at Arsenal. The National Hockey Stadium. St James Park in 2000. Sammy Chapman making it 2-0 in 1979. They'll never get it.
However there are people that do get it. Maybe haven't been for ages. Maybe just havent realised what we have here. Maybe might actually enjoy following there local team. Shouldn't we be encouraging them to come and support us, rather have this closed shop front. Rather than giving the impression that this Football Club is all ours to the exclusivity of us. Us lucky people that have got it. Understand it. Love it!
The fact is if we are to progress as a club we need the 'Occassionals' and 'Newbees' to progress. We need to fill this stadium week in, week out. Empty seats are not an option!
But we must reward the loyal fans!!
Of course. And so we should. And like I've said, the Football Club now has the tools to be able to see and say exactly what categories a loyal fan. Not just through being an ST, but also by loyalty points.
Loyal fans come in all shapes and sizes. And actual being a loyal fan can also mean you not attending games.
Exiled fans (and work commitments)
Take my brother Mark. Mark is just a loyal a fan as me. I might be at the Meadow or away at Roots Hall. Mark will be driving round Leicester making Arriva money, and keeping the good folk of King Richard's city happy. But I know where my brothers heart is on Saturday. I know he's as p**sed off as me when Town lose. I know that when he gets the mail and press cuttings my Dad has sent him from the Shropshire Star he spends hours reading them. He's a fan. He was at Leicester, with his daughter and son. He was so excited to be there and see them win. So again don't tell me loyalty is about being an ST, or about attending games. For a lot of people out there following Town is about listening to the radio, receiving a text message. We are lucky to attend, due to our worklife allowing us too. A lot of Town fans dont have that luxury.
Being a Town fan is more than just attending. It's about a passion for the team, that can show itself in many ways.
Attendance though, has to be the criteria..right?
Of course. And it is the only way you can truly do it. But after the 2000 STH's, after the non STH's with all the loyalty points, then those with an affinity to the club defintely deserve the chance to attend. Maybe the question is this. Have we got a way right now of getting those people who love the club as much as we do, affilated to it? We've tried Legends Cards. Membership Card et al. Maybe that is the next challenge for the SP?
We need to find a way of connecting and affiliating Town fans who might not be able to attend. Due to work, life or geographical commitments. We cannot exclude them as we do.
Admission prices and 'buy tickets for the three games before to guarantee you a Chelsea ticket.
On paper this seems a great idea. But take a step back. How is this truly going to work? You would have to set aside a number of tickets to do this. Would people actually attend (going back to that Liverpool fiasco and the number of people with vouchers who paid to get in, got their voucher and left straight away).
It makes money for the club. True. But at what true cost? Again, come back to the occasional or newbee. Are they really going to want to pay for a four game ticket?
The chances are that actually you'd turn people away from wanting to attend. You could end up with a situation that we don't sell out. How embarrasing what that be on national tv!
The same goes for inflated prices. As someone who believes 'twenty is plenty!', anything above normal matchday prices is wrong, and fleecing fans.
Town yes, have to make as much money as they can, but they can do this via increased match day activity (from programmes to pies, merchandise, hospitality and tv/ advertising money).
We dont need comments of 'charge them £30'. £30, to watch a game of football for god's sake!!!
Normal match day prices is a must. £5 a programme fine. £7 a scarf, fare enough. Don't loose the integrity of football as the peoples game.
Totally understand that Town need to make as much money as possible. But that cant be at the whim of 'ripping off' people.
So what do I want to happen?
All the loyal fans to get a ticket - which they will.
For those tickets to be affordable!!!
Some 'occasionals' and 'newbees' to come along and fall in love with Salop, like I did 40 years ago.
The Meadow to be full!!!! And rocking!!
STFC to really show off the fantastic facility that is GM, and 'gain a win' off the back of excellent corporate hospitality
The Supporters Groups to have an opportunity to talk to not just the current but potential fan base and gain new members.
Jose to pop into the Prince for a pint of Twisted Spire!
But overall to have just a brilliant occassion. And dare I dream win!! And if not, show the new STFC for what we are. A progressive football side that has an amazing chance to get out of League 2 this season.
#salopiannation
#monarmy
#coyb
Ade Plimmer