Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Going back to the original question, few things:

- Keep prices simple for next season £15 for adults and look to do promotions on Friday night games only, this is something we should be looking at to try and differentiate to other clubs. 4 Friday games would help to make sure we are not directly competing against Burnley or Blackburn and may encourage more walk ons from both sets of fans. Make tickets for these games £10.

- For games where low attendances are expected try and offer pie and peas and a pint and hospitality for £20 to ensure full use of clubhouse for games in particular on Tuesday nights where attendances are lower.

- Try and get a matchday club going for kids to attract families and help build up attendances over a period of time.

- Promote things better on social media, it took until the Saturday before the Morecambe game to actually promote the reduced prices.

- Get the catering units back in house and get a few kids in to do the serving with one cook preparing the food, plenty of profit in doing it and will help boost income for the club.

- Push the flexi ticket offer more, the idea is a good one, make it more visible and it will catch a few more supporters.

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Hi Neil, you had already decided to cancel the meeting before you knew anything was going on at the Crown. I don't see why people using the other side of the pub could have really affected an informal meeting of 5 or so people. It seems it was cancelled in haste, and rather than find a quick solution it was easier to criticise. Just an observation.

One thing the OSC really struggles with is letting people know what they are doing. I have no idea of membership numbers, agendas, projects or what the membership fees are being spent on. As someone far away, this gives me no motivation to become a member. Take the website for example - Accrington Stanley - Official Supporters Club . The next meeting is September 2012 apparently, our manager is Paul Cook and we are excited for the coming 2012 /13 season.

When I was in the UK for the first 3 months of the season I saw little activity regarding fundraising or recruiting new members and poorly attended meetings. I understand it's hard to get people volunteering but what specifically are you currently trying to get people to volunteer for? What is the supporters club currently doing to raise the profile of the club? If I can't find it while looking then it really does not seem to be working. Why are less than 1% of our 1000 core supporters actively going to meetings? Nobodies fault like I say, It just does not seem to be doing much at the moment.

Everyone has seen the Ultras go into decline and everyone acknowledges it. I think a much larger decline has happened in the OSC over the last 5 years, but it has a pat-each-the-on-the-back culture and people don't like to criticise it publicly.

I am not saying the OSC should just be there to serve the club but it does have a part to play in improving the match day experience for supporters, I think it's nowhere near to delivering its potential.

As for it being hard for a fan to have their view heard? Walk into reception, on a match day you will immediately be talking to a director, ask for Mark - he will be lurking, nobody is inaccessible. Also is the club not fan run? Joe Cirino is fan director, is the OSC the best route?

The Excellence Award? The criteria is not that high to get one and they tell you what it is. It's really sad we no longer get them.

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Lee if you look at the posting date if I really wanted to go out of my way to criticise I would have done it on the Night I waited over a week perhaps blinkered expecting somebody to send an email perhaps explaining the mix up?

Why does the OSC have to fundraise all the time and what part does it have to play on Matchday?

The dynamics as BDC has put are easy to change if people want to give it a go and volunteer at the AGM for the OSC to be part of the Committee, just want to attend meetings or just volunteer and steer it a different route I have no problem and maybe that is what it needs fresh ideas and impetus.

This thread is about ways to improve attendances with some cracking ideas and is unified in the sense of all wanting it to go the same way just need somebody to take the Bull by horns.

Your last line says an awful lot.

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Lee on a Final Note Massive Well Done and Thanks on the Club Website so much better and easier to navigate and a massive plus for the Club.

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Agreed,
it's brilliant,though could it be amended to give the link to this message board more prominence ?

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

I'm sure I heard somewhere that JB is happy to hold a fans forum, could all be combined with various members of the board.

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

for the rest of the season why dont the club with help from the OSC carry out surveys of home and away fans?

Likewise ask our away fans their thoughts on the away grounds they visited?

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

I suspect that any Company Director understands the personal liability that they would be incurring if they carried on trading in a situation in which the company was unable to meet its future commitments. Hence when a business plan is prepared for the next year or next future years, they may be unwilling to sign off a plan which demonstrates that the company will run into financial difficulty. Therefore, this might encourage them to agree a future plan containing revenue streams (linked to attendancies) which shows the company in more positive light. They may not want to sign off a business plan which includes revenue streams showing the company in a less favourable light. Hence to paraphrase a well known "Stanley saying"......."Optimism overcomes Logic"

Like the directors, I pray everyday that attendancies will improve at Stanley. After all, some of the games we've seen at the club since the first 12 or so have been absolutely the best , for entertainment value.

I've said it before and I'll say it again, let every fan, ask, beg or demand that someone they know comes along to the next game......if we all did this the attendancies would increase .........keep the faith!

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

I have been exiled down south since 1951 and not been back 'home' since the Leicester league cup game a few years back. So my 'input' is nowhere near as valid as most and may well not be relevent. However, for what it's worth : How accessable is the ground to the most populated areas of the town ? It seems that folks want doorstep parking these days and I wonder if a Stanley 'park'n ride' is a feasible suggestion to remove any transportation excuse not to attend ? (and provide advertising as it journeys to 'n fro). Last time I came up I recall being very much underwelmed by the facilities to snack and have a pee - is this still a disappointment at the 'stadium' ? Putting a roof on the coppice end may well be outside the budget but if feasible would satisfy the standing preference by making both ends 'home ends', leaving Whinney Hill side to visiting supporters. The chance to stand may encourage extra fans ?
just a thought !

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

I am afraid that we will never be able to build crowds while we are still at the crown ground. I know it has a special part in all our hearts but it really belongs to an era of outside lavs and a tin bath in front of the fire.
All those families we want to attract will take a look at the toilets and facilities and make a mental note not to come back. And it's not very good when we expect visiting fans to stand on an uncovered terrace in all kinds of weather.
To say that we cannot afford is not comparable. We have to pay wages, VAT, rates, electric. So we should also provide decent facilities. It's just another cost to running a business.
Fleetwood and Morecambe have developed their stadiums. Yesterday I saw the plans for AFC Fylde new ground. Take a look at Halifax Town, who were in the conference north last season. All of these knock the crown ground into a cocked hat.

I'd like to think the club could do something on this, with the support of Sport England, Football Foundation, Lancs county council, Hyndburn council etc etc

Just my twopenn'orth for what it's worth. Tin hat on!

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Just to add: this is a really good thread and some great contributions.

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Don't know about Fylde or Halifax but Morecambe were able to build their new ground by selling Christie park to sainsbury's & Fleetwood have had a shedload of money invested by their chairman - having said that, imo both those stadiums are plastic & soulless. Not saying the crown doesn't need updating but I'm not sure moving would be the answer even if we could afford it.

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

How much land belongs to Stanley & what are the chances of development & modernisation? If at all feasible, increased parking with better access & egress, covered areas for catering & facilities all within a single covered complex (a la Northampton six fields). It doesn't have to be bigger just better. As to planning layout & design working with the available structures engage design/architectural students to suggest models.

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Agreed, AM, all this talk of moving to new stadiums is all very well, but it flounders on the rocks on one question - where's the money going to come from?

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Has no one ever thought about contacting all the major sports companys Nike, Adidas Puma etc with ACCRINGTON STANLEY FOOTBALL CLUB being the most famous of the twelve founder members they may be interested as long as they get the ground naming rights ie THE UMBRO ASFC STADIUM.... sounds good to me but god forbid not like Morecambe fc or Burton Albion grounds they are awful... just an idea ?

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

For me we STAY AT THE CROWN GROUND!...Whatever it is called re sponsors etc?
The Crown ground has ALL the history of our modern reincarnation re Jack Barret, Jimmy Hinksman et al.
However, I do feel that we need to improve......no SERIOUSLY improve the infra structure in and around the ground! The toilets at the Clayton End are a disgrace and I hope that they are much better in the away end?!? The areas around the stadium are a mess and full of litter. They could be easily improved with a "volunteer" clean up organised by the fans. The club could then economically get some local builders in to build some retaining walls and fully tarmac the walk on areas and car parks. A few plants, welcoming and informative signs and a regular "tidy up team" could make it much more welcoming for home and away supporters.
I would like to see the club get some sponsorship / grants in order to put a roof on the Coppice End and to build a decent stand on the Whinney Hill side of the ground. Our ground might just start to look like a proper Football League ground rather than a hotch potch Non League ground.
OK ...nice ideas I know and I am not so naive not to realise that it would need some money to come from somewhere but I think that is where we should be aiming on the non playing side.
On the playing side....get James Beatty signed up on a longer contract now and also sign up longer contracts for the large bulk of the players in the current squad too.:alright:
ON STANLEY ON

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

The problem wi the crown ground is simple, We don't own it, the sodding council do. the same council that do sod all fer the club in real terms, apart from trying to screw more rent from the club.:(

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Nice to finally meet you today, Cashers. As we discussed, maybe it's time for the club and Council to bury the past and start to work together again. Neither is gaining anything from what appears from the outside to be a stand-off that's gone on too long. I'm sure there'd be mutual benefit if some bridges could be mended. At League 2 level, the support of a local council can make all the difference, and grant funding agencies like Sport England are more likely to listen if both sides are trying to achieve the same end.

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Nice to meet you Exile n yer missus, I have heard from a couple of sources,that the club has tried to build bridges wi em,oer the past couple of years,to no avail.:eek: Hope that aint the case?

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

I have a feeling that ASFC don't pay any rent to Hyndburn Council

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Tell us where this strange feeling comes from.The last time I spoke to Peter Marsden it seems the Council are only interested in what revenue they can extract from the club and are always looking at ways they can actually increase the revenue......we await your response with baited breath.

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

From a local councillor

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Well ian i reckon whoever told yeh that is telling porkies, I will ask the councillor that stands near me up the crown. A guy i have known all me life.;)

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Peter Marsden has been doing a lot of positive work in the background with regards to the lease and rent paid to HBC.

I'll check with him when he's ready to release information but I can 100% confirm Accrington Stanley paid rent and council tax to Hyndburn Council.

I'll re-read some of this thread later today and try to repond to the many questions/points being raised.:)

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

It was over 7 years ago i was told that they did not pay any rent. end of conversation ,

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Think hard about who you vote for next time you get the chance!

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

At the end of the day for the Borough to have one of only Seventy Two Football League Clubs should be a massive plus.

At the same time we have not had an illustrious history of working alongside them but no reason why it can't work for both and become the "Jewel in the Crown".

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Sorry sir I've seen the lease signed by John Alty and we've always paid rent. 7 years ago there may have been sponorship deals in place to "off-set" rent paid but not any more.

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

End of conversation? yeh really are a strange un, You were the one that responded to me comment!!! we were just having a discussion about the rental situation, I have a 6 yr old grandaughter that aint as childish.:rolleyes:

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

it's easy to end the conversation when your talking out of the wrong hole!!!

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

last I heard the rent was something nominal (£300n ish?) signed up on a very long lease. Dunno about council tax though

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

It wouldn't be Council Tax it would be non domestic rates as it's a business property. There seems to be a big increase in the rateble value in the 2010 revaluation compared to the 2005 one

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Thank you Mr T i knew i was right i hope i get some apologies from my very dear friends on here. The main thing is we are all in it together and lets hope we win every game and we will be in the play offs

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Its you that should apologize for " End of conversation " Which was a childish way to discuss.:rolleyes:

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

COMING FROM CASHMAN!
:eek::confused::eek::confused::eek::confused::eek: :confused::eek::confused::eek::confused:

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

I've forgot one local company Dannial Thaites would they be interested it would then be "The Danniel Thwaites Beers and ASFC Stadium " .now that sounds good

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Were does Mr T say we didn't pay rent ,if anything it has proved you wrong ,that from experience is the norm.Maybe as we are sat together you can put me right on Saturday!PS nice to have you back !!!

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Aye dav, what part of this thread can yeh not grasp?:rolleyes:

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Basically, all of it:D

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

If you are going to quote me, at least get the name right. Secondly, have you ever tried stewarding, oh no! too much like hard work and you wouldn't want to upset all your mates, would you?

So moral of the story, whilst it is your right to criticise, don't moan when others criticise your views, which I may add, are usually wrong, as other threads prove!

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Today at 10/59am Mr T said and i quote 7 years ago there may have been sponsorship deals in place to "off set " RENT paid i take "off set " to mean " in place of " RENT paid or better still in lieu of RENT paid ' I hope that makes it clearer

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

However, that still meant there was an outlay whatever you name it.

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Outback Ozzy
Not only have you once again refused to discuss the poor conduct of some stewards,
but you have now made inaccurate presumptions about my exposure to stewarding.
Excellent.

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

ianray 1 - 0 cashman
truth about stewards 1 - 0 outback ozzy

back on topic,
do the club staff ever speak with their commercial equivalents at other sports clubs to get ideas, etc?

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

As Ianray's statement has been proved wrong, I think your first score is a little inaccurate to say the least, Davo!

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

back on topic,
do the club staff ever speak with their commercial equivalents at other sports clubs to get ideas, etc?[/QUOTE]

Sorry busy day; will look at other stuff tomorrow (better than next week!)

Yes the FL put out loads of stuff we share; plus we do speak to our friends at other clubs on a regular basis.

However all positive ideas are welcome

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

a significant transfer fee for mr.Aldred could be the biggest income this summer.
I expect there are some league 1/championship clubs taking note of his development?

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

I thought Ianray had clarified his comments?
:confused:

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Dav007;

Please give me the games and specific incidents of "poor stewarding" you can witness so we can investigate.

Whilst I believe we are good; I'm sure we can improve; can't we all?

One AccyWebber has already given me some good feedback of how we can improve.:)

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

i tell you what mr.t

why dont the club include in the programme a simple process outlining how fans can raise any concerns about stewards in confidence?

that would be a good start

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

MrT said may have been offset, YOU never said that ianray, YOU said as the first comment quoted. Davo once again demonstrates me signature is very accurate.:rolleyes:

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Although it may seem petty, I think it's important that wildly inaccurate comments like, "I have a feeling that ASFC don't pay any rent to Hyndburn Council" are challenged, as it give an incorrect impression of the club's financial commitments.

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Pity Davos too thick to grasp that fact.:rolleyes:

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

:) As maybe a one off or indeed a 3 off why not charge a flat rate of £5 for the remaining 3 home games :) i reccon 1 more win will make stanley safe and with Northampton being our next visiters lets put some more space between us :)

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

cashman
i stand correct, you are right again*

ianray
you owe cashman an apology

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Re-education ???

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

On the issue of stewards, I don't attend enough home games to pass a strong opinion but I've never found them a problem at Stanley. In fact, with one notable exception, I've never found stewards much of a problem at League 2 games. Certainly Wycombe's stewards are excellent, as are those at Dagenham and Wimbledon. Pompey's were a good laugh too. Talk to them, and they are generally fine.
I'm too old to go to a game to bait pubescent fans from the other team, or expend what energy I've got swearing at anyone else (other than the odd person on the pitch wearing black), so maybe I don't see stewards as infringing my enjoyment of the game.
The one exception was a couple of seasons ago at the last match at Cheltenham. After which I emailed that club directly to complain about the stewards' contribution to an unnecessary fracas over a banner. I'm in no way suggesting the two things were directly linked, but this season's performance from Cheltenham's stewards was much improved.
So, if someone has a specific issue about a particular incident or a particular steward, I don't see why they should need permission from the club to make an 'in confidence' complaint. But make sure you get your facts right.

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Thats very insulting and you should know better

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Fantastic idea; will get Dan on the case, as we have promised the FA to pass on more information to supporters as well.

Two main ways:

If it's general customer services type issues, the SLO can be contacted via [email protected] if its more safety/stewarding please use [email protected].

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

?????

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

?????????????

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Oh i agree, though not as insulting as failing to hold yer hand up.:D

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

END OF CONVERSATION (2) and i'll make you all happy and stay off this site as its very plain for everyone to see it's just for the few. new comers arn't welcome, and i've got to go to work .

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

I would hope that this will be in general terms asking for suggestions about how the club might improve people's match-day experience rather than specifically telling folks how they can complain about stewards, who seem be be getting a bit of a rough time from some on here, although the odd smiles from them wouldn't go amiss.

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

I think it's worth pointing out that business rates are set and go to the government, therefore the council can't do anything about them. That's my only defence of the council

For anybody who think's the council could or should help, forget it. They have no plans or direction for the town itself let alone the football club. The only they the council have is no hope :mad:

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

You do talk stupid, everyones welcome, The fact yer throwing yer toys outa yer pram, just demonstrates the kind of bloke yeh are.:rolleyes: If we all agreed all the time life would be very boring.

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Next years Season Tickets , have a "extra" ticket in to bring a friend to one game ,they may become a regular.

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

That sounds worth a punt.:)nowt on fishy yet about em though?

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Next years Season Tickets , have a "extra" ticket in to bring a friend to one game ,they may become a regular.

Only a suggestion Cashy

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Ah well i have a good excuse, i'm thick.:D

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Why did my thread to encourage ianray to return get deleted?

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

you've answered yourself!!!

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Do you not realise Cashy he can't hold his hand up,he's not wearing a belt !

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

You're retired.....and no doubt you would be most welcome if you were more considerate to Cashys feelings...if you like I will walk you over to him on Saturday and you can kiss and make up !!!

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

CLASSIC.....DAVO NICE ONE....its ok for all you lot I have to sit next to him !!!

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

I have never refused to discuss the poor conduct of stewards due to the fact that you haven't highlighted any poor conduct! So what was inaccurate, you HAVE been a steward in the past? or something else? What I said in an earlier post on this thread was that certain supporters do not stick to the Ground Regulations and consequentially when said supporters are challenged they don't like it and say the stewarding is poor. Everyone can have an off day, even a steward, but please don't lay the blame at every stewards door, as you appear to be, they are not all perfect, if you have a particular problem with a steward, report it, I can assure you it will be investigated. But beware, the ground has CCTV and it may be that the incident has been monitored and you may not like the result of the investigation.

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

You simply don't get it.
Let's agree to disagree and love Stanley.

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Hopefully the Questions and points raised through this Thread will help form part of the dialect for the Fans Forum with Fans & Directors.

One of the Best Threads and widely commented on for some time & very important that it's debated.

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

This is one of the best ways.
Accrington Stanley's Marcus Carver visits All Saints School - YouTube
Well done Marcus and all at the Club who are involved.

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

See as I say we are trying;

Along with the Trust and SDA we are getting out there.

Special mention goes to Sue at SDA, along with the locally based players.

Take a bow Piero, Lidds, Jay Gray and Marcus C. The other lads do assist but it's a challlenge when you live a long away from the town..

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Never doubted it, Mr.T.
Keep up the good work.
I'm sure every Stanley-ite appreciates your and the others' efforts, even though it may sometimes appear that some folks find it hard to say it.

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Thank you very much.

I'll let the others in the office plus SDA know:)

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Have a look at Accrington Stanley Community Trust - Homepage to get lots
of news about how the Trust get involved with the community. :)

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

School visits are ALWAYS a good way to help promote the club.

When I was at school, even having retired Rovers players for an hour or two always promoted the club in a positive light.

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Did it make you realise you had to get an education or you end up playing for them ? :)

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

I could tell you what his reply was to the till training, but I'd get banned for foul language :D

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

In defense of the council, they have just had (and are still having) huge cuts to the amount of funding they receive from central government. They are making cuts to essential services to balance the books. So as much as it would be nice to have some kind of joint project with them, if it involves spending money I doubt very much they'd be able to help out.

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

True, but whats the defense before they had the cuts?;)

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

I suspect it might be "If only 2500 residents are interested in supporting Stanley, the rest won't like us spending council taxes for their benefit"? :rolleyes:

On Stanley On !!

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Given the low turn out at most municipal elections, I'd have thought that the average crowd at Stanley could easily swing things towards any politician or party that promised to restore positive relations with the town's club. I'm not part of the local electorate but, if I was and there was an election coming up, I'd be writing to the leader of each main party, including the independents, to ask what they intended to do to support Stanley. And I'd let everyone on here know who bothered to reply and who didn't. Maybe something for the OSC to think about?

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Neither am I part of the electorate, but what a great call! Also could the club arrange visits of prospective candidates to put their cases (and the club's case) across?

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

If it's any consolation, any other business in town and residents who pay council tax also get ignored ;)

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

What even if yeh E-Mail em? :D

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Like the Council thoughts; could it be raised on Tuesday at the forum please?:):)

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Behave :D

Re: How to increase attendances?
 

Delighted that the Supporters Club have been able to team up with SDA, Accrington Shops, Store First and the Club to be able to play a part in the incentive to bring youngsters and families to the game against Mansfield on Good Friday with this Flyer that will be going to 35000 homes in Hynburn. :)