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Post by jamo on Feb 17, 2015 22:41:37 GMT 1
I was a firm advocate of the move to the new ground as I genuinely think it saved us from a situation that Hairyfud now find themselves in.
That said, we should not dismiss too soon the missed opportunities and glaring mistakes that happened at that time. The clubs all consuming focus on corporate fans and high end investors at the expense of the 'everyday' fans match day experience, whilst understandable to a degree given the new facilities on offer, was only ever going to be temporary if on field success was not immediate. We are paying for that now.
A lack of suitable fan hospitality/ bars etc is unforgivable in a modern purpose built facility. No catering units outside is quite frankly ludicrous ( those that go to Wycombe in the near future just check out the range of food options available within the confines of the stadium prior to entry) no hot drinks vendors walking around the ground is a huge contributor to the unacceptable queues at halftime. Access and egress from the stadium - other than through the main gates- is just not acceptable and yet the club seem to ignore it year upon year. How any entertainment facility can have a main entrance/ exit ( double gates adjacent to Powerleague) padlocked for 7 years simply beggars belief , this is compounded when you realise that the same people that are happy for this to be the case are also happy to channel thousands of people down an uneven unlit 1 metre wide footpath. Disgraceful.
There has to be many contributing factors as to why our gates are falling, attending the stadium as an enjoyable, easy exercise is one of them, and that's before we begin to talk about the clubs apparent intended approach of stopping people enjoying themselves within the ground, the crowded and unreachable facilities under the stands and a PA system that continues to not work.
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4992
Feb 18, 2015 0:13:33 GMT 1
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Post by shrewd67 on Feb 18, 2015 0:13:33 GMT 1
If we gain promotion we should see a few bumper gates at the end of the season and an upturn in season ticket sales. At the point of the feel good factor peaking the club should address and resolve the issues raised by Jamo they should be simple and not too costly.
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Feb 18, 2015 9:39:40 GMT 1
Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2015 9:39:40 GMT 1
It’s hardly tedious and reflects how we as a society like to drive our car to the entrance of ASDA, the cinema, or the Ice rink. Of course not all people are able to walk 10 – 15 minutes, but arrangements appear to be place to help facilitate that. The well used drop off point that many a family with young children uses and I’ve used myself. The point is I know fit and healthy people who can’t be bothered with the minor inconvenience of walking to the ground. Still that’s their choice and they are the ones who are missing a good season. The next time we play Chelsea I’m sure they’ll manage is though. Good discussion. Makes up for you ignoring me in the pub on Friday night ;-) The drop off point only works if you have someone with the time and inclination to drop you off. It is still about a 500m walk to the west stand from there. I had no idea you could ask and be dropped off closer to the stadium. And if I didn't - you can be sure occasional fans don't. You mention Asda - the cinema - the ice rink. It might be that society has become lazy or it might be that commercial operators have become savvy to the fact that if you remove barriers to people coming then they are more likely to come. I know a couple from Oswestry who were new season ticket holders when the stadium opened but did not renew their season tickets when they stopped the Oxon park and ride bus because they could not see a way of getting to the ground. People say "Yeah but the loyal fans make it" and that's not really what we are discussing. We are discussing those who don't currently go as often. Of course those who pick and choose will pick and choose Chelsea. The question is how can we get them to pick Wimbledon in February as well. Did I really? So sorry Dave where was this? Bull in Butcher Row or the OPO ? Or earlier in Monty's? I don't want get into the whole 'loyal supporter' thing because that really is tedious, but for someone who is capable of walking 10 - 15 minutes to cite lack of parking near the ground as an excuse not to attend will probably only attend occasionally anyway. The loss of the Oxon Park and Ride was a blow, if your friends are capable they can walk from the Brooklands, or Pritchards. As for retailers removing barriers I think it has more to do with the motor car giving ordinary working people (or the working class if you prefer) freedom. The sort of freedom old town centres can't cope with. Also remember retail parks weren't subject to the type of planning restriction the new ground was.
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Feb 18, 2015 11:23:47 GMT 1
Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2015 11:23:47 GMT 1
Upon reviewing this thread, it appears the Club have a big task in addressing many of the issues raised by members of B & A. There is of course one other factor, the team whilst in league one started to regularly lose football match's! A new generation of fan came to the new stadium when it opened and from the off largely saw a winning team with Wembley appearances thrown in, culminating in watching GTs teams only losing three games at home in his first two seasons in charge. For many fairweather fans the prospect of watching a losing side was a shock to the system which many did not enjoy. Its a complex issue which may need some mathematical modelling
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Post by ipswichshrews on Feb 18, 2015 11:39:27 GMT 1
fans who suddenly find it a shock to the system to see their side lose a few more games than we did / do in league 2 amuses me as it's like it should never happen. You get it with promoted teams to the premier league (e.g. leicester) who cannot understand why they will lose more than they win. It's part of where you are in the pecking order.
Naturally we hope we will be competitive as much as possible in a higher league - but we will lose games at some point. It happens!!
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Feb 18, 2015 11:56:05 GMT 1
Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2015 11:56:05 GMT 1
Last season I went to see Worcester play rugby against Northants Saints and Sale . Really enjoyed the experience although Worcester were pretty s**t . The facilities for both sets of fans was excellent . I was amazed at the food on offer , faggotts , curry, carbonnara , sausage , pies etc, etc as well as a good selection of beers . Both sets of fans mingling together in a purpose built restaurant / cafe whatever you want to call it . The stewards even let you out through the turnstiles for a quick fag or two at halftime with no fuss .
I certainly hope to go again when Town aren't playing at home .
Jamo is certainly right , Town missed a trick or two when the new Meddah was designed.
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4992
Feb 18, 2015 12:06:48 GMT 1
Post by bordersalopian on Feb 18, 2015 12:06:48 GMT 1
Would it be possible for the club to try to 'entertain' the fans as they arrive at the ground? For example, in the Bundesliga, it's not uncommon for clubs to provide food stalls outside the stadium, selling chips and currywurst, etc. Also, a couple of stalls selling club memorabilia and programmes?
At Hertha Berlin, they have a beer tent, where for an extra 5 Euro you were given a plastic beer glass with the club crest on it with your beer...would this be feasible on the grassed area next to the Powerleague pitches?
A couple of retail units selling jacket potatoes, chipps and burgers may enhance the match-day experience?
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Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2015 12:19:33 GMT 1
This thread has now attracted more views than attended Saturday's game If the club is reading this thread then it should give them food for thought as to how they could both enhance the match day experience, increase crowds and ultimately increase revenue streams.
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4992
Feb 18, 2015 12:26:19 GMT 1
Post by ipswichshrews on Feb 18, 2015 12:26:19 GMT 1
This thread has now attracted more views than attended Saturday's game If the club is reading this thread then it should give them food for thought as to how they could both enhance the match day experience, increase crowds and ultimately increase revenue streams. I noticed that about the number of views! Could it be raised again via the Supporters Parliament. I did ask Matt Williams about a marquee next to the Powerleague pitches after seeing what Yeovil did, and he said the costs were too prohibited and people would prefer sitting in a warm pub.
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Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2015 12:55:08 GMT 1
Beer tents, food stalls, marquees are all items that possibly the supporters organisations could organise and fund themselves if club is happy.
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4992
Feb 18, 2015 13:00:09 GMT 1
Post by atcham jack on Feb 18, 2015 13:00:09 GMT 1
We certainly need more attractions to make the game only a part of the day out, Torquay utd have just opened a heritage center with blow up photos of players old and new, we could do that and free to ticket holders, with our history and legends, think what the club could achieve if they were added to do it
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4992
Feb 18, 2015 13:00:49 GMT 1
Post by bobbyc on Feb 18, 2015 13:00:49 GMT 1
Build a football ground that resembles Fort Knox in terms of its connection to the rest of the community. Reap what you sow!
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Feb 18, 2015 13:01:15 GMT 1
Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2015 13:01:15 GMT 1
And Torquays crowds are booming!!!. Anyone asked Network Rail on a possible Halt/station for matchdays? A Rail connection on a grounds doorstep could make a significant difference.
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Feb 18, 2015 13:03:59 GMT 1
Post by atcham jack on Feb 18, 2015 13:03:59 GMT 1
Sorry asked to do it, AJ is awaiting return of his Toshiba laptop after the fitting of a new main drive.following him hitting it too hard
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Feb 18, 2015 13:06:03 GMT 1
Post by atcham jack on Feb 18, 2015 13:06:03 GMT 1
No Torquay's crowds are not booming, but we have far more history and we need to display it. No room for defeatism
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Feb 18, 2015 13:18:57 GMT 1
Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2015 13:18:57 GMT 1
There is plenty if we listen to you. Have you got the home supporter figures that prove that the attendances at Shrewsbury are falling significantly? Or are you just listening to forum chat and using that to base your assumptions? The overall attendances have dropped slightly since last season why? You do not think that its due to having Accrington Stanley, Dagenham & Redbridge and Morecambe as opponents who struggle to bring 50 as opposed to Wolves, Coventry and Sheff United who brought 1500!! ? In the home ends I don not see a significant difference in the crowd yet can clearly see them in the away end.
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4992
Feb 18, 2015 13:25:42 GMT 1
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Post by vanner on Feb 18, 2015 13:25:42 GMT 1
And Torquays crowds are booming!!!. Anyone asked Network Rail on a possible Halt/station for matchdays? A Rail connection on a grounds doorstep could make a significant difference. This has been brought up before. I think the cost was around 1.5 million so it isn't going to happen.
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4992
Feb 18, 2015 13:29:40 GMT 1
Post by atcham jack on Feb 18, 2015 13:29:40 GMT 1
Well done mortgagehound for starting this debate, do hope my grossly outspoken comments will keep us going until Saturday, cannot wait until I get my lap top back when AJ may really vent his spleen and protect his YEDS JT!
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Feb 18, 2015 13:31:08 GMT 1
Post by atcham jack on Feb 18, 2015 13:31:08 GMT 1
Well done mortgagehound for starting this debate, do hope my grossly outspoken comments will keep us going until Saturday, cannot wait until I get my lap top back when AJ may really vent his spleen and protect his YEDS JT!
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Feb 18, 2015 13:34:16 GMT 1
vanner likes this
Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2015 13:34:16 GMT 1
And Torquays crowds are booming!!!. Anyone asked Network Rail on a possible Halt/station for matchdays? A Rail connection on a grounds doorstep could make a significant difference. This has been brought up before. I think the cost was around 1.5 million so it isn't going to happen. Considering the reduction in road traffic and convenience with the park and ride which will become used more that figure spread between the new developments, the club, the council and the current retail occupants that does not seem to big a figure. Perhaps the Brooklands can put some towards it?
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Feb 18, 2015 13:36:37 GMT 1
Post by atcham jack on Feb 18, 2015 13:36:37 GMT 1
1.5 million? Arrant nonsense. We can use an existing room. Blowing up photos 1.5 million. My arse.
No I have not got home statistics, but there must be a reason why his excellent thread was started. Obviously RW, MW and MM are concerned as well as mortgage hound and distant me. I say again there is no room for defeatism!
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4992
Feb 18, 2015 13:39:20 GMT 1
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Post by vanner on Feb 18, 2015 13:39:20 GMT 1
1.5 million? Arrant nonsense. We can use an existing room. Blowing up photos 1.5 million. My arse. No I have not got home statistics, but there must be a reason why his excellent thread was started. Obviously RW, MW and MM are concerned as well as mortgage hound and distant me. I say again there is no room for defeatism! I don't think an existing room could be used as a railway stop personally.
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Feb 18, 2015 13:40:13 GMT 1
Post by atcham jack on Feb 18, 2015 13:40:13 GMT 1
AJ speaks his mind, I have not wasted 9 years of my life with others returning the loggerheads, if you want a flipping fish argument for higher gates you are in for one
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Feb 18, 2015 13:41:12 GMT 1
Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2015 13:41:12 GMT 1
Yes their is the attendance figures? ? they do not prove that their is a significant drop in the Home support. Maybe use your ample time and Laptop to investigate the figures and gain some facts an not just assume from what you hear.
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4992
Feb 18, 2015 13:44:10 GMT 1
Post by buryshrew on Feb 18, 2015 13:44:10 GMT 1
It's well worth MW and RW having a trip to the Etihad to check out the fanzone there - I know the scale of things is different, but the logic is the same, give people a funky, friendly place to hang out before a match with some decent food options and they will come earlier and spend more dosh - it's all outside, partially under canvas (obviously, it's Manchester) and whenever we've been we've arrived up to a couple of hours before the match and it has been rammed full. I know budgets are worlds apart, but a little clever thinking and I'm sure a number of the ideas could be replicated to good effect. www.mcfc.co.uk/Fans/City-Square/About-City-Square/About-City-Square
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Feb 18, 2015 13:47:33 GMT 1
Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2015 13:47:33 GMT 1
''Blowing up photos???'',''AJ''Your mind is scrambled by spending far to much time online on Internet forums proved by weird posts that have no relevance to the subject or club. Why not use it constructively and find out what you are on about and then tell us as I haven't the foggiest. Anyway i'll put you on ''ignore'' it improves the forum immensely.
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4992
Feb 18, 2015 13:55:50 GMT 1
Post by Matster on Feb 18, 2015 13:55:50 GMT 1
What 'Match Day Experience' do clubs like Wolves, Baggies, Villa, Brum, Stoke, Liverpool, Man U/City, etc offer? People are talking about loads of entertainment to encourage fans to the ground, but they come here to watch the footy surely? I can appreciate more food vendors outside of the main stadium, in fact a few food market tents would be great and if the club boxed clever they could have them set up in the AM and advertise it as a feature to non footy fans as well.
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4992
Feb 18, 2015 14:28:13 GMT 1
Post by bordersalopian on Feb 18, 2015 14:28:13 GMT 1
Personally, I think that the stadium is poorly signposted from the main arterial routes into Shrewsbury. Maybe if clearer signage highlighting the stadium, with the club crest would help 'remind' the local population?
Other than that, how about a 5 game package for the last 5 home games of the season?...say £75 for all 5 games?
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Feb 18, 2015 14:40:33 GMT 1
Post by Deleted on Feb 18, 2015 14:40:33 GMT 1
Would the vendors pay a fee to the club? If it's not on the club's land then whats stopping them doing so currently? Every cuppa sold by a vendor is one less sold by the club. That's why they have the TV's in the concourse to get you in an earlier and spending their rather than elsewhere many Clubs do not have any concourse TV's or big screen and you get loads of fans heading straight to the ground after the early SKY match it's fine if you have plenty of Pub's and are a located in the middle of town. And who makes an ultimate decision to go to a match hangs on whether they could by a Burger or not?
The Kids fans park early in the Season was good yet not so inviting during wet and cold winter months. The Club needs a bigger and better Shop where you can get as many fans in as possible to wonder around and hopefully make ''impulse purchases'' if they cannot expand at current location then have a market stall outside. There is also room to place a marquee style tent which can serve beer and BBQ style food with tables and chairs inside perhaps a band playing to. Shrewsbury are not a club that is restricted by the all seater rules on stadiums. Could they fill a corner or two with a''safe standing'' temporary area, rather than risk converting a stand and finding it unusable in the Championship? Personally I do not think their is a problem with attendances currently but that shouldn't stop fans and staff looking at ways to increase it and we will only see if their is an issue IF we go up and attendances have dropped of a lot since the last L1 seasons. And then it will depend on who the big clubs are. L1 last season must have been the strongest third tier league ever seen.
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Feb 18, 2015 15:06:23 GMT 1
Post by bordersalopian on Feb 18, 2015 15:06:23 GMT 1
As axelrose points out, it's not necessarily the crowd figures, but a 'fanzone' which would help to attract extra revenue to the club...there are plenty of avenues to explore
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