Matters to raise - SLO meeting 23/01/14

[GRUMPY BLADE]

The stewards are absolute bellends ,no other sport would accept that their behaviour. Legal bullies who cause more trouble than they stop.

Got to agree, said it before but The Lane must be one of the worst places to visit if you score, the stewards are always looking for trouble.

They are out of order

 

[Trafford]

To be fair they were only doing their jobs today - the Bradford fans were ejected for leaving the terracing. What I don't understand is why we have a big gap in the hoardings right behind the goal, it's asking for trouble.

 

[Foxy]

What about making ST's the same price as renewals for new ST holders

We'll bring it up, whilst I don't agree with your suggestion personally

Having previously spoken to someone with some sway in the decision, there have been ideas of achieving both reward for renewing season ticket holders and incentives for "new ones".

We'll mention it and I think it's a case of watch this space.

 

[Linz]

To be fair they were only doing their jobs today - the Bradford fans were ejected for leaving the terracing. What I don't understand is why we have a big gap in the hoardings right behind the goal, it's asking for trouble.

Which is precisely my point. One lad looked as though he got shoved forward through the gap and went back behind the hoardings immediately, only for five blokes to run half the length of the BL end just to go and manhandle him out of the stadium.

They should put gates up and then if anyone encroaches, they're asking for it.

 

[axel smeets]

Thanks Axel, much appreciated!

Any time you want to come and play for the Blades again is OK by me!

I think in all honesty that as an out of shape 30 year old, I could do a better job than my namesake ever did as a player for SUFC. But thanks anyway!

 

[axel smeets]

Nor would they if they'd have sat still and politely clapped... but that's all a little sanitised really

I've saved a few forum members with a well placed block or drag back into the crowd when they couldn't stop in time

I know one or two of the stewards who work on the away end. It's an unfortunate fact that they get a boner about kicking people out. I wouldn't want to sit on the front few rows of the BLLT as an away fan.

 

[BornOnShorehamStreet]

Let's give those who gave up their season ticket a massive discount to buy one next season. Let's give them a 25% or even 50% discount to bring them back, and if that doesn't work, we'll slash even more off the price!

Ah, but what about those who have renewed every season? Fuck 'em, they're going to do it anyway, so let's pass on the discount to those who haven't renewed. And what about individual matches? Make them a pound each, and if there's any shortfall in income then put up the prices for anyone who renews their season ticket really early. We could call it the Loyalty Penalty. After all, the football has been terrible, so it must be the fault of the renewers. Been going for years? Bring along someone for only 50p, and we'll bill you for the difference.

Loyalty it seems can go fuck itself, but indifference is rewarded.

There are people who for one reason or another haven't been able or haven't wanted to renew. No reason why they shouldn't be welcomed back into the fold - it's not like we have a waiting list is it?

I understand where you are coming from though but still think the idea is valid.

Worth giving it a shot to see what happens I guess.

 

[BornOnShorehamStreet]

Can you please also raise the point about JSS STH not being able to buy Cup tickets online please? No reason why we cant's as we have already been vetted for sitting there.

 

[Linz]

I have it on good authority that the catering staff were getting threatened in the away end yesterday and at least one was physically manhandled by the away fans - in full view of the stewards who stood by and did nothing. Apparently preventing staff being assaulted isn't as fun as dragging people out in full view of everyone.

This was apparently due to the fact that there was no food available about 20 minutes before half time. This was the primary concern of the Compass management when they were told about it, not the safety of their staff.

If you're ever waiting for a pie, the reason you're stuck in a queue is that all the food - instead of being cooked in the catering kitchens as used to happen - now has to be cooked in the tiny ovens in the kiosks and there simply aren't the resources in the kiosks to cope with demand.

 

[yorkshirecoast]

One thing that occurred to me during the game. Quite a lot of Bradford fans got thrown out for celebrating their goals... some for being pushed through the gap in the barrier by their exuberant mates.

Now a lot of you will say "fuck 'em"... which is fair enough... but could a lot of the heavy-handed, mob-style stewarding be done away with by putting some gates on the gaps? Revolutionary concept, I know, but it'd stop the accidental encroachment meaning that anyone who was over the dividing line deserved it.

As a travelling fan, I wouldn't expect to be dragged out by five massive blokes for accidentally being shoved through a gap in the barrier that doesn't even need to be there!

It did look a bit heavy handed yesterday - but there have been occasions where the away fans have acted like complete lunatics and deserved to be thrown out. Port Vale a few weeks ago springs to mind where many of them seemed intent on causing a riot. I think a bit more balance is needed - if, like yesterday, it's just over-enthusiasm then just have a word. But if it's more than that I have no problem with the stewards "dealing" with them.

 

[Sirius]

We'll bring it up, whilst I don't agree with your suggestion personally

Having previously spoken to someone with some sway in the decision, there have been ideas of achieving both reward for renewing season ticket holders and incentives for "new ones".

We'll mention it and I think it's a case of watch this space.

Perhaps there is a way to reward those who renew season tickets whilst offering them at the same price to all. Give existing season ticket holders free admission to all home cup ties.

 

[cahill]

Thank the club for their over 60s pricing. Very reasonable. I'll be 60 in 2 weeks

 

[United Aren't Back.]

One thing that occurred to me during the game. Quite a lot of Bradford fans got thrown out for celebrating their goals... some for being pushed through the gap in the barrier by their exuberant mates.

Now a lot of you will say "fuck 'em"... which is fair enough... but could a lot of the heavy-handed, mob-style stewarding be done away with by putting some gates on the gaps? Revolutionary concept, I know, but it'd stop the accidental encroachment meaning that anyone who was over the dividing line deserved it.

As a travelling fan, I wouldn't expect to be dragged out by five massive blokes for accidentally being shoved through a gap in the barrier that doesn't even need to be there!

Anyone pushed through a gap needs pushing with force in the opposite direction..chavs from Bradford can say "meh maaate pusshed meh"...slam them back in, then flatten them and eject or get them arrested if they get shirty..I have no sympathy at all here...

 

[United Aren't Back.]

I have it on good authority that the catering staff were getting threatened in the away end yesterday and at least one was physically manhandled by the away fans - in full view of the stewards who stood by and did nothing. Apparently preventing staff being assaulted isn't as fun as dragging people out in full view of everyone.

This was apparently due to the fact that there was no food available about 20 minutes before half time. This was the primary concern of the Compass management when they were told about it, not the safety of their staff.

If you're ever waiting for a pie, the reason you're stuck in a queue is that all the food - instead of being cooked in the catering kitchens as used to happen - now has to be cooked in the tiny ovens in the kiosks and there simply aren't the resources in the kiosks to cope with demand.

The point your raise about the Compass girl being molested by Bradford "fans" is crucial here. Seems like mixed responses and inconsistency abounds here. Drag people out for encroaching..yes..but defend staff against lowlife manhandling a 16 yr old girl for gods sake.

 

[bartman]

Thank the club for their over 60s pricing. Very reasonable. I'll be 60 in 2 weeks

Haven't you heard ?,Prices go up three fold for the over 60s in 7 days time

 

[bartman]

One thing that occurred to me during the game. Quite a lot of Bradford fans got thrown out for celebrating their goals... some for being pushed through the gap in the barrier by their exuberant mates.

Now a lot of you will say "fuck 'em"... which is fair enough... but could a lot of the heavy-handed, mob-style stewarding be done away with by putting some gates on the gaps? Revolutionary concept, I know, but it'd stop the accidental encroachment meaning that anyone who was over the dividing line deserved it.

As a travelling fan, I wouldn't expect to be dragged out by five massive blokes for accidentally being shoved through a gap in the barrier that doesn't even need to be there!

or alternatively, put them all on the top tier and don't let them use the first 5 rows. But then, who could the stewards bully if this happened !

 

[United Aren't Back.]

Just a thought..without those stewards Bradford would have graced us with their imbeciles dancing around the pitch twice on Saturday..now if thats not enough to put you off your breakfast..you have a strong constitution.

 

[bartman]

Can you please also raise the point about JSS STH not being able to buy Cup tickets online please? No reason why we cant's as we have already been vetted for sitting there.

Maybe they are trying to tell you something BoSS ? I've heard it's a 1pm kick off on Sunday to stop you drinking the Dev Cat dry

 

[LoughboroBlade]

Safe Standing consultation - clubs have till Jan 24 to respond.

Just to reiterate this one, given the interest from other members on its own thread, it would be could to clarify exactly how the club will respond.

While Jim Phipps is supportive, I've no idea whether his support has translated to us responding positively to the idea of clubs that want to explore this (be it us in the future or other clubs) being able to trial the rail seating model. The fact that we have no plans to in the immediate future shouldn't be a reason to respond negatively and prevent those that want to trial it from doing so.

 

[BornOnShorehamStreet]

Maybe they are trying to tell you something BoSS ? I've heard it's a 1pm kick off on Sunday to stop you drinking the Dev Cat dry

Spoilsports!

At least I'm going!

 

[Linz]

I don't think some people have read my posts properly. I'm not advocating trouble-makers not being thrown out. I'm saying that barriers should be installed so that anyone who does encroach is doing so with intent, not by accident.

 

[JohnDenver]

I realise this is too late for the 23rd, but what was the problem with the automated entry system today? The queues up Bramall Lane were right past the hotel just before KO.

It seemed to be something with the bar coded printed tickets rather than plastic cards - were they getting rain soaked and not reading properly?

 

[jt64]

Only just noticed this so a bit of locking door horse bolting action, but re: categorisation, it seems fairly random as to what games are what, Franchise being cat A seems like a joke, they should basically all be the same except if/when Wendy get relegated, then I'd be fine with them sticking 20-25% on it. If they want to do 2-3 a season that'd currently be a tenner they could quite easily market it as 2 adults/3 kids for 25 or similar

With technology as it is nowadays and everything being tracked to your customer number, I really don't know why they can't create gradually reducing ticket prices for people that can't get to enough to warrant a season ticket but go more than once or twice (like myself, no car + not local = no evening/bank holiday games). Wouldn't be hard if a season ticket is, say, 300, to set the first 5 games at 18, the next 5 at 16, next 5 at 14 and next 5 at 12, and the remainder free or some variant thereof

 

[Foxy]

Just for your reference, the initial date of this one was knocked back a little so still in time, we'll mention.

I can't mention any specifics, but I've spoken with someone involved in the process and some of the ideas/suggestions here are already being considered.

 

[Linz]

The meeting has been put back to next Wednesday now. We've passed on all the points previously raised.

 

[Foxy]

Just to keep you updated, we had the meeting the other evening and I'll be fully updating with the relevant responses/actions soonish.

A few quick points I'm currently able to confirm:

• Equipment has been ordered to resolve the PA/Speaker issue in the Westfield Upper, this should be done by the Brentford Game
• The problem with the Clock on John Street is in the process of being resolved and will be working soon.
• The club are supportive of the Safe Standing consultation.

 

[LoughboroBlade]

The club are supportive of the Safe Standing consultation.

Marvellous news - thanks for clarifying.

 

[United Aren't Back.]

Just to keep you updated, we had the meeting the other evening and I'll be fully updating with the relevant responses/actions soonish.

A few quick points I'm currently able to confirm:

• Equipment has been ordered to resolve the PA/Speaker issue in the Westfield Upper, this should be done by the Brentford Game
• The problem with the Clock on John Street is in the process of being resolved and will be working soon.
• The club are supportive of the Safe Standing consultation.

Still crap up there today. When the interviews are on the screen it is absurd,all you can hear is a droning sort of dirge at full disco volume. Crap, United.

 

[Foxy]

Still crap up there today. When the interviews are on the screen it is absurd,all you can hear is a droning sort of dirge at full disco volume. Crap, United.

Will mention it, we were told that the speakers had been replaced and tested though.

 

[United Aren't Back.]

Will mention it, we were told that the speakers had been replaced and tested though.

Thanks.