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Club Alienating The Fans From Players.

Robbored

By Robbored
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Robbored

Robbored

Posted
Posted

A mate of mine who is a steward at AG told me that all the stewards recieved a letter from the club last saturday asking them not to ask the players for autographs as this would 'cost the club money'.He went onto say they none of them were very impressed with the clubs attitude and that none of players ever refused to sign whatever they were asked to.This not coming from the players but others 'high up' at AG

The other complaint is the shutting off the access gates behind the Atyeo on match days before the game.Why this season and not last? Is it because this season City are in the big league? I don't know, but its another way of limiting fan access to the players.

Theres more. Every xmas or NY the Supporters Club hold their annual draw and every season so far there has never been an issue a getting a player or two to draw the tickets - untill this year.

A request was made by the SC before saturdays game for a couple of players to come over after the game and meet the fans and 'do the draw'.No more than 30 mins at the most.We were told that the club 'would ask Gary Johnson' and get back to us. Well, they did get back saying that they couldn't help. Now I'm not sure that Gary Johnson made that decision or whether he was indeed asked.I find it had to believe that a manager who says how important the fans to him and the players are would not allow a couple to come over sign a few autographs and so on on. As it turned out a player did come over - but only after he'd been asked by personal friend.

What is going on?

Has someone high up at AG made a decision to limit the acces the fans have to the players? It certainly looks that way.If so why? Does the club think that now City are flying high in the CCC that the players are too important to meet the common folk?

I will say again this not coming from the players at all.All of them are only too happy to oblige the fans whenever they are asked.Its those above that seem to want to alienate them from the phlebs.

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Guest zider_head

Guest zider_head

Posted
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I hope the players remember who pays thier wages and in turn the likes of Sexstones etc, I hope we don't go down the Autographs worth £3 in the shop route, the kids love all that, some of these players are Heros to them. lets not get all big time charlie !!!

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devonrobin

devonrobin

Posted
Posted
A mate of mine who is a steward at AG told me that all the stewards recieved a letter from the club last saturday asking them not to ask the players for autographs as this would 'cost the club money'.He went onto say they none of them were very impressed with the clubs attitude and that none of players ever refused to sign whatever they were asked to.This not coming from the players but others 'high up' at AG

The other complaint is the shutting off the access gates behind the Atyeo on match days before the game.Why this season and not last? Is it because this season City are in the big league? I don't know, but its another way of limiting fan access to the players.

Theres more. Every xmas or NY the Supporters Club hold their annual draw and every season so far there has never been an issue a getting a player or two to draw the tickets - untill this year.

A request was made by the SC before saturdays game for a couple of players to come over after the game and meet the fans and 'do the draw'.No more than 30 mins at the most.We were told that the club 'would ask Gary Johnson' and get back to us. Well, they did get back saying that they couldn't help. Now I'm not sure that Gary Johnson made that decision or whether he was indeed asked.I find it had to believe that a manager who says how important the fans to him and the players are would not allow a couple to come over sign a few autographs and so on on. As it turned out a player did come over - but only after he'd been asked by personal friend.

What is going on?

Has someone high up at AG made a decision to limit the acces the fans have to the players? It certainly looks that way.If so why? Does the club think that now City are flying high in the CCC that the players are too important to meet the common folk?

I will say again this not coming from the players at all.All of them are only too happy to oblige the fans whenever they are asked.Its those above that seem to want to alienate them from the phlebs.

can i ask why you didnt ask the club when you were chairman of the supporters club.

i promise I'm not having a go , just interested

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robins72

robins72

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Posted

Gary Johnson was the one who stopped people from arriving early to the ground and accessing near the players tunnel before 130?(correct me if I have the time wrong) because the players were turning up late. He said if they want to sign autographs fine but don't be late for work. Which is fair enough so this is why the gates are closed. As for autographs that sounds a bit obsurd. As for representation theres usually players around like Brooker so why couldnt he go in teh Supporters club bar?

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WhistleHappy

WhistleHappy

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...there maybe sound reasons that we are unaware of, maybe the ST could ask a few questions (& the SC re: an apparent snub.)

On the face of it though it smacks of the same disconnected attitude as the 'we'll charge 'em booking fees' etc, etc.

While bearing in mind the Club need to maximise revenue where it can, I hope it can also see & doesn't underestimate the value of 'goodwill' -thats something that only actions, attitudes & genuinely reciprocated respect can earn... -money cant buy that & its worth an awful lot!!

Football clubs are different (or should be) from other businesses, the supporters are an integral part of the whole thing, fans aren't (or shouldn't be) just clients & customers.

I really hope the Club appreciates that fact & doesn't get too carried away with its success & corporate worth that it forgets the 'people'...

or the 'Family Club' up the road may ultimately reap the benefits of our clubs failings in this department & the eager autograph hunting hero worshipping kids (who grow into life-time supporters) may well seek a friendlier more accommodating face elsewhere!

Come On City - from the attitude of (some) staff in the Club Shop right up through the organisation the time is overdue to invest in & get serious about sorting its PR (thats Public Relations incase they've forgotten) its a key element that has been

found wanting time & time again from the supporters point of view - start addressing it now before its too late.

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Guest DanC

Guest DanC

Posted
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A mate of mine who is a steward at AG told me that all the stewards recieved a letter from the club last saturday asking them not to ask the players for autographs as this would 'cost the club money'.He went onto say they none of them were very impressed with the clubs attitude and that none of players ever refused to sign whatever they were asked to.This not coming from the players but others 'high up' at AG

The other complaint is the shutting off the access gates behind the Atyeo on match days before the game.Why this season and not last? Is it because this season City are in the big league? I don't know, but its another way of limiting fan access to the players.

Theres more. Every xmas or NY the Supporters Club hold their annual draw and every season so far there has never been an issue a getting a player or two to draw the tickets - untill this year.

A request was made by the SC before saturdays game for a couple of players to come over after the game and meet the fans and 'do the draw'.No more than 30 mins at the most.We were told that the club 'would ask Gary Johnson' and get back to us. Well, they did get back saying that they couldn't help. Now I'm not sure that Gary Johnson made that decision or whether he was indeed asked.I find it had to believe that a manager who says how important the fans to him and the players are would not allow a couple to come over sign a few autographs and so on on. As it turned out a player did come over - but only after he'd been asked by personal friend.

What is going on?

Has someone high up at AG made a decision to limit the acces the fans have to the players? It certainly looks that way.If so why? Does the club think that now City are flying high in the CCC that the players are too important to meet the common folk?

I will say again this not coming from the players at all.All of them are only too happy to oblige the fans whenever they are asked.Its those above that seem to want to alienate them from the phlebs.

Why would a player signing an autograph cost the club money? Reading that line has all but ruined the credibility of your post sorry. As clearly it doesn't cost the club money if a player signs an autograph.

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redratser

redratser

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Why would a player signing an autograph cost the club money? Reading that line has all but ruined the credibility of your post sorry. As clearly it doesn't cost the club money if a player signs an autograph.

It seems that the club wants to sell autographed items in the 'megastore' so if players sign for free then the club loses money!

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devonrobin

devonrobin

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Why would a player signing an autograph cost the club money? Reading that line has all but ruined the credibility of your post sorry. As clearly it doesn't cost the club money if a player signs an autograph.

i think it means that the stewards are getting paid so they should concentraite on their job.i don't think it means that fans cant have autographs

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bernie from barrow gurney

bernie from barrow gurney

Posted
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a. Stewards are paid to be stewards not autograph hunters.

b. No xmas draw from a player? How about this - unlike prior years we are on the brink of fabulous success and with loads of critical games coming up a little focus is required?

Johnson and Lansdown Out, clearly.

Ps please can I have my tea cup back as it appears that there is a storm in it.

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Robbored

Robbored

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Why would a player signing an autograph cost the club money? Reading that line has all but ruined the credibility of your post sorry. As clearly it doesn't cost the club money if a player signs an autograph.

The club feels that having that having players sign things for free floods the market and devalues signed items that they might want to sell in the mega-shop.

At least thats my guess. I can't think why else the club would put that in letters to the stewards.

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edson

edson

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The club feels that having that having players sign things for free floods the market and devalues signed items that they might want to sell in the mega-shop.

At least thats my guess. I can't think why else the club would put that in letters to the stewards.

Have you even seen this letter? And can you confirm its wording?

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rumbellow

rumbellow

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The club feels that having that having players sign things for free floods the market and devalues signed items that they might want to sell in the mega-shop.

At least thats my guess. I can't think why else the club would put that in letters to the stewards.

I think what is needed here is a copy of the letter 'your mate' (the steward) got from the club and then people can see for themselves the exact meaning of this letter, instead of guess work and innuendo.

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bernie from barrow gurney

bernie from barrow gurney

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The club feels that having that having players sign things for free floods the market and devalues signed items that they might want to sell in the mega-shop.

At least thats my guess. I can't think why else the club would put that in letters to the stewards.

if you really "can't think why else the club would put that in letters to stewards" then one or more of the following probably applies:

a. you don't have much of an imagination

b. you are clinically neurotic

c. you have a serious inferiority complex.

ever thought of being an Evening Post journalist?

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Bristol Boy

Bristol Boy

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Only yesterday, Louis was writing about all the community work that the club and the players do.

Then look at his answer to whether there was still the same connection between the players and fans.Very revealing and the manager drives that.

Gary Johnson was the one who stopped people from arriving early to the ground and accessing near the players tunnel before 130?(correct me if I have the time wrong) because the players were turning up late. He said if they want to sign autographs fine but don't be late for work. Which is fair enough so this is why the gates are closed. As for autographs that sounds a bit obsurd. As for representation theres usually players around like Brooker so why couldnt he go in teh Supporters club bar?

Players & Coaches never go to the SC or rarely, if ever, socialise with fans.

Apparently that's how football's changed.Funny, it hadn't changed that much until we'd had a bit of success.If players can't go out without getting hasselled or worse then that's appalling, but there's been a widening disconnect for a while at BCFC.It's a shame because there wasn't the same disconnect when we were in the top tier and a lot of those players are still regular visitors to AG and are always well treated and respected by the fans.

...there maybe sound reasons that we are unaware of, maybe the ST could ask a few questions (& the SC re: an apparent snub.)

On the face of it though it smacks of the same disconnected attitude as the 'we'll charge 'em booking fees' etc, etc.

While bearing in mind the Club need to maximise revenue where it can, I hope it can also see & doesn't underestimate the value of 'goodwill' -thats something that only actions, attitudes & genuinely reciprocated respect can earn... -money cant buy that & its worth an awful lot!!

Football clubs are different (or should be) from other businesses, the supporters are an integral part of the whole thing, fans aren't (or shouldn't be) just clients & customers.

I really hope the Club appreciates that fact & doesn't get too carried away with its success & corporate worth that it forgets the 'people'...

or the 'Family Club' up the road may ultimately reap the benefits of our clubs failings in this department & the eager autograph hunting hero worshipping kids (who grow into life-time supporters) may well seek a friendlier more accommodating face elsewhere!

Come On City - from the attitude of (some) staff in the Club Shop right up through the organisation the time is overdue to invest in & get serious about sorting its PR (thats Public Relations incase they've forgotten) its a key element that has been found wanting time & time again from the supporters point of view - start addressing it now before its too late.

Well said mate.

The real sad thing is that the club genuinely can't see it.

Fans will change as we progress because the old school aren't wanted.What's wanted now is a consumer that "knows his/her place, watches the game and then goes home and keeps quiet until next week.That same person will agree 100% with whatever the club say, well in advance of knowing what it is, only stopping on the way home to buy a replica shirt or two.

Moving forward, there are a couple of scenarios.The fanbase will change almost beyone recognition as people are priced out, sickened or bored out due to to much football.Man Utd play a weakened team in the League Cup in order to rest players then take off on a lucrative tour of the Far East!!

When Fergie moans about the silence at Old Trafford, all he demonstrates is his lack of understanding.A lot of the singers don't go anymore.Even after FC Utd & Protests about ticketing by Utd Fan groups, he still praises the Glazers and their price increases, seemingly oblivious.

The other scenario is that the most powerful force in the game bar none, the fans, will actually get together and take action-However, in this day & age that's highly unlikely.But tell me this, if fans at a football club stopped going, just for a month and enough people cancelled Sky Subscriptions, just for a month, do you think fans would get a better deal? Because I do.

If players in The Prem were offered £3kpw tops, would they all go and play abroad? Cobblers, there aren't enough clubs.OK, we might lose a few but if the money for footballers dropped what else could they do? Naff all that pays anything like they're earning now is the answer.

How much would that stop all this self perpetuating nonsense that's going on now-Sky's payments go up-What do they do-Pay more wages-What does that do-Force prices up, etc, etc until a few of our braver and more financially sensible Northern Cousins at Balckburn, Bolton & Wigan say-****ocks, stop going and down crash the prices.

I don't blame the players or the managers for thinking of themselves and filling their boots, but that doesn't make it right.

The points Robboreds made are the thin edge of a very nasty wedge that will benefit no one in the long term.

Fans are the whole POINT of the proffessional game.

The trouble is, as you say, that when the wheels come off, and they will, they'll be needed more than ever...........and they'll be lost to the game.

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Strictly Obi

Strictly Obi

Posted
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I understand the SC (alias drinkers club- what other benefits are there?) is also alienating fans by charging them by annual membership just so as they can have a drink under the Dolman! Shocking really. Still i guess the money raised goes towards the club, just like the signed autographs!

Tune in next week to another episode of "Miss Marple at the Gate". The sequel to "Storm in a tea-cup", and prequel to "Clutching at straws".

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Richy P

Richy P

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I understand the SC (alias drinkers club- what other benefits are there?) is also alienating fans by charging them by annual membership just so as they can have a drink under the Dolman! Shocking really. Still i guess the money raised goes towards the club, just like the signed autographs!

Tune in next week to another episode of "Miss Marple at the Gate". The sequel to "Storm in a tea-cup", and prequel to "Clutching at straws".

well it made me laugh :laugh:

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Nibor

Nibor

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I'm certain that Gary Johnson has not done anything to limit the access fans have to players unless it's for a good reason, it's absolutely crystal clear that he has an excellent understanding of how important that relationship is.

I think it's unlikely that the club sent out such a letter at all, I'd like to see a copy. If they did then it really is inexcusable, I just find it hard to believe that even our commercial department are that screamingly idiotic.

As for the club not having players turn up for the exclusive drinking club's little prize draw, perhaps Robbo or whoever is in charge of that shambles now should enquire as to why.

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