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SOCCER SPOTLIGHT 18-9-07
Jeff Winter
As you are well aware I have given the subject of attendances at the Riverside a right good hammering over the last few months and to be honest the drum is about beaten to death.
Those who used the entertainment argument might be persuaded back eventually, but the 3-0 defeat at West Ham only provided more ammunition to some cynics. I must admit listening to many who went and watching the limited MOD highlights I did at first think that some were being over optimistically upbeat over what result wise appeared to be a good tonking.
However after watching West Brom beat Ipswich 4-0 on the Championship, when Ipswich could have had six, did make me realise that perhaps our beating was not as one sided as it first appeared. One thing is certain though, we have got to start taking some of the chances we are creating.
I had one text to the show on Saturday night stating that Dong Gook Lee, Aliadiere and Tuncay could not score in a brothel. Let's hope that they prove the doubters wrong starting this Saturday.
The one thing I am learning fast is that the most significant reason for fans not attending home games is cost. They will not and unfortunately cannot afford the admission prices. That seems to be the overwhelming argument and one to which I do not have an easy answer.
£31 for Sunderland is just too much. Well as Boro have not played a home game for three weeks and then don't have another one for another four weeks then that means there is plenty of time to save up. OK, I know I am just desperate to not have the Mackems singing "You couldn't sell all your tickets".
The bottom line is that Boro have misjudged the feelings of the floating fans and for this season it is just too late to do anything about it. Or is it?
Obviously results will always be a major factor in how many turn up, but not as much as in the past. Season ticket holders have already paid and the floaters seem as if they only come to be the biggest games, Newcastle obviously not a big game anymore.
It is so difficult to start incentives once season tickets have been sold, because any offers can infuriate those who have already paid.
What can the club do? Well next season, the cost of season tickets should be reduced along with a general decrease in admission prices, but in the short term let's reward those who have paid up front this season and encourage others to get season tickets.
Admiral as the £10/£5 concessions are for Cup games, why not make it a fiver for all season tickets holders immediately? Lost revenue no, we might lose at Spurs and not get a home game in the FA Cup, so nothing lost, but it's also a gesture.
Why not announce a season ticket sale now for the remainder of the season with the guarantee that all of this season's Red Book holders will get a further reduction when they renew next season?
Why not take a leaf out of Darlo's book and give all under 10's a free season ticket when accompanied by an adult (three per adult). Fills the seats, more revenue from catering and the shops, gets them indoctrinated and they become fans for life. Let's get the players out in to the schools on an afternoon after training, sell the club for the future...
Some ideas you might think are stupid, well at least I am trying. What are your views? I am more than happy to take them to the club for their consideration.
One thing though, it doesn't sell seats, actually costs money, but other clubs have done it. Switch the TV gantry to the East Stand, then at least the TV audiences won't see empty seats.
Failing that build an Amsterdam type brothel near to the ground. Dong Gook etc might learn how to score, concessions for Red Book holders, no under 10's though, don't want to give the Geordies anymore ammunition.
I just don't know, but like thousands of you I am embarrassed by the empty seats and somebody with the power to sort it has to take note and act quickly!
Whilst we all get upset by football and it takes over some of our lives, time for a reality check.
Take a look at my website or the www.tfmradio.com site and read about TFM's Build A Dream. An empty seat is nothing to the emptiness of losing a child to cancer. Please help me and our charity to make a difference.
YOU CAN READ MANY MORE OF JEFF'S ARTICLES ON HIS OFFICIAL SITE
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