Viking Supporters Co-operative

Viking Chat => Viking Chat => Topic started by: mrfrostsdad on April 21, 2014, 07:38:52 pm

Title: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: mrfrostsdad on April 21, 2014, 07:38:52 pm
Right. I'm a STH (and I've bought next seasons - next to you again DonnyBaz) and I have no wish to see my season ticket purchase devalued, but we need a full house next week.

On this one occasion, can we not let everyone in for free? Or how about, adults buy a programme and get free entry, and kids a quid? Give everyone a drum, a megaphone, a vuvuzela or whatever they're called and let's make so much noise that Reading s##t themselves!!

Let's see how much the Donny public want a Championship team next season. We need to win. A win MAY see us safe, it may not.

Please, does the VSC (and everyone else) agree? It's the biggest game since, well, the last biggest game!
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: Dagenham Rover on April 21, 2014, 07:43:45 pm
Quid a person no matter how old hope we havent used all the home fans only promotions up for this season.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: drfc1951 on April 21, 2014, 07:48:06 pm
What about people who have already bought tickets?didnt we do a 2game ticket for Derby and Reading.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: dknward2 on April 21, 2014, 07:52:35 pm
We did drfc1951 we still need to fill the stadium hope we can keep reading to only a few hundred if not only a thousand fans
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: i_ateallthepies on April 21, 2014, 07:57:35 pm
said this on another thread but I'll go again.  Don't think I've seen it work for us once.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: phil o sophical on April 21, 2014, 07:58:33 pm
Just put Louis Tomlinson on the bench. Job done
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: GazLaz on April 21, 2014, 08:00:48 pm
We need to do something to get a house full.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: i_ateallthepies on April 21, 2014, 08:02:41 pm
We need to do something to get three points.  End of.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: mrfrostsdad on April 21, 2014, 08:18:00 pm
It worked for is against Swansea??? A couple of seasons ago. Sure we have them one corner and we did fill the rest
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: the dons on April 21, 2014, 08:20:28 pm
Sounds a Bloody Good Idea,  :clapping: :clapping: :clapping: :clapping: :clapping: :clapping:
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: Donnylass on April 21, 2014, 08:24:28 pm
I'm a ST holder and I wouldn't mind people getting tickets for Free/£1/£5 whatever the club and fellow ST holders feel comfortable with. If it meant it was our supporters filling the stadium (including parts of the North Stand) instead of getting the money from away fans and giving them the added advantage of a big following, I'm sure people would agree.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: grayx on April 21, 2014, 08:29:16 pm
Fiver a ticket, T' shirt on every seat like the opening game in the keepmoat against Huddersfield, and that kid out "one erection" or whatever they are called signing autographs. Place be rammed.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: robchester on April 21, 2014, 08:34:43 pm
Do whatever we need to just get the place full.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: pib on April 21, 2014, 08:37:21 pm
I think £5 a ticket or £10/quid a kid would pull in some extra numbers. I wouldn't mind the club doing it if they felt it would be beneficial, and I'm a STH.

Inclined to agree with iateallthepies though, I'm not convinced it'll make that much difference to the game. Would be great if we were able to create a good atmosphere at home for once though, regardless of whether it's full or not.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: Padge_DRFC on April 21, 2014, 08:45:37 pm
No a one off 23 quid should not put people off. Stop be ing tight and get down to the KM. People will have bougbt the 2 for 35 quid ticket. Do it free we'll just get the people coming for something to do as it's free who don't care about Rovers
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: mushRTID on April 21, 2014, 08:53:48 pm
No a one off 23 quid should not put people off. Stop be ing tight and get down to the KM. People will have bougbt the 2 for 35 quid ticket. Do it free we'll just get the people coming for something to do as it's free who don't care about Rovers

Agree. Rather have 9000 that care than the 9000 + 5000 day trippers.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: normal rules on April 21, 2014, 09:14:10 pm
reading wont bring many. good opportunity for club to do something

another voucher offer. in addition to voucher m

sth to use any voucher left in book for extra guests perhaps?
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: IDM on April 21, 2014, 09:16:22 pm
Why won't Reading bring many?  They want the play offs don't they?

I bought the 2 for £35 quid offer, I think it would not be unreasonable to offer entry for adults at £10 or £15.  And a quid for kids.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: RobTheRover on April 21, 2014, 09:17:01 pm
That's already in place,  Normal Rules. Any st vouchers unused can be exchanged for a free ticket.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: normal rules on April 21, 2014, 09:18:47 pm
so thats any voucher? if thats the case it needs advertising properly. and if a sth has numerous vouchers???
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on April 21, 2014, 09:21:02 pm
As ST holder I'd happily go along with it. May be free but it could be priceless !!

Trouble is, tickets have already been bought so they are limited to what they can do.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: normal rules on April 21, 2014, 09:23:25 pm
i dont think the donnybob challenge has been invoked this season.

is now the time??
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: rtid88 on April 21, 2014, 09:44:42 pm
Tenner a ticket, get it advertised around the town, on the teles in Frenchgate, in the free press, in the star, on the radio! Lets get an atmosphere in the ground! Surely the club must know how important it must be for the players to have the fans behind them!!
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: mrfrostsdad on April 21, 2014, 10:06:11 pm
I don't think a tenner a ticket would do it. There's so much apathy in the town I think it needs to be free, or buy a programme.
Ok, it will cost a few quid, but relegation will cost about £4m.

And as for having 9000 there who are real fans rather than 15000 who are there just because it's free, it don't care. As long as they come and make some noise.

 And yes, some people may have paid £35 for the Derby and Reading game, I paid £399 for my season ticket, and on this occasion I really don't mind
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: Jenny on April 21, 2014, 10:06:55 pm
so thats any voucher? if thats the case it needs advertising properly. and if a sth has numerous vouchers???

No it's any unused ticket plus voucher M
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: big fat yorkshire pudding on April 21, 2014, 10:10:52 pm
I suggest we all could do our bit. I'll be trying to get as many down as I can.  We need to fill the place.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BigColSutherland on April 21, 2014, 11:00:31 pm
It was free to get in against Palace.

We didn't win and it wasn't full.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: hoolahoop on April 21, 2014, 11:18:37 pm
Poorly and couldn't use my Alliance tickets for the Derby game. Any thoughts on 'unused' alliance freebies being used for this game ? :)
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: mrfrostsdad on April 22, 2014, 07:12:20 am
No-one is saying we will win Col. And if I'm not mistaken there was over 14000 there for the Palace game, or whoever it was.

But, if we just want our usual 7500 home fans to be there and sit with their hands under their ars*s, then fine
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: Copps is Magic on April 22, 2014, 07:17:53 am
The crowd helped against Palace, the crowd helped against Crewe. There are positive examples.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: Spud on April 22, 2014, 07:43:20 am
I'm a ST holder and I wouldn't mind people getting tickets for Free/£1/£5 whatever the club and fellow ST holders feel comfortable with. If it meant it was our supporters filling the stadium (including parts of the North Stand) instead of getting the money from away fans and giving them the added advantage of a big following, I'm sure people would agree.


 :that:
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on April 22, 2014, 08:37:14 am
It was free to get in against Palace.

We didn't win and it wasn't full.

We don't need to win on Saturday.

The home crowd against Palace was the highest since we played Liverpool in the Cup 40 years ago.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BigColSutherland on April 22, 2014, 08:38:03 am
The crowd helped against Palace, the crowd helped against Crewe. There are positive examples.
There are negative ones too. What happened at our record attendance?
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: Filo on April 22, 2014, 08:40:03 am
It was free to get in against Palace.

We didn't win and it wasn't full.

We don't need to win on Saturday.

The home crowd against Palace was the highest since we played Liverpool in the Cup 40 years ago.

Higher than the KM record of 15001 against Leeds?
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BigColSutherland on April 22, 2014, 08:43:06 am
I'm starting to worry about William. He's getting very sloppy with his 'facts'.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on April 22, 2014, 08:48:30 am
BCS

You can rest easy. I meant "home" as in "number of home fans".
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: Surrey Rover on April 22, 2014, 08:49:58 am
There was over 20000 for the league cup tie against Hull in 1975 and it wasn't free either. The town needs a kick up the backside...
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on April 22, 2014, 08:52:15 am
SR

I'll give you that one. I'd forgotten about that. 39 years then.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on April 22, 2014, 08:59:04 am
The crowd helped against Palace, the crowd helped against Crewe. There are positive examples.
There are negative ones too. What happened at our record attendance?

We drew 0-0
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: The Red Baron on April 22, 2014, 09:04:46 am
It was free to get in against Palace.

We didn't win and it wasn't full.

We don't need to win on Saturday.

The home crowd against Palace was the highest since we played Liverpool in the Cup 40 years ago.

No we don't NEED to win, but I think this is a better chance of a win than the game at Leicester.

I think logistics will dictate against it anyway, but I don't think the club should cut prices for Saturday's game. There are plenty of opportunities (voucher M, unused ST stubs) for getting friends and family along to the game. There should be much more emphasis on creating a lively atmosphere among those who are present.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BigColSutherland on April 22, 2014, 09:33:31 am
The crowd helped against Palace, the crowd helped against Crewe. There are positive examples.
There are negative ones too. What happened at our record attendance?

We drew 0-0

What happened at the record Keepmoat attendance?
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on April 22, 2014, 09:36:20 am
We lost. And from memory, about 35% of the attendees were vociferously supporting the winners.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: DonnyRTID on April 22, 2014, 09:41:38 am
Not everyone knows about the voucher M/ticket stub offers though, it needs to be advertised on the clubs website. How about giving all season ticket holders a free ticket for the Reading game.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BigColSutherland on April 22, 2014, 09:55:23 am
What happened at the second highest Keepmoat attendance?
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on April 22, 2014, 10:10:37 am
We lost and from memory, about 25% of the crowd were vociferously supporting the winners (and runaway champions).

We can continue this for as long as you like. If you reckon that having a big crowd and the atmosphere overwhelmingly in your favour is not an advantage, then that's fine.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BigColSutherland on April 22, 2014, 10:18:59 am
I've not offered an opinion William. I've asked some questions and pointed out some facts.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on April 22, 2014, 10:22:26 am
You have. None of them were particularly relevant to the situation on Saturday, but that's your choice.

Personally, is love to see 13,500 Donny fans in the ground on Saturday. How about you? Do you have an opinion.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BigColSutherland on April 22, 2014, 10:28:01 am
I won't be there so I'm not too fussed, but i'm not sure we have "13,500 Donny fans".

Personally, I don't see a correlation between the number of fans and the results we churn out at home. Sometimes we win with a big crowd, sometimes we lose. In my opinion, when we have the larger crowds we tend to get more neutrals who just observe rather than support, so their benefit is negligible.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on April 22, 2014, 10:57:46 am
BCS.

But the examples you quote are ones where
a) we didn't have a huge majority of home fans.
b) we certainly didn't have a overwhelming "home" atmosphere.
c) it wasn't a "balls on the line" situation regarding the result.

Compare that to the performances and atmospheres when in the Southend play off match and Crewe JPT semi. That's the kind of situation I'd like to see on Saturday. (And whether I am personally there or not doesn't change my having an opinion.)

Granted, it doesn't always work. The atmosphere and performance fell flat against Notts County last year. But on balance, I'd much prefer a full house and run the risk that some may be silent, than have 7,000 rattling around the stadium and pretty much guarantee a flat atmosphere.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: One_Matty_Lucas on April 22, 2014, 11:16:49 am
Voucher for the clubshop (10 quid) for everyone who bought a ticket (ST included), then make it 5 quid for adults and quid a kid.

Flags or T shirts on seats, drum involved.

Im even tempted to charter a flight from Geneva to Robin Hood for the game

COME ON ROVERS
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BigColSutherland on April 22, 2014, 11:20:56 am
I wasn't at the Crewe, Southend or Notts County games, so I'll have to take your word for it William. Although, measuring "atmosphere" seems to be more of an art than a science.

I tend to deal in the facts. And the facts suggest no causality exists between our attendances and our results, and as such, the idea of making it free to get in on Saturday would have no discernible influence upon the outcome of the game - which I assume it the motivating factor behind the idea.

It would therefore be prudent to maxmise income via gate receipts and hope the result goes our way.
Title: Re: (No subject)
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on April 22, 2014, 12:37:14 pm
Remember the Leicester game couple of seasons back when we needed something from the game? That was an offer game, big crowd and our enigma that was Super Steve Brooker scored a screamer and the crowd went wild. Similar would be De Val scoring the winner with a 30 yard free kick!
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BigColSutherland on April 22, 2014, 12:44:16 pm
Remember the Leicester game couple of seasons back when we needed something from the game? That was an offer game, big crowd...

Another one we didn't win.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on April 22, 2014, 12:55:32 pm
I wasn't at the Crewe, Southend or Notts County games, so I'll have to take your word for it William. Although, measuring "atmosphere" seems to be more of an art than a science.

I tend to deal in the facts. And the facts suggest no causality exists between our attendances and our results, and as such, the idea of making it free to get in on Saturday would have no discernible influence upon the outcome of the game - which I assume it the motivating factor behind the idea.

It would therefore be prudent to maxmise income via gate receipts and hope the result goes our way.

Although interestingly, the facts indicate that when we have a large numerical advantage of home fans over away fans in big games, we DO have a good record.

I guess there are "facts" and "facts".
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: IDM on April 22, 2014, 12:58:03 pm
Remember the Leicester game couple of seasons back when we needed something from the game? That was an offer game, big crowd...

Another one we didn't win.

We didn't lose, either.

We went into that game knowing a point would guarantee our survival.  We got that point - job done, even though Sheff Utd didn't win so we could still have lost and survived.

I don't care if it is just me and my dad and a few journalists there on saturday, as long as we get the result we need, or if not, do our damnedest to get it.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BigColSutherland on April 22, 2014, 01:24:25 pm
Although interestingly, the facts indicate that when we have a large numerical advantage of home fans over away fans in big games, we DO have a good record.

I guess there are "facts" and "facts".

Do you have a robust, independent and verifiable defintion of the terms "large numerical advantage" and "big games"? If not you could be accused of picking and choosing games to suit your stance William.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BigColSutherland on April 22, 2014, 01:25:52 pm
Remember the Leicester game couple of seasons back when we needed something from the game? That was an offer game, big crowd...

Another one we didn't win.

We didn't lose, either.

We went into that game knowing a point would guarantee our survival.  We got that point - job done, even though Sheff Utd didn't win so we could still have lost and survived.

I don't care if it is just me and my dad and a few journalists there on saturday, as long as we get the result we need, or if not, do our damnedest to get it.

Given our goal difference, anything other than a thrashing would have been enough to survive. The idea that Brooker is some sort of hero is flawed.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: IDM on April 22, 2014, 01:33:07 pm
We will never know how good or not Brooker would have been for us, as he was hardly ever fit.  But if that goal vs Leicester was anything to go by, it is a shame he struggled.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on April 22, 2014, 01:50:13 pm
BCS

No I don't, but then I'm a pragmatist rather than an absolutist.

I don't think it pragmatic to assess our performance in front of big crowds on the evidence of two results against Leeds and Newcastle. I fully respect your right to do so though - it has all the benefits of being a pure approach.

Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BigColSutherland on April 22, 2014, 02:09:15 pm
Right, let's have a look at the numbers then William. The most up to date list I can find on here is this:

15,001  1 Apr 2008 v Leeds United - Lost
14,850  23 Mar 2010 v Newcastle United - Lost
14,823  14 Feb 2009 v Sheffield Wednesday - Won
14,435  27 Feb 2009 v Derby County - Won
14,312  22 Apr 2011 v Crystal Palace - Drew
14,242  30 Sep 2008 v Sheffield United - Lost
14,020  28 Dec 2008 v Burnley - Won
13,669  20 Dec 2008 v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Lost
13,614  20 Nov 2010 v Swansea City - Drew
13,293  17 Sep 2010 v Leeds United - Drew
13,251  28 Oct 2008 v Barnsley - Lost
13,026  20 Mar 2010 v Sheffield United - Drew
12,962  14 Oct 2011 v Leeds United - Lost
12,825  08 Dec 2009 v Sheffield Wednesday - Won
12,768  13 Feb 2010 v Nottingham Forest - Won

Right, so that's the 15 biggest Keepmoat attendances I can find doing a quick search on here. (I have yet to find a measure for "big games", or a system to arrive at a figure for "large numerical advantage)

Played 15, Won 5, Drew 4, Lost 6.

It suggests to me that big crowds at the Keepmoat don't really bring us big returns. We win some, we draw some, we lose some, with a defeat the most common outcome.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: big fat yorkshire pudding on April 22, 2014, 02:28:44 pm
Too small a sample size sampled in the completely wrong way. I think on a purely subjective note it makes a difference.  that's an opinion I don't know what the stats would throw up - it would be interesting to do lots of different stats in a better way than that. In reality too many variables and not enough time and you'd get different answers.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: Tokyos Boot on April 22, 2014, 02:42:48 pm
And for some ridiculous, unexplained notion some people are arguing against a cheaper entrance price and a bigger attendance. Why?

Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BigColSutherland on April 22, 2014, 02:46:44 pm
Too small a sample size sampled in the completely wrong way. I think on a purely subjective note it makes a difference.  that's an opinion I don't know what the stats would throw up - it would be interesting to do lots of different stats in a better way than that. In reality too many variables and not enough time and you'd get different answers.
I'm all for disregarding data, but not just based on "an opinion".

The numbers show us that, when the Keepmoat crowd has been at its largest, the results have not been particularly favourable. This is not an opinion. That is fact.

Now, you might not like that fact, and you might draw your own conclusions from it, but it is a fact.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: IDM on April 22, 2014, 02:47:21 pm
Some folks are arguing that more bums on seats does not necessarily mean a better atmosphere, if the owners of those bums are not passionate fans.

As for the list of high attendances, where's the Southend (Won), Crewe (Won)and Huddersfield (first KM fixture - also won) matches?
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BigColSutherland on April 22, 2014, 02:48:29 pm
And for some ridiculous, unexplained notion some people are arguing against a cheaper entrance price and a bigger attendance. Why?
I'm not arguing against it per se, but I'm suggesting the idea that a bigger crowd gives us an advantage is flawed. The numbers I have presented show that when our crowds have been at their largest we have not done that well.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BigColSutherland on April 22, 2014, 02:51:20 pm
Some folks are arguing that more bums on seats does not necessarily mean a better atmosphere, if the owners of those bums are not passionate fans.

As for the list of high attendances, where's the Southend (Won), Crewe (Won)and Huddersfield (first KM fixture - also won) matches?
Yep, Hudders should be on there IDM (14,470), Southend also (13,081). Crewe (12,561) not.

The stats for the top 15 stay the same though.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: Tokyos Boot on April 22, 2014, 02:59:24 pm
I suppose not all players or teams absorb atmosphere like others might. To try to claim that a roaring atmosphere doesn't affect how well a team can play and even often change the momentum of a game is completely wrong - just how much it can lift players in matches is often stated, in interviews by players. (See Liverpools Champs League win)

But to also argue that simply making more noise or having higher attendances affects what goes on on the pitch is also ridiculous (See Leeds Utds last 10 years).

The truth is, it falls somewhere in the middle - a great atmosphere can often make a difference in certain matches... but that atmosphere doesn't necessarily need a larger attendance in order to occur! In fact, look at that glorious Southend game - the excellent atmosphere that match was famously created by the devoted and vocal away following that day!

And as for the '9000 passionate supporters' - id say we have about 1000 PASSIONATE supporters, the rest are desperate to get the car out the car park come the 85th.

You'll hear a more passionate atmosphere at church than the KMS, full or not.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: big fat yorkshire pudding on April 22, 2014, 03:23:14 pm
Too small a sample size sampled in the completely wrong way. I think on a purely subjective note it makes a difference.  that's an opinion I don't know what the stats would throw up - it would be interesting to do lots of different stats in a better way than that. In reality too many variables and not enough time and you'd get different answers.
I'm all for disregarding data, but not just based on "an opinion".

The numbers show us that, when the Keepmoat crowd has been at its largest, the results have not been particularly favourable. This is not an opinion. That is fact.

Now, you might not like that fact, and you might draw your own conclusions from it, but it is a fact.

Have you considered your variables in your analysis. Numbers are just numbers without substance they tell you nothing.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BigColSutherland on April 22, 2014, 03:32:09 pm
I'm leaving it up to individuals to draw their own conclusions BFYP. I'm just presenting the facts as they stand and outlining what, at face value, they show.

Now, I'm sure you could attach caveats to every single one, but I doubt you could build a case  that shows bigger crowds render us more likely to win.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: bobjimwilly on April 22, 2014, 03:36:28 pm
You'll hear a more passionate atmosphere at church than the KMS, full or not.

So, when we've had a full stadium, the atmosphere was still rubbish?

I thought the atmosphere at the southend playoff game in particular was pretty good? Just shows what I know eh?  :coat:

I think the whole argument of bigger crowd = better atmosphere = better results in respect of this saturday's game is irrelevant; even if the tickets were free we wouldn't get anywhere near to a sell-out, and the club aren't going to do it anyway?  :huh:
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: bpoolrover on April 22, 2014, 04:08:08 pm
Blackpool have given 3k free tickets 4 there awAy game at Wigan
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: The Red Baron on April 22, 2014, 04:19:58 pm
Blackpool have given 3k free tickets 4 there awAy game at Wigan

I wonder if they'll all go and throw tennis balls onto the pitch.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: Bristol Red Rover on April 22, 2014, 04:25:28 pm
It's the last home game of the season, it's a very important game, the crowd WILL be higher than normal anyway. IMO money would be more wisely spent on promoting it like never before than on reducing prices too much.

Offering free coach travel to Leicester would be a good move too.

There IS enough passion in the town, just have to grab it, not devalue it.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: swintonrover on April 22, 2014, 04:40:05 pm
One of the best atmospheres at the KM I remember was the Hull cup match. I genuinely reckon the crowd had an effect on that comeback. I dunno what the attendance was mind.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: Dare to dream! on April 22, 2014, 04:52:36 pm
Swansea at home when we filled half of the north stand as well was one of the bet atmospheres at the keepmoat for me
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: podrover73 on April 22, 2014, 04:56:29 pm
So give free tickets out to people who can't be arsed to come for the majority of the season and therefore are not that bothered about the result anyway. If we are 1-0 down in that game do you think they will be bothered to try and raise the atmosphere. All for trying to get people behind the team but if they ain't bothered they ain't bothered.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: DonnyOsmond on April 22, 2014, 04:57:24 pm
What's better a full stadium or a half empty one? Nothing wrong with trying and getting it full up.

The deal was £35, I think, so put the price to something like £12 for the game to cover the difference of the two games to get it up to £35.

Get the drum out, Get some rock music on(No Carly Rae Jepson) to pump everyone up and let's win this.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on April 22, 2014, 05:21:57 pm
BCS.

You and your need for "systems". A psychoanalyst would have a field day...

It's really quite simple. You look for matches in which there were a lot of home fans compared to away fans, and where there was something really important to play for. I'll admit, it's a black art, but then again, so is much of life. I used to work as a structural engineer. The best definition of structural engineering I ever heard was from a prof at Imperial College: "The art of using materials whose properties we can't really characterise, to make structures whose response we can't really analyse, to support loads whose magnitude we can't really predict, in such a waya that the public doesn't really suspect the extent of our ignorance." He was right - doesn't stop engineers building 800m high towers or 2km long bridges though.

I digress.

But to keep you happy, I'll stick with your approach. You have chosen the 14th highest KMS attendances in the Championship  plus the match against Leeds in L1. The list is wrong by the way. It omits at least the following:

14,470 01 Jan 2007 vs Huddersfield  - Won
14,297 06 Jan 2007 vs Bolton - Lost
13,517 24 Jan 2009 vs Aston Villa - Drew
13,081 16 May 2008 vs Southend - Won
12,923 26 August 2001 vs Spurs - Lost


But no matter. Let's look at the Championship matches. P14 W 5 D4 L5 Points per game 1.36). Not a stellar performance, I'll grant you.

But then again, we've lost more than we have won of ALL our home matches at this level over the past 5 years (P114, W38 D33 L43 Points per game 1.29).  So we've done better than average in home matches with big crowds.

Then, take into account who we have played against in those big attendance matches.

2 were against the division winners that season. 4 were against sides who made the play-offs. 1 was against a team who was relegated that season.

11 were against teams who finished above us in the league. 3 were against teams who finished below us.

What do you make of those facts?
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: Hag on April 22, 2014, 05:43:08 pm
WWWW OR LLLLL it really doesn't matter - it is a one off, same as a cup tie, even if we were playing a team we had never beaten in history - does that mean we have lost before we play?
No it doesn't, but let us give us ourselves the best chance of winning, it does not matter who gets upset about prices (marketing dept should have thought it out better but didn't - whats new).
And as for supporting the other team - how many Reading fans do we have in Donny?

And here is another weird idea - ask the players what they would prefer (as a one off) ?
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BigColSutherland on April 22, 2014, 06:03:50 pm
Yes William, I will take you at your word and accept that they appear to be facts as well.

So in summary, whilst I'm saying we don't tend to win the games with the largest crowds, you're saying we are more likely to win the games with the largest crowds, but still unlikely to win them?
Title: Re: (No subject)
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on April 22, 2014, 06:36:12 pm
What a nonsence this threads turned into. Without any offers if 10.000 home fans turned up on Sat we'd be highly delighted and probably wouldn't even question where the additional numbers emerged from. We'd all welcome as much support as possible and I'm sure the players would too. The carrott to get them there is a different debate.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on April 22, 2014, 06:55:09 pm
BCS

I'm saying that, all things considered, our record in big crowd home matches appears to be a good bit better than it is in non-big crowd home matches. Whether the "good bit" equates to a statistical "significantly" I don't know. But given the circumstances, when we want every little bit on our side, I know which side of the debate I stand.

Get the place full and rocking.

If you know of some other metric which equates better with abnormally positive home results, please don't keep it to yourself.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: PDX_Rover on April 22, 2014, 07:03:16 pm
I suppose not all players or teams absorb atmosphere like others might. To try to claim that a roaring atmosphere doesn't affect how well a team can play and even often change the momentum of a game is completely wrong - just how much it can lift players in matches is often stated, in interviews by players. (See Liverpools Champs League win)

But to also argue that simply making more noise or having higher attendances affects what goes on on the pitch is also ridiculous (See Leeds Utds last 10 years).

The truth is, it falls somewhere in the middle - a great atmosphere can often make a difference in certain matches... but that atmosphere doesn't necessarily need a larger attendance in order to occur! In fact, look at that glorious Southend game - the excellent atmosphere that match was famously created by the devoted and vocal away following that day!

And as for the '9000 passionate supporters' - id say we have about 1000 PASSIONATE supporters, the rest are desperate to get the car out the car park come the 85th.

You'll hear a more passionate atmosphere at church than the KMS, full or not.

Talking arse with that last bit.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: mrfrostsdad on April 22, 2014, 07:04:24 pm
And why would anyone who doesn't come to support the team actually care??
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: idler on April 22, 2014, 07:15:19 pm
And why would anyone who doesn't come to support the team actually care??
You are an exile that goes and cares, so am I.
If I lived on the other side of the Atlantic and could only make an occasional visit I'd still care.
Wouldn't you?
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: PDX_Rover on April 22, 2014, 07:31:31 pm
I live abroad and was back recently and got to all the games - I care :)
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: mrfrostsdad on April 22, 2014, 08:01:38 pm
Oh I'd still care what the team did, obviously.
But if I lived too far away to attend, I wouldn't care if it was free to get in or not. That was all I meant
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: normal rules on April 22, 2014, 09:39:10 pm
Of the high attended games listed, most, barring a few exceptions like Swansea and palace would have included a sell out allocation of 3200 plus. On some occasions 4000 plus for the Leeds games.

We do not know what difference a large attendance at home , MAINLY of home supporters could do. Reading will bring 1500 tops I reckon.

We won't get 13500 home fans without a monumental effort, and a part of the north stand opening, so we will never know.

I guess hats what some are getting at on this thread.

Shove the way fans in the ne corner, and give away 3000 tickets to home fans.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: normal rules on April 22, 2014, 09:41:36 pm
First come first serve
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: Iberian Red on April 22, 2014, 11:26:44 pm
Right, let's have a look at the numbers then William. The most up to date list I can find on here is this:

15,001  1 Apr 2008 v Leeds United - Lost
14,850  23 Mar 2010 v Newcastle United - Lost
14,823  14 Feb 2009 v Sheffield Wednesday - Won
14,435  27 Feb 2009 v Derby County - Won
14,312  22 Apr 2011 v Crystal Palace - Drew
14,242  30 Sep 2008 v Sheffield United - Lost
14,020  28 Dec 2008 v Burnley - Won
13,669  20 Dec 2008 v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Lost
13,614  20 Nov 2010 v Swansea City - Drew
13,293  17 Sep 2010 v Leeds United - Drew
13,251  28 Oct 2008 v Barnsley - Lost
13,026  20 Mar 2010 v Sheffield United - Drew
12,962  14 Oct 2011 v Leeds United - Lost
12,825  08 Dec 2009 v Sheffield Wednesday - Won
12,768  13 Feb 2010 v Nottingham Forest - Won

Right, so that's the 15 biggest Keepmoat attendances I can find doing a quick search on here. (I have yet to find a measure for "big games", or a system to arrive at a figure for "large numerical advantage)

Played 15, Won 5, Drew 4, Lost 6.

It suggests to me that big crowds at the Keepmoat don't really bring us big returns. We win some, we draw some, we lose some, with a defeat the most common outcome.

Have you ever kissed a girl?
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: Sammy Chung was King on April 22, 2014, 11:57:36 pm
Right, let's have a look at the numbers then William. The most up to date list I can find on here is this:

15,001  1 Apr 2008 v Leeds United - Lost
14,850  23 Mar 2010 v Newcastle United - Lost
14,823  14 Feb 2009 v Sheffield Wednesday - Won
14,435  27 Feb 2009 v Derby County - Won
14,312  22 Apr 2011 v Crystal Palace - Drew
14,242  30 Sep 2008 v Sheffield United - Lost
14,020  28 Dec 2008 v Burnley - Won
13,669  20 Dec 2008 v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Lost
13,614  20 Nov 2010 v Swansea City - Drew
13,293  17 Sep 2010 v Leeds United - Drew
13,251  28 Oct 2008 v Barnsley - Lost
13,026  20 Mar 2010 v Sheffield United - Drew
12,962  14 Oct 2011 v Leeds United - Lost
12,825  08 Dec 2009 v Sheffield Wednesday - Won
12,768  13 Feb 2010 v Nottingham Forest - Won

Right, so that's the 15 biggest Keepmoat attendances I can find doing a quick search on here. (I have yet to find a measure for "big games", or a system to arrive at a figure for "large numerical advantage)

Played 15, Won 5, Drew 4, Lost 6.

It suggests to me that big crowds at the Keepmoat don't really bring us big returns. We win some, we draw some, we lose some, with a defeat the most common outcome.

BigCol you have got to be Rafa Benitez,and i claim the twenty three quid,that will mean i can go to the game!! :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BigColSutherland on April 23, 2014, 08:25:35 am
Right, let's have a look at the numbers then William. The most up to date list I can find on here is this:

15,001  1 Apr 2008 v Leeds United - Lost
14,850  23 Mar 2010 v Newcastle United - Lost
14,823  14 Feb 2009 v Sheffield Wednesday - Won
14,435  27 Feb 2009 v Derby County - Won
14,312  22 Apr 2011 v Crystal Palace - Drew
14,242  30 Sep 2008 v Sheffield United - Lost
14,020  28 Dec 2008 v Burnley - Won
13,669  20 Dec 2008 v Wolverhampton Wanderers - Lost
13,614  20 Nov 2010 v Swansea City - Drew
13,293  17 Sep 2010 v Leeds United - Drew
13,251  28 Oct 2008 v Barnsley - Lost
13,026  20 Mar 2010 v Sheffield United - Drew
12,962  14 Oct 2011 v Leeds United - Lost
12,825  08 Dec 2009 v Sheffield Wednesday - Won
12,768  13 Feb 2010 v Nottingham Forest - Won

Right, so that's the 15 biggest Keepmoat attendances I can find doing a quick search on here. (I have yet to find a measure for "big games", or a system to arrive at a figure for "large numerical advantage)

Played 15, Won 5, Drew 4, Lost 6.

It suggests to me that big crowds at the Keepmoat don't really bring us big returns. We win some, we draw some, we lose some, with a defeat the most common outcome.

Have you ever kissed a girl?

Are you flirting with me?

How very flattering.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: The Red Baron on April 23, 2014, 08:55:13 am
In a bid to get this thread back on topic...

Personally I don't see a lot of point in giving away cheap/ free tickets to people who are too apathetic to attend matches and who will sit on their hands for most of the game and will probably b*gger off home after 80 minutes.

That is not to say that those with unused Voucher Ms, ticket stubs etc shouldn't take the opportunity to bring friends and family along- on the condition that they make some noise and get behind the team.

Rather, the club should be looking at how we can create a positive and lively atmosphere at what could be a very big game indeed.

Personally I rather liked the idea of the red and white day. If you don't have a replica shirt or a scarf then wear something red and/or white. Maybe the club shop could do a massive clearance sale on Saturday and sell all of this season's merchandise at knock-down prices- first come, first served.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: IDM on April 23, 2014, 09:51:02 am
We got a pretty decent home turn out last season for the Notts Co game.  This was not I recall due to extensive marketing nor ticket offers (please correct me if I am wrong), more the importance of the fixture.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: CusworthRovers on April 23, 2014, 02:41:43 pm
A lot will be cashing in their voucher M's and unused tickets as it's the last chance to do so. This should swell the numbers more, but not sure about the noise though.

I've claimed about 20 odd tickets and just about all are gone
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: bpoolrover on April 23, 2014, 02:44:43 pm
Got to be worth filling the ground have nothing to lose
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: hoolahoop on April 23, 2014, 03:36:41 pm
I'm going to be there as I care and do make a lot of noise.
Unfortunately I haven't made as many games as I would have liked. Why do folk think it's the same 7,500 or so that go week in week out. Double that and you will probably find the number of folk in this town who really "care" !
Threads like this piss me off royally. We took 15,000 to Cardiff for the JPT ffs did some of you think they went all the way there and at such a cost for the 'day out' !
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: hoolahoop on April 23, 2014, 03:41:55 pm
Got to be worth filling the ground have nothing to lose

Absolutely right and there is money to be made even if that extra custom come in for nowt and perhaps decide to come again.
Think of it as an "open" day, we have to get as many in there as possible on Satdi.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BigColSutherland on April 23, 2014, 03:56:12 pm
We took 15,000 to Cardiff for the JPT ffs did some of you think they went all the way there and at such a cost for the 'day out' !

Yes.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: bpoolrover on April 23, 2014, 04:00:35 pm
I agree hoola put the reduced priced season tickets back on for the day hope we win and the kids pester there dad to go again (or mum)
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: IDM on April 23, 2014, 04:42:17 pm
Don't want to piss on your bonfire Hoola, but the 5 additional folks who came to Cardiff with me were there for the day out and because it was a cup final.  They were also family and friends of my ex, therefore they will definitely not be coming with me ever again!  They didn't come to Wembley in 2008 when we took 25000 though, go figure.

A realistic judgement of our home support potential IMHO would be the 2008/9 season. 

Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: pib on April 23, 2014, 04:44:03 pm
Well according to Twitter we have 97,000 fans. Build a bigger stadium, I say.  :silly:
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: hoolahoop on April 23, 2014, 04:52:28 pm
We took 15,000 to Cardiff for the JPT ffs did some of you think they went all the way there and at such a cost for the 'day out' !

Yes.

Now I know you are taking the piss. Are you always this cynical and negative. First folk are saying we couldn't fill the KM even if it was nowt and now you're saying that folk paid at least £100 each for a day out at Cardiff. Big Col now we know you are having a giraffe.  :lol:
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: Boomstick on April 23, 2014, 04:59:38 pm
We In fact took 20,000 . Bristol took just under 40,000
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BigColSutherland on April 23, 2014, 05:17:55 pm
We took 15,000 to Cardiff for the JPT ffs did some of you think they went all the way there and at such a cost for the 'day out' !

Yes.

Now I know you are taking the piss. Are you always this cynical and negative. First folk are saying we couldn't fill the KM even if it was nowt and now you're saying that folk paid at least £100 each for a day out at Cardiff. Big Col now we know you are having a giraffe.  :lol:

Quell that laughter Hoola and have a look at IDM's post above.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: hoolahoop on April 23, 2014, 05:35:40 pm
We took 15,000 to Cardiff for the JPT ffs did some of you think they went all the way there and at such a cost for the 'day out' !

Yes.

Read the post and allowed for the "IDM" folk in my post hence the 15,000. In addition seems we had different "add on " folk at Wembley with Binkicker leanings. I still say we have c.15,000 folk who go to games during different seasons........?15,000 folk who CARE

Now I know you are taking the piss. Are you always this cynical and negative. First folk are saying we couldn't fill the KM even if it was nowt and now you're saying that folk paid at least £100 each for a day out at Cardiff. Big Col now we know you are having a giraffe.  :lol:

Quell that laughter Hoola and have a look at IDM's post above.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: hoolahoop on April 23, 2014, 05:40:25 pm
Apologies Big Col  for the above post. It seems my post is within your quote !!
However I still stand by my opinion.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: big fat yorkshire pudding on April 23, 2014, 07:16:24 pm
Well according to Twitter we have 97,000 fans. Build a bigger stadium, I say.  :silly:

The stats don't lie do they ;-)
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on April 23, 2014, 07:23:08 pm
Hoola has a good point. It's easy to assume the same 7000 turn up to every home game and any additions to that are big time charlies or those who don't care.  That's probably some way from the truth.

I'm only taking an educated guess and excluding any Leeds or Owls fans I bet there's somewhere in the region of 20,000 different Rovers  supporters who have attended the Keepmoat at least once this season and I bet a fair proportion do more than sit on their hands all game. A Fair number no doubt will be kids.

Now, the numbers who have attended at least 5 games and less than 10 would probably cut that number by at least a half.

I would go as far as guessing there are at least 6000 who turn up more occasionally and if by coincidence all of these are able to turn up on Saturday, who are we to question their validity as a genuine supporter? People have reasons and we shouldn't tar everyone with the same brush.

Having said all that, I do take exception to those who wait for me or others as ST holders to offer them a ticket before considering buying one themselves. Bit of a catch 22 sometimes between encouraging folk and spoon feeding folk.



 
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: big fat yorkshire pudding on April 23, 2014, 07:43:35 pm
I have plenty mates who are fans but rarely attend. Still fans though. Cost drove many away but a lot move away too.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on April 23, 2014, 07:48:53 pm
I'll put my hand up here. I was a ST holder for many years, but family and work commitments mean that I now get to only 8-10 home games a season. But in the matches when I do attend, I pity the ear drums of folk sat near me.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: hoolahoop on April 24, 2014, 12:26:20 am
I'll put my hand up here. I was a ST holder for many years, but family and work commitments mean that I now get to only 8-10 home games a season. But in the matches when I do attend, I pity the ear drums of folk sat near me.

Same here especially this season where I've only made half a dozen games or so sadly :(
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: IDM on April 24, 2014, 08:10:42 am
About 15 for me, but have got a ST for next season.  Hope you can get to more too, Hoola...
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: hoolahoop on April 24, 2014, 09:19:43 am
About 15 for me, but have got a ST for next season.  Hope you can get to more too, Hoola...

Cheers IDM, I just hope we all stop getting negative about our town and it's folk. It's so easy to assume that someone at a match is freeloading just because they haven't got a season ticket. I haven't got one this year and despite Alliance membership, I still haven't been able to use that entitlement and paid £23 every time I have been.
It doesn't make me any less of a supporter and someone who does care. In fact not being able to make games and miss out makes me "care" even more. However health permitting , I will once again pay my £23 and get to this game . Before anyone asks I will chant and shout and those who know me on here will attest to that.
A season ticket doesn't a "singer" make !!
Please don't think that was a dig at you IDM it was meant generally BTW.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BigColSutherland on April 24, 2014, 09:25:48 am
I've been to 5 games all season. I'm yet to see us win. Brentford was the last time I had that honour.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: hoolahoop on April 24, 2014, 09:28:28 am
I've been to 5 games all season. I'm yet to see us win. Brentford was the last time I had that honour.

Hmm afraid to say my track record is as dismal your's is sadly :(
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: IDM on April 24, 2014, 09:47:45 am
About 15 for me, but have got a ST for next season.  Hope you can get to more too, Hoola...

Cheers IDM, I just hope we all stop getting negative about our town and it's folk. It's so easy to assume that someone at a match is freeloading just because they haven't got a season ticket. I haven't got one this year and despite Alliance membership, I still haven't been able to use that entitlement and paid £23 every time I have been.
It doesn't make me any less of a supporter and someone who does care. In fact not being able to make games and miss out makes me "care" even more. However health permitting , I will once again pay my £23 and get to this game . Before anyone asks I will chant and shout and those who know me on here will attest to that.
A season ticket doesn't a "singer" make !!
Please don't think that was a dig at you IDM it was meant generally BTW.

Not at all Hoola, it is a very realistic argument that even the most passionate of supporters sometimes cannot make the games for a variety of individual reasons.  My point for you, was one of hope in that I wish you well healthwise which will allow you to be there, ST or not.

In general I agree with you - there will be thousands of folks who are at heart DRFC fans, but for whatever reason can't get to games.  Also, I agree that the additional fans over ST holders will potentially be different people game by game.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BillyStubbsTears on April 24, 2014, 09:54:51 am
I've managed 11 this season

W6 D0 L5


Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: IDM on April 24, 2014, 10:31:52 am
17 for me, W6 D1 L10.  15 home, 2 away.  Plus the abandoned game at Charlton.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BigColSutherland on April 24, 2014, 11:54:08 am
I have to console myself with the knowledge that I watched us beat Leicester and QPR "live" on the latop. Otherwise, it has been a dismal return for me this year.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: hoolahoop on April 24, 2014, 02:28:03 pm
About 15 for me, but have got a ST for next season.  Hope you can get to more too, Hoola...

Cheers IDM, I just hope we all stop getting negative about our town and it's folk. It's so easy to assume that someone at a match is freeloading just because they haven't got a season ticket. I haven't got one this year and despite Alliance membership, I still haven't been able to use that entitlement and paid £23 every time I have been.
It doesn't make me any less of a supporter and someone who does care. In fact not being able to make games and miss out makes me "care" even more. However health permitting , I will once again pay my £23 and get to this game . Before anyone asks I will chant and shout and those who know me on here will attest to that.
A season ticket doesn't a "singer" make !!
Please don't think that was a dig at you IDM it was meant generally BTW.

Not at all Hoola, it is a very realistic argument that even the most passionate of supporters sometimes cannot make the games for a variety of individual reasons.  My point for you, was one of hope in that I wish you well healthwise which will allow you to be there, ST or not.

In general I agree with you - there will be thousands of folks who are at heart DRFC fans, but for whatever reason can't get to games.  Also, I agree that the additional fans over ST holders will potentially be different people game by game.

Cheers fella this season had been a barsteward for me. Currently still taking 2 steps forward and 3 steps backward after 6 bloody months!!  :(
I just won't heal.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: The Red Baron on April 24, 2014, 02:46:26 pm
Chaps- my comment yesterday...

Personally I don't see a lot of point in giving away cheap/ free tickets to people who are too apathetic to attend matches and who will sit on their hands for most of the game and will probably b*gger off home after 80 minutes.

... was certainly not aimed at exiles (of which I am one) or people like hoola who are not able to get to games for perfectly valid reasons.

I'm fortunate in that despite living a good distance away from Donny I'm able to afford the time and money to get to most home games. Some people are not (including some who live locally to Donny) and I understand that. It doesn't make them any less supporters in my eyes.

What my post was aimed at was the sort of people we all know. The sort who claim to be Rovers fans but never attend games unless they can get a freebee. And when they do go they complain that the team is c**p and that they're never going again. Rovers are not unique in that respect- there are plenty of similar Birmingham City and Aston Villa "supporters" like that in my neck of the woods.

Apologies if I have offended any genuine fans who don't get to many games.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: BigColSutherland on April 24, 2014, 03:28:24 pm
I'd not seen that angle to your comment TRB, and thus I was not offended.

However, I will accept your apology anyway. I don't get many.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: big fat yorkshire pudding on April 24, 2014, 04:04:16 pm
Heard a whisper that sales for Saturday are looking quite healthy at the moment and it could be one of our biggest home attendances - hope so!
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: IDM on April 24, 2014, 04:22:14 pm
How healthy is quite healthy BFYP.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: turnbull for england on April 24, 2014, 07:07:52 pm
bought mine yesterday ,ticket office said they were going well with plenty of vouchers exchanged.
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: DonnyBazR0ver on April 24, 2014, 07:32:39 pm
TRB,  think we all underestimate how many folk are restricted for one reason are another and, there will always be band who claim to be fans when times are good but always have an excuse why they weren't there and claim to know the reasons we're not getting results etc.

It's nothing unique to our club but to bring this back on topic, I think there is a larger 'churn' of fans which makes it more difficult to identify the 'core' or our support. Clearly there are plenty of people who would if they could, attend more matches.

Just maybe, even offering freebies, we may not get the return we'd hope for therefore you can understand the club trying to protect what revenue it can get in. The club is more aware of it's customers now than ever before, and does offer as many ticketing options as is practical to do.  The last two game offer was reasonable so it wouldn't be fair to back track at this late stage.

As much as I would support the odd initiative to test the water to see how many more we could pull in, the practicalities are more difficult.

Anyway, let's hope the numbers are good an we get rewarded with a classic encounter with thrills an spills and more importantly 3 massive points. 


   
Title: Re: Free entry for Reading??!!
Post by: les@donr on April 24, 2014, 11:20:00 pm
I have a valid excuse for not being at the KM, I live 4,000 plus miles away in Atlantic Canada, and the moment there is a serious snow storm raging. I will certainly be present in spirit cheering on Rovers to 3 vital points. RTID.

Please also remember those Rovers fans who have gone on before us, and are cheering the team on from the celestial KM.