How has the recession hit you as a football fan?

[Meltdown]

Hello –

I am currently in the process of researching and authoring a study on how the recession has hit football.

The general consensus of ‘experts’ in 2007 was that football was “recession-proof”. I think the past three years have probably indicated that this was not (and is not) entirely the case. A startlingly small amount has thus far been written on the topic too – we get the odd bit here and there but nothing detailed and certainly nothing comprehensive.

Part of my research comprises a short questionnaire, the results of which I intend to put to football finance experts, fan bodies and a selection of clubs themselves. This questionnaire is aimed at fans; primarily how the recession has influenced their spending on football and attendance of games themselves.

I would be extremely grateful if you could spare a couple of minutes of your time and complete this survey (located at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/football-recession ). It comprises 18 questions and should only take 2 or 3 minutes to complete. I am aiming to get responses from fans of every league club in the country.

It would be of huge benefit to me if you could help with this. If you have any questions (or, indeed, something to say on the subject), feel free to contribute them to this thread & I’ll do my best to answer them.

Mods – I hope this is in the correct part of your forum, thanks.

Thank you, & good luck for the rest of the season!

Meltdown

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/football-recession

[River Don]

Done.

For me I've cut back on away games and merchandise. I've also stopped buying food at the Keepmoat but that's mainly because it's not very good rather than anything to do with cost.

[The L J Monk]

Done.

There was an interesting report in the Guardian last year looking at how the recession was impacting upon the district of residence for individuals made redundant, rather than on the district of employment. The data annex may give you some info on which communities have been hardest hit by increases in unemployment.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2008/nov/20/unemployment-data-uk-credit-crunch

[big fat yorkshire pudding]

Done it.  I'm a bit more recession proof as I'm a student, doesn't effect me so much as I've been at uni 4 years so I'm well used to budgeting my money tightly.

[thornerover94]

done it,
had a little though mainly for travellers to away games, as i think ticket prices for these should be lowered by all clubs to help with finances as alot of money is spent on travel sometimes more than the price of the ticket and maybe something transport people and clubs could work on together with arrangement for a travel deal or fuel vouchers something like that, this mainly focused on people that travel on trains, buses or by car to away games which may just improve away travel a little thoughts?

[Snods Shinpad 2]

thornerover94 wrote:

done it,
had a little though mainly for travellers to away games, as i think ticket prices for these should be lowered by all clubs to help with finances as alot of money is spent on travel sometimes more than the price of the ticket and maybe something transport people and clubs could work on together with arrangement for a travel deal or fuel vouchers something like that, this mainly focused on people that travel on trains, buses or by car to away games which may just improve away travel a little thoughts?

A tip to help with this. Anyone can pick up a 19/25 railcard which gives you 33% off train travel if you find a nice ticket seller at the station. You can buy one if you are a student, so there is nothing to stop someone of any age having one on the assumption you are a mature student. They ask for a letter of confirmation from a college, but I just told them I had lost my card and didn't have a letter with me and they just said no problem. I haven't been near a college for 15 odd years and noone has blinked an eyelid to date. They cost about £25 quid and soon pay for themselves.

[Thinwhiteduke]

Done.

Can honestly say the recession has not affected me financially at all. Im lucky enough to work for a Yorkshire Company who have maintained giving their employees a pay rise above the rate of inflation, and will continue to do so over the next 5 years.

I can understrand times have been hard for a hell of a lot of people - and of course that will have hit football hard.

Its times like we've had that make me thankful I work for a great employer, never overstretched myself Mortgage wise, and simply do not spend money I do not have.

[Meltdown]

Interesting stuff, cheers guys. L J Monk: thanks for that link too, it's very handy.