Programme Corner

[Sharrowblade]

Programme from 1897!

Believe it or not, over the years, there have been sellers on ebay who floated this as some kind of unique selling point and were suggesting these were quite rare and collectable.

Unfortunately, they were all like this, not just a limited number. However. if you find one with the correct date on......well that's different

 

[Knackered Blade]

"One penny your match programme"

 

[spongebobblade]

Programme from 1897!

And to think how much I’d love to have vol 1 No 1 Derby at home on the 1st September 1897 when all the time I’ve had an older programme stored away

 

[Sharrowblade]

Morning all, a reminder that the programme fair planned for tomorrow at the Norton Country Club has been Postponed.

After careful consideration, I felt that I couldn't have the type of fair that I had wished for, because of the current situation regarding COVID.

Everyone would have had to wear a mask, restricting a relaxed atmosphere and conversation. The Premier League Trophy was making an appearance as too was the Champions League Trophy, a lovely photo opp for the young un's but it wouldn't have looked so good with everyone having a mask.

I'm sure also that were some who would have voiced concerns about rubbing shoulders with others in a confined space, or would not have wanted to attend at all.

Very frustrating as the number of people who had shown a willingness to attend was very promising.

Hopefully when some kind of normality resumes, we'll go again....already two planned for the 2022, and another one in the pipeline. Will let you know in due course when and where.

Regards Sharrowblade.

 

[Cappy]

Excuse my ignorance, but on the front of the Doncaster programme, in your fair poster, why is the player running holding the ball?

 

[Sharrowblade]

Excuse my ignorance, but on the front of the Doncaster programme, in your fair poster, why is the player running holding the ball?

No idea, perhaps its because the Captain used to run out holding a ball in those days.

 

[MobileBlade]

Received Middlesborough programme today. Not received Hull yet though!

 

[dn5 shaun]

Received Middlesborough programme today. Not received Hull yet though!

Got qpr but no dull or smoggy

 

[spongebobblade]

Received Middlesborough programme today. Not received Hull yet though!

I’m of the impression any Hull programmes would have gone back to the printers unopened (assuming any actually arrived?) therefore never going on sale. On another note, Preston are selling the original Boxing Day programme for Tuesday nights game

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

I don't collect Programmes, etc myself. But, my role in the Carrier Bag Firm means that I come across people who do, and then some. I had a sit down with a CBF Grandee in the week. And, I was absolutely fascinated to discuss Championship Clubs who (currently) do not produce Programmes in either Printed or Digital formats. I knew that some Clubs are producing Digital only. And that some third party companies will print those to what they claim to be professional standard. But, our discussion turned to Reading. Who I understand don't even produce a digital programme. I was absolutely astonished to learn that the CBF have been able to source Fan Edition Programmes for the Reading game. They claim they are produced to professional standards and have content produced just for that edition. They think some of that content is better than content in programmes from other clubs. I'd be very interested in reactions & views from others, particularly Sharrowblade

As I say ... astonished.
Here's the cover of the Reading "programme"

 

[Sharrowblade]

Morning Phil, yes its been a hot topic of conversation amongst the CBF since Covid broke out and the EFL revised the rules over clubs producing match day programmes.

The Reading one is currently knocked out in a some blokes garage in the Ukraine. (£11 if you want one), the same source who has previously printed pre-season games at the likes of Betis, Europa Point etc etc.
It can only be described as a 'pirate' copy, as no programme was produced by the club.
I can't comment on the content as I don't have one but there's no reason why they shouldn't be professionally produced.

The League Games that have involved United which have been printed from the digital version produced by clubs have been very high standard.

However, a word of warning when it comes to third party printing, .......over the last couple of seasons, M60 programmes became the leading source of printing behind closed doors games, and they came up trumps the first season covid kicked in (1st season in Premier) with excellent versions of our digital programmes.

(See Below, United's official all in one Bumper programme) and 5 digital copies converted to hard print by third parties.



However M60 programmes have now gone to the wall, owing some people a lot of money and all sorts of legal wrangles going on. There are others Print-a-Programme who were offering a similar service but they too look very shaky. Bristol City have had someone supposedly printing hard copies of their digital match day programme but they too are allegedly being operated by someone dodgy.

So its very much a case of buyer beware, to which in reality they are what they are a 'gap filler' albeit an expensive one.

We all have different ideologies with what constitutes a matchday programme. if a third party version came my way I'd take one. like Blackburn in November, but it goes down in my reckoning as a non-issue, as nothing was produced officially by the club in printed form, nothing available from the ground on the day

Not all the CBF agree, I think Mr T especially would take me to task on this.

 

[Sharrowblade]

I’m of the impression any Hull programmes would have gone back to the printers unopened (assuming any actually arrived?) therefore never going on sale. On another note, Preston are selling the original Boxing Day programme for Tuesday nights game

With regards to Hull, I think you are correct in your assumption Stu, that none actually arrived, none have come to light and if they had been printed it would make sense to use them with an insert or wrap around cover for the re-arranged game. The Middlesbrough one was available in the club shop New Year's Eve but I don't think many were received, probably a box of 50. Obviously, collectors can get them from Ignition.

 

[spongebobblade]

Morning Phil, yes its been a hot topic of conversation amongst the CBF since Covid broke out and the EFL revised the rules over clubs producing match day programmes.

The Reading one is currently knocked out in a some blokes garage in the Ukraine. (£11 if you want one), the same source who has previously printed pre-season games at the likes of Betis, Europa Point etc etc.
It can only be described as a 'pirate' copy, as no programme was produced by the club.
I can't comment on the content as I don't have one but there's no reason why they shouldn't be professionally produced.

The League Games that have involved United which have been printed from the digital version produced by clubs have been very high standard.

However, a word of warning when it comes to third party printing, .......over the last couple of seasons, M60 programmes became the leading source of printing behind closed doors games, and they came up trumps the first season covid kicked in (1st season in Premier) with excellent versions of our digital programmes.

(See Below, United's official all in one Bumper programme) and 5 digital copies converted to hard print by third parties.

View attachment 128272View attachment 128273View attachment 128274View attachment 128275View attachment 128276View attachment 128277

However M60 programmes have now gone to the wall, owing some people a lot of money and all sorts of legal wrangles going on. There are others Print-a-Programme who were offering a similar service but they too look very shaky. Bristol City have had someone supposedly printing hard copies of their digital match day programme but they too are allegedly being operated by someone dodgy.

So its very much a case of buyer beware, to which in reality they are what they are a 'gap filler' albeit an expensive one.

We all have different ideologies with what constitutes a matchday programme. if a third party version came my way I'd take one. like Blackburn in November, but it goes down in my reckoning as a non-issue, as nothing was produced officially by the club in printed form, nothing available from the ground on the day

Not all the CBF agree, I think Mr T especially would take me to task on this.

Agree with you Stu about it being a non issue if the club produces nothing. In my own opinion I count the high quality copies from a clubs digital version as a ‘proper’ programme. As the content is ‘technically’ from the club. With regards to Reading, Blackburn etc I’ve purchased a copy of each simply to acknowledge the game. I also registered my interest with Mr T with regards a Derby pirate purely to fill a gap to say the game took place.
Personally I think the EFL stance is ruining the hobby and spoiling a long held match tradition for some. It’s bad enough having gaps but it must be heartbreaking for those collectors whose own club have abandoned programmes

 

[1973Blade]

Agree with you Stu about it being a non issue if the club produces nothing. In my own opinion I count the high quality copies from a clubs digital version as a ‘proper’ programme. As the content is ‘technically’ from the club. With regards to Reading, Blackburn etc I’ve purchased a copy of each simply to acknowledge the game. I also registered my interest with Mr T with regards a Derby pirate purely to fill a gap to say the game took place.
Personally I think the EFL stance is ruining the hobby and spoiling a long held match tradition for some. It’s bad enough having gaps but it must be heartbreaking for those collectors whose own club have abandoned programmes

When I went to see Hallam FC recently, even they dona football programme. Surely it isn't that expensive to produce a very cheap basic programme.

 

[spongebobblade]

When I went to see Hallam FC recently, even they dona football programme. Surely it isn't that expensive to produce a very cheap basic programme.

Professional clubs have far more overheads such as paying programme editors and sellers outside the ground. Some clubs reckon they make a loss on producing a match day programme but personally I think they find it too much trouble for the small profits that they make

 

[wavy-blade]

Professional clubs have far more overheads such as paying programme editors and sellers outside the ground. Some clubs reckon they make a loss on producing a match day programme but personally I think they find it too much trouble for the small profits that they make

See your point mate but I would have started with
Professional clubs don’t give a fuck about the fans just the money.

 

[spongebobblade]

See your point mate but I would have started with
Professional clubs don’t give a fuck about the fans just the money.

Oh I’m not excusing them in the slightest. Contrary to what they say supporters are well down the list of priorities

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

Isn't it the case that in (say) 20 years, those Fan Edition programmes (for eg Reading away) will have increased in value much more than Official Programmes from other clubs. Simply because so few of those Fan Edition programmes were actually produced in the first place, and there will be a rarity value?

 

[Sharrowblade]

No not really Phil, because they aren't genuine. Its not even a official digital download made into a hard copy

They are not like some of the pirate copies from the 40s and 50s that have become a little in vogue recently, at least those were available outside the ground on match day.

 

[Sharrowblade]

Time for a catch up.

Up next we've Cardiff City £3.50 for a 68 page effort.



Similar in size to United's but not square spine.

Begins Unusually, with 'In memory' of Phil Dwyer and Frank Burrows who had died recently.

Manager Steve Morrison makes some notes and then there's a few pages on supporters, events and what's happening in the community. I had to check I wasn't reading it back to front. Latest match reports, Player profile and plenty about the Academy sides and the obligatory girlie page before the Kids section at halfway.

There's six Pages on the Blades which is pretty decent especially by this season's standards.

Then there's a double page spread on the 1925 Cup Final which makes a pleasant read. The first all ticket cup final, although Cardiff received more tickets than United.
Fred Tunstall was the match winner, and as stated rather sadly that only one Blades player would ever score again at the Old Wembley.

There's a cracking six pages and the last in a 5 part series chronicling Cardiff City at war, and is only blighted by some scruffy long haired twat from Wycombe standing beside the Footballer's Battalion Monument at Longuaval in France. I've been there myself and was stunned at the number of wreaths from Leyton Orient, and the note from one soldier who said facing the Bosch held no fear as he played at Millwall before.

There's a touch of non league feel about it but its got a lot more going for it than many this season.

 

[Sharrowblade]

Ebay watch:

Whilst the majority of many items (programmes), remain unsold, there's always some eyebrow exceptions to the rule. (we'll come to them)

Shirts continue to sell well and dominate the market. Many reaching three figures.

Last night an original away shirt 81-83 (Brown and Yellow) went for a staggering £880 lot.

I'll stick to my modern remake. Ta

An interesting one around christmas was the old chestnut, the referees Cup Final Whistle. In this instance a 1901 Spurs v United one, It went for £160. These aren't genuine they're modern remakes. Now the seller doesn't say its the original from the actual Cup Final but he doesn't say it isn't, it just leaves the impression that it is.

Books are not a massive seller, and many have no value at all, so I nearly fell off my chair when I saw a paperback version of Denis Clarebrough's Sheffied United FC 100 greats. Admittingly don't recall seeing it before, but still £100 it went for!!!!!!

Whilst the majority of many items (programmes), remain unsold, there's always some eyebrow exceptions to the rule.

Wellington v Sheffield United (a large 4 page) sold on a buy it now for £37.50. I'm not sure how.
Its never been anywhere near that price, the £7.50 it went for in mid Jan was far more realistic.

the single sheet 72/73 County Cup home to Doncaster Rovers £75. Probably nearly double what I was expecting

but this weeks prize for the Nutters award has to got to the £51 paid for Ilkeston Town v United pre-season friendly from 2012. Incredible.

 

[Cappy]

Did anyone buy the Birmingham Programme? I did. It was awful. I’m all for sustainability and recycling, but it felt cheap and the content was brief and very average. £3!

 

[MobileBlade]

With regards to Hull, I think you are correct in your assumption Stu, that none actually arrived, none have come to light and if they had been printed it would make sense to use them with an insert or wrap around cover for the re-arranged game. The Middlesbrough one was available in the club shop New Year's Eve but I don't think many were received, probably a box of 50. Obviously, collectors can get them from Ignition.

I don't think the Hull programme was actually printed. Think club must have been aware of plan to cancel due to the previous Hull game being cancelled and they were going with a late print run if it was on..

It was interesting to compare which articles got carried across from the QPR and Middlesborough games to the Luton game and which ones have been saved for when the two games actually take place. Well maybe not but I found it interesting!

 

[Ball_Sup (Phil)]

Sharrowblade
Mate. What's the general outlook on the value of ticket stubs? Are they collectable?

 

[1973Blade]

Did anyone buy the Birmingham Programme? I did. It was awful. I’m all for sustainability and recycling, but it felt cheap and the content was brief and very average. £3!

True, but I would rather have a cheap looking programme than no programme at all which is increasingly the case.

 

[spongebobblade]

but this weeks prize for the Nutters award has to got to the £51 paid for Ilkeston Town v United pre-season friendly from 2012. Incredible.

Anyone needing this programme can have my spare copy. £50 and I’ll throw in the postage for free. Come and grab yourselves a….. well…..bargain

 

[spongebobblade]

Ebay watch:

Whilst the majority of many items (programmes), remain unsold, there's always some eyebrow exceptions to the rule. (we'll come to them)

Shirts continue to sell well and dominate the market. Many reaching three figures.

Last night an original away shirt 81-83 (Brown and Yellow) went for a staggering £880 lot.

I'll stick to my modern remake. Ta

An interesting one around christmas was the old chestnut, the referees Cup Final Whistle. In this instance a 1901 Spurs v United one, It went for £160. These aren't genuine they're modern remakes. Now the seller doesn't say its the original from the actual Cup Final but he doesn't say it isn't, it just leaves the impression that it is.

Books are not a massive seller, and many have no value at all, so I nearly fell off my chair when I saw a paperback version of Denis Clarebrough's Sheffied United FC 100 greats. Admittingly don't recall seeing it before, but still £100 it went for!!!!!!

Whilst the majority of many items (programmes), remain unsold, there's always some eyebrow exceptions to the rule.

Wellington v Sheffield United (a large 4 page) sold on a buy it now for £37.50. I'm not sure how.
Its never been anywhere near that price, the £7.50 it went for in mid Jan was far more realistic.

the single sheet 72/73 County Cup home to Doncaster Rovers £75. Probably nearly double what I was expecting

but this weeks prize for the Nutters award has to got to the £51 paid for Ilkeston Town v United pre-season friendly from 2012. Incredible.

The Donny 72/3 and the Ilkeston friendly were bought by the same United supporter who lives down south. Without being nasty (we have all paid over the odds at some point) it appears this collector (and I’m not naming names) is happy to pay well over the odds rather than wait for a programme at the right price. He appears to have taken over that mantle from another Blade (again, I’m not naming names) I suppose if you’ve got significant sums to throw at the hobby, then the cost becomes irrelevant. The deeper you go into adding to your collection the more expensive it gets as you target the rarer items…. Though the two you mention aren’t rare at all

 

[Sharrowblade]

Did anyone buy the Birmingham Programme? I did. It was awful. I’m all for sustainability and recycling, but it felt cheap and the content was brief and very average. £3!

Yes, unfortunately it seems to be a bit of a common theme this season. Some League Clubs don't seem bothered.

I went to Clay Cross Town on Saturday and theirs was better.

 

[spongebobblade]

Did anyone buy the Birmingham Programme? I did. It was awful. I’m all for sustainability and recycling, but it felt cheap and the content was brief and very average. £3!

It’s a shocking programme with piss poor quality….. but in Birmingham’s defence at least they’ve produced one. On another note, Peterborough away was the first time I’ve come across that the programme sellers only accepted card payments

 

[Sharrowblade]

Sharrowblade
Mate. What's the general outlook on the value of ticket stubs? Are they collectable?

Alright Phil, yes they're collectable, but as with programmes some are worth summat and some aren't.

Modern day ones (50p to a quid) unless they're unusual in some way. I'm thinking postponed games.

I'm still short of many home tickets from the 80s and 90s and some from the 00's, firstly because I didn't use to bother with them and secondly because as a Season ticket holder you used to have your vouchers or more recently your card.

Once you head back into the 70s the value starts to edge up maybe £3 or £4 depending on opposition, but some fetch more. A lot more sometimes.

Somebody paid £32 each for Sheffield United v Man United 1991/2 and the Cup Tie 1992/3 both tickets were for the away section, so presumably it was a Man U fan.

Suffice to say, sometimes tickets will exceed expectations if you happen to have two collectors going head to head. Goes without saying that condition also plays a part.