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smudgie · 24-03-2014, 13:18

Well this really is the million dollar question..........

My humble opinion....

As others have said, during our conference/ unibond days we used to the "cheap" local option for the casual supporter, especially when Rovers or Burnley where on a long away trip.

No doubt our esteemed ex-chairman Mr Whalley didnt help the situation with his total lack of knowledge in marketing the club. Along with the well publicized financial situation/ betting scenario having a HUGE detrimental effect on local peoples attitude to the club.

Unfortunately as prices have risen along with our league status, so the economy has dipped meaning money is tighter for everybody.

Make no mistake its just not a stanley problem. In the early 90's when I used to love Man U as a kid you had to apply for tickets for EVERY single home league fixture, as well as joining the official supporters club, and even then you chances of success where only 1 in 4. Now you can get a ticket for almost every game at old trafford quite easily, with the exception of Champions League knockout stages and Manchester derby etc etc.

Even looking at my situation, its a 270 mile round trip to come to a home game, a journey which I didnt used to think twice about making every other weekend. But as the purse strings have become tighter ive also had to cut back. (£50 in fuel before I even think about match ticket, pie etc etc)

Yes our match ticket prices are the joint cheapest in the league on most games, but lets be honest our facilities are of a much poorer standard to the rest of League 2, especially now the likes of Macclesfield have been relegated.

Is a new ground the answer?? Ultimately yes... but at what cost??? and will it attract a hoard of new fans?? Morecambe's new ground is a good facility but it hasn't exactly ignited their attendances either. If rumours are to be believed they are still paying for it now, and will be for a long time. A burden which im 100% we cant afford.

The Ultra's , with all their displays and enthusiasm used to be a massive draw for particularly the younger generation, but since the flags etc have mostly gone its stunted their growth in numbers. Also agree with the point about stewarding which at times I have seen is absolutely dreadful, both in terms of attitude and professionalism.

So what would I do............?

1. Continue with the Hyndburn and Ribble Valley schools push, it WILL eventually pay dividens.
2. Somehow try and sort the ultras/ flag situation.
3. Re-educating the stewards on how to be a proper steward, ask Wycombe Wanderers for advice, without doubt the best.
4. Keep prices at a flat £15/£10/£5/£2 (With exception of big cup games)
5. 10 games for £100 needs to come back if possible.
6. More marketing for the lounge and hospitality (Faye)
7. A "subscription" based internet account (Stanley plus or something), £10 a year maybe gets you "inside" access to extra interviews at training or into competition entries.?

I will try and add more to this when I can think some more things up.

24-03-2014, 13:18	#44
smudgie Senior Member+ Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Manchester Posts: 4,307 Liked: 498 times Rep Power: 6449	Re: How to increase attendances? Well this really is the million dollar question.......... My humble opinion.... As others have said, during our conference/ unibond days we used to the "cheap" local option for the casual supporter, especially when Rovers or Burnley where on a long away trip. No doubt our esteemed ex-chairman Mr Whalley didnt help the situation with his total lack of knowledge in marketing the club. Along with the well publicized financial situation/ betting scenario having a HUGE detrimental effect on local peoples attitude to the club. Unfortunately as prices have risen along with our league status, so the economy has dipped meaning money is tighter for everybody. Make no mistake its just not a stanley problem. In the early 90's when I used to love Man U as a kid you had to apply for tickets for EVERY single home league fixture, as well as joining the official supporters club, and even then you chances of success where only 1 in 4. Now you can get a ticket for almost every game at old trafford quite easily, with the exception of Champions League knockout stages and Manchester derby etc etc. Even looking at my situation, its a 270 mile round trip to come to a home game, a journey which I didnt used to think twice about making every other weekend. But as the purse strings have become tighter ive also had to cut back. (£50 in fuel before I even think about match ticket, pie etc etc) Yes our match ticket prices are the joint cheapest in the league on most games, but lets be honest our facilities are of a much poorer standard to the rest of League 2, especially now the likes of Macclesfield have been relegated. Is a new ground the answer?? Ultimately yes... but at what cost??? and will it attract a hoard of new fans?? Morecambe's new ground is a good facility but it hasn't exactly ignited their attendances either. If rumours are to be believed they are still paying for it now, and will be for a long time. A burden which im 100% we cant afford. The Ultra's , with all their displays and enthusiasm used to be a massive draw for particularly the younger generation, but since the flags etc have mostly gone its stunted their growth in numbers. Also agree with the point about stewarding which at times I have seen is absolutely dreadful, both in terms of attitude and professionalism. So what would I do............? 1. Continue with the Hyndburn and Ribble Valley schools push, it WILL eventually pay dividens. 2. Somehow try and sort the ultras/ flag situation. 3. Re-educating the stewards on how to be a proper steward, ask Wycombe Wanderers for advice, without doubt the best. 4. Keep prices at a flat £15/£10/£5/£2 (With exception of big cup games) 5. 10 games for £100 needs to come back if possible. 6. More marketing for the lounge and hospitality (Faye) 7. A "subscription" based internet account (Stanley plus or something), £10 a year maybe gets you "inside" access to extra interviews at training or into competition entries.? I will try and add more to this when I can think some more things up.