Legends Game: Update

[Mr1Croft]

I agree that it's priced far too high. When it was first announced I thought, great, I'll go to that, and will take my lad for his first game as it won't matter too much if he kicks up a fuss. That was when I assumed it would be about a tenner a ticket, but I just can't justify spending that kind of money on a friendly. Instead I'm now covering at work getting paid double time so another guy can attend, hope he enjoys the game and I would like to be there but I think this is the best solution for all!

I went to the first legends game a few years back, and won Dean Walling's shirt in the auction, but from what I remember that only cost 5-10 pounds to attend and even then there were only about 2000 people there. Lewis Guy scored a worldy that day!

I was there too, was a good occasion and had some great legends there including sir Francis Tierney.  Sadly however I'll not be attending this Sunday. The price is a large factor. As an event of this type it would be much more suited to families to see players past and present, however as Knottingley has pointed it can be very, very expensive.

I think its great Tomlinson is involved, and I was a bit more at ease when I heard that the organisers didn't want the 'directioners' to put the fans off coming. However, we've since seen Tomlinson central to their marketing campaign.

Apparently the shirts for this game were supposed to be modelled on historic shirts but they appear plain Red and plain white. Add on the Sponsor and the badge and you can buy for £37 each. The name and number printing also look suspiciously American.

Sadly, the cynic in me looks at those three contributing factors and I can't help it but feel that this isn't about Copps, or Tomlinson or even us. Its about money and exploiting fans' loyalty for as much as possible. Some proceeds will go to charity, whether that will be all profit or a token donation remains to be seen. Even so, I can't support that on principle. Its epitomises what's wrong with the game and has become a commercial fan fare.

I do though, hope those Rovers fans who do go witness a great game. You never know, it may be available on DVD soon after. For a small charge of course!

[Filo]

I don't get all this fanfare about not going.

If you're going buy a ticket

If you're not going don't buy a ticket

It's that simple

[wesisback]

I'll remind you of that every time you have an issue with anything going forward.
Rover's player playing up - if you don't like it don't pay for it. If you do then pay.

Dont like the unreserved seating in the South? Don't sit there. If you do them plonk yourself in.

You could use that for anything and if you did then this and every other forum in the world would be dead.

I cited before the official ticket prices were announced (but rumoured) that I had huge concerns that if they were out of my price scale then they were for a lot more Rover's fans.
My concerns were alleviated when the trust, who have strong connections with the FSF, not only backed the £20+ price tag and even more outrageous child's price, but then heavily promoted it, citing 'what can we do about it? It's been decided'. There's plenty more that could and should have been said.
IMHO on this occasion the interests of Rover's fans haven't been looked after.
Now Bobert, you could see that as 'frankly outrageous things said about Copps and Sean McDaid' (you never did back that statement up) but it isn't. However the ticket sales thus far show it to be true that something is keeping a large chunk of our support away.
I'm sure nobody believes it's a lack of respect for Copps, his ten years with us have been exemplary in how a professional footballer should act and he's delivered memories galore. The promotion has been decent, there's not a Rover's fan I know of that doesn't know when and where the event is.
The price tag is too hefty and I hope stern lessons have been taken into account for his actual testimonial.

[Filo]

I'll remind you of that every time you have an issue with anything going forward.
Rover's player playing up - if you don't like it don't pay for it. If you do then pay.

Dont like the unreserved seating in the South? Don't sit there. If you do them plonk yourself in.

You could use that for anything and if you did then this and every other forum in the world would be dead.

I cited before the official ticket prices were announced (but rumoured) that I had huge concerns that if they were out of my price scale then they were for a lot more Rover's fans.
My concerns were alleviated when the trust, who have strong connections with the FSF, not only backed the £20+ price tag and even more outrageous child's price, but then heavily promoted it, citing 'what can we do about it? It's been decided'. There's plenty more that could and should have been said.
IMHO on this occasion the interests of Rover's fans haven't been looked after.
Now Bobert, you could see that as 'frankly outrageous things said about Copps and Sean McDaid' (you never did back that statement up) but it isn't. However the ticket sales thus far show it to be true that something is keeping a large chunk of our support away.
I'm sure nobody believes it's a lack of respect for Copps, his ten years with us have been exemplary in how a professional footballer should act and he's delivered memories galore. The promotion has been decent, there's not a Rover's fan I know of that doesn't know when and where the event is.
The price tag is too hefty and I hope stern lessons have been taken into account for his actual testimonial.

I stuck with it Wes, engaged with the club and reported any progress back on here, we now have a pretty reliable service, I'm not taking any credit for that, that must go to Shaun Lockwood who worked tirelessly in getting the issues sorted out, and made the effort to give feedback. I suggest you try and engage with the events team rather than whinge about it on every thread!

For the record I do think it's overpriced, I wasn't going at first, partly for that reason and partly because I'd have to lose a shift. Circumstances have changed now, I go on holiday later that evening so now have the shift off, my lad finishes work around the time the game ends and he works on Carolina Way, so he can grab a lift home off me, I'm out of the way while our lass packs the cases, so it's a win all way round for me

[wesisback]

Several members of the Committee had feedback from the start of the process, I even treated them to it before any official ticket prices went out so they could reflect on the structure.
Unfortunately they didn't embrace that and we are where we are today.
Not one Rover's fan wouldn't want to see that team at the right price.

[Jenny]

I'll remind you of that every time you have an issue with anything going forward.
Rover's player playing up - if you don't like it don't pay for it. If you do then pay.

Dont like the unreserved seating in the South? Don't sit there. If you do them plonk yourself in.

You could use that for anything and if you did then this and every other forum in the world would be dead.

I cited before the official ticket prices were announced (but rumoured) that I had huge concerns that if they were out of my price scale then they were for a lot more Rover's fans.
My concerns were alleviated when the trust, who have strong connections with the FSF, not only backed the £20+ price tag and even more outrageous child's price, but then heavily promoted it, citing 'what can we do about it? It's been decided'. There's plenty more that could and should have been said.
IMHO on this occasion the interests of Rover's fans haven't been looked after.
Now Bobert, you could see that as 'frankly outrageous things said about Copps and Sean McDaid' (you never did back that statement up) but it isn't. However the ticket sales thus far show it to be true that something is keeping a large chunk of our support away.
I'm sure nobody believes it's a lack of respect for Copps, his ten years with us have been exemplary in how a professional footballer should act and he's delivered memories galore. The promotion has been decent, there's not a Rover's fan I know of that doesn't know when and where the event is.
The price tag is too hefty and I hope stern lessons have been taken into account for his actual testimonial.

Exactly this, how can we expect Twenty's Plenty to ever have any traction when people are happy with paying £21 to watch a friendly.

[silent majority]

My concerns were alleviated when the trust, who have strong connections with the FSF, not only backed the £20+ price tag and even more outrageous child's price, but then heavily promoted it, citing 'what can we do about it? It's been decided'. There's plenty more that could and should have been said.

Wes, what a ridiculous accusation, and such a tenuous link just so you can have a pop at several people at once. That's a low blow even for you!!

This has nothing to do with the FSF and the close link just happens to be me, nobody else. So, your having a pop at me I take it? And yet where have I ever commented on this Legends game? Where have the trust actually backed the 'outrageous' child's price? Your holier than thou approach to various subjects on this message board is tiresome.
 

[silent majority]

I'll remind you of that every time you have an issue with anything going forward.
Rover's player playing up - if you don't like it don't pay for it. If you do then pay.

Dont like the unreserved seating in the South? Don't sit there. If you do them plonk yourself in.

You could use that for anything and if you did then this and every other forum in the world would be dead.

I cited before the official ticket prices were announced (but rumoured) that I had huge concerns that if they were out of my price scale then they were for a lot more Rover's fans.
My concerns were alleviated when the trust, who have strong connections with the FSF, not only backed the £20+ price tag and even more outrageous child's price, but then heavily promoted it, citing 'what can we do about it? It's been decided'. There's plenty more that could and should have been said.
IMHO on this occasion the interests of Rover's fans haven't been looked after.
Now Bobert, you could see that as 'frankly outrageous things said about Copps and Sean McDaid' (you never did back that statement up) but it isn't. However the ticket sales thus far show it to be true that something is keeping a large chunk of our support away.
I'm sure nobody believes it's a lack of respect for Copps, his ten years with us have been exemplary in how a professional footballer should act and he's delivered memories galore. The promotion has been decent, there's not a Rover's fan I know of that doesn't know when and where the event is.
The price tag is too hefty and I hope stern lessons have been taken into account for his actual testimonial.

Exactly this, how can we expect Twenty's Plenty to ever have any traction when people are happy with paying £21 to watch a friendly.

You need to read my post above Jenny. I have made no comment about this game or its pricing, it certainly doesn't fall under the remit of the FSFs campaign.

[bobjimwilly]

Now Bobert, you could see that as 'frankly outrageous things said about Copps and Sean McDaid' (you never did back that statement up) but it isn't. However the ticket sales thus far show it to be true that something is keeping a large chunk of our support away.
I'm sure nobody believes it's a lack of respect for Copps, his ten years with us have been exemplary in how a professional footballer should act and he's delivered memories galore.

look further up the thread: http://www.drfc-vsc.co.uk/index.php?topic=252117.msg536844#msg536844

Your sarcasm on complaining about issues is unwarranted; you and others have expressed your feelings on the pricing issue multiple times, the committee have acknowledged your opinions, yet you still go on about it - that is why it's starting to look like spilled milk. And there simply isn't long-running campaign to be had - this is a one off event that won't happen again? And you're mentioning the FSF is neither here nor there - the legends game is a privately run football match that doesn't involve the football league nor the FA. They would get involved in this match as much as they would the Doncaster Business Cup or the Charity Legends match.

I have also yet to see acknowledgement that Copps has to pay to hire out the Keepmoat for the day, which is reflected in the price and certainly won't be a factor for his testimonial game, which is why I would fully expect prices for the testimonial to be lower.

The committee had feedback from many people Wes, and have since given their own reasons for the pricing structure many times AND to three of the DRSG committee in person, to which none of them gave their personal feelings back or showed any strong feelings on the matter at the time. And did you express your concerns to Copps weeks ago when you were taking selfies with him and Rob Jones in a box?

And please stop being so patronising - "Bobert"? I've always treated you with respect and civility Wes, both online and to your face, I'd appreciate the same.

[Tokyos Boot]

Like I said in my article in the Fanzine (which is well worth a read if you haven't  )

Vote with your wallet by all means... And it seems people are, it isn't just me who sees through this. I'm not being obtuse for the sake of it Filo - I voiced my concerns, went and sat with the committee, did my research on other events of similar size (and were not just talking about Gerrard, I've found Walsall player Darren Wracks testimonial at a tenner, Aberdeen player Andrew Cosidine at 11-16) and I literally advised the committee to be careful how they marketed each money making opportunity as people might start to ask questions about the money made.

It is out of no disrespect for Copps - I'd have loved for it to have been done differently, of course I want to go. But, as others have said - dangling the Tomlinson carrot (which we are all smart enough to realise has affected the children's price) has not only undermined the purpose of the occasion and completely misunderstood the interests of Rovers fans, but   Is another sad reflection on how much fans matter in the face of profit in football.

Just like with 20s plenty, perhaps empty stadiums will be the best weapon for supporters; however I fear that people are far too committed to the sport they fell in love with to stand up for themselves.

[GazLaz]

Have the club made Copps pay to use the facilities?

[Chris Black come back]

Ticket price is steep, no question.

I have paid though for three reasons:

1. The match offers the chance for a decent game of football, which is something that has not been on offer for many, many months at Keepmoat.

2. To offer support for Copps.

3. To offer support for many past figures who I valued and who did not get proper send off, especially Blundell, SOD and most of all, John Ryan.

[Filo]

I think folk are losing sight of the fact that this is not Copps testemonial match

[Tokyos Boot]

Have the club made Copps pay to use the facilities?

Yes i believe so, there are far more legislations on the stadium and its staff than you realise that makes it quite difficult to just host an event gratis. I believe you get a tax break if all proceeds go to charity... but i might be wrong?

Either way, as far as i understand it the club have charged him at COST value for staff, energy costs etc. which is a nice gesture - it could have been an opportunity for the club to cash in too, but i don't think they wanted to go down that route...

They also provide the stadium for, and host his testimonial which should be a good event. It will be interesting to see the pricing structure for that, given the costs are the same.

I like this article about Claus lundekvam paying for a new pitch for his testimonial, it is quite apt: http://tui.fansnetwork.co.uk/news/2433/pitching-in

[silent majority]

For those having trouble;

[VivaRovers]

A side issue to the main thread I know, but how is Twenty's Plenty going? Two years since it launched, so wondered what progress there's been?

I ask here, as it's £25 at Orient tonight, and you'll have more insight that anyone SM.

[wesisback]

My concerns were alleviated when the trust, who have strong connections with the FSF, not only backed the £20+ price tag and even more outrageous child's price, but then heavily promoted it, citing 'what can we do about it? It's been decided'. There's plenty more that could and should have been said.

Wes, what a ridiculous accusation, and such a tenuous link just so you can have a pop at several people at once. That's a low blow even for you!!

This has nothing to do with the FSF and the close link just happens to be me, nobody else. So, your having a pop at me I take it? And yet where have I ever commented on this Legends game? Where have the trust actually backed the 'outrageous' child's price? Your holier than thou approach to various subjects on this message board is tiresome.

Martin to make it quite clear there is no comment about you directly. I've not seen your comments on the pricing structure, what I have seen is an event that has been overpriced, pushed hard by the VSC who have helped spread the FSF's message in the past.
The evidence is in this thread - plenty who attend the majority of games won't be attending because of the prices and I think it's a crying shame.

[bobjimwilly]

Wes - see Martins post above. You probably already know this, but 20s plenty falls under the FSFs "Away Fans Matter" campaign, which is obviously nothing to do with non-league sanctioned friendly game at home. And no-where has anyone disagreed with you that a lot of people won't attend due to the prcies. So that aside, I can't see what you, Lewis and others are out to prove or achieve. It's a pointless debate.

[wesisback]

My point is that you, the VSC as an entity shouldn't be just accepting that your members and Rovers fans are getting short shrift over this. Should the Testimonial be priced at a decent figure then i'll be by your side promoting it with everything I've got to do so with.

[big fat yorkshire pudding]

I was on the VSC board when this came out and I think you're giving them very unfair criticsm.

I've made my stance clear that it is too much for me and I think the point was made privately that the VSC also thought the same on the price.

However, there is a clear difference between making these points in private and causing a large scale furore over something that cannot be changed.  I think there's making a stance on pricing as an organistion and I don't think a charity football game is one of the times in which to do that.

I think a few people need to remember that you can complain about some things but not cause big complaints over everything all of the time or you completely dilute your argument.

Equally I don't think it is the place of the VSC or any other so called organistion to be telling people whether they should or should not go and if you're not happy with the price criticising the VSC is not the way to go about it.

[silent majority]

A side issue to the main thread I know, but how is Twenty's Plenty going? Two years since it launched, so wondered what progress there's been?

I ask here, as it's £25 at Orient tonight, and you'll have more insight that anyone SM.

In some areas progress has been good. The PL reacted to our discussions by creating a £12m fund that forced their clubs to reward the away fans, either their own or visiting fans, and document how this money had been spent. Details here;

http://www.fsf.org.uk/latest-news/view/premier-league-away-fans-fund

There has also been many local deals done which saved supporters substantial sums. Here's an article reflecting on the deals some had done;

http://www.fsf.org.uk/latest-news/view/newcastle-swansea-and-wba-agree-twentys-plenty

All in all we have been notified of deals that had travelling supporters somewhere in the region of £342,000, which is a substantial saving. More detail on that here;

http://www.fsf.org.uk/latest-news/view/Twenty-s-Plenty-saves-fans-281-000

And of course the new TV deal has been announced. We organised a protest in London aimed at the PL asking to 'Share the TV Wealth' and following on from that our discussions have been very fruitful. I can't really share details on that just yet but the signs are looking good that a favourable deal will be done across the board.

We met with the FL last week and discussed pricing, and away fans and other subjects, in some depth. Of course anything that happens at the PL will have a knock on effect, something they are fully aware of. Discussions with them are more difficult, money in itself is just one element, but there is a realisation throughout the leagues that something will have to be done.

[silent majority]

My point is that you, the VSC as an entity shouldn't be just accepting that your members and Rovers fans are getting short shrift over this. Should the Testimonial be priced at a decent figure then i'll be by your side promoting it with everything I've got to do so with.

I'm unsure as to why you would focus on this game. There are numerous examples out there where you could vent your moral outrage to your hearts content, yet you choose a legends game, organised by one of the best loved Rovers players, to do so. I doubt very much if anything of this sort will ever happen again. Its a one off, something that stands out from everything else, yet you choose to criticise this game, and the fact that the VSC have supported it.

I think you're being selective in your choice of things to be offended by.

[drfc1951]

Not a Member of vsc, but it seems to me that the drsg like to have a dig at every opportunity.

[rtid88]

Balls to all of the above! In house petty squabling as usual! Childish and Pathetic!

I think the price is steep but I am not just not going to go to the game because the price is a bit more than other events of a similar nature, which to me it seems that some people who have written on this thread are doing out of principal.

I am going to the game because I think it is a one off chance to see some of my favourite players of the last 10 years.

I am going to the game because it is my chance to show my appreciation to John Ryan for all of the effort he has made to make this club great over the past 10-15 years.

So what if Louis Tomlinson has been used a way to promote the game, once again a few people on this forum need to grow up a bit and appreciate the fact that a young lad from Donny wants to help promote his hometown club.

If you have supported this club for 10 years+ and have got the spare cash to go to this game than buy yourself a ticket, if not shut up and let us who are going to enjoy what I think is going to be a truly fantastic day!!

 

[Filo]

My point is that you, the VSC as an entity shouldn't be just accepting that your members and Rovers fans are getting short shrift over this. Should the Testimonial be priced at a decent figure then i'll be by your side promoting it with everything I've got to do so with.

I'm unsure as to why you would focus on this game. There are numerous examples out there where you could vent your moral outrage to your hearts content, yet you choose a legends game, organised by one of the best loved Rovers players, to do so. I doubt very much if anything of this sort will ever happen again. Its a one off, something that stands out from everything else, yet you choose to criticise this game, and the fact that the VSC have supported it.

I think you're being selective in your choice of things to be offended by.

Anyone with eyes in their heads and an ability to read can see that there has been a campaign over the last few days by some prominent individuals to criticise and discredit the VSC at every chance they get. Some of the criticism is probably justified ( the opening paragraph in the statement for example), some of the criticism is just petty, and says a lot about the individuals concerned and their motives

[Donny Viking]

Ticket price is steep, no question.

I have paid though for three reasons:

1. The match offers the chance for a decent game of football, which is something that has not been on offer for many, many months at Keepmoat.

2. To offer support for Copps.

3. To offer support for many past figures who I valued and who did not get proper send off, especially Blundell, SOD and most of all, John Ryan.

I ws going to post something similar. After a second disapponiting season, what a great chance on Sunday to celebrate the sucess we have had over the last 10 years and thank the people who have contributed to it.  I'm really excited by the line ups, with some of my favourite players playing together on the pitch.  And no matter what you think of JRs poor judgement with the taker over and standing down as chairman, this man needs a proper thankyou for all the joy and sucess he has brought to the club.

Yes its expensive - but dont go to the Rochdale game or certainly dont go and give your money to the opposition with an away game, show your support for those that have worn the badge with pride and the great memories they have given us - it may be a long time before we ever see anything like it again.....

[Lincoln Rover]

Ladies and gents.
What has spoilt the build up to this game on this site is the personal attacks that appear to be more prominent.
Goodness sake can we just concentrate on the fact that OUR legends are assembling to play at OUR ground.
Anyone who is old enough to recall Golden Gordon in the Ripping Yarns series will know how I feel.I cannot wait to see my old favourites grace the turf.
The cost will stop some, I agree and that's unfortunate. I also recall Sir JR couldn't GIVE AWAY tickets for a relegation scrap V Crystal Palace. Some people come on this site looking for an argument in my opinion.
Debate is great as long as we don't descend into the Jeremy Kyle stand of gutter talk.

[wesisback]

My point is that you, the VSC as an entity shouldn't be just accepting that your members and Rovers fans are getting short shrift over this. Should the Testimonial be priced at a decent figure then i'll be by your side promoting it with everything I've got to do so with.

I'm unsure as to why you would focus on this game. There are numerous examples out there where you could vent your moral outrage to your hearts content, yet you choose a legends game, organised by one of the best loved Rovers players, to do so. I doubt very much if anything of this sort will ever happen again. Its a one off, something that stands out from everything else, yet you choose to criticise this game, and the fact that the VSC have supported it.

I think you're being selective in your choice of things to be offended by.

My issue with this game directly is that the feedback was given to the committee early on that the prices weren't appropriate for the Doncaster public. Ticket sales backs that as does the feelings of many on here.
Filo, I know you like to try and bait a reaction but don't be blinded by your allegiances.
I never wrote the JR statement, nor did I not challenge the pricing structure. I had no contribution to the chants earlier in the season.
The trust is often it's own worst enemy when it comes to deciphering the feelings of the fans at present.

[drfc1951]

I see theres more bitching about the vsc again on that other forum, and they say theres no agenda.