Re: Bits & Bobs
 

I can’t think of any League One Manager who isn’t an ex player.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Any particular reason why we don’t have a game in the EFL trophy this week and most others do?

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

true 28. being a pro especially a good one does not guarentee you being a good manager or coach. plenty have give it a go and failed maybe due to doing a job lower down than what they played in and loose patiance with lads who cannot do what they could on or off the pitch.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Dav007;

This is off topic; but I'll let it go!!

WBA didn't want this date as it's it International Break.

Invited clubs lead the way on the dates for fixtures. If you remember we played Middlesboro on the "reserve" date last year.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

"This is off topic; but I'll let it go!!"

What topic should it be under ?

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Exactly! - Thought this thread was titled Bits & Bobs so surely anything goes??

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Opps sorry!!

I thought this was the Iron's match thread!!:mad:

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Thanks for clarifying Mr T

It seems a bizarre decision unless they plan on playing a strong 11?

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Makes some sense to keep the Cat 1 clubs "on-side".

Middlesboro had a few of their younger lads on International duty; guess WBA have the same situation.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

even nuneaton borough in the conference north have called off their game because of this international break thing. wonder though why teams have big squads as if players are injured they just have to get on with it.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Stanley owner hits out at EFL over streaming service | Lancashire Telegraph EFL are a joke killing the game as we no it :(

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

:) Good lad :) Bolton's Connor Hall on turning down the SPL for Accrington | The Bolton News :)

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

130 years ago today the first fixtures of what was to become the English Football League were played.
Th'Owd Reds started at Anfield against Everton. Accrington were reduced to 10 men when their goalkeeper had to leave the pitch after breaking a rib.
We woz robbed!

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

when the EFL are mentioned i always think of heavy drinking sessions in brewerys and the lack of organisation in one.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

When will the new Whinney Hill stand be open and used?
A little bird told me it could be used for the match v Bradfoot City on October 13th? Will it be used for Away fans or Home fans? Bradfoot could possibly fill it as well as the Coppice End!
Increased revenue would be more than welcome but the Clayton end would still "Out Sing" 'em though!:theband::wave8::signbeer::drink:

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Stanley finances:
Accrington Stanley: The Milkman of Human Kindness ? Price of Football

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

One of the most insightful and interesting things I've read in a while.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Andy has said on twitter the stand will be ready for Bradford and likely away fans only. Though (my opinion is that) not all the facilities will be ready.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/45614538

Now what's the story behind this headline? :D

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Has Cashy been fighting again? :hitting8:

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

:) https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.u...-bell/?ref=mac :) https://www.crewealex.net/news/2018/...as-the-marker/ :)

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Bit Ironic really JC pipped by Donny manager https://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.u...e-month-award/

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

I would guess J.C. dont give a stuff. 3 pts today will be be a better reward.;)

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Will just say 3 up front were played last night! we scored MORE than any other game we played this season, i would hope the sense to play 2 strikers against Bradford prevails, but somehow have me doubts.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

If we played that open against Bradford we’ll get beat and Saturday is a big chance for another three points.
You have to consider the opposition you can’t go gun ho in League One.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Nowt to fear against Bradford. Poor team - although they have a good midfielder in the no 10 shirt.

Interesting that the dream combo of Zanzala and Hall played. I’d like to see them get another outing but I’d guess it’s back to Kee on his own for the first 70 mins.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Do we need Bolshi stewards to tell supporters who have been going on the Stanley for years that they are going on the right end of the ground.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Possibly, if only to handle Bolshie supporters :D

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

And senior members who don't get on that often and forget the way.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

How dare you !!.... OCTOGENARIANS RULE !!... at least in Row D of the Main Stand !!:uzi:
NB... I hope that Cashy doesn't note this slur on those of advancing years !.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

[QUOTE=Lord Didsbury;1218226]Nowt to fear against Bradford. Poor team - although they have a good midfielder in the no 10 shirt.

my barber is a bradford season ticket holder and says that they are a better side than the results say. we have also suffered this problem in the past but we,ll know before 5pm today.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Financial rewards for promotion are wonderful but potentially have a sting in tail
Andy Holt
Accrington Stanley chairman NewsNow: Loading story...

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

A very valid point. This man talks sense.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

The club's number 1 supporter:
https://twitter.com/i/status/1063767322542989312

You'll need the sound on!

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Ha, ha - brilliant :)

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Nutter!

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Surely not, you're being too hard on yourself.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Oh, I don't know!

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Saw this on the Fishy site and, whilst I wish the boy the best of luck, I still feel uncomfortable reading about children being ‘bought and sold’ by clubs.
Does this sort of thing happen, or would it even be allowed, in any other ‘profession’? Weird times we live in.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Agree completely, but like A.Holt says, i dont make the rules.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

It is just compo to Stanley for training him, and it was pretty vulgar to mention it in such a way by the coach. It would not have been 'decent' by league one standards if 0.17% of one not so long ago.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

:) https://www.twtd.co.uk/ipswich-town-...-at-Accrington :) http://salutsunderland.com/2018/12/a...st-james-park/ :)

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Cracking bit this n :) https://offsiderulepodcast.com/2018/...-john-coleman/ :)

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Thats brilliant mab cheers mate.;)

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Just read this myself and was disappointed that it made the "fishy site" as an article, we should be protecting these lads (and parents !) until they know any better and not plastering their faces or quotes on the internet. Whilst not involved in the scouting front, i still watch and dabble in the statistical analysis as it keeps the grey matter turning over. I'm all for football in the community schemes but witnessed far too many "car crashes" of kids and parents not understanding the issues and pathway. If he's still at City at 15/16 his scholarship years will be competing with the best 16 year olds in the WORLD not Accrington, the chances of playing up a year then will be virtually nil.
Enjoy playing for your district until age 13 and then if the talent is there it will be spotted.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Praise for Andy. And news of him meeting Charlton fans before the match in January:
https://www.castrust.org/2018/12/com...ls-best-owner/

Other links:
http://againstleague3.co.uk/2018/12/...-full-results/
http://againstleague3.co.uk/2018/12/...ners-revealed/
...and, just for interest, one that doesn't include Andy:
http://againstleague3.co.uk/2018/12/...ners-revealed/

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

In other news this evening.... That nice Mr Evans has been sacked by Peterborough. Sad times.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Get in!!( Made my day :)

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

That makes today EVEN better.:D

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Cashy !.. Poor Steve was never much of a Manager if the truth is to be told. BUT he is not a bad singer I am told, and he was, I believe, always good to his Mother .:s_sick::s_sick:

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Always look on the bright side of life, you know the rest

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Well that news made my weekend :D

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Theres always a Positive shows up. :D

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

And they've replaced him with Darren Ferguson (again) - his middle name must be boomerang :D

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Some interesting plans for the club here

https://mobile.twitter.com/AndyhHolt...67173122707458

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

The proposed plans for the new clubhouse are superb - but!
After 1800 Sunderland fans had to be rescued by the RNLI, isn't it time we put a tin roof on the Coppice end?
When you're getting 2500 away fans, you need to look after them.
I know many won't be returning for the replay after their last experience.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Or we could concentrate on continuing to upgrade home facilities to keep the extra thousand or so new fans.

Or we could continue to upgrade players and officials facilities to keep our spot in league 1.

Or we could spend money we havent got in order to ensure that the once every 3 years monsoon doesnt spoil the event for an away fan that may only come once anyway

Or you could sell off part of your estate and give Mr Holt the funds to do all three ...

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Or msybe we could upgrade player/official facilities to ensure we remain within the rules and regs for League 1?

Or maybe we could upgrade facilities for the extra 1000 home fans we've acquired in an effort to keep them?

Or maybe we could upgrade the bar so thats capable of making money on the other 330 days of the year?

Or we could spend money we dont have on ensuring that a once a season (maybe lifetime) visitor doesnt get wet on that one day a year (or more) that it really monsoons?

Perhaps you could sell off a portion of your estate to help Mr Holt with the financials?

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Hopefully can do both in the near future - Mr Holt has previously published the end of year accounts for the last few seasons, will be interesting to see where we stand after the increased attendances/sponsorship/prize money/player sales.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Who’s up for walking to Accrington? NewsNow: Loading story... :) sponsored walk has been arranged to raise funds for the planned Dale in the Community Trust :)

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

[QUOTE=Spartacus2nd;1223551]Or msybe we could upgrade player/official facilities to ensure we remain within the rules and regs for League 1?

Or maybe we could upgrade facilities for the extra 1000 home fans we've acquired in an effort to keep them?

Or maybe we could upgrade the bar so thats capable of making money on the other 330 days of the year?

Or we could spend money we dont have on ensuring that a once a season (maybe lifetime) visitor doesnt get wet on that one day a year (or more) that it really monsoons?

first two are a necessity , third fine if you can, fourth a waste of money unless you can afford it. for every sunderland there will be an oxford where fans can be accomodated under cover.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Just give them a bin liner for the time being

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

In answer to your rather cynical comments following my suggestion of roofing the Coppice terrace, I would respond;
1. The upgrade of player/officials facilities are already included in the plans posted by Mr Holt & for which he asked for comments.
2. Upgrade facilities for the extra 1000 home fans in a bid to keep them? - Don't make me laugh!
These Johnny-come-lately's have never had it so good, as they quaff their subsidised pints in a nice warm bar before taking their places under a dry covered stand or terrace.
We already have a new fanzone, new stand & new toilets for home fans. What further upgrade do you suggest - perhaps paying them to attend?
3. For upgrade of of bar - see point 1. Again, already included in Mr Holt's grand plan.
4. Spending money we don't have to keep away fans dry on that one day a year it really monsoons? - Seriously, how long have you lived in Accy?
We've already had 3 or 4 capacity gates this season with opponents bringing 2/2500 paying fans to the Wham.
They pay for tickets, beer & food to swell our coffers & you think it's OK to let them get soaked to the skin or half frozen to death on an exposed terrace.
I'd like to know how many of the extra 1000 home fans you refer to would bother turning up every week if they had to endure being drenched for 90 minutes.
I would have thought a simple metal frame with a tin roof would be peanuts compared to some of the proposals shown on the new clubhouse development.
5. Your final comment doesn't even merit an answer.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

1 are these Mr Holts plans that he explicitly said hadnt been costed yet, nor put in front of planners yet? Yes it is a plan, yes he qants to fo it, but 2 years ago as far as April he said that the main stand concourse was being done, portakabins smashed down etc. In his words "plans are fluid "

2. You're right, the more recent additions have never had it so good. But I remember the influx of fans that we failed to retain on Promotion to the Unibond Premier, AND Conference, AND League 2. My money would go on home fans every time

3. See point 1

4. Well over 40 years. Yes it rains but it rarely buckets down anywhere near the Sunderland levels. I'm not sure how much of Jonny you are, and how lately you arrived, but Ive stoodon the Clayton End and The Coppice End through many a winter. I never drowned, nor did I freeze to death

5. Touchè

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Will away fans turn up every week if we keep them dry?


You're missing the point Mr Lip. Andy has an idea of what he wants the ground to be, and how he wants it to function. If we had sold Kayden Jackson for £10m then I have no doubt that all the work would be done in May.

He wants to build the ground in line with affordability and requirement. Derby, Sunderland and Barnsley would have sold 2600 tickets if we'd have played on top of The Coppice. Gillingham would have brought a minibus full even if we had Darlingtons Board Room of an away end . Yes the facilities cost us some custom, but do the Maths and you'd have to be Dolly Dimple to prioritise it. A metal frame with tin roof, as you put it, is neither safe nor ideal. It may be 'peanuts', but it would be coming back down asap so would be a waste of peanuts that we dont have.

Average ticket price works out a little over a tenner, and i bet they font spend a tenner (average) on sundries. But we'll say £20 per customer, and lets say a very conservative 500k to develop the away end ... how long will it take for us to recoup that? 25k EXTRA customers are required.

It'll be done, but there's other priorities first

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

those teams who did have a large away following are probably boosted by some who do not usually travel away but want to see their side at a new ground they have not seen them at. if we cover the ground i doubt we will see as many turn up anyway next season. remember portsmouth,s large away following seemed to get less and less as the years went bye. some just ticked stanley off as they,d been and doubt it was our facilities that put em off as they had no intention of returning anyway.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

The lack of cover is definitely a factor as you see big following coming back if they visit when it is sunny like Luton in August, but more of a drop off for winter visits.

Of course some fans come for a one off visit, but the facilities will impact on numbers, and this season the Northern Rail strike too.

Stanley's business model relies on maximizing income from away fans, yet they are treated badly in many ways. E.g. Sunderland fans got to pay full price to come back after being soaked through the first time.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Absolutely spot on Monkey. You could give them armchairs, carpet a d a conservatory and youd still not sell out

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

So what would you suggest? 70 mins is best part of a match. i dont regard full price as badly treated.:rolleyes:

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Half price like against Morecambe with a 2nd half postponement.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

i imagine there will be some rules and guidelines that the club has to follow when charging for abandoned games. if stanley did owt wrong the EFL would be on our backs within seconds.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

That might still happen, in the article on our fishy site about the rearranged date it says ticketing information will be announced in due course & Sunderland fans were advised to keep their stubs so it could be that anyone who came to the original fixture could get some kind of discount

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Oh mighty Spartacus2nd, your gladius has cut me to the core.
This is the Forum my friend, not the Colosseum.
You may be a long time Stanley fan, but you've only been on here for 5 minutes.
There are 2 types of contributors on this forum. Those who post original thought & those who simply 'react' to the former.
Some do it with logic & wit & some, like you, do it with sarcasm.
By all means disagree with anything I post. But if your going to respond with comments aimed at ridicule, eg. 'Perhaps you could sell off a portion of your estate to help Mr Holt with the financials? then prepare for a verbal kick up the gluteus maximus.
Don't know how you calculate an average ticket price of 'just over £10'. Last time I looked it cost £20 (adult) & £15 (concession) for away fans
If I was an away fan forking out £20 for a ticket, I wouldn't expect armchairs, carpet and a conservatory. But I would at least expect shelter from the elements.
We're no longer in the Unibond or Conference, we're actually in League 1, where the majority of stadia are all seater & fully covered.
As for your gem - 'A metal frame with tin roof, as you put it, is neither safe nor ideal'. I was speaking metaphorically. Did you imagine I meant build it from meccano?
The Clayton end is nothing more than a tin roof on a metal frame. Don't see that as unsafe.
Finally, your question as to my Johnny-come-lately status. Well, let me think? Ah yes, now I remember. Attended my first game at Peel Park in 1958.
Sorry, can't recall the score or even who we played. But then, I was only 8 at the time
Touche indeed!

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Spot on post and could not agree more :)

:) :) :)

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Glory Hunter :D

:) :) :)

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

You forgot the third type, the one where one must serve one's apprenticeship before daring to insult a member of the Illuminati

Ive followed this forum for well over a decade. Im well aware of the decorum or etiquette. Im also well aware of who posts quality, or pish, or constructive criticism, or who just posts because they like to see their pseudonym up in lights. Sadly, the vast majority of quality posters have dwindled away in response to the piffle paffle often posted.

But dont worry about me petal, I'll get my post count up to a level where my opinion is valid

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

The average value of a ticket that I gave, just over a tenner, is what AH has ventured himself and is the price they use to base their projections on.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Why don't they use the money they make out of ripping off away supporters in the bar.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

There is no apprenticeship my friend.
Whether you're posting for the 1st time, or the 1000th, your opinion is always valid.
In no way do I regard myself as a member of the Illuminati.
I'm still a relative newcomer on here compared to some of the Doyen's like Cashy, Wynonie, Exile & AccyMad.
I often disagree with other's opinions, but I always try to respond with respect & avoid any insult, whether intended or not.
I look forward to reading your future contributions on this forum.
Nay! I want to actually 'like' them. Just so I can say;
'I am Spartacus!'

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

I’m Spartacus! ;)

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

I am Spartacus :D
P.s. Had to look up what a doyen is Lord S - wasn't sure if it was an insult or compliment at first but thank you for your kind words :)

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Yeh only weren't sure cos my name was before yours.:D

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Absolutely! That's what threw me :)

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

I suggest we adjourn to the Arena so that i may acquire my rudis by vanquishing all pretenders


Maybe the most prominent "doyen", and certainly old enough to have met the real Spartacus, could pick out the real one?

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Theres only 1 Spartacus and thats Kirk Douglas.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

... and thats why I am the 2nd my septegenarian comrade

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Very Smartacus Spartacus.

Out of interest, what have the Romans ever done for us ......:hehetable

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Was it not Julius Caesar who said 'Veni, vidi, ego notatos'
'I came, I saw, I scored' after Roma thrashed Colchester 3 - 0

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

I thought it was the other famous Roman, Abramovich?

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

[QUOTE=Simpson;

Out of interest, what have the Romans ever done for us ......:

they gave us the roman derby in the national league north this season, eboracum v deva.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Andy has just tweeted that the new stand has earned fifty odd grand, or 8.79% of its build cost, at an average ticket of £13.08

Home fans average price is considerably less due to more kids, season yickets at £8.93 per game, and loyalty cards. The average price I gave is somewhere in the middle

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Quite right too!
But I was specifically talking about away fans - no s/t holders or loyalty cards there.
Lets consider the recent bumper gates from Sunderland/Derby games of c.2500 away supporters.
For arguments sake lets assume 2000 adults @ £20 + 500 concessions @ £15.
(OK, there'd be a few kids, but I think by far the majority were adults)
That's £47,500 from away supporters for one game!
Factor in food & beverage sales at a very conservative 50% of those fans spending only £3 per head & you can add another £7,500.
Total = £55k from away fans into our bank account in under 2 hours.
Now tell me they're bottom of our priority list.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Andy stated £13 so its £13, no ifs no buts, £13

In principle i agree with you, but Derby et al brought full numbers during inclement weather knowing full well what was in store. They probably wont get another chance to come here so giving them the pipe n slipper treatment would have been pointless.

1500 Mackems got drenched and mightnt come again, but 1500 who 'missed out' could take their place ...

£1/2m for a minimal cover means at least 40,000 EXTRA tickets need to be sold to make it break even. Would it put an average 500 on each away crowd? If so then its a 4 year gestation. Personally i think it costs us around 200 fans on average, so would take about 200 games

There are the extra sales but as yet we dont know the average spend inside the ground per fan

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

Thing is between 5@6 thousands mackems went down to Gillingham for a midweek game a few week before they played us, the weather was at least as bad so the press at the time said in the description of it. so i doubt very much the point that a couple of thousand will not come back down to us.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

I feel you are missing my point.
I am trying to show how much away fans contribute to our financial survival.
If discounts given to home fans, ie; loyalty cards etc. are reducing the 'average' gate receipt to £13, then payments from away fans paying full price is even more important, because receipts from home fans will always remain static.
In the past we have struggled to attract the number of home fans required to make the club financially viable.
Now we're in League 1 playing bigger clubs, the situation has actually reversed.
Our home support has risen slightly, but the away attendances have rocketed compared to League 2.
Barnsley brought 2352, Sunderland c.2500, Derby 2659.
Had it been possible, Sunderland would have bought every ticket in the ground.
Not only would I roof the Coppice end, I'd raise the terrace at the back to sell even more away tickets.
Don't know where you got '£1/2m for minimal cover'. The new Eric Whalley stand only cost £1m, with 1100 seats + ancillaries.
I'm suggesting a vertical steel frame at the back with a simple cantilever roof. No seats, no toilets, no kiosks.
Agree pipe & slippers would cost £1m.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

there will be a few that will not come back as they have ticked stanley off their list but there will be plenty of others who will take their place given the opportunity. there cannot be many people that hate the cold and rain more than i do but would not miss a game i wanted to see just because i may get wet. as a kid most grounds you went too were only partly covered but you still went but had proper clothes on to keep the rain and or cold out.

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

You cant increase the capacity m'Lud. HBC wont allow it as the local infrastructure cant support it, infil, exfil, parking etc

I think we're both singing from a similar hymn sheet but from different angles. Away fans will come or not come, but the roof wont make a huge difference to the numbers. Grandad Cashmsn used the example of Sunderland at Gillingham, which is an open stand .

Andy wants to complete the ground in the manner of the Clayton End, itll be done in as quick a timescale as the club can manage - financially and logistically.

Back to the original point (see, i do follow the story), building the clubhouse, shop, offices etc FIRST means we can be making money 7 days a week. Prioritising away fan comfort means we can make a bit more money 23 times a season

Re: Bits & Bobs
 

I think its a case of all that when funds and time allow.