mickeygeeee Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 Half an hour after the game against Cornish Pirates, Bristol Rugby players started to come into the Dolman Bar and Andy Robinson came in about 15 minutes later. He took a few questions, along with players. Meanwhile, the WHOLE of the Pirates squad were eating and chatting with punters in the same bar. I counted at least a dozen Bristol players, most of whom I really wouldn't recognise other than they wore the tops and looked the part! They were around for a chat and to celebrate a good start to the season... Is it really that difficult to get Steve C and a few players to do something similar for the (more important) side of life at AG? Next weekend should be such larks: Friday is 2nd v 1st in the rugby and sat is 1st v 2nd in the footy... Double promotion is not crazy this season! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kermit the Frog Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 Football fans are too abusive for this to happen I'm afraid, though I do think that hospitality packages involve being near the post match pressers? Stand to be corrected mind Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 Football fans are too abusive for this to happen I'm afraid, though I do think that hospitality packages involve being near the post match pressers? Stand to be corrected mind The MOM makes an appearance, and that's it. Footballers and Football managers are a different breed to their Rugby counterparts I'm afraid. I know the players and SC make public appearances, but they are almost exclusively to demonstrate their 'support' for local causes, or to sell merchandise. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Esmond Million's Bung Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 The MOM makes an appearance, and that's it. Footballers and Football managers are a different breed to their Rugby counterparts I'm afraid. I know the players and SC make public appearances, but they are almost exclusively to demonstrate their 'support' for local causes, or to sell merchandise. This explains it best I think. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kid in the Riot Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 Yeah just got back and it was pretty eye opening. Liked the way there was a local rugby club (kids) at front of Atyeo and the players stopped to sign autographs and also Bristol players casually chatting to fans at the front of the Dolman. Live band in the Dolman after game was also a good idea and kept people in there - it was pretty full. Different game completely but I wonder if AG will homogenize with both sports playing there now - I suspect so...I think for the better as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barrs Court Red Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 Can you imagine if City have just lost to Crewe and the players came Into the bar? They'd be surrounded by odd balls getting selfies and angry men questioning their parentage. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barrs Court Red Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 Yeah just got back and it was pretty eye opening. Liked the way there was a local rugby club (kids) at front of Atyeo and the players stopped to sign autographs and also Bristol players casually chatting to fans at the front of the Dolman. Live band in the Dolman after game was also a good idea and kept people in there - it was pretty full. Different game completely but I wonder if AG will homogenize with both sports playing there now - I suspect so...I think for the better as well. The band was also in "The Dug Out" pre match. I thought it was a good touch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Esmond Million's Bung Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 Yeah just got back and it was pretty eye opening. Liked the way there was a local rugby club (kids) at front of Atyeo and the players stopped to sign autographs and also Bristol players casually chatting to fans at the front of the Dolman. Live band in the Dolman after game was also a good idea and kept people in there - it was pretty full. Different game completely but I wonder if AG will homogenize with both sports playing there now - I suspect so...I think for the better as well. I wouldn't mention that to big burly rugby players, they might get the wrong idea, I hope it's not compulsory. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
everreddy Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 The MOM makes an appearance, and that's it. Footballers and Football managers are a different breed to their Rugby counterparts I'm afraid. I know the players and SC make public appearances, but they are almost exclusively to demonstrate their 'support' for local causes, or to sell merchandise. I'm afraid that some football fans are a different breed, too, and would struggle to hold a balanced, sensible conversation! Will the day ever come that all supporters of both teams can have open access to all parts of the ground, including bars, and act in a civilised, responsible way? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posset red Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 Football fans are too abusive for this to happen I'm afraid, though I do think that hospitality packages involve being near the post match pressers? Stand to be corrected mindno one would mouth of to a bunch of strapping big rugby players Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pongo88 Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 no one would mouth of to a bunch of strapping big rugby playersI was once in Bath Rugby bar when some drunk tried telling Gareth Chilcott what he had done wrong during the match. Chilcott grabed hold of his neck, lifted him off the floor, and carried on talking as though nothing had happened. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aizoon Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 no one would mouth of to a bunch of strapping big rugby players Some of our lot would mouth off to Mike Tyson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Posset red Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 I was once in Bath Rugby bar when some drunk tried telling Gareth Chilcott what he had done wrong during the match. Chilcott grabed hold of his neck, lifted him off the floor, and carried on talking as though nothing had happened.haha that's cracked me up but never the less I doubt a football would do that if they did it would be a big deal because he's a footballer Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickeygeeee Posted September 21, 2014 Author Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 I understand the hesitancy over this sort of innovative approach to "fans" , but perhaps a limited experiment by a few of our players might break down some of the myths surrounding football fans? Wouldn't it be great if Jay or Flint, not to mention Steve C gave it a go? When Steve Lansdown has been among the supporters, there's never ( to my knowledge) been a problem.. He seems pretty open to a chat, as I'm sure most of our players might be. We are not premiership (yet!) - the next few years will be about making the new stadium work (ie: fill up), which will involve the whole club acting in unison, and a recognition that to be successful, players and fans need to move the club forward TOGETHER .... We're in a good position to make this happen just now - be brave Mr Cotterill, most of us WILL success!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kid in the Riot Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 The band was also in "The Dug Out" pre match. I thought it was a good touch. Best thing was their name though - "Chuff". Magnificent - I want them to play at my wedding! http://www.chuffonline.co.uk/tour.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrBibs Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 Some of our lot would mouth off to Mike Tyson From their keyboard Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
City1970 Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 Half an hour after the game against Cornish Pirates, Bristol Rugby players started to come into the Dolman Bar and Andy Robinson came in about 15 minutes later. He took a few questions, along with players. Meanwhile, the WHOLE of the Pirates squad were eating and chatting with punters in the same bar. I counted at least a dozen Bristol players, most of whom I really wouldn't recognise other than they wore the tops and looked the part! They were around for a chat and to celebrate a good start to the season... Is it really that difficult to get Steve C and a few players to do something similar for the (more important) side of life at AG? Next weekend should be such larks: Friday is 2nd v 1st in the rugby and sat is 1st v 2nd in the footy... Double promotion is not crazy this season! Surely they were not eating Lindley food. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
And Its Smith Posted September 21, 2014 Report Share Posted September 21, 2014 Week 1: Some City fan after a disappointing draw where JET played the whole game: "hey JET, why are you so lazy you ***********?" And that would be the end of that experiment. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
spudski Posted September 22, 2014 Report Share Posted September 22, 2014 Interesting comments...and very honest. Sadly it's all true. Football fans in this country are treated like animals because quiet a few lack social skills. I go to the Rugby quiet often. Every ground I've been too has a couple players interviewed in the bar pre match and post match. Everyone is civil...there maybe some banter...but never anything offensive. Everyone enjoying a few pints on the terraces and in the stands during the match too. We used to sponser a player at one of the Prem Clubs...he used to sit post and pre match at our table and talk Rugby and anything else come to think of it. All the players did this with whoever sponsored them. They would all also have a post match meal in the bar area together. Every fan left them alone...then after their meal would socialise and sign autographs for the kids. Shame football can't be the same, as you really get to know the players and staff and a better insight into the sport. One of the biggest things that sticks in my mind, is that the players all said that through out the season, the majority played never 100% fit...all carrying injuries because of the big hits they take. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Batman Posted September 22, 2014 Report Share Posted September 22, 2014 I play rugby for a club on a Saturday which is why I don't get to watch City anymore. It is indoctrinated into every player at every club at all age levels, whether it is first team, the colts or the under 7's, the importance of the respect for the game, the opposition (weather players or supporters) and the officials. Verbal abuse will simply not be tolerated. You'll see this at grounds all over the country, whether it's a local club, to the professional clubs, even at England games. In addition, this is also on the walls of the international clubs and countries too. I've had scraps with players on the field, then after the game, do the tunnel of applause, give them a hug and laugh about it as you're walking back to the changing rooms, then have a drink or six in the bar afterwards. Of course there is rivalry as there is with any club, but they see it as one big rugby family, as opposed to the footballing counterparts where it's a bit more "tribal" The most obvious thing is the respect for the officials. You don't speak to him / her unless they speak to you, and even then, they are addressed as Sir. You can ask them a question politely, ie Why was this given?? If you go over there and yell it at them, you will be sin binned. It's also why they have no problem putting a microphone on them for the professional games, you may here the occasional swear word during a scrum or a tackle, but nothing when the ref is in conversation with the player. That is the main thing football can learn from rugby. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
brizzlelou Posted September 22, 2014 Report Share Posted September 22, 2014 I wouldn't mention that to big burly rugby players, they might get the wrong idea, I hope it's not compulsory. been more openly gay professional rugby players than footballers Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aizoon Posted September 22, 2014 Report Share Posted September 22, 2014 Surely they were not eating Lindley food. Blige! Is that what you're supposed to do with it? It would never have occurred to me to eat it Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RED4LIFE Posted September 22, 2014 Report Share Posted September 22, 2014 I was gonna mention an incident at a local rugby match this Saturday where innocent fans were attacked by players but I think I will just say there are good and bad people in both football and rugby and leave it at that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bobby kellard hero Posted September 22, 2014 Report Share Posted September 22, 2014 Upper class twits.egg chasers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WhistleHappy Posted September 22, 2014 Report Share Posted September 22, 2014 ...from comments on another thread it seems like Fleetwood have started to get the ball rolling in the right direction when it comes to civilised football fan hospitality.. Well done them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Gasbuster Posted September 22, 2014 Report Share Posted September 22, 2014 I play rugby for a club on a Saturday which is why I don't get to watch City anymore. It is indoctrinated into every player at every club at all age levels, whether it is first team, the colts or the under 7's, the importance of the respect for the game, the opposition (weather players or supporters) and the officials. Verbal abuse will simply not be tolerated. You'll see this at grounds all over the country, whether it's a local club, to the professional clubs, even at England games. In addition, this is also on the walls of the international clubs and countries too. I've had scraps with players on the field, then after the game, do the tunnel of applause, give them a hug and laugh about it as you're walking back to the changing rooms, then have a drink or six in the bar afterwards. Of course there is rivalry as there is with any club, but they see it as one big rugby family, as opposed to the footballing counterparts where it's a bit more "tribal" The most obvious thing is the respect for the officials. You don't speak to him / her unless they speak to you, and even then, they are addressed as Sir. You can ask them a question politely, ie Why was this given?? If you go over there and yell it at them, you will be sin binned. It's also why they have no problem putting a microphone on them for the professional games, you may here the occasional swear word during a scrum or a tackle, but nothing when the ref is in conversation with the player. That is the main thing football can learn from rugby. This needs to be brought in. So wanted Rooney to get sent off yesterday when he got right in the ref's face (as he does, so often). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NiceRed Posted September 22, 2014 Report Share Posted September 22, 2014 Clearly football can learn a lot from rugby in this regard. That said, I always disagree with people slagging off footballers' off-pitch behaviour and contrasting it to other sportsmen. I've met 3 footballers in my life (i.e. had a proper conversation) - not exactly the widest sample I know - but they were 3 of the nicest, friendliest people I've ever met. Coincidentally, one of the unfriendliest people I've ever met is Bristol rugby coach Andy Robinson. I'm sure he's not representative of rugby players in any way though... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rinkadink Posted September 22, 2014 Report Share Posted September 22, 2014 Upper class twits.egg chasers. You're really not familiar with rugby in the West Country (Barf aside) and the North, are you? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MarcusX Posted September 22, 2014 Report Share Posted September 22, 2014 It happens throughout non-league, I don't know at what point it stops happening - whether its a club by club decision or one made by the leagues. I know in Western League / Southern League clubs are fined if they do not enter the club house / bar and have food. You cant compare Rugby fans/players to football as a broad comparison. There's some good and bad from both sports. I've had scraps with players on the field, then after the game, do the tunnel of applause, give them a hug and laugh about it as you're walking back to the changing rooms, then have a drink or six in the bar afterwards. The most obvious thing is the respect for the officials. You don't speak to him / her unless they speak to you, and even then, they are addressed as Sir. You can ask them a question politely, ie Why was this given?? If you go over there and yell it at them, you will be sin binned. It's also why they have no problem putting a microphone on them for the professional games, you may here the occasional swear word during a scrum or a tackle, but nothing when the ref is in conversation with the player. That is the main thing football can learn from rugby. Same thing happens in football. You can be worst enemies with a guy for 90 minutes, but 99/100 at the final whistle you'll find that player, shake his hand and have a laugh about it. Fully agree about the referee respect thing. As a captain I'll always try and approach the Ref in a respectful manner but sometimes you do get frustrated. I don't play or watch enough Rugby but it seems to be, other than using the video ref, decisions are a lot more clear cut. IMO the rules are the rules, where as football seems to come down to perception and opinion. Couple that with a faster paced game and a lack of consistency from one game to the next and you can start to understand where frustration kicks in. Also, referee's can be just as bad in how they act and speak to players. Respect should be earned by both parties. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EstoniaTallinnRed Posted September 22, 2014 Report Share Posted September 22, 2014 Half an hour after the game against Cornish Pirates, Bristol Rugby players started to come into the Dolman Bar and Andy Robinson came in about 15 minutes later. He took a few questions, along with players. Meanwhile, the WHOLE of the Pirates squad were eating and chatting with punters in the same bar. I counted at least a dozen Bristol players, most of whom I really wouldn't recognise other than they wore the tops and looked the part! They were around for a chat and to celebrate a good start to the season... Is it really that difficult to get Steve C and a few players to do something similar for the (more important) side of life at AG? Next weekend should be such larks: Friday is 2nd v 1st in the rugby and sat is 1st v 2nd in the footy... Double promotion is not crazy this season! Only problem with this is that Bristol Rugby, even if they come first, still have to play off for promotion and usually they bottle it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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