And I do think the loss of 1000 fans in our second season in the conference is still being felt - we can't be certain gates would have dwindled had we not taken such a massive hit. But in my view, we would have at least retained more of the 2400 average we got in the first conference season had we not had our history blighted by the Majeeds - it really is difficult to make some people comprehend just how damaging their tenure was
We did not just lose those fans, we also lost the momentum which had seen the numbers steadily increase over the preceding seasons.
The pitch was decent last season and I am sure would have lasted well if we didn't have lots of extra games from Brighton teams playing on it.
outside of the playing staff the clubs biggest expense is the stadium. Unfortunately it only creates revenue on 25 days - we need to maximise that revenue. As we can't seemingly increase the gates it needs to expand the number of days it is earning. That is why Brighton use the ground. It's simple really.
And I do think the loss of 1000 fans in our second season in the conference is still being felt - we can't be certain gates would have dwindled had we not taken such a massive hit. But in my view, we would have at least retained more of the 2400 average we got in the first conference season had we not had our history blighted by the Majeeds - it really is difficult to make some people comprehend just how damaging their tenure was
Maybe the jump in attendance when we went up to the conference was similar to the jump we got when we went to league 2 then 1.They both fell back after the initial surge of interest,could be the same pattern.Alot of fans are not that bothered by who owns the club,certainly not as much as others.
And I do think the loss of 1000 fans in our second season in the conference is still being felt - we can't be certain gates would have dwindled had we not taken such a massive hit. But in my view, we would have at least retained more of the 2400 average we got in the first conference season had we not had our history blighted by the Majeeds - it really is difficult to make some people comprehend just how damaging their tenure was
We did not just lose those fans, we also lost the momentum which had seen the numbers steadily increase over the preceding seasons.
is that a Joeke isnt he supposed be part of club swanning around match daze dont make comments start doing if you part of the club.
RR&R I am genuinely unclear if you are having a pop at me, Joe or both...?
Or which part of my post you refer to, in your enquiry about whether the comment is lighthearted or serious...?
I am happy to provide an answer when you have clarified the matter.
ADMIN EDIT: Whole messaged deleted (to be honest it was easier to delete the lot). Please refrain from overly personal remarks. Another forum member has been asked to do likewise. Thank you, George.
Well RR&R if you think you are the person for the job why don't you go and offer your services and then you could see how hard the job it at first hand. One thing you would have to do is learn to use a spell checker. Its very easy to sit where you are and throw insults and brick bats but its another thing putting your head on the line and try doing the job.
A lot of fans are not that bothered by who owns the club,certainly not as much as others.
Fair point, but way back in the early 90s, i successfully persuaded my company to invest in a pitch side hoarding for the FA cup match v Barnet, with the MoTD cameras at the ground.
I suspect the Directors worked out it would get a return in goodwill from me, rather than any tangible new business interest.
However, they did question me - in depth - as to whether any association with the club, could possibly damage our companies image....(?) it was the ONLY aspect where they needed me to provide a serious reassurance. I have never forgotten that.
The point I am attempting to illustrate (which fans may not always fully appreciate) is that - even at a very basic commercial level - to partners & sponsors, probity & transparency really do matter...!
PS: The hoarding was directly in line with the cameras & featured extensively in the TV coverage... However, they joked afterwards that it should have been at the cow shed end, as the national red top media all had published half page snaps... from behind the streaker...!
And I do think the loss of 1000 fans in our second season in the conference is still being felt - we can't be certain gates would have dwindled had we not taken such a massive hit. But in my view, we would have at least retained more of the 2400 average we got in the first conference season had we not had our history blighted by the Majeeds - it really is difficult to make some people comprehend just how damaging their tenure was
We did not just lose those fans, we also lost the momentum which had seen the numbers steadily increase over the preceding seasons.
We have had several false starts in threatening to build consistently and grow the regular fan base but for whatever reason we stall and people fall away and some time later we have to build from the lower level again. I am sure there are some who still harbour a grudge against the Majeeds probably quite rightly if their interaction with them or the old team management was on a more personal basis, but Joe Public generally wants to see a winning (and ideally attractive) side at home and in our second conference season we struggled to adapt to full time and unsurprisingly attendance dipped from the first conference season which coming on top of a successful SL winning season (with a home attendance average of 1380, distorted somewhat by 4500 at home to Weymouth and 2200 at home to Dover) was always likely? I believe the average in our 1st Conference season was just over 2000 with some fairly attractive local matches in there (Aldershot, Woking, Dagenham, Barnet, Stevenage - something we could do with now!) but with crowds dipping as the season went on (Tamworth 1237, , Burton 1360, Gravesend on Boxing Day only 1863). We then started entering the years of points deductions and cuts in the playing budget when there was much turmoil and miraculous escapes from relegation but it was never a period when we could consistenly build the fan base whether it was Pol Pot or Mother Teresa were owning the club?
We need to build on the stadium. The stadium isn’t attractive e from the outside, so it isn’t appealing to new fans (especially the young ones who are attracted by the glitz and the glamour of the premier league) we should build a new stadium similar to AMEX, Kingsmeadow or Wembley.
We need to build on the stadium. The stadium isn’t attractive e from the outside, so it isn’t appealing to new fans (especially the young ones who are attracted by the glitz and the glamour of the premier league) we should build a new stadium similar to AMEX, Kingsmeadow or Wembley.
And you're going to get things underway by making an opening donation?
We need to build on the stadium. The stadium isn’t attractive e from the outside, so it isn’t appealing to new fans (especially the young ones who are attracted by the glitz and the glamour of the premier league) we should build a new stadium similar to AMEX, Kingsmeadow or Wembley.
ah yeah a new stadium when we can’t fill our current one!🙄
We need to build on the stadium. The stadium isn’t attractive e from the outside, so it isn’t appealing to new fans (especially the young ones who are attracted by the glitz and the glamour of the premier league) we should build a new stadium similar to AMEX, Kingsmeadow or Wembley.
An interesting view. This was tried before by Darlington FC unfortunately it did not work for them and saw them go out of business.
We need to build on the stadium. The stadium isn’t attractive e from the outside, so it isn’t appealing to new fans (especially the young ones who are attracted by the glitz and the glamour of the premier league) we should build a new stadium similar to AMEX, Kingsmeadow or Wembley.
An interesting view. This was tried before by Darlington FC unfortunately it did not work for them and saw them go out of business.
Thankfully we dont have an Amex that looks like every other dull premier ground.
Don't see anything wrong with the ground that we wouldn't want, its what is inside it on the pitch I don't care for. But they do sell Harvey's so its not all bad!
All we need is the team to go on a long winning run and you will see the attendance raise. I know some on here will say we don't want Johnny come latelies or plastic supporters but we all started once and I am sure the club will welcome their admission fees.
Don't want Johnnie come latelys or "plastic" supporters? I would have thought we should be welcoming anyone who wants to pay their money and give their support.
Who decides if they are Johnnie come latelys or "plastic supporters anyway?
If anyone wants to come along, even for one game they are very welcome.