Ive finally done it - im a part time supporter!!!!!

[Casper]

Today will be the first home game i have missed - through choice - for about 35 years!

Woooo, ive been trying desperately hard to lose my obsession with the Blades and turn it instead into a hobby, you know, a pass-time that doesnt take over your life or drastically alter your moods on a Saturday night or play a major part in booking holidays, personal commitments etc.

I now feel weird!

I was determined to not go, but yesterday I wilted. I was just about to get my arse down to the lane when the snow started falling heavily, so thought sod that. Then at about 4:30 I phoned for a ticket. I was 14th in the queue - a 0871 number = sod that!

I dont even know how to pay on the day, and that extra fiver is off putting.

Anyway, this situation got me thinking..... What could Blades marketing have done to ensure I (and the plenty of people like me) would have gone today?

I think most people agree that buying tickets on-line is unnecessarily complicated, and, well sitting in a long queue on a 0871 number is taking the piss. Many people cant just pop down to the lane ticket office. So, in these days of computerisation, surely something like an email to all season ticket holders who had not bought a ticket, with a 'yes' or 'no' option for purchasing a ticket for today?? If this had been the case i would have succumbed and took my usual seat on the kop.

Just a thought.....

 

[1973_Blade]

If you can pay for parking tickets by text then why not use that sort of system, would it mean that the blades would have to keep your card details?

 

[shorehamview]

An automated phone system would be better than the current one. I'm sure there are plenty of people who have hung up in frustration when the voice says "you are number eight in the queue" even though you were number eight ten minutes previously.

An easier online process would help too. However there are still going to be people who won't come. We've just had a holiday period when plenty of people were off work and able to get to the Lane to buy their tickets too. I know this doesn't help if you travel a long way to watch United, but the ticket office is open on match days for sales for future matches. You pay on the day by going to the ticket office and buying a ticket - turnstile payment was stopped due to the cash handling problems, and is in any case impossible now.

I know the ticketing process isn't the best, but there are still opportunities to get tickets. It's if you can be bothered or not, and at th emoment you can't blame those who simpl can't be arsed.

---------- Post added at 08:51 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:50 AM ----------

If you can pay for parking tickets by text then why not use that sort of system, would it mean that the blades would have to keep your card details?

If you pay by anything other than cash then they've got your details already.

 

[Yossarian]

You know what? I wonder how successful it would be for them to open up a "guilt money" service. Like every time the game is on telly, and loads of people stay at home or watch it in the pub, there was a chance to voluntarily pay up to £5 and stay away. It kind of gives you a chance to clear your conscience and claim you're still supporting the club, and well, who's really going to miss £5?

They could even keep the service open until midnight after the game, so if (in the unlikely event of) they thrash Villa 3-0 and give everyone a great day (and night) you could give a big "thank you". I'll bet they could rake in thousands from drunken crowds celebrating a big win. Especially if there was a promise made that whatever funds raised would go directly to the playing staff or transfer budget.

 

[BornOnShorehamStreet]

You know what? I wonder how successful it would be for them to open up a "guilt money" service. Like every time the game is on telly, and loads of people stay at home or watch it in the pub, there was a chance to voluntarily pay up to £5 and stay away. It kind of gives you a chance to clear your conscience and claim you're still supporting the club, and well, who's really going to miss £5?

They could even keep the service open until midnight after the game, so if (in the unlikely event of) they thrash Villa 3-0 and give everyone a great day (and night) you could give a big "thank you". I'll bet they could rake in thousands from drunken crowds celebrating a big win. Especially if there was a promise made that whatever funds raised would go directly to the playing staff or transfer budget.

What a good idea!

 

[Yossarian]

Are you taking the piss Shoreham?

 

[BornOnShorehamStreet]

Are you taking the piss Shoreham?

If I was you'd know it

I'm not Shoreham, I'm BoSS

 

[Casper]

If you can pay for parking tickets by text then why not use that sort of system, would it mean that the blades would have to keep your card details?

Excellent idea. A quick text to reply 'yes'.

You know what? I wonder how successful it would be for them to open up a "guilt money" service. Like every time the game is on telly, and loads of people stay at home or watch it in the pub, there was a chance to voluntarily pay up to £5 and stay away. It kind of gives you a chance to clear your conscience and claim you're still supporting the club, and well, who's really going to miss £5?

They could even keep the service open until midnight after the game, so if (in the unlikely event of) they thrash Villa 3-0 and give everyone a great day (and night) you could give a big "thank you". I'll bet they could rake in thousands from drunken crowds celebrating a big win. Especially if there was a promise made that whatever funds raised would go directly to the playing staff or transfer budget.

Now i like it, radical thinking! Seriously yeah, why not. Perhaps a fiver is too much, but if the 5 - 10k regulars who miss today each say donated a quid or 2 for a blades victory, why not, I would! As long as the fund was used 100% for transfers. The club would have to market it very cleverly though to avoid ridicule, but yeah, after a season or 2 there would potentially be quite a fighting fund there!

 

[Rattly Noise]

There's plenty of businesses that run their ticketing systems far more effectively than the Blades. Just use the existing technology. Cheaper than investing in an untried method.

 

[Tuns]

Today will be the first home game i have missed - through choice - for about 35 years!

Woooo, ive been trying desperately hard to lose my obsession with the Blades and turn it instead into a hobby, you know, a pass-time that doesnt take over your life or drastically alter your moods on a Saturday night or play a major part in booking holidays, personal commitments etc.

I now feel weird!

I was determined to not go, but yesterday I wilted. I was just about to get my arse down to the lane when the snow started falling heavily, so thought sod that. Then at about 4:30 I phoned for a ticket. I was 14th in the queue - a 0871 number = sod that!

I dont even know how to pay on the day, and that extra fiver is off putting.

Anyway, this situation got me thinking..... What could Blades marketing have done to ensure I (and the plenty of people like me) would have gone today?

I think most people agree that buying tickets on-line is unnecessarily complicated, and, well sitting in a long queue on a 0871 number is taking the piss. Many people cant just pop down to the lane ticket office. So, in these days of computerisation, surely something like an email to all season ticket holders who had not bought a ticket, with a 'yes' or 'no' option for purchasing a ticket for today?? If this had been the case i would have succumbed and took my usual seat on the kop.

Just a thought.....

It's a slippery slope. I too went around 35 years without missing a home game by choice as well as going to most away games every season.

Then I plucked up the courage to miss a league cup game, then later an FA Cup game and I realised that life actually went on and I survived even if I missed a match.

Then we flogged the Kyles and even though I had a ST I missed a few games last season.

Finally this summer I resisted getting a ST. I don't miss it like I thought I would because football aint what it used to be I'd been bored for years with it and was going through the motions a bit.

I've been to a handful of games this season and I would have gone today if it had been £12 for me - it was not necessary of the club to charge non STs extra given the numbers involved.

Not sure how many others would have gone at £12 - I suspect not thousands given the general apathy now.

I know it's tricky to do but we somehow need to include the 3rd round ticket as part of the ST. Maybe somehow you sign so it is automatically deducted unless you opt out.

I know it won;t affect people like me but it would at least the vast majority of ST holders go.

Stick with it Casper - you can break the habit - it's not easy and you always remain a Blade at heart.

I will get a ST again when I think the club deserve my support. Like thousands of us I've been through some crap times and more than done my service to |United in far worse times than this.

Sadly I think many have walked away from football for good and many more will this summer unless we do something drastic with the marketing.

 

[Superblades]

It's a slippery slope. I too went around 35 years without missing a home game by choice as well as going to most away games every season.

Then I plucked up the courage to miss a league cup game, then later an FA Cup game and I realised that life actually went on and I survived even if I missed a match.

Then we flogged the Kyles and even though I had a ST I missed a few games last season.

Finally this summer I resisted getting a ST. I don't miss it like I thought I would because football aint what it used to be I'd been bored for years with it and was going through the motions a bit.

I've been to a handful of games this season and I would have gone today if it had been £12 for me - it was not necessary of the club to charge non STs extra given the numbers involved.

Not sure how many others would have gone at £12 - I suspect not thousands given the general apathy now.

I know it's tricky to do but we somehow need to include the 3rd round ticket as part of the ST. Maybe somehow you sign so it is automatically deducted unless you opt out.

I know it won;t affect people like me but it would at least the vast majority of ST holders go.

Stick with it Casper - you can break the habit - it's not easy and you always remain a Blade at heart.

I will get a ST again when I think the club deserve my support. Like thousands of us I've been through some crap times and more than done my service to |United in far worse times than this.

Sadly I think many have walked away from football for good and many more will this summer unless we do something drastic with the marketing.

Top post mate. Only a young un' here but was brought up with my uncle and had a s/t up until we got promoted, hit 18 and started going out like most lads/lasses do don't regret it one bit, always kept in touch with things going on. However as you rightly pointed out a lot more important and pleasurable things to do in life.

 

[sitwell]

Brilliant now were are encouraging each other not to go to the Lane, supporters ,don't make me laugh.

 

[silverfox]

If people can't be arsed with United why post on here?

Very strange people who post on forums that are about things they can't be arsed with.

 

[Nick Jansky]

Brilliant now were are encouraging each other not to go to the Lane, supporters ,don't make me laugh.

I know, its breathtaking isn't it.

To be fair, one of them admits he's a young 'un, and so basically knows fuck all about what it takes to be a Blade.

 

[JohnDenver]

If people can't be arsed with United why post on here?

Very strange people who post on forums that are about things they can't be arsed with.

I don't get it either. I once asked Stafford about his claim not to care but didn't get anywhere.

I couldn't give a rat's about X-Factor. Which why I don't go on itv.com to chat with people who do.

 

[SwissBlade]

Why not just have a loyalty card, it could be a credit card sized thingy like with the season ticket, still have a bar code and the club could send one out to every fan on the database who's been in the last 2 seasons, but is not a member or season ticket holder.

The fan could then register the card with their bank card.

On a match day, simply walk down to the ground, scan the bar code and the charge comes out of their account automatically. It would just need a little print out with a seat number on jobs a good un.

Obviously there would need to be some manned turnstiles or like in the apple store, a geezer with a scanner so that cash payments could be accepted or groups could get seats together etc

 

[yorkshirecoast]

It's a slippery slope. I too went around 35 years without missing a home game by choice as well as going to most away games every season.

Then I plucked up the courage to miss a league cup game, then later an FA Cup game and I realised that life actually went on and I survived even if I missed a match.

Then we flogged the Kyles and even though I had a ST I missed a few games last season.

Finally this summer I resisted getting a ST. I don't miss it like I thought I would because football aint what it used to be I'd been bored for years with it and was going through the motions a bit.

I've been to a handful of games this season and I would have gone today if it had been £12 for me - it was not necessary of the club to charge non STs extra given the numbers involved.

Not sure how many others would have gone at £12 - I suspect not thousands given the general apathy now.

I know it's tricky to do but we somehow need to include the 3rd round ticket as part of the ST. Maybe somehow you sign so it is automatically deducted unless you opt out.

I know it won;t affect people like me but it would at least the vast majority of ST holders go.

Stick with it Casper - you can break the habit - it's not easy and you always remain a Blade at heart.

I will get a ST again when I think the club deserve my support. Like thousands of us I've been through some crap times and more than done my service to |United in far worse times than this.

Sadly I think many have walked away from football for good and many more will this summer unless we do something drastic with the marketing.

"Stick with it Casper - you can break the habit". What the fuck? That is one of the most embarrassing posts I've ever seen on here. Having a go at McCabe, the manager,even the players is one thing - but actively encouraging a Blades fan not to go is ludicrous. I'm incredibly frustrated with us at the moment but I will continue to go & support the club, in the hope that things will improve, for as long as finances & good health allow me to.

 

[Superblades]

I know, its breathtaking isn't it.

To be fair, one of them admits he's a young 'un, and so basically knows fuck all about what it takes to be a Blade

.

Look mate, i've been supposrting United since i was 5 years old, don't get me wrong there's nothing better than a day out with your mates at the lane, however all i was trying to say was that there is more important things in life than to a game of football and what happens at the lane. Sorry if you don't agree with that but Sheffield United football Club doesn't mean the be all and end all for me. We played well today and even if we played shit i would still be travelling to coventry simply because i have a good day out with my mates. The day it becomes shitand not enjoyable is the day when i find a new hobby. What is the problem with that?

 

[Stafford Blade]

I don't get it either. I once asked Stafford about his claim not to care but didn't get anywhere.

I couldn't give a rat's about X-Factor. Which why I don't go on itv.com to chat with people who do.

I'd love united to do well but don't really give a monkeys one way or another whether we win or lose. Last season evaporated all my enthusiasm for watching united, we were served with shite after shite displays and the fans were "rewarded" with a season ticket price rise of 40 quid for this year. That's not just the fault of united, it is football in general too. The game is on its arse and is only going to get worse until football clubs join the real world.

 

[Nick Jansky]

"Stick with it Casper - you can break the habit". What the fuck? That is one of the most embarrassing posts I've ever seen on here. Having a go at McCabe, the manager,even the players is one thing - but actively encouraging a Blades fan not to go is ludicrous. I'm incredibly frustrated with us at the moment but I will continue to go & support the club, in the hope that things will improve, for as long as finances & good health allow me to.

I can understand people who have chosen not to go, and would never criticise, as everybody I know who has stopped going has a very valid reason, be it shite football, a sense of disconnection from the club/football generally, prices or whatever. But actually encouraging others not to go? They're not Blades.

 

[alcoblade]

but don't really give a monkeys one way or another whether we win or lose.

How sad. Don't get me wrong, football is not the game it once was. But even a vastly inferior sport of football (and associated social) is better than the alternative, surely? And to not give a fuck about us does really beg the question why you're spending Saturday night on here.

UTB

 

[Stafford Blade]

How sad. Don't get me wrong, football is not the game it once was. But even a vastly inferior sport of football (and associated social) is better than the alternative, surely? And to not give a fuck about us does really beg the question why you're spending Saturday night on here.

depends on the alternatives i suppose, lost count of the amount of times i've not gone on trips to the races / stag do's etc because the blades were at home and then sat through 90 minutes of torture.

i said at the start of that last post i'd love us to well and that's the case. Hence why i'm sat on here on a saturday night ( plus the mrs has got take me out on and if you've ever seen that shite you'll know why i'm on the net )

 

[alcoblade]

Fair do's but I'm not sure how you square "loving us to do well" with "don't give a shit if we win or lose"?

UTB

PS - It could be worse, the leg iron could have Casualty on whilst all your mates had cried off the boozer....

 

[Stafford Blade]

Fair do's but I'm not sure how you square "loving us to do well" with "don't give a shit if we win or lose"?
UTB

Easy, I'd love us to well but not going to lose sleep over it if we lose. It's a game at the end of the day and the jokers we currently employ to play for still pick up their wages win or lose and i'd guess a fair few of them don't lose any sleep over defeats either.

Those that go home and away deserve a bloody big medal and i have admiration ( and a little sympathy for them ).

 

[Bladesway]

Brilliant now were are encouraging each other not to go to the Lane, supporters ,don't make me laugh.

God forbid anyone speak out in a dissenting voice eh Sitters? Whatever next, people saying the board aren't doing what they should be. Bloody customers, can't live with em, can't kill em.

---------- Post added at 10:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:38 PM ----------

If people can't be arsed with United why post on here?

Very strange people who post on forums that are about things they can't be arsed with.

Ah but, perhaps they do care, just not enough to go and see that shower of rubbish that are turning out currently. I for one switched off a few seasons ago and while I wouldn't say I don't care, I certainly don't care as much as I used to. Neither do many others. Are these people not entitled to their opinion if they aren't paying for McCabes latest office refurb? I think without these people your lovely forum would die and wither in a series of clapping each other to death.

 

[sitwell]

And how proud you must be of yourself.
Why come on here then if you don't care. You must have one sad life. I'm sure Soccer Saturday or Meadowhall or the Derbyshire countryside have a forum somewhere for you to whinge and moan on.

 

[Bladesway]

Nope, just have a different opinion to yours but I'll get over that. You don't like people who don't go every week do you Sitwell? You think we should all turn up regardless like sheep and nod along to Garyoke.

First up, take a quick butchers at where my location is (you do deliveries don't you so I'm guessing your up on that sort of thing) and you will see its not just a quick pop on the tram to get me there. Then take a deep breath and say after me, "Not everyone is that impressed with whats going on right now". Do that enough times and you might just appreciate someone else has another opinion. Last up scratch your head and think that without the varying opinions this place wouldn't be.

Another option would be to swear at the computer and carry on regardless. Either way, I'll live.

Meadowhall isn't really that close either but I might nip along up the Royal Mile to see what I can see.

 

[sitwell]

There are dissenting voices and there are muppets being proud to not attend and encourage others to do the same. that will make us into a much better club wont it.
You do have a lot to say for someone who ' switched off a few seasons ago' ,does it really upset you that much that some people do actually enjoy supporting the club and want to get behind them. Life must be one big party in Dunfermline , no wonder Stuart topped himself.

 

[Casper]

Now then, now then give over, my fellow blades (im a still a blade even though i missed 1 home match in about 35 years arent I???) erm perhaps not.

Surely diversity makes the forum a much better and interesting place for discussion. Where do we draw the line..... perhaps you cant post if you miss an away match either?

I thought Tuns earlier post was tops! I too have grown up (footy supporting wise) with many of the guys on the old-timers coaches. Diamond Travel - get in there! I realised a few seasons ago that there was more to life than trudging around the country week in, week out when some (most?) of the time it was out of a sense of 'duty' and a beer with the lads, than an actual football game.

Anyway, enough of all this, wtf am i doing posting on a football supporters forum, im off to Meadowhall in a bit.

 

[super_pig]

i just knew this would degenerate into 'im a bigger fan than you' diatribe once sitwell and the reactionaries joined the fray.. btw casper my experience yesterday mirrors yours exactly..
so i'm not a fan anymore.. imagine that.. i've been sacked, status revoked.. i used to be a top fan.. i was at darlington and everything.. so fucking what.. my dick hasn't dropped off.

>Very strange people who post on forums that are about things they can't be arsed with
well obviously they can be 'arsed' with it or they wouldn't be here.. they are looking for a little encouragement to keep the faith perhaps.. holier than thou posts like some on here don't help in that respect do they?