next season's attendance...................

[lenners]

I said Strafford did well to maintain season ticket sales and keep crowds relatively high.
Selling 12,000 when they got relegated was a good effort - can't see any real argument against that when we only sold 14,000 and lost 5,000 in the process.

 

[raul]

Coops - Number of games I will pay full price to watch this team at - 0
Number etc reduced - some

 

[cooperblade]

I said Strafford did well to maintain season ticket sales and keep crowds relatively high.
Selling 12,000 when they got relegated was a good effort - can't see any real argument against that when we only sold 14,000 and lost 5,000 in the process.

Doing it through telling lies though? He explicitly stated that fans should buy a season ticket because there would be no offers. Once he'd got his sales he introduced matchday offers. How would that go down at the Lane? wednesday fans are far less militant that Blades fans and put up with a hell of a lot of shit (off the pitch as well as on). The wednesday mate I quoted describes our fans as the "football version of French air traffic controllers".

I also think there's a floor that season ticket sales will never fall below at both clubs - wednesday's can't be that far below 12,000.

---------- Post added at 11:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:09 AM ----------

Coops - Number of games I will pay full price to watch this team at - 0
Number etc reduced - some

Reduced to what level though? I think games where it's a tenner are a great idea but how many of those can we sustain and how long before no-one buys a season ticket because it's cheaper to go match by match.

 

[JohnDenver]

Doing it through telling lies though? He explicitly stated that fans should buy a season ticket because there would be no offers. Once he'd got his sales he introduced matchday offers. How would that go down at the Lane? wednesday fans are far less militant that Blades fans and put up with a hell of a lot of shit (off the pitch as well as on). The wednesday mate I quoted describes our fans as the "football version of French air traffic controllers".

I also think there's a floor that season ticket sales will never fall below at both clubs - wednesday's can't be that far below 12,000.

If you offer cheap tickets via the season ticket holders (bring a friend etc), then you might get away with it.

 

[SteelCity Blade]

I read an article not that long ago stating that if football ticket prices had increased at the rate of inflation.....the average price would now be £5.

The average was based on the top four divisions and just shows how much fans are ripped off. Its the only industry in the world that can command the core of unconditional loyalty that it does.

 

[lenners]

Doing it through telling lies though? He explicitly stated that fans should buy a season ticket because there would be no offers. Once he'd got his sales he introduced matchday offers. How would that go down at the Lane? wednesday fans are far less militant that Blades fans and put up with a hell of a lot of shit (off the pitch as well as on). The wednesday mate I quoted describes our fans as the "football version of French air traffic controllers".

I also think there's a floor that season ticket sales will never fall below at both clubs - wednesday's can't be that far below 12,000.

---------- Post added at 11:13 AM ---------- Previous post was at 11:09 AM ----------



Reduced to what level though? I think games where it's a tenner are a great idea but how many of those can we sustain and how long before no-one buys a season ticket because it's cheaper to go match by match.

Season ticket sales have definitely been below 12,000 in recent years at S6 and given the shit they've had in recent years it was a good effort to keep them that high.
I agree a lot of guff and hot air emanated from his direction but there were efforts made, however cack-handed.
We didn't make any effort and paid the price (or fans refused to).
As regards the tenner matches, I agree they're limited and I think United have already said there will only be four or something like that.
My main beef is how long they've waited to have one when they should have moved much quicker than late November.
Like Raul, I know a couple of fans who would have come along before now (lapsed season ticket holders) for tenner matches but will be less likely to as the season turns increasingly to bobbins.
It's another example of Birch or McCabe's finger being some way from the pulse.

 

[Tuns]

Coops - Number of games I will pay full price to watch this team at - 0
Number etc reduced - some

That makes two of us.

I will now be going to the Palace game if it's a tenner as suggested. Absolutely no way I'd have considered it at over £20 on the kop.

 

[Micalijo]

Would youself and Raul like some red carpet and a few trumpets as you enter the ground?

I'm sorry, and the above is very poor comment, but as I tried to explain sensibly above I personally do not appreciate these cheap ticket offers. If the crowds drop then so be it, budgets drop and we manage it accordingly. Although we obviously can't seem to do that and currently have no fit centre-backs on our books.

All boils down to honesty from Birch and McCabe - say we are skint, say that wages will be 60% of income and the odd loan is a possibility. Other cluibs have proved that is easily enough to run a half decent second tioer club - but not us. we'll try the bullshit and spin route.

 

[SteelCity Blade]

Would youself and Raul like some red carpet and a few trumpets as you enter the ground?

I'm sorry, and the above is very poor comment, but as I tried to explain sensibly above I personally do not appreciate these cheap ticket offers. If the crowds drop then so be it, budgets drop and we manage it accordingly. Although we obviously can't seem to do that and currently have no fit centre-backs on our books.

All boils down to honesty from Birch and McCabe - say we are skint, say that wages will be 60% of income and the odd loan is a possibility. Other cluibs have proved that is easily enough to run a half decent second tioer club - but not us. we'll try the bullshit and spin route.

Exactly. The cheap ticket offers are simply a sign of the times in that we're not getting enough supporters through the turnstiles and who can blame them? When you start to see these offers nearly every other game it also makes a total mockery of the people who spent in excess of £400 a piece on season tickets.

After the support we've had over the last few seasons it is sad to see so many people have walked away. Lets hope that the sale of all our best players makes up for the revenue lost over the next few years. I'm sure that even if it doesnt the club hierarchy or RS will find a way to spin it and justify all the horrible mistakes that have been made. The sad thing is they're only fooling themselves.

To be fair I think they've already pretty much indicated that we're skint without using those exact words. The biggest mistake for me was the timing of Blackwell's departure. They should have got shut of him at the end of last season if they were going to do it.....not after letting him prepare a squad and two games into the league season! I felt his time was up at the end of last season but once they had decided to back him, they should have stuck with him.....

All they have effectively done is tie Gary Speed's shoe laces together and thrown him into the deep end.

 

[Coily]

When you start to see these offers nearly every other game it also makes a total mockery of the people who spent in excess of £400 a piece on season tickets.

I'm not a ST holder but I'd agree with that. I think that offers need to be there but within the framework set out at the start of the season. One idea Len came up with was making Hull City a £10 game - which is provided within the ST value - which I think would be a really good way of raising enthusiasm and perhaps even selling the ground out again. And I'm sure all ST holders would welcome a full BDTBL on Boxing Day.

 

[Grecian2000]

the club hierarchy or RS will find a way to spin it and justify all the horrible mistakes that have been made. The sad thing is they're only fooling themselves.

I think it's even sadder that some actually believe them! You CAN fool some of the people all of the time.

As for ticket prices then I'm afraid "special offers" are essential now because of the complete cock-up they made of the day pricing. At an average of £22 per game (on the Kop) that would work out at £506 to attend all 23. Ludicrous in this economic climate.

 

[SteelCity Blade]

I think it's even sadder that some actually believe them! You CAN fool some of the people all of the time.

As for ticket prices then I'm afraid "special offers" are essential now because of the complete cock-up they made of the day pricing. At an average of £22 per game (on the Kop) that would work out at £506 to attend all 23. Ludicrous in this economic climate.

Cant argue with that first comment. Some people will just buy into it without complaint every single time and that's their prerogative but its about time ALL fans at our club and others woke up and realise they are being taken for mugs. Its ok for those who have nothing else to spend their money on I suppose.

Ive had a ST for a long time now but this season is the first time ive ever questioned my intention to buy one for next year. I haven't been to an away game since the season before last (and I used to travel away all the time). This is also the first year in a while that I havent spent a penny in the club shop.....not even on the new shirt.

The whole club and the people at the top have kicked the enthusiasm right out of me after seeing mistake after mistake, then followed by some bullshit about either finances or an intention to spend money/seek investment. Heard it all before and we will hear it all again.....nothing ever changes.

I dont blame the players or the manager quite frankly. The players are simply here and they're not good enough (try as they might). The manager is learning his new trade and doing it at the wrong club (one with problems). Poor decision making at the top has led to all this.....but the people on the pitch and on the sidelines will be the poor saps taking the flack for it all.

 

[raul]

Would youself and Raul like some red carpet and a few trumpets as you enter the ground?

I'm sorry, and the above is very poor comment, but as I tried to explain sensibly above I personally do not appreciate these cheap ticket offers. If the crowds drop then so be it, budgets drop and we manage it accordingly. Although we obviously can't seem to do that and currently have no fit centre-backs on our books.

All boils down to honesty from Birch and McCabe - say we are skint, say that wages will be 60% of income and the odd loan is a possibility. Other cluibs have proved that is easily enough to run a half decent second tioer club - but not us. we'll try the bullshit and spin route.

No problem if you don't like them, I've always maintained it's a difficult balancing act the club needs to make. Personally I feel the "Season Ticket or nothing" approach may make you happy short term but I'd link this to a point Alco made about of you dont want to stump £300+ (it would have cost me £480 from memory for the season) don't complain about the product.


It's wrong. By shutting up shop in this way you're actually impacting negatively on yourselves, not the non-believers, because less money in = even lower budgets = even worse (!) players. So it'll be you sat there boiling away inside whilst others find other things to do. Historically there have been many posts about "I wish all the moaners would sod off I'd rather have 12,000 real Blades in the ground" - ask if you'd want to watch the team that that'll pay for when you used to pay more or less the same to watch Premiership football?

And a Bassoon instead of the Trumpet please

 

[alcoblade]

No problem if you don't like them, I've always maintained it's a difficult balancing act the club needs to make. Personally I feel the "Season Ticket or nothing" approach may make you happy short term but I'd link this to a point Alco made about of you dont want to stump £300+ (it would have cost me £480 from memory for the season) don't complain about the product.


It's wrong. By shutting up shop in this way you're actually impacting negatively on yourselves, not the non-believers, because less money in = even lower budgets = even worse (!) players. So it'll be you sat there boiling away inside whilst others find other things to do. Historically there have been many posts about "I wish all the moaners would sod off I'd rather have 12,000 real Blades in the ground" - ask if you'd want to watch the team that that'll pay for when you used to pay more or less the same to watch Premiership football?

And a Bassoon instead of the Trumpet please

It would have cost you about £300 for the kop. You choose to sit on the side. Nobody can complain about pricing like that, IMHO. Complain about the product, but not the pricing. We could not compete with a pricing structure below that.

The tourists who turn up for a couple of matches at £10 per time are welcome, but not significantly contributing to the fortunes of the club.

I'm not against offers because they act as a longer term hook. I couldn't care if as a season ticket holder, I lose out. My point is that from an economical point oif view, cheap entry isnt remotely as lucrative as some make out ("if it was cheap enough, the ground would be full") for reasons stated already.

My seperate point was that there's a section of support who are happy to criticise the club for selling players who are earning £2M+ per year, but complaing about having to pay £300 for a season ticket. IMHO, you can't have it both ways.

UTB

 

[lenners]

It would have cost you about £300 for the kop. You choose to sit on the side. Nobody can complain about pricing like that, IMHO. Complain about the product, but not the pricing. We could not compete with a pricing structure below that.

The tourists who turn up for a couple of matches at £10 per time are welcome, but not significantly contributing to the fortunes of the club.

I'm not against offers because they act as a longer term hook. I couldn't care if as a season ticket holder, I lose out. My point is that from an economical point oif view, cheap entry isnt remotely as lucrative as some make out ("if it was cheap enough, the ground would be full") for reasons stated already.

My seperate point was that there's a section of support who are happy to criticise the club for selling players who are earning £2M+ per year, but complaing about having to pay £300 for a season ticket. IMHO, you can't have it both ways.

UTB

To be honest, gate income is not particularly important for United - it's pretty much round the margins. Season ticket money and losing 5,000 of them hurt more.
That being the case, finding ways to get more fans into the ground now with the potential for getting them back with season tickets, plus their spending on programmes, beer, whatever, makes sense.
The issue with £2m players and cost of tickets is muddied by £20m from Tevez and more than that in tv income.

 

[alcoblade]

To be honest, gate income is not particularly important for United - it's pretty much round the margins. Season ticket money and losing 5,000 of them hurt more.
That being the case, finding ways to get more fans into the ground now with the potential for getting them back with season tickets, plus their spending on programmes, beer, whatever, makes sense.
The issue with £2m players and cost of tickets is muddied by £20m from Tevez and more than that in tv income.

I don't really understand your first point. Surely they care not where the money comes from? In fact, they'd be delighted if 20,000 people turned up paying £25 per match rather than 25,000 paying £300 per year. But they do risk, as is the case, that people wont pay that much so 20,000 don't turn up. A season ticket is a hook, granted. It's a means to an end. The end is maximising continued revenue.

As for the second point, at no point should we have allowed the wage bill to hit £20M in England's second division. It's stupidity is only surpassed by those who complain about the club reducing it (selling players) and ALSO complain about a season ticket costing £300, or increasing 5% from there.

UTB

 

[JohnDenver]

I don't really understand your first point. Surely they care not where the money comes from? In fact, they'd be delighted if 20,000 people turned up paying £25 per match rather than 25,000 paying £300 per year. But they do risk, as is the case, that people wont pay that much so 20,000 don't turn up. A season ticket is a hook, granted. It's a means to an end. The end is maximising continued revenue.

As for the second point, at no point should we have allowed the wage bill to hit £20M in England's second division. It's stupidity is only surpassed by those who complain about the club reducing it (selling players) and ALSO complain about a season ticket costing £300, or increasing 5% from there.

UTB

Clubs prefer season ticket money because it enables them to plan better.

 

[alcoblade]

Clubs prefer season ticket money because it enables them to plan better.

Totally agree. But they'd rather have £10M than £5M, however it comes.

UTB

 

[lenners]

I don't really understand your first point. Surely they care not where the money comes from? In fact, they'd be delighted if 20,000 people turned up paying £25 per match rather than 25,000 paying £300 per year. But they do risk, as is the case, that people wont pay that much so 20,000 don't turn up. A season ticket is a hook, granted. It's a means to an end. The end is maximising continued revenue.

As for the second point, at no point should we have allowed the wage bill to hit £20M in England's second division. It's stupidity is only surpassed by those who complain about the club reducing it (selling players) and ALSO complain about a season ticket costing £300, or increasing 5% from there.

UTB

That's what I mean Alco, few clubs get large walk-ups of fans, it's mainly down to season tickets. I'd guess season tickets would be up to 60 per cent of ticket revenue, maybe more, and season ticket holders account for more than that in terms of actual attending numbers.
Tinkering with prices to ensure bigger crowds beyond that isn't going to make a big difference to budget but may well bring longer term benefits.
I agree the budget was over the top but not particularly with Beattie, it was the other nomarks (Lee Hendrie, where are you now?) that caused bigger problems.

 

[beightonblade]

The ticket pricing policy isn't the problem .......its the wages the players get that cause the problem !