Poor attendances

[DrAgony]

colinlayland said:

Jem,not biting today,instead of writing long drawn out speeches on here, why don't you get down the lane and give us your support,I think we can find a little job for you to do.

Oh no! Is the Brookside toilet blocked again?

[Deleted]

We've chewed over our various reasons for dissillusion and non attendance. So what would get many of the ex regulars back down the Lane? I hope something will one day, it's sad to think we've lost so many die-hards.

For me I'd like to see sides playing with more pizzazz.It's often felt like I've been watching a tactical exercise. Easy to say I know, I suppose this is the way the game is these days?

[ab]

It has been interesting to read the views posted on here. I dont know if I'm an ostrich or not, but I have a fairly simple view.

It is a luxury for supporters of Worcester City to take the general view 'I'll come back again when City look like they might win something". It is a high risk strategy. If every supporter took that view (or perhaps if even 300 did), it would be a matter of months before there was no Worcester City to come back to. Anytime. At all. Finito.

Supporting a fragile non-league Club (which is subject to all the vagaries and pressures of the commercial market in leisure and spectator sport) is not a matter that can be brought down by (in the bigger picture of things) minor incidents that will happen inevitably at any Club over a period of time - be it form, clashes, relegation, lack of progress. That can be the prerogative of supporters of Clubs like Chelsea, Man Utd etc which will always be there. Failure to support the Club will see the Club will disappear.

OK, there is much room for the spectator and occasional fan to boost attendance, but the Clubs survival depends on the supporters who want it to be there now and who want it to be there in the future. If that core isnt there, there will be no Club for the occasional fan to go to.

Personally, the last thing I would want to see is an AFC Telford situation.

[wh]

IMHO from what I have seen Preecey is trying to get the team playing a more attacking style of football and also there is signs that the team are getting to grips with what he wants.

The constantly changing defensive line up is not helping the situation and would cause problems at any club so what we are seing is a team whose style of play is tempered by defensive frailties.

Even the 4 up front has shown positive sign.

[ab]

For what its worth, pre-season I predicted seven points from the first seven games, while Kieran predicted 10 points from the same games. Both of us are fairly seasoned watchers, like many others, and so the point I'm trying to make is that we werent particularly expecting a flying start to the season in terms of results.

[wh]

ab said:

For what its worth, pre-season I predicted seven points from the first seven games, while Kieran predicted 10 points from the same games. Both of us are fairly seasoned watchers, like many others, and so the point I'm trying to make is that we werent particularly expecting a flying start to the season in terms of results.

Count me in on that theory as well, I'm confident we will start to get things going when we can field anything like our best squad for 3 or 4 games.

[dave]

I am sure that some good results will bring a few more fans back to the lane, however results really are not the real issue for me and I guess some others too.

I am not only staying away due to poor performances and results, otherwise I would have stopped coming when Graham Allner was in charge, or during Barty's last season. I can accept us losing, it is part of being a football supporter.

As stated previously, since I started watching this team as a schoolboy, there has been talk of a new stadium to resolve our financial worries. It still feels a long way away and being told every six months that "something is imminent" time and time again, has just got too much for me, I have personally lost faith in those running the club and until my faith is restored I cannot seem to find the drive to turn up and pay my £10.

Watching the club slide into insolvency is just not something I want to do. I would rather get out now and feel less pain when the club folds. I am sure my position will anger some, Colin included (who by the way is entitled to his opinion, as I am mine), but I cannot help how I feel.

Sorry if I have angered and upset some fans, I merely wanted to express my own reasons for staying away from SGL this season as the issue of poor attendances was raised as a discussion topic.

Nothing would please me more than to be proved wrong and for the board to come up trumps with confirmed plans for a new stadium, which City can move into within 3 years. It will be a great day for the club and the City and my faith will be restored.

[ab]

I agree moreorless with what you say, Wayne, including the points you make above.

Hopefully, even something close to our best squad will be enough for Leigh RMI and Solihull. And, I feel those two games are very important measures for the Club if the squad is close to being fully available.

Undoubtedly, a squad significantly weakened at the back has not been strong enough to get results against the best sides in the league - though it has come close to doing so.

[ab]

I'm not angry with you Dave.

[Deleted]

"Sorry if I have angered and upset some fans.." I'm just upset that we won't see you down at the Lane any more. Not good for the club, nor the rest of us. The same goes for Brooksider and others. One of the joys of going to matches is to meet up (even if only briefly) with people you like and respect.

That's why I ask what will bring you all back. As for me - I've questioned my sanity for going to the Lane due to performances, tactics, personnel etc etc. But the club is too important a part of my life for me to stay away. It's one of the reasons I'm proud to be from the area - up there with the cathedral; the river; New Road and the Malverns. I can't imagine not going whenever I can. The club (and I) are bigger than the Morrison factor, the lack of home wins etc etc.

If that's a sign of insanity then so be it. I'm glad we're debating this problem though, because my long term worries for the club's future remain - as I'm sure they do to all true supporters.

[ab]

At risk of raking up the past, and its only my opinion, its a shame that a significant number of fans point to the 'Morrison' factor. As far as I could see Andy Morrison was at least as committed to the Club as a number of its supporters - admittedly during a period when he was on the salary books. But I suspect his input went way beyond what he was actually paid to do.

It followed a time when a number of fans would 'boo' the manager as he came on - consistently and repeatedly - for what reason I have not the faintest idea. Andy Morrison lost it when Webster was injured - and whatever people might think themsleves on whether it was a foul or not - I suspect mainly because he saw City's hopes disappear with Webster before the season had even started, and that's the kind of bloke he is. To be constantly reminded after almost every game on the then message board and at games that the team was underperforming led to a build-up, not only within Jock, but we are told among the players themselves. Whether justified or not - and there is very mixed opinion - his comments (ill-phrased as they were, and I told him so) were aimed at a very small number (four). The notion that Andy Morrison was having a go at you, Ealing, is very difficult to imagine. And so I wonder how it impacts upon you?

Whichever way, it split supporters but its origins go back to a number of incidents at the Lane
from even the season before.

I've always felt uncomfortable with the fans who would boo (mock?) Andy Preece as he warmed up to come on, but they were never stood where I was stood, so had no idea who they were. If some of them are no longer coming throught the turnstiles, is the Club better off or worst off?

I equally feel uncomfortable standing next to people who shout 'Danks, you're crap' five minutes into the start of the first home game. I also feel very uncomfortable with repeatedly hearing 'you black git" shouted at members of the opposition, but on that one I have made a point of making my view known. In fact, I've tried moving around the ground to find somewhere where I can escape the negativity.

I'm not surprised that, for some, the love affair has come to an end. The Club could be so much better supported than it is now. And that's as much to do with the supporters themselves as it is the Club.

[Mark]

I am well known at my workplace as being a City supporter and season ticket holder. I can certainly say that there most definitely IS interest in the club and the progress (or lack of it) that the team is making as several work colleagues and friends outside of work ask me about this when I meet them.

From what they say to me, there is no doubt in my mind that with a little bit of visible improvement in the club's fortunes be that by consistently turning in better performances or by finally hearing some concrete (no pun intended) news on the new ground more people will come through the turnstiles on a Saturday afternoon. Call them 'Glory Hunters' if you like - personally I don't care when they come so long as they come and hopefully enjoy what they see. And if anyone in a Warriors shirt asks me the way to the loo, I will gladly tell him - politely.

I'm sorry I am not able to post a smart idea on how to achieve the required turn around in the club's fortunes I am simply posting my observation on the matter from my own experiences.

[wh]

as far as nothing new to report on the new ground, I can report that there is activity on the new site. Gypo's have moved in

or should that be Travelling people?

[dave]

I have deliberately not mentioned AM amongst my reasons for staying away, because for me it is not a relevant factor, although I accept it may be for others.

The Morrison debate has gone on long enough as far as I am concerned it is not helpful to keep going over it. Some people will never forgive the club for not acting to condemn his words and actions, others think he was justified in what he said. Ce La Vie!

[dave]

wh said:

as far as nothing new to report on the new ground, I can report that there is activity on the new site. Gypo's have moved in

or should that be Travelling people?

As long as they have not brought along an enabling development!

[Deleted]

"The notion that Andy Morrison was having a go at you, Ealing, is very difficult to imagine. And so I wonder how it impacts upon you?"

It doesn't. I'm saddened that AM didn't take us upwards as many of us hoped. I've seen bigger fools than him come and go over the years - and will probably see a few more yet. I wish him well and consider the matter closed. I hope in future he learns to use his talents and energy in a more constructive manner, I wish it hadn't happened but it did. I can live with that. I only mentioned it in my list of negatives because it got brought up on this thread a few times. When I wonder whether I can make a game at SGL AM is not a factor - and never has been.

[colinlayland]

It's the Royal "we" that I use, and yes I have some strong views on the low gates. Other people have already commented on them so I will not repeat them. I agree that the results have a lot to do with it, but that will change I am sure. But I will give you my views on the Morrison debate. I was at Droylsden when he had a go at some of the fans. I was stood by some of them at the start of the game and before a ball had been kicked, the foul abuse started, attacking the bench at every opportunity. Drink had a lot to do with it, and yes Jem, your brother was one of them. I was not the only one who was disgusted by their behaviour. One very loyal and respected fan who was there wrote to the chairman about it. I do not condone Morrison's actions, but some of the fans need to have a close look at themselves before they go down the holier than thou route, and if it stopped some of them going to watch the City I for one am happy with it.

[LeedsWCFC]

admin said:

whats the point in this? already said draw a line under it and forget about it, hes gone so why keep talking about him.

Please let's not drag up the Jock saga again, ladies and gentlemen.

[blackpole]

bcfcfan said:

cg wrote ...

I know for a fact Norwich City phone their wavering supporters up and conduct all kinds of customer research then shape pricing policy and other requirements around that. Result: sell outs for the home section of most games at Carrow Road in the 2000s.

A club like WCFC doesn't have the resources to do this - so asking around is the next best option

.........................................................................................................

How about putting something in the local press asking for views on the club or on it's website. I know Worcester has (very) limited resources but surely they could do this.

bcfc has asked the question i was going to ... why NOT through the Worcester News?!

[DazaB]

wh said:

as far as nothing new to report on the new ground, I can report that there is activity on the new site. Gypo's have moved in

or should that be Travelling people?

yea they were back at the top of our car park for a few days but went a few days ago after the fuzz spent nearly a whole day up there.

[jeremypitt]

colinlayland said:

It's the Royal "we" that I use, and yes I have some strong views on the low gates. Other people have already commented on them so I will not repeat them. I agree that the results have a lot to do with it, but that will change I am sure. But I will give you my views on the Morrison debate. I was at Droylsden when he had a go at some of the fans. I was stood by some of them at the start of the game and before a ball had been kicked, the foul abuse started, attacking the bench at every opportunity. Drink had a lot to do with it, and yes Jem, your brother was one of them. I was not the only one who was disgusted by their behaviour. One very loyal and respected fan who was there wrote to the chairman about it. I do not condone Morrison's actions, but some of the fans need to have a close look at themselves before they go down the holier than thou route, and if it stopped some of them going to watch the City I for one am happy with it.

Okay colin, now you have put yourself in the position whereby YOU can find me a job to do at St Georges Lane!!! Under whose authority?
And please don't for one second consider that I am either my brothers keeper or my keepers brother, I would certainly never consider tarring you with the activities of other members of your family.

[jeremypitt]

leedswcfc said:

admin said:

whats the point in this? already said draw a line under it and forget about it, hes gone so why keep talking about him.

Please let's not drag up the Jock saga again, ladies and gentlemen.

That does it, if supporters are not allowed to give their reasoning for what is a genuine concern for the club, the 20% fall in attendance, without stirring up the censors, then there is little hope.
Judging by the PM's I received I think this thread struck a chord with many, and perhaps its something the club should take some notice of. But if the censors wish to bury it well under the carpet, then so be it.
Lets continue to blame it all on the weather and losing a few games.
I like Andy would also not wish to see an AFC Telford situation, but for very different reasons.

[ab]

You may not know what my reasons are, Jem. So they may be the same.

[wh]

admin said:

wh said:

as far as nothing new to report on the new ground, I can report that there is activity on the new site. Gypo's have moved in

or should that be Travelling people?

yea they were back at the top of our car park for a few days but went a few days ago after the fuzz spent nearly a whole day up there.

fantastic "The fuzz"..that reminds me of a school joke (back in the 70's)
2 working girls in a lift, the one says to the other.."have you ever been picked up by the Fuzz", the other replies "No! but once a guy swung me around by my tits"

[oldboyblue]

I noticed on the club website a 'family ticket' which is availale for league games £20 for 2 adults and 2 kids. a step in the right direction.

for me the price of the pre season friendlies was a killer when it came to attracting support. the pricing was too high for kids, thus putting people off. families which found better things to do on saturday.

[cg]

Despite the inevitable disagreements (that's discussion for you) I think a lot of positive thought and suggestions have come out of this thread.

If it could be more focussed and channelled directly to the club board that would be great...but, you know, there are two problems:

Will they genuinely listen? And shouldn't they already understand these reasons for declining gates?

For example, one reason the AM incident at Drolyesden - or rather his subsequent comments - IS still relevant is preciely - like the silence surrounding the ground move - because it impacts on the image of the club and is possibly one causal factor the gates we are seeing.

The sad background for me was that the week before it blew up WH and myself met the chairman to discuss how the club website could help improve the club's public image and to discuss the need to get the right messages out to the media.

It was a very positive meeting - but none of things we spoke about have yet been implemented and, indeed, were roundly ignored when the flames were fanned around AM's 'cancer' comment. Now, regardless of who said what - I don't know I wasn't at Droylesden and I don't personally have a problem with the manager and/or his assistant approaching fans to speak to them directly - but when it got drawn out in the local media and the club said nothing people were left to fill in the gaps as they did after the Kiddy incident and as they do over the ground move.

It may not matter to diehards who go down The Lane 10 -20 times a season but to the wider public it just looks and sounds a mess.

Ostriches or not - this has become a serious, serious problem for WCFC.

Its a fact of life that, unless they have stranglehold on a particular market, businesses that act like this go bust.

I mention this because I'm someone - as I am sure their are dozens of other fans with there own areas of expertise (mine just happens to be media) - who would be willing to offer their assistance to the club - but, you know, there just isn't enough will from those in charge to fully embrace and understand the need for this and, I fear, too much sensitivity about thinking they are being told how to run their club etc.

And, if its going to be ignored, its time I'd sooner not spend away from my family (particularly as I can be handsomely paid for providing the same advice to clients who'll listen).

Even last week a fellow journallist from London asked, in jest, if there has been any more fights in the dressing rooms at Worcester recently. Its not funny - but I guess it was only thing he could think where WCFC had hit any headlines recently.

And lets face we've all had mates like Mark refers to, who will say how different and wonderful things are at Sixways.

Its frustrating if you are WCFC fan but they're not there - as someone virtually suggested - at Cecil Duckworth's behest or simply because he's lobbed lots of money in. They've bought into the idea and vision and they like the atmosphere and what is delivered.

WRFC have found their own market - they didn't steal WCFC's - but they will always bite into any likely progress, which has raised the bar for WCFC - and the club has to meet that challenge - or else.

At the moment it looks like being 'or else'.

[si1268]

ab said:

.

Personally, the last thing I would want to see is an AFC Telford situation.

Why? they get 1800 home gates and are on their way up. Poor AFC Telford.

[Deleted]

A few results like today's at Tamworth will help our attendance slump. But why do we do as well, if not better, away from home? Is it a tactical thing?

[Tim Munslow]

Yesterday Ealing wrote "

As for me - I've questioned my sanity for going to the Lane due to performances, tactics, personnel etc etc. But the club is too important a part of my life for me to stay away. It's one of the reasons I'm proud to be from the area - up there with the cathedral; the river; New Road and the Malverns. I can't imagine not going whenever I can. The club (and I) are bigger than the Morrison factor, the lack of home wins etc etc.

If that's a sign of insanity then so be it.

"

I agree with what you said wholeheartedly, ergo I must also therefore be insane.

[dorothy]

11.4% down on last season, according to Tony Kempster